Ferrari

Subterms

    Latest story

    188 Shares18 Views

    Mario Balotelli sold fleet of supercars including Ferrari and Lamborghini after crashes and losing passion

    by

    MARIO BALOTELLI loved getting into trouble in his fancy Italian Ferrari – before falling out of love with his £1million car collection. The former Manchester City bad-boy became known for his love of supercars before several high profile crashes.Mario Balotelli is playing for Genoa in ItalyCredit: GettyMario Balotelli’s famous camouflage BentleyCredit: Ray Bradbury – The SunMario Balotelli hops into a Maserati back in the dayCredit: Ray Bradbury – The SunThe striker in another Maserati a few years backCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe former Man City striker shows off his white BentleyCredit: XposureThe notorious striker – currently playing in his native Italy for Genoa – had enough of his collection and cleaned his garage out.He told Blick in 2023: “In my garage I still have an RSQ8, 500 Abarth and GTR Nismo Nissan with 1400 hp. But I’m also selling the Abarth now.”Balotelli, 34, is no stranger to controversy on and off the pitch but he has also got into bother on the road.He was lucky to escape serious injury after crashing his £100,000 Audi Q8 into a wall in his hometown of Brescia, Italy in November 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBalotelli has had his car impounded a staggering 27 times, and was involved in a number of accidents during his time on our Isles.While with City in 2012, he crashed his Bentley in Manchester city centre, which reportedly saw his female passenger sent to hospital.That came two years after colliding with another car while driving his Audi A8 in Chester Road, Hulme.Balotelli also famously crashed his late agent Mino Raiola’s car after reversing into a lamppost while with Nice in France.Most read in FootballThe ex-Liverpool ace lost control of his Audi Q8 and smashed it into a wallCredit: AlamyMario Balotelli avoided serious injury in the car crashCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Italian forward’s bad luck on the road continued in 2020 when he was involved in a car accident at 6am on New Year’s Day.This time, Balotelli was on the passenger side of the silver Fiat 500 Abarth that banged into the gate of a bakery in northern Brescia.Former Premier League bad boy Mario Balotelli takes up new sport as he ‘calls out former UFC champion’Balotelli shows off his white BentleyCredit: XposureThe 35-year-old striker driving off in a FerrariCredit: Eamon and James ClarkeHe said: “I had two or three accidents in England. I crashed into one once because someone in front of me braked out of nowhere. “And one drove into me and then they said I caused the accident.”Balotelli joined Serie A side Genoa last October after spells in Turkey and Switzerland.But he has reportedly entered a fresh spat with new manager Patrick Vieira.The forward – who has missed the majority of the last two months nursing a broken hand – has threatened to become a “rebel” after feeling frozen out of the squad by Arsenal legend Vieira.He took to Instagram last week to seemingly voice his frustration with a cryptic post.Standing shirtless in the Genoa dressing room, Balotelli wrote: “Around here they deserve the rebellious 16-year-old Mario.”Maybe that way they would understand what it means to truly lack respect.”The Italian striker has hit out on Instagram after struggling for game timeCredit: InstagramBalotelli was renowned for his hell-raising antics early in his career.He infamously let off fireworks in his flat while playing for City.And memorably unearthed a “Why Always Me” T-shirt in his old club’s 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United in the derby in 2011.The wild child also fought with teammates and threw darts at a youth team star.Read More on The SunVarious City managers felt they could tame the talented Italian forward.But since leaving the North West in 2013, the former Italy international has rocked up at nine different clubs.Balotelli wore a special T-shirt after setting off fireworks in his bathroom before the Manchester derby More

    More stories

    • 238 Shares39 Views

      in Motorsport

      Awkward moment Lewis Hamilton appears to snub FIA president’s hug as drivers left at war with F1 governing body

