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    Jack Whitehall reacts to what Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc did in F1 75 crowd as Brit legend predicts ‘trouble’

    JACK WHITEHALL looked at the funny side after coming across Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc playing CHESS in the F1 75 crowd.The two Ferrari team-mates were spotted playing chess on their mobile phones during Tuesday night’s live event at The 02.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were spotted enjoying a virtual game of chess during a live F1 eventCredit: GettyClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Jack Whitehall taking it wellCredit: GettyJack Whitehall found humour in the viral social media post and joked about his hosting skillsCredit: GettyHamilton and his fellow drivers attended F1’s London launch event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary.Teams revealed their car liveries in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 fans ahead of the new season.But, with the teams appearing in reverse Constructors’ Championship order from 2024, there was plenty of time for Hamilton and Leclerc to pass as they waited for their big moment. The pair hatched a hilarious solution, pulling out their phones and starting a head-to-head battle over a game of virtual chess.READ MORE F1 NEWSClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Whitehall coming across it later.The comedian replied to a post on X: “A lot of my audiences resort to this.”Hamilton and Leclerc’s chess antics are a positive sign that their relationship is in the right place heading into the new season.The Brit previously admitted there will “definitely” be “trouble” between himself and the French F1 star.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe seven-time world champ said: “Last year, we spent a couple of evenings together during the year at a couple of different races and had some good laughs.”So I know that we’re definitely going to get into some trouble and have some fun during our time here.”Whitehall meanwhile pulled no punches as he made fun of Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff, among others, during the show.As Whitehall walked past a grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to Russell.The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.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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    Moment diehard Lewis Hamilton fan chops down TREE to get better view of Ferrari star

    THIS is the hilarious moment a Ferrari fan chopped down a tree to get a better view of Lewis Hamilton.The seven-time world champion began his love-in with the Italian team when he stepped into the cockpit of their new SF-25 car for the first time in Maranello.A Ferrari fan chopped down a tree that was blocking fans’ viewSupporters cheered as the obstruction was removedHamilton waved to fans on his arrival at MaranelloCredit: SplashHe took Ferrari’s new car for a spin for the first timeCredit: SplashHamilton’s first spin sparked mayhem among Ferrari’s fiercely loyal Tifosi support.But a tree blocked the view of hundreds who visited the F1’s team base to get a glimpse of the Brit at the Fiorano circuit.One fan took matters into his own hands and was spotted making his way up a 25ft tree to chop it down with an electric saw.There were cheers from supporters as the obstruction tumbled to the ground.READ MORE IN F1Hamilton completed a quick turnaround for the 9am run, having been on stage at London’s O2 Arena the previous night as the teams unveiled their new livery.There he had spoken about how he had been “invigorated” about his challenge with the Scuderia.Hamilton, 40, also aimed a dig at his former team Mercedes by saying his new car was nothing like he had ever experienced.He said: “I’m really conscious of the fact that there are only a handful of special first times in life — the first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I honestly thought I’d had all my firsts and nothing would be new again.“Given I’ve raced for so long, even I’m surprised at just how much I still love what I do — it felt so new.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style“I remember putting my suit on, getting into the cockpit, and just the excitement I had was very reminiscent of maybe the first time I got to step in a Formula One car when I was 21 years old… 20 years ago.“But this time was different. I’ve always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red.”Hamilton has been living and breathing life in Italy having spent 12 years with Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles after first making his name with McLaren.He has been living the ‘Dolce Vita’ — learning Italian and gorging on pizza. Hamilton added: “I’ve had quite a few pizzas but somehow lost weight! I love Italian food. Penne all’arrabbiata has always been my favourite dish.”He produced a squeaky-clean run in the new car having crashed the 2024 version at last month’s Pirelli testing in Barcelona.And Hamilton claimed: “It’s nothing like the car I had before over the last ten, 12, 17 years. It’s unique.“To feel the vibration of a Ferrari engine for the first time… wow.“That’s what ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.“I had seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me.“It’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and this suit. I hope I swag it out and make it look good.”Ferrari were able to complete a 200km shakedown with the car ahead of the official pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.Hamilton added: “I had been waiting such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like such a new, uncharted journey.“It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.“I knew that I would see the Tifosi on the bridge and to finally get to Turn One and see them down there, that was amazing to see.“And meeting the team, I was blown away just by the reception and the passion of the people.“I worked with two world championship-winning teams before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know what a winning team looks and feels like.“Everyone here, the passion is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got every ingredient they need to win a world championship.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton arrives in style on red carpet at glamorous F1 02 car launch as he prepares for new season with Ferrari

