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      F1 boss says he would NOT sign Lewis Hamilton for bizarre reason – before immediately contradicting himself

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      F1 BOSS Guenther Steiner has claimed he would not sign Lewis Hamilton – because the star is too old. The seven-times world champion turned 38 in January but continues to race at a high level for Mercedes.
      Popular Haas boss Guenther Steiner picked which drivers he would hypothetically want to join his teamCredit: Splash
      Haas team principal Steiner, who has became popular for his starring role in Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, was asked the hypothetical question of which driver he would take for his team.
      He rejected Hamilton for age-related reasons but appeared to contradict himself straight away as he weighed up Fernando Alonso, who is the oldest driver on the grid at 41.
      Steiner told Sky Sports: “I wouldn’t say Lewis. Because he’s getting on with age but there is another one which he is very good. 
      “This is Fernando. I mean, the guy is over 40 and, man, he knows how to drive.”
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      The Haas boss instead considered some of the younger drivers on the grid for his hypothetical choice, including Hamilton’s teammate.
      He said: “I think it will be controversial, but I can be open about it because they are not coming to drive for me anyway! That’s solved that problem of the controversy.
      “I think it would be Max [Verstappen] for sure. And either Charles [Leclerc] or George Russell.
      “I think [Verstappen], in the moment, is just a driver, which talent wise and mentally wise, is just on a peak. He’s just on top of the wave, he can do anything with a car in the moment.
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      “Everything seems to be going right for him.”
      Haas’ current line up is Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.
      The former pulled off one of the stories of last season when he took a shock pole position in Brazil while Hulkenberg has returned to a full-time drive after years on the sidelines. More

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      Lewis Hamilton shoots down rumours he could quit Mercedes and be replaced by F1 rival

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has scoffed at suggestions Mercedes are looking to poach Charles Leclerc from Ferrari.Hamilton has yet to agree new terms with the team and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton insists he is happy at Mercedes and does not plan to leaveCredit: Reuters
      The 38-year-old insists he is only interested in re-signing for the Silver Arrows but that has not stopped reports that Merc boss Toto Wolff has been speaking to Leclerc about replacing the Brit.
      But when quizzed about it ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan GP, Hamilton gave short shrift to the rumour saying it had “no impact” on his own contract negotiations.
      He said: “I think maybe some of the drivers all have different relationships with different bosses and stuff.
      “I like where I am, I love my team, and I’m grateful for the journey we’ve been on and what we’re working on moving forwards. So, it doesn’t have any impact, no.”
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      This weekend sees the introduction of the new format for the sprint race weekends.
      Practice has been limited to just one session on Fridays and qualifying for Sunday’s GP will also take place today tomorrow rather than on Saturday.
      It means the sprint qualifying – known as the ‘sprint shoot-out’ – and the sprint race itself will take place both on Saturday.
      And Hamilton says he is a fan of the revised plan for the six sprint races, starting in the high-speed Baku street circuit.
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      He added: “It’s going to be tough for everybody but we’re all in the same boat, what a track to do it at.
      “We have good races here. It’s definitely difficult to have just 20 laps then straight into qualifying.
      “Before [in the sprint race], where you finished was where you qualified for the race. Now it is a practice session but there are points at the end of it.
      “I don’t think we will be going more [aggressive] than we have done in the past. What I do think is it is great that we are doing these different format weekends.”
      Hamilton has also supported Mercedes’ decision to bring back design whizz James Allison to help out Mike Elliott, with the two swapping jobs.
      It comes as Mercedes try to recover from a slow start to the season where they admitted their car design was flawed.
      Hamilton said: “James has always been a part of the team. He was obviously focused on another area before.
      “Having him step back in, to support and work alongside Mike, it will strengthen the team.
      “He has an amazing amount of experience. Moving forwards it’s great for the team – for the things we want to achieve on track, and off track.”
      Charles Leclerc has been linked with taking Hamilton’s seatCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen told to quit moaning or ‘pack up and LEAVE’ by F1 legend in astonishing blast