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON appeared to reject a hug from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in an awkward moment after the Bahrain Grand Prix.The seven-time world champion has clashed with the FIA president since he was appointed in 2021.Lewis Hamilton appeared to reject a big hug from FIA President Mohammed Ben SulayemFans spotted the awkward encounter, but Hamilton did acknowledge him as he walked pastAfter his tough start to life at Ferrari, Hamilton enjoyed a positive race in Bahrain, winning the fans’ Driver of the Day vote.He recovered from a disappointing P9 qualifying performance to finish fifth, one spot behind team-mate Charles Leclerc. And the 40-year-old ace overtook the likes of Kimi Antonelli, Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen in the process.After stepping out of the cockpit in Parc Ferme, Hamilton headed toward the weighbridge to complete his mandatory post-race checks.READ MORE F1 NEWSBut fans caught a somewhat thorny exchange when the Brit came across Ben Sulayem along the way.The FIA president had his arms outstretched while waiting to embrace the Ferrari driver. However, Hamilton had other ideas and avoided the hug before simply giving him a pat on the side before continuing on his way.One fan wrote: “Lewis airing Ben Sulayem there 😂😂.”Most read in MotorsportA dominant drive from pole saw Oscar Piastri claim victory in Sakhir on Sunday, ahead of George Russell and Lando Norris.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut there have been rumours that Hamilton and Ben Sulayem don’t see eye-to-eye.The former Mercedes driver called out the FIA chief after the short-lived investigation into Susie Wolff last season. Lewis Hamilton hailed for ‘masterclass’ sprint victory before Ferrari star immediately takes aim at ‘yapping’ criticsThat decision landed the Emirati official in hot water, with the wife of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff commencing legal action against the sport’s governing body.And Hamilton was asked whether Ben Sulayem had his support before the 2024 Aussie Grand Prix.The Brit replied bluntly: “He never has. There is a real lack of accountability here, within this sport, within the FIA.”There are things that are happening behind closed doors, there is no transparency, there is really no accountability and we need that.”The fans need that. How can you trust the sport and what is happening here if you don’t have that?”Last year, Hamilton doubled down on his criticism of Ben Sulayem after the FIA president compared swearing F1 drivers to “rappers”. The 62-year-old has been on a mission to stamp out foul language in the paddock, much to the disdain of some of the sport’s stars.The feud between Hamilton and Ben Sulayem first dates back to 2022.When the FIA chief forced the Brit to remove a nose stud, clamping down on jewellery at the race track. He later fined Hamilton £42,000 for skipping the end-of-season prize-giving gala, after Verstappen was handed the title following a hugely controversial decision at 2021 Abu Dhabi finale.FIA executive Robert Reid resigned last week over what he described as a “fundamental breakdown in governance standards”.Ben Sulayem has been under fire in the last few years, following various controversies including the FIA’s swearing rules.Reid said in his resignation letter: “When I took on this role, it was to serve the FIA’s members, not to serve power.”A few days ago at Suzuka, Carlos Sainz was punished for being “five seconds late” to the national anthem in Japan following a toilet break.Read More on The Sun Sainz reported to the FIA medical team with a stomach issue, but was fined £17,000, half of which has been suspended for 12 months providing he does not re-offend.But the Spaniard, 30, now faces an even bigger one for saying “s*** happens in response”.THE new Formula One season is up and running and has already seen huge drama in the opening weeks.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have hope of ending Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is hoping for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

    • 213 Shares32 Views

      in Motorsport

      The insanely lavish worlds of F1 tycoons…from Red Bull boss’s private island to £30million Bond villain-style mansion