    LEWIS HAMILTON hit the red carpet in style at Formula One’s 75th anniversary event.All ten teams and 20 drivers descended on London’s O2 Arena tonight for a glamorous ceremony.Lewis Hamilton looked dapper alongside Charles Leclerc and Frederic VasseurCredit: GettyHamilton wore a red tie in a nod to his new team FerrariCredit: AFPThe Ferrari team arrived in a luxury Ferrari PurosangueCredit: GettyDespite leaving Mercedes, Hamilton was all smiles with Toto Wolff and George RussellCredit: GettyRed Bull chief Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell were dressed to impressCredit: AFPPresenter Naomi Schiff looked glamorous in a dressCredit: ReutersHamilton, who has signed a £100million two-year deal with Ferrari, arrived in stunning fashion.The seven-time world champion, new team-mate Charles Leclerc and principal Frederic Vasseur pulled up to the red carpet in a Ferrari Purosangue car worth around £313,000.Hamilton was dressed to impress, wearing a stylish black coat, a red tie in a nod to his new team and cool sunglasses.Despite switching Mercedes for Ferrari, Hamilton was seen having a friendly conversation with Toto Wolff and George Russell.READ MORE IN F1The new Mercedes line-up featuring Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and reserve driver Valteri Bottas posed together.Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso all arrived in supercars and looked dapper in suits.Away from the drivers, Red Bull chief Christian Horner and Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell also caught the eye.Motorsport presenter Naomi Schiff stunned in a low-cut dress.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSchiff posed with singer Sam RyderCredit: GettyThe Ramsay family were also at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyThe event was hosted by comic Jack WhitehallCredit: APHorner and his Spice Girl wife were seen alongside Whitehall on the red carpetCredit: GettyMax Verstappen arrived with new team-mate Liam LawsonCredit: GettyFormer drivers Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell were having a great nightCredit: EPAOther celebs like Gordon Ramsay, his wife Tara and daughter Holly, reality star Maura Higgins, rapper Giggs, singer Sam Ryder and Olympian Dina Asher-Smith were all in attendance.The F1 75 event saw all teams unveil their liveries ahead of the 2025 season that begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall and there were performances from Take That, Kane Brown, MGK and Brian Tyler.Maura Higgins wore a bold outfit at the eventCredit: RexLando Norris pulled up in an eye-catching McLarenCredit: GettyFernando Alonso is set for another season with Aston MartinCredit: AFPSprinter Dina Asher-Smith stunned in a colourful dressCredit: GettyGiggs looked stylish in a luxury suitCredit: AFPTeam Haas of Esteban Ocon, Ayao Komatsu and Oliver Bearman attended in a Rolls-RoyceCredit: Getty More

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    F1 stars’ dizzying 2025 salaries revealed with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton earning nearly DOUBLE nearest rival

    MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lewis Hamilton top the list of Formula One’s highest earners – as they prepare for another Championship battle. Seven-time world champion Hamilton is preparing to make his Ferrari debut after a shock switch from Mercedes.Max Verstappen remains F1’s top dog – both on the track and earningsCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton has made the switch to Ferrari for the upcoming seasonCredit: SplashIt leaves George Russell as Mercedes’ top driver – and he has the salary to prove itCredit: GettyHamilton will be behind the wheel for the first time at the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.And it sees him earning a staggering £48million ($60m) as he targets an eighth world crown.Reigning champion Verstappen will pocket the most cash in 2025 – just as he did last year. READ MORE ON F1The Dutchman is given £52m-a-year ($65m) by Red Bull, with his current deal running for a further three seasons.In sharp contrast, Verstappen’s new teammate Liam Lawson, 23, will pocket just £800,000 ($1m)Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc bags £27m ($34m), over £20m less than new team-mate Hamilton.While George Russell, now the top dog at Mercedes, will earn a cool £12m ($15m).Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLando Norris had a season to remember in 2024 with four wins and a second-placed overall finish. His lucrative deal with McLaren runs until next year – and he currently bags £16m ($20m) in annual salary.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia At the other end of the spectrum, both Jack Doohan of Alpine and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar will take home £700,000 ($850k) this year.And Lance Stroll’s open contract with Aston Martin sees the 26-year-old earn £2.3m ($3m) each season.Verstappen’s dominance of the sport in recent years has seen him win four consecutive titles. He won nine races last year – the least of any of the last four seasons. Verstappen admitted: “Last year has been challenging at times.”Of course, we had a lot of good moments, of course, also some tough moments.”I hope that we can be, let’s say, a little bit more stable and a little bit more all-round throughout the season.”Ex-F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone recently gave his opinion on whether Hamilton could challenge Verstappen in his Ferrari.And the 94-year-old pulled no punches with his response.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “Hamilton won’t last [two years].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”Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing.”I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Verstappen and Hamilton will join the rest of the F1 drivers for a special event on February 18. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams are coming together to unveil their new liveries.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2025 F1 1 season begins with a double-header, starting with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.Just a week later, Shanghai will host the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23. More

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    Lewis Hamilton won’t last two years at Ferrari, predicts Bernie Ecclestone who says 7-time champ has ‘lost motivation’

    BERNIE ECCLESTONE doesn’t believe Lewis Hamilton will be a success at Ferrari. The seven-time F1 champion is making the switch from Mercedes to the Italian giants for the 2025 season.Bernie Ecclestone has talked down Lewis Hamilton’s chances of an eighth F1 championshipCredit: SplashThe 40-year-old has joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 seasonCredit: GettyHamilton, 40, won his last title in 2020 but is eager to top the standings again. He recently piloted his new Ferrari for the first time ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. But ex-Formula 1 CEO Ecclestone, 94, doesn’t believe the move will prove a success.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “He won’t last [two years].READ MORE ON F1″Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing. “I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Ecclestone believes Hamilton’s age will prove a hindrance for the legendary driver.And he isn’t convinced the Stevenage-born star has the same drive he had during his youth. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEcclestone continued: “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’”If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven.”Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Even Hamilton’s fashion sense wasn’t safe from Ecclestone’s ire in the bombshell interview. He continued: “Lewis gets himself up front in a way where you can dislike him. “How a guy who has won a few world titles and has a few dollars in the bank can dress the way he dresses. I’m not a fan of that.”He has a lot of talent as a driver. As much as people credit him with? No, but still enough to win races. “I don’t know why he does all this other nonsense. He needs to get out of the music business and whatever else.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton will join his fellow F1 drivers in London next month to kickstart the season at a new launch event. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams will come together at the O2 Arena to unveil their new liveries. More

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    Mercedes sign wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall, 16, who achieved feat not even seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton managed