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been told to LEAVE Formula One if he keeps moaning about sprint races. The astonishing blast comes from Ralf Schumacher ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where a new “Sprint Shootout” format will be used for the first time.
      Max Verstappen is not a fan of F1’s sprint racesCredit: Reuters
      But Ralf Schumacher has told him to stop moaning or leave the sportCredit: Rex
      Reigning world champion Verstappen has been an outspoken critic against sprint races and an increased calendar.
      Earlier this month, the Dutchman said: “‘I am not a fan of it at all. When we do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes very intense and we already do a lot of races.
      “We are heading into seasons where we could have 24 or 25 races and if you then start adding more it is not worth it for me. I will not enjoy that.”
      In response, Schumacher, brother of F1 Goat contender and seven-time champ Michael, called out Verstappen’s quit threat.
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      The 47-year-old, who won two races in F1, told Sky Sports in Germany: “The past, the present and the future have shown or will show that Formula 1 is much bigger than any one individual.
      “Bernie Ecclestone is also gone and without him Formula 1 wouldn’t even exist and yet now it’s more successful than ever.
      “So Verstappen should either pack up and leave or just accept it as it is.
      “But I do understand his attitude because there are a lot of risks. But still, he gets paid to do it.
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      “If he wants to go, then he should go. As much as I love him, it won’t kill Formula 1.”
      Earlier this month he also added: “Max’s retirement threat is very unusual.
      “It is kind of strange to hear, isn’t it? I mean, what’s he going to do with himself? He should stop now, really. Stop now, he’s done it.
      “I think there’s an element of this with Max with him wanting not to waste his time on superfluous things that really are just invented for novelty reasons.”
      Verstappen’s concerns regarding an expanded calendar may be felt if plans for a 30-race calendar in 2030 from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali come to fruition.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      How F1 calendar would look with 30 races including Grand Prix in New York, Madrid, Vietnam & Colombia after 2030 hint