      by

      AS things heat up ahead of this Sunday’s Bahrain GP, the Gulf State will soon be crowded with the jets and supercars of the rich and famous.It’s fair to say there’s a lot of money in the world of F1 – and drivers and team staff alike certainly get paid handsomely.The late Eddie Jordan certainly knew how to enjoy his £85million fortuneCredit: AlamyEddie was among the most flamboyant of the F1 tycoonsCredit: GETTYRed Bull owner Mark Mateschitz inherited an entire tropical island from his fatherCredit: jason busch/LHW.comBut at the very top of the motor sport pyramid are the people who don’t just run the teams, but own them. And when you combine a net worth of millions – or in many cases billions – with a love of fast cars, you can be sure you’re dealing with a flashy spender.After all, if you can afford an F1 team, you might as well own a yacht on the side – or a Pacific island getaway when you need a break.It’s a sport that attracts some pretty big characters, just like the late Eddie Jordan, who went from flogging salmon on the streets to amassing a fortune of £85million.Read More FeaturesBut his riches are small fry to what others in the business are worth – such as Mercedes’s Toto Wolff, worth a whopping $1.6billion.And even Toto’s wealth is dwarfed by Red Bull owner Mark Mateschitz, who has a net worth of over £30billion. So what have they been spending it all on?Join us as we dive into the lavish lives of the biggest F1 tycoons.Most read in MotorsportBrave Eddie Jordan’s final public appearance just weeks before his deathToto WolffAfter trying his hand as a racing driver before moving into the boardroom, Toto Wolff bought a 30 per cent stake in Mercedes in 2013 for an estimated $50million.And as Mercedes moved up the rankings, so did his wealth increase – making the Austrian worth around a whopping $1.6billion today, according to Forbes. It’s no wonder Toto Wolff takes such an active role in ensuring his teams success – because he owns a third of itCredit: GettyThe Mercedes part-owner enjoys diving off his 49 metre-long superyacht off the coast of MonacoCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalA video Toto posted to his Instagram shows he isn’t afraid to take his cars – in this case the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL from 1954 – for a spinCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalOnce living near the team’s base in the UK, Wolff and his family have now moved to Monaco, close to where many of the drivers live.He’s also reported to own an 18,000 square foot mansion in Switzerland, which was reportedly bought for $62million.Unsurprisingly, the 53-year old owns a stunning car collection which features plenty of rare Mercedes. Wolff has frequently been spotted driving round Monaco in his Mercedez-Benz SL from 1954, worth around £1million, as well as the more modern Mercedec-AMG GT R, which sells for around £150,000-190,000.But brand loyalty hasn’t stopped him from also reportedly owning a Bugatti Veyron, a Ferrari LaFerrari, and also an iconic Ferrari F40  which he allegedly sold for some £1.2million. And when road travel doesn’t cut it, he can be spotted relaxing on the 49-metre-long superyacht UU, which he is thought to own – though he is thinking of designing one himself. Eddie JordanThe late Eddie Jordan owned properties around the globeCredit: AlamyEddie Jordan bought the spectacular yacht Blush for £32millionCredit: BLUEI PRODUCTIONSFrom trading on the streets of Dublin to securing iconic sponsorship deals – once convincing delivery firm DHL to repaint all their vans with his famous “Jordan yellow” – the late Eddie Jordan certainly reaped the rewards of his hard graft.Among his lavish assets was Sunseeker’s biggest ever yacht, which he bought for a cool £32million back in 2014, named Blush.Also under his ownership was a stunning 45-metre sailing yacht that let him enjoy times spent near the coast.Over the years, he amassed a massive – and very valuable – collection of F1 memorabilia, including the very car Michael Schumacher made his debut in.And like other team owners, he had multiple properties around the world including a palatial manor in Surrey, a house in Ireland, and a pad in Monaco.He also owned a £750,000 flat in Tooting, London, which he raffled off in 2017 to the lucky winner of the £10-to-enter competition. Lawrence StrollHaving made a fortune in the luxury fashion industry selling shares in brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, the Canadian businessman is thought to be worth over £2billion.The 65-year-old tycoon is also part-owner of the Aston Martin racing team – and is the dad of their star driver, 26-year-old Lance. Lawrence Stroll, owner of the Aston Martin team, made his fortune selling shares in luxury fashion brandsCredit: The TimesThe Canadian billionaire hosted his 60th birthday party on board his massive yacht Faith, which was attended by the likes of Sarah Ferguson and Catherine Zeta-JonesCredit: PAHe is the proud owner of the Ferrari 250 GTO, which is thought to be worth over £50millionCredit: RexThough based in Geneva, Stroll also owns homes in London, Quebec, and also a £70million pad on the Caribbean island on Mustique where he wed Brazilian stunner Raquel Diniz, 35.When it’s race weekend in Monaco, you can find him on board