    MERCEDES have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-Hall for their junior team.Jeff-Hall turned heads after dramatically securing the CIK-FIA World Championship title on the last lap of the final race in 2024.Mercedes have snapped up 16-year-old wonderkid Ethan Jeff-HallCredit: AlamyNot even seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton achieved such a feat.Hamilton – who won six world titles with Mercedes – didn’t get his hands on a world karting crown before bursting on to the motorsport scene in 2007 at 22 years old.Jeff-Hall is bidding to follow in Lando Norris’ footsteps, after the McLaren star took the karting title in 2014 before joining F1.Fellow Brit Jeff-Hall is now gearing up for his maiden outing in single-seaters after being confirmed as Mercedes’ latest prodigy.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe rising star out of Trent Valley Kart Club is set to burn rubber for Argenti Motorsport in the British Formula 4 championship this season.Mercedes are connected to Argenti through founder and team manager Michael Meadows, who has family ties to the Silver Arrows. When news of his step-up was confirmed, Jeff-Hall said: “I’m excited and ready to face the challenge. “Winning championships like Ginetta Juniors and the FIA World Karting title has taught me a lot about consistency, adaptability and handling pressure at the highest level.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“It’s a new chapter, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”Jeff-Hall joins a star-studded cast in the Mercedes junior programme. Kenzo Craigie, 14, clinched the junior world karting crown in 2024 and remains in the academy, as does runner-up James Anagnostiadis.Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Female prodigy Luna Fluxa is also in the team’s line-up for 2025. While Chinese prospect Yuanpu Cui remains with the Brackley-based unit after representing Argenti Motorsport last term.For Jeff-Hall, there’s hope he could one day represent the Silver Arrows on the F1 grid one day.Mercedes have a proven commitment to nurturing their junior drivers.Former whizz-kids Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will represent the team on the F1 grid this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAntonelli’s career path in particular will be one that every talented youngster within their ranks will want to emulate. Aged just 18, he was the once chosen by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to be fast-tracked into F1 to fill the sizeable void left by Hamilton after the 41-year-old’s decision to leave for rivals Ferrari.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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    Generous Lewis Hamilton splashes out on incredible custom gift for 3,000 ex-Mercedes colleagues after Ferrari switch

    LEWIS HAMILTON gifted his former Mercedes colleagues a custom piece of artwork as a show of gratitude after leaving the Formula One giants at the end of last season.The 40-year-old called time on his 11-year stint with Mercedes in December after signing a huge contract with Ferrari.Lewis Hamilton started at Ferrari last monthCredit: AlamyHamilton gifted his ex-colleagues a special piece of artwork after leaving Mercedes at the end of 2024Credit: EPADuring his time with the German team he won six world championship titles among other individual accolades.And to show his gratitude for the support his colleagues gave him over the decade, Hamilton commissioned a unique piece of artwork from renowned motorsport artist Paul Oz.The piece depicts the seven-time world champion’s car at the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix.Each of his 3,000 former colleagues received a print of the artwork, with the original painting taking pride of place at the team’s Brackley headquarters.Read More in FootballIn a recent Instagram post which has now been deleted, Oz said: “Now that it’s public knowledge and all 3,000 Mercedes GP employees have received their prints of this, I can talk about it.”Commissioned by Lewis himself as a departing present for everybody at Mercedes… class act!”My only remit was that I should focus on the car rather than Lewis, and so I chose to paint an image from Monaco 2019, just a few days after Niki Lauda passed and the team ran a red halo to remember Niki. Lewis stuck it on pole then dominated the race.”Oz is a renowned motorsport portrait artist and sculptor who also created the busts of Bruce McLaren, Ayrton Senna, James Hunt and Niki Lauda at McLaren’s base in Woking. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton is currently taking part in pre-season testing with his new team in Barcelona.The 2025 F1 season kicks off next month in Australia.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia More

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    ‘Looks like he’s about to hit a 9-darter’ – Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue

    FANS have noticed a “hideous” issue with Ferrari’s new gear after it was modelled by Lewis Hamilton.The British F1 star will be racing for the Italian team this year after his move from Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton has modelled the new Ferrari polo shirtFans spotted a ‘hideous’ issue with the topHamilton, 40, has worn the team’s new polo shirt for a photoshoot ahead of the new season.The fans were not keen on the shirt and the logos splattered all over it.Some had a particular issue with the HP logo that appeared to be larger than the Ferrari one.They flooded social media with their reactions to Hamilton’s new gear.READ MORE ON SPORTOne posted: “Looks like he’s about to hit a nine-darter.”A second commented: “The HP logo bigger than the Ferrari logo.”A third wrote: “Those logos make the kit look hideous.”A fourth said: “The HP logo is bigger than anything else there. It stands out and not in a good way.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Sorry, Ferrari, this isn’t it.”Hamilton has already been behind the wheel of a Ferrari but crashed during his second test run at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia But it could be a good omen as he has won titles at his two previous teams after crashing in pre-season testing.Elsewhere, fans have been left convinced that Hamilton rival Max Verstappen will quit F1.The speculation has come after Ford announced it would be returning to the World Endurance Championship.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 OconUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More