Ferrari

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Oliver Bearman passed driving test in MAY and had just hour to practise in Ferrari before becoming youngest Brit F1 star

      by

      ESSEX boy Oliver Bearman has become Britain’s latest – and youngest – F1 star after making his debut for Ferrari.The 18-year-old, who only passed his driving test in May, was called up as an 11th hour replacement for Carlos Sainz, who suffered appendicitis.Ferrari’s reserve driver Oliver Bearman stepped onto the main stage at the last minute with a superb drive in JeddahCredit: AFPBearman and girlfriend Estelle Ogilvy have had a momentous few monthsBearman turned in a stunning display to earn 11th spot on the gridCredit: GettyHis partner Estelle is a law student and TikTok starCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceThe Spaniard was taken to hospital where he underwent an operation as said to be recovering well.Bearman only had an hour’s practice to get up to speed with the Ferrari before qualifying for Saturday’s Saudi Arabian GP.And he defied the odds with a brilliant performance to take 11th on the grid – coming within just 0.036 seconds from knocking Lewis Hamilton out from qualifying.Bearman made the slightest of mistakes during turns 22 and 23 otherwise he’d have dumped out Hamilton from the second qualifying session.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe was cheered on by his dad, David, who watched in Ferrari’s garage and winced as his son brushed the walls at high speed and bounced over the kerbs.And Bearman Junior revealed he was in the dark about his incredible call-up until the eleventh hour.He said: “I woke up this morning fully prepared for my F2 race and I got the call late in the day, just a few hours before FP3 that I would be doing it.”Not the circumstance I would wish to be making my F1 debut. I wish the best to Carlos and I hope he recovers well but this is a great opportunity.Most read in Motorsport”I honestly did not have time to get nervous, because I did not have time and it was so late that I needed to get ready to go out on track and make up for lost time.”That made my life a little more difficult and I was flat out with the engineers trying to figure everything out to get up to speed as quickly as possible.TikToker Estelle Ogilvy’s glam life as she splits time between jetting to watch F1 boyfriend Oliver Bearman and studying Bearman drove for the Haas F1 team last season in the practice sessions in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi.Raised in Chelmsford, and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, he joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16.He quit school – against his mum’s request and moved to Modena close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.He has previously won the Italian Formula Formula 4 and German Formula 4 titles , both in 2021.Last year he was sixth in the Formula Two championship and on Thursday he qualified for the F2 race here in Saudi Arabia on pole.However, he will now ditch his F2 commitments for this weekend after being promoted to replace Sainz.Bearman is the first Brit to drive for F1’s most famous team since Nigel Mansell in 1990.He added: “I have honestly spoken to no one since the announcement, my phone is going crazy but I will try and have a chat with my mum tonight.The Chelmsford starlet reflects on a job well doneCredit: Getty”I think my dad was in the garage but I did not see him at all. I was in the car and then in the garage and back in the car.” It has been such a quick progression in my career. Two years ago I was still in F4 and I only did my first F1 test three or four months ago.”So it has been a quick progression. And to make my F1 debut in red, hopefully it is a sign to come.”Meanwhile, Max Verstappen took a routine pole as nobody was able to match his pace around the street circuit in Jeddah.He put aside the internal conflict between his dad Jos and team boss Christian Horner.And in the latest development in the on-going saga, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko could now face disciplinary action.The 80-year-old is understood to be under investigation for his role in the internal investigation.He was also under strict instructions not to speak to the media, but in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF he said he could now miss the next race in Australia.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is another sensational development and should he be found guilty of releasing confidential information then he could face disciplinary action.Should he be sacked, there is a suspicion in the paddock that it could trigger a clause in the Dutchman’s contract, paving a way for him to break his contract with Red Bull to join Mercedes. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Sorry’ – Brit F1 star Oliver