Faith – a 96-meter superyacht which Toto Wolff has said is the nicest boat he’s ever been on, worth around £200million.Featuring a glass-bottomed swimming pool, beach club, and wet bar, it hosted stars such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas for Stroll’s Great Gatsby-themed 60th birthday bash.Recent reports, however, suggest he’s sold the vessel on – downsizing to a 78-metre-long yacht instead.But it’s cars he really loves, amassing a collection reportedly worth over £140million.This includes a Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most valuable cars in the world with a price tag north of £50million. Also in his garage are multiple LaFerraris, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB he snapped up for a cool £20million, as well as McLarens and a Ford GT. Ron DennisSir Ron Dennis made a handsome penny from selling his McLaren sharesCredit: GettyWork started last week on his new £30million Berkshire mansionThe enormous property includes underground Roman-style baths, and a private tunnel to the River ThamesAlthough his split from McLaren was far from amicable, Sir Ron still walked away with £275million after selling his shares back in 2017.And what better way to enjoy retirement than to build yourself a £30million ‘Bond villain’ mega-mansion that’s set to be one of the most lavish homes in the country.Work began last week on the 77-year-old’s new Berkshire home for the, which will feature a Roman baths-style underground swimming pool and even a secret tunnel to the Thames to access his boat.There’s also extensive staff quarters, a room just for glassware and crockery, and a hair salon for when you don’t have time to nip down the massive drive to the local barbers. I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?Sir Ron DennisIt goes without saying that the tycoon – who started life as a mechanic – is a massive car nut, once owning four go-karts built by McLaren for his own personal use.And planned for the new mansion is an underground garage complete with turntable to house his fleet of vehicles, including a McLaren worth £5million.“I love my McLarens,” he once told MailOnline.“I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?”, he added.Aerial pictures taken of the plot near Henley-on-Thames last week show that diggers have moved in to start excavating the site. Mark MateschitzMark Mateschitz is one of the world’s youngest multi-billionairesCredit: GettyThanks to the Red Bull fortune, Mateschitz owns a private island in the South PacificCredit: http://www.laucala.comThe Austrian had enough spare cash to snap up Bernie Ecclestone’s extraordinary collection of motorsCredit: Tom Hartley Jnr/PA WireIt’s hard to avoid being rich when you’re Mark Mateschitz – son of Dietrich, co-founder of the Red Bull beverage and sporting empire who passed away three years ago.Dubbed Europe’s richest millennial, Forbes estimates the 32-year-old’s net worth to be north of £30.8billion, making him the 31st richest person on the planet.And Mateschitz has proved keen to carry on his father’s connection to F1, as evidenced by an enormous purchase he made just this month.The young billionaire is the new owner of Bernie Ecclestone’s private car collection – featuring 69 Grand Prix cars estimated to be together worth £500million.The Red Bull owner is thought to own multiple castles and villas across his native Austria, and his rumoured to have a £43.5million pad in swanky Knightsbridge.Also inherited from his dad is the island of Laucala, Fiji, a billionaire’s playground with a luxurious private resort – which even has its own airline to ferry visitors to and from the tropical paradise. And as if the Red Bull billions weren’t enough already, Mateschitz is currently dating heiress to the Swarovski crystal fortune, Victoria. Together, they’re working on a brand new getaway – a multi-million pound villa Marbella, close to where Victoria’s mother lives. Bernie EcclestoneBernie Ecclestone celebrating his 90th birthday with wife Fabiana FlosiCredit: Instagram @fabianaecclestoneEcclestone named his £30million superyacht after his daughter, PetraCredit: RexBernie Ecclestone’s daughter, Petra, is thought to be the owner of this giant 57,000 square ft. Beverly Hills home which was reportedly bought for $150millionCredit: Splash NewsHe enjoys lavish holidays with wife FabianaCredit: fabianaecclestone/InstagramThe F1 supremo himself has amassed billions of the decades, and the 94-year-old certainly knows how to spend it.As we revealed, he was once the owner of a car collection worth around £500millionAmong his property empire was a London home overlooking Kensington Palace, which sold for £57million, and he bought his daughter Tamara a £70million London mansion complete with gold bathtub and 50 staff. He’s now living in Switzerland in a £23million chalet called Le Lion, located in the resort town of Gstaad, along with his wife Fabiana Flosi.Ecclestone – who has an estimated net worth of £1.85billion – also owns not one, but two massive yachts.Read More on The SunThe £30million Petara, named after his daughter, can accommodate up to 12 guests and boasts a spacious interior.Then in 2022, he snapped up the 63 metre-long Force Blue for the bargain price of £6.6million, which features a spa, cinema, and nightclub onboard. More