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      FORMULA ONE’S ruthless expansion of its racing calendar could end up seeing a staggering 30 races in the 2030 season.F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali hinted at the possibility of this super-sized schedule last year.
      F1 could have a 30 race calendar by 2030Credit: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA)
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said there was potential to do 30 racesCredit: Getty
      He told Sky Sports: “I would say there is potential to go to 30! In terms of the interest we see all around the world.”
      There are currently 23 races, with the current Concorde Agreement between teams and F1 maxing out the calendar at 24 races per season.
      However, this deal expires in 2025. So if the calendar is expanded to accommodate 30 races, how might it look?
      Assuming such an expansion is viable, it stands to reason that most, if not all, of the current races on the calendar would have room to remain.
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      This is despite only seven of the circuits having deals which run up to 2030 and rumours suggesting the likes of Belgium and Monaco could be cut, with the former’s track deal running out after this season.
      In terms of new tracks, the aggressive expansion of exposure in the United States – which has three races already – could see new more tracks added to take the total to FIVE races.
      The locations of these races could be New York City, who have previously declared their desire to host a race, and a return to Long Beach, California where F1 has not raced since 1983.
      In South America, Colombia are a leading candidate to join the calendar, with Marca, via Planet F1, reporting an agreement is close for a ten-year deal for the “Carribbean Grand Prix” from 2024 or 2025.
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      Domenicali confirmed F1’s intention to return to Africa at Liberty Media’s Investor call last month.
      He declared: “It’s no secret we are still seeing if there’s a chance to go to Africa. It’s the only continent missing.”
      South Africa’s Kyalami circuit has been tipped to host this return and its first F1 race since 1993, while the move has also been backed by star drivers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
      Asia and the Middle East are other areas where potential expansion could come in, with South Korea and Dubai in the UAE both tipped to host races.
      Vietnam, who were forced to cancel their first-ever F1 race due to Covid-19, have returned to the table of trying to host a race, with reports in Vietnam suggesting Domenicali recently visited Hanoi.
      F1’s continental home of Europe could also be gearing up for some new venues, with Spain’s capital Madrid also in discussions for its own race.
      When speaking at the launch of an F1 exhibition in Madrid, Domenicali said: “They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular.
      “Two races in Spain of course is very difficult, so we are happy with Barcelona who have a contract and a strong relationship – but it is true that Madrid wants a race so we will see. All of this is good for F1.”
      Vietnam’s abandoned Hanoi circuit is in talks to be revisitedCredit: AFP
      While New York City have openly stated their desire to host an F1 raceCredit: Getty
      South Africa’s Kyalami circuit could also host F1’s return to AfricaCredit: Alamy
      Despite the seemingly endless appetite to expand, Domenicali has also erred on the side of caution regarding expansion into new territories.
      He admitted: “We need to be balanced, we need to see what are the other opportunities.
      “And very soon we are going to tell everyone what is our strategy to develop that market.
      “On top of America, on top of China, I think there is a potential also to be in Africa soon.
      “There is a lot of interest there. For sure that’s another area that so far is missing in the geography of our calendar…
      “It is up to us to try to find the right balance considering what are the venues which would like to be in F1, what are the historical values we need to see on the calendar.
      “There are some promoters who have expiring agreements, and probably some of the current Grand Prix will no longer be part of the calendar.”
      The 30-race calendar idea has also faced opposition from AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost – who will step down at the end of the season.
      He said in October: “We all should be happy that we are in a position to be in Formula 1 and to have 23 races and if someone doesn’t like it then he should go.”
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      “For me 23 races is the absolute limit, not from the workload point of view, but because I am concerned that with such a high number of races, in the end it could cause people to lose interest in Formula 1.”
      Other legacy tracks may also make a comeback by popular demand, such as Malaysia, Germany, Portugal or Turkey.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Lewis Hamilton makes bold fashion statement at Azerbaijan GP as fans joke F1 star was ‘attacked by Shrek’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON made a bold fashion statement upon arriving to the Formula One paddock ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The seven-time champion is hoping to end his win drought by scoring a victory at this weekend’s race.
      Lewis Hamilton donned a typically bold outfitCredit: Reuters
      With one fan joking he had been ‘attacked by Shrek’Credit: Splash
      But ahead of the race, Hamilton was spotted in a typically striking outfit.
      Hamilton was pictured in an all-green jumpsuit which featured a ripped design resembling claw marks across it.
      Fans remarked “Hamilton fashion week” had begun, rushing to social media to share their thoughts.
      One fan on Twitter was taken aback by the fit, joking: “It looks like he was attacked by Shrek.” However, they admitted they still liked the look.
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      The look also impressed a host of other fans, with a second fan saying: “Cool as always 😎.”
      “He’s the best,” declared a third.
      While a fourth typed: “Now it’s race week.”
      Hamilton and his fellow drivers have returned after a month-long break since the chaotic Australian GP, caused by the cancellation of the Chinese GP.
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      The Brit scored a P2 result as he finished behind Max Verstappen Down Under.
      During the break, Hamilton overtook Verstappen’s longest career streak of days without a race win, which stands at 502.
      And despite a strong showing at the last race, Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate George Russell are set to be left without car upgrades until the Emilia Romagna GP on May 21.
      This means it could be a while before Hamilton adds to his record of 103 F1 race wins.
      The upcoming weekend will also see the “Sprint Shootout” format given its inaugural outing.
      You can read all the detail on the new format here.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Lewis Hamilton overtakes Max Verstappen’s F1 streak but it’s bad news for British star

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has overtaken one of Max Verstappen’s Formula One streaks. However, it is not one Hamilton will be happy to have broken.
      Lewis Hamilton has overtaken one of Max Verstappen’s F1 streak’sCredit: Getty
      But it is not one he will be glad to haveCredit: EPA
      The streak in question relates to winless streaks in F1.
      Verstappen ‘s longest-streak without a win in the sport stands at 502 days – between the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix and the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix.
      But on April 23 Hamilton eclipsed this streak, marking the day 503 without a win in F1.
      The 38-year-old’s last win came all the way back in December 2021 at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, when he was duking it out for the title with Verstappen.
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      And with Mercedes continuing to struggle for race pace this year, his streak looks set to continue for a while longer.
      Hamilton was chomping at the bit to try and squeeze past Verstappen at the end of a hectic Australian Grand Prix, in which he finished P2 under a safety car.

      The next chance he will have to end his winless streak will be this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
      Baku was the scene of a stunning race in 2021 which saw ex-Red Bull driver Mark Webber produce a hilarious moment of commentary when Hamilton locked up on a restart.
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      But Verstappen was able to grab his first win at the circuit last year, and will be hoping to repeat the trick to improve his standing in the drivers standings this year.
      Hamilton – who holds the record for most race wins in F1 history with 103 – has not won around the track himself since 2018, and each year the race has been held has seen a different winner.
      This year the track will also welcome a new format: Sprint Shootout, which you read all the detail on here.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      What is F1 Sprint Shootout?