    • 250 Shares52 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher signs charity helmet with help from wife Corinna in one of his only public acts since ski crash

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher has made a rare and moving gesture as he signed a crash helmet with the help of his wife Corinna.It marks one of the stricken F1 legend’s only public acts since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps 12 years ago.Michael Schumacher has signed a helmet with the help of his wife Corinna in a rare gesture since his horror ski crashCredit: AlamySchuey’s intials ‘M.S’ can be seen signed on the bottom part of the helmetCredit: Matt Wardle and Bell RacingMark Stewart, the son of former British racing driver Jackie Stewart, holds his father’s old helmet as he talks to Lewis HamiltonCredit: AFPThe helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Jackie Stewart’s dementia charityCredit: ReutersThe seven-time world champion, who has not been seen in public since, added his initials “M.S” to a helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart.The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.“It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause – a disease for which there is no cure,” Stewart told The Daily Mail.“His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us.”Read more on SchumacherThe gesture is all the more moving given Schumacher’s long and silent absence from the public eye.After suffering a life-threatening head injury during a skiing trip in Méribel, he was placed in a medically-induced coma and is believed to have required round-the clock care ever since.He now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff.Corinna, who has fiercely guarded his privacy, has created a tightly-controlled inner circle around the F1 legend, now 56.Most read in MotorsportOnly a handful of trusted people are granted access, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.Stewart’s white helmet, adorned with his trademark Royal Stewart tartan, will be revealed at Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe 85-year-old will also take to the track in his 1973 championship-winning Tyrell for an exhibition lap – a tribute to both the past and his personal battle off the circuit.The Scotsman founded Race Against Dementia after his wife Lady Helen was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014 – just months after Schumacher’s accident.In an emotional BBC interview, Stewart revealed that Lady Stewart recently failed to recognise him for the first time. “Just the other day it was time for dinner, she’s getting up and I’m sitting close by, and she says, ‘Where’s Jackie?’ That’s the first time that’s happened and that’s only a few weeks ago,” he said. “A bad feeling came over me.”The helmet, now signed by every living F1 world champion, will be auctioned to fund a groundbreaking new blood test developed by Cambridge University.It is hoped the test could detect early signs of dementia before symptoms appear.Schumacher has stayed away from the public eye since his devastating accidentCredit: AFPThe stricken F1 legend has since has become a grandfather after daughter Gina (C) gave birth to a baby girl in MarchCredit: InstagramMichael Schumacher’s rare public contribution comes after he became a granddad for the first time last month.His daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl, Millie, announcing the news in a social media statetement.It read: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever.”We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. #welcomeMillie.”Read More on The SunGina, 28, revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.There was speculation at the time that her F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof. More

    • 250 Shares50 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘A pretty expensive poo!’ – Carlos Sainz risks ANOTHER fine for X-rated rant as he protests £17,000 toilet break penalty

      by

      CARLOS SAINZ risks a £34,500 fine for swearing as he protested his £17,000 penalty for having a POO!The Williams F1 driver panned FIA chiefs after he was punished for being “five seconds late” to the national anthem in Japan following a toilet dash.Carlos Sainz explained he had a medical reason for being lateCredit: RexGeorge Russell reckons Sainz was unlucky to be fined so muchCredit: RexEx-Ferrari driver Sainz was also upset at his hefty £17,000 Poogate fine at Suzuka – half of which has been suspended for 12 months providing he does not reoffend.But the Spaniard, 30, now faces an even bigger one after turning the air blue in yesterday’s press conference.Ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain GP, Sainz moaned at the FIA: “I’m the biggest supporter of punctuality and being a gentleman – especially for a national anthem, with all the authorities there.“So I was the first to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m sorry’.READ MORE IN SPORT“At the same time, I was five seconds late. And to be five seconds late and have to pay  10,000 euros. It’s out of the question that we’re having to pay this money.“I don’t know if I’m gonna get a fine saying this but, s*** happens.“I hope someone tells me where this 10,000 euros goes.”Britain’s seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton has also suffered  reprimands for tattoos and body piercings.And Mercedes driver George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, panned Sainz’s toilet punishment.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Brit said: “It’s not quite as straightforward as people think for us to be there on time.“We’re often running to the toilet and  sometimes there are none available between the time you jump out of the car and go to the anthem.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant “It’s a pretty expensive poo!”The FIA accepted Sainz was given medication for the problem which delayed his appearance.That meant his fine was cut from £51k (€60,000) to £17k, with £8.5k suspended.But in a lengthy statement the FIA added: “Notwithstanding the above, displaying respect for the National Anthem is a high priority and all parties need to consider every eventuality in planning to be in position for the Anthem by the required time.” More

    • 225 Shares92 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton arrives in Bahrain with natural-curled new hairstyle as F1 fans say ‘can we take a moment’

      by

      FORMULA ONE fans said “can we take a moment” after Lewis Hamilton arrived in Bahrain with a new naturally-curled hairstyle.The Ferrari ace gave off true rockstar vibes as he sauntered into the paddock with his luscious long hair.Lewis Hamilton showed off a new hairstyle for the Bahrain GPCredit: GettyThe ace revealed his new naturally-curly barnetCredit: GettyHamilton showed off his luscious long hair in the paddockCredit: AlamyThe ace gave rockstar vibes as he relaxed with his Ferrari teamCredit: AFPHamilton is yet to win a race since making the move to his new Italian F1 side.Indeed, the former Mercedes ace is yet to get on a podium this season.And the fresh barnet could finally give Hamilton the power he needs to get the better of British rivals Lando Norris and George Russell – as well as old foe Max Verstappen.Fans were certainly impressed with his brilliant new hair-do as Hamilton then rode around the paddock on a scooter.READ MORE IN F1One said: “Can we take a moment for Lewis Hamilton’s hair?”Another declared: “He looks cool.”One noted: “Love his hair.”Another added: “Really so amazing.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHamilton will be hoping for some good fortune this weekend when he races at Bahrain.He finished 10th in last month’s season opener in Australia.Lewis Hamilton has perfect response to dismal Ferrari debut as he achieves feat not seen for 35 years Hamilton later had a ride around the paddock on a scooterCredit: GettyHe is sure to have felt the wind in his hairCredit: GettyHamilton sported a different look at the China GP last monthCredit: GettyAnd Hamilton followed that up with a sixth-place finish at the Grand Prix in China.Last weekend saw him finish seventh in Japan, leaving him eighth in the overall standings.But Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is confident Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc can climb up the rankings.He said: “I’m used [to it] because the last two years we started like this. For sure it is not ideal and I would prefer to win the first one. “But we don’t need to change the approach from last year as we are almost in the same situation, perhaps a bit worse in terms of pace, and the reaction of the team was very, very strong.”We worked as a team, made small step by small step and we have to keep exactly the same approach, but for sure it is not ideal.” More

    • 238 Shares91 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton to get new team-mate for a day at Bahrain Grand Prix due to little known F1 rule