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      FORMULA 1 will introduce a new Sprint weekend format beginning at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.The Sprint Shootout will replace the second practice session that would normally take place on Saturday morning.
      Red Bull Racing’s driver Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ driver George Russell at the 2022 Brazil Grand Prix.Credit: GETTY
      Meaning there will be just a single practice session over the course of the weekend going forward.
      Friday afternoon will now be the stand-alone qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix grid on Sunday.
      The Saturday sprint formally impacted the grid for the GP, however, that will be no more in the new format.
      Points will be awarded to the top eight racers, no change to the awarding of points from 2022.
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      What is Sprint Shootout?
      The Shootout will be a new shorter session than the traditional qualifying.
      SQ1 is set to run for 12 minutes, SQ2 for 10 minutes and SQ3 for 8 minutes.
      The five slowest drivers will be eliminated in Q1 and then five more in Q2.
      The top-ten shootout is in Q3, and the fastest driver claims pole position.
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      Sprint Shootout will dictate the order for the shortened 100km race that will follow on the Saturday.
      It will replace the previous FP2 that is usually seen on Saturday mornings.
      New tyres are mandatory for each separate phase, with mediums for SQ1 and SQ3 and softs for SQ3.
      The new format was voted in by the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council on Tuesday and will be used first at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
      What is the new Sprint weekend format?
      Friday

      Practice 1
      Grand Prix Qualifying

      Sprint Saturday (Top-eight receive points and the finish order will not impact the Grand Prix grid)

      Sprint Shootout
      F1 Sprint

      Sunday

      Grand Prix

      How many points are on offer on Sprint Saturday?

      P1 – Eight points
      P2 – Seven points
      P3 – Six points
      P4 – Five points
      P5 – Four points
      P6 – Three points
      P7 – Two points
      P8 – One point

      When are the remaining Sprint events?

      Azerbaijan Grand Prix (April 29)
      Australian Grand Prix (July 1)
      Belgian Grand Prix (July 29)
      Qatar Grand Prix (October 7)
      US Grand Prix (October 21)
      Sao Paulo Grand Prix (November 4) More

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      Lewis Hamilton shows off shredded abs in gym as Mercedes star gears up for Azerbaijan GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is working hard in the gym as the Formula One calendar prepares to return after a four-week break.The 38-year-old showed off his ripped abs before getting back behind the wheel of his Mercedes this weekend.
      Lewis Hamilton is hard at work in the gym ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      The 38-year-old posted a picture of himself pumping weights in the gymCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton was also seen relaxing in the bathCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      The F1 season is set to return in Baku after a four-week breakCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton started the campaign with two fifth-place finishes before securing P2 last time out in AustraliaCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton will return to action for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, with practice set to get underway on Friday.
      And ahead of the race, the Brit F1 legend posted a selection of snaps to his 32.4million Instagram followers.
      In the pictures, Hamilton pumped iron in the gym and worked out in preparation for the race.
      He was also seen relaxing in a bath ahead of the weekend’s action.
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      Hamilton captioned his post with a motivational message for his followers.
      The seven-time F1 world champion wrote: “What does it mean to be motivated? For me it means choosing to push myself to be better in all things. In our work, in creativity, in life overall.
      “Motivation means taking care of ourselves, training both mind and body, and working toward progress no matter how small it may seem. I’m no stranger to tough days.
      “When they come, it feels impossible to push on. That negativity isn’t real, it’s all in the mind and I know you have it in you to overcome it.”
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      Hamilton began the campaign with back-to-back fifth-place finishes, but was P2 behind Max Verstappen last time out at the Australian GP.
      And Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said to “trust the process” as the team bid to make ground on a dominant Red Bull car.
      Starting from this weekend in Baku, F1 chiefs have agreed to a shake up of the season’s sprint races.
      The shorter race has been replaced with sprint qualifying – known as ‘the sprint shootout’, which will take place before the 100km sprint race.
      Qualifying to determine the grid for Sunday’s main race will take place on Friday, with one practice session scrapped.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More