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON will drive with a new team-mate at the Bahrain Grand Prix, it has been revealed.Ferrari are one of six teams who are using the next Formula One race to fulfil a little-known rule.Lewis Hamilton will have a new team-mate during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekendCredit: RexDino Beganovic will drive in FP1 for Ferrari in Bahrain alongside HamiltonCredit: AlamyMax Verstappen will also not run the session after winning the Japanese GPCredit: RexHe is being replaced by F2 star Ayuma IwasaCredit: RexInstead of Charles Leclerc, 40-year-old Hamilton will instead partner 21-year-old Swedish driver Dino Beganovic for Free Practice One.Likewise, Red Bull will also bring a new driver to their lineup for the Friday session.Fresh off of his win at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen will give way to Japanese F2 star Ayumu Iwasa for the session.It means Yuki Tsunoda, who had a tough first race with Red Bull after swapping with Liam Lawson, will have his third team-mate of the season – even though this is only for one session.READ MORE IN F1Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas and Williams have also announced they will be running a rookie driver, with George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman and Carlos Sainz respectively all stepping down.Russell is giving up his seat for Danish youngster Frederik Vesti, while former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is replacing Alonso. Bearman, only a rookie this season himself, is giving up his seat to Ryo Hirakawa and Sainz will cede his seat to British racer Luke Browning.The sweeping changes come as part of a requirement for all F1 teams to run rookies – drivers with fewer than two Grand Prix to their name – at least twice in each of their cars in practice sessions this season.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTeams have had to run a rookie in at least once in each of their cars in FP1 since 2022, with this season seeing the requirement doubled.Alpine already completed one of these mandatory runs last weekend when Ryo Hirakawa ran in place of Jack Doohan – a contributing factor to Doohan’s 185mph crash in FP2.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire The reason for Bahrain being such a popular choice for rookie running is due to the known quantities of it.Teams already have lots of data from the track after pre-season testing was completed at the Sakhir circuit.The Middle East race also represents the first race weekend of the season where UK fans will not have to be out of bed early on Sunday morning.Instead, the Bahrain race will take place at 4pm UK time, with qualifying on Saturday running from 5pm.McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the World Drivers Championship from Verstappen by a single point after the Dutchman’s imperious win at last weekend’s Japan GP.Bahrain GP FP1 rookiesRookies participating in FP1 in Bahrain this weekend:Dino Beganovic, Ferrari – for Charles LeclercAyuma Iwasa, Red Bull – for Max VerstappenFrederik Vesti, Mercedes – for George RussellFelipe Drugovich, Aston Martin – for Fernando AlonsoRyo Hirakawa, Haas – for Ollie BearmanLuke Browning, Williams – for Carlos Sainz More

    • 213 Shares69 Views

      in Motorsport

      Ferrari make major update to Lewis Hamilton’s F1 steering wheel with special feature he used at Mercedes

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has received a major update to his Formula One car for the Japanese Grand Prix.The Ferrari driver has endured a mixed start with his new team, winning the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race but scoring just one championship point during the two Sunday feature races.Lewis Hamilton has seen a major upgrade brought to his Ferrari for the Japanese Grand PrixCredit: ReutersHamilton has asked for his steering wheel to include more information like it did when he was at MercedesCredit: AFPHamilton scored P4 in both practice sessions with the new wheelCredit: RexHowever, the seven-time F1 world champion will see a welcome upgrade for this weekend’s race with a feature brought over from his old team Mercedes.Hamilton has already been forced to hold a meeting with race engineer, Riccardo Adami, to outline what information he wants passed over from the pit wall.He has been consistently asking for changes to his car configuration, but has now seen a huge adjustment made to his steering wheel with new software being added to give him direct access to more data.Motorsport revealed how Hamilton’s steering wheel in the SF-25 had been given a new lever for the clutch and gear shift.READ MORE IN F1But a fresh report has detailed how Ferrari have tried to replicate the automation seen on Hamilton’s Mercedes steering wheel on to their own with a specially developed software.In addition to the classic indicators seen on an F1 steering wheel such as speed, gear, time and delta, Hamilton’s wheel features information on the race screen including engine mappings used.The upper left of the screen has an indicator of the SOC (hybrid management) and the ENG engine map used so he is always aware of which configuration is being used.At Mercedes much of the Power Unit information was linked to a single STRAT lever located in the lower part of the steering wheel which was grouped together into three areas.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt Ferrari many of these elements were split, with the simplified Mercedes model being another change Hamilton has asked for.Elsewhere, under the box that indicates engine mapping, there is a space dedicated to what Ferrari call “Multi”.Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar This gives Hamilton access to secondary engine settings which he is said to have always wanted access to.The changes have not been implemented for Scuderia team-mate Charles Leclerc, who prefers to have less data on his screen during a lap.Hamilton finished in P4 in both practice sessions on Friday.FP2 was hit by chaos as FOUR red flags were waved thanks to a huge 185mph crash by Alpine rookie Jack Doohan and Fernando Alonso beaching his Aston Martin before two trackside grass fires.Elsewhere, the driver Hamilton replaced at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, had an embarrassing gaffe with Williams as he missed his box to change tyres – blasting “oh s***” down the team radio as he realised.Charles Leclerc is not having the change done to his wheelCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares69 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Oh s***’ – Embarrassing moment F1 star drives past his own pit box after forgetting he’s switched teams

      by

      WE may be three races into the Formula One season, but old habits die hard.At least they do for Carlos Sainz, who suffered an embarrassing gaffe during Free Practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.Carlos Sainz suffered an embarrassing gaffe at the F1 Japanese Grand PrixCredit: GettySainz missed the turn-in for the Williams box during FP1, which saw him swear on the radioCredit: YouTubeThe Williams driver, who has picked up one point for the British constructor so far this season, was entering the pitlane to change his tyres at the Suzuka Circuit.Sainz’s race engineer, Gaetan Jego, was heard saying on the radio: “Box, box. Box, box. Remember we’re at the beginning of the pitlane.”However, ex-Ferrari driver Sainz embarrassingly missed the turn-in to his box and continued driving towards the end of the pitlane, believing that was where the team were based.Realising his blunder, the Spaniard said: “Oh s***! I missed it guys. I thought we were at the end, sorry.”READ MORE IN F1Jego, who has been with Williams since 2020, replied: “OK, so straight out, and we’re boxing again.”Embarrassed by the gaffe but able to laugh it off, the 30-year-old said: “Yeah, sorry about that.”Lewis Hamilton famously made a similar blunder in 2013 after joining Mercedes from McLaren when he stopped in the his old team’s box during the Malaysian Grand Prix.Sainz finished P10 in the session before matching the result in a chaotic FP2 which saw FOUR red flags waved after Jack Doohan and Fernando Alonso crashed out and two fires ignited trackside.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHis use of explicit language is unlikely to see him punished by the FIA, who introduced controversial swearing guidelines last year which angered F1 stars after it was revealed they could land hefty fines for the act.However, in the driver’s briefing before the Australian Grand Prix, the rules were clarified to allow swearing in the heat of the moment if it was not offensive to others – although media obligations do not allow for any foul language.F1 suspended after fire at Japanese Grand Prix as three red flags cause chaos during practice Before arriving at Williams, Sainz had raced at Ferrari for four years.In that time he picked up four race wins and six poles, finishing fifth in the driver’s world championship standings three times and seventh once.Sainz made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso, now Racing Bulls in 2015, after coming through the Red Bull driver development programme.He raced with the team until late in 2017 when he joined Renault for the final four races of that season.The Smooth Operator would find his way to McLaren in 2019, securing his first F1 career podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix before adding a career-best P2 at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.Ferrari came calling the following year, with Sainz picking up his first F1 win at the British Grand Prix in 2022.Read More on The SunDry conditions are set to hold for qualifying tomorrow before a cold front moves in with the chance of rain for the race on Sunday.Suzuka is the first of a triple-header which sees F1 travel to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in consecutive weeks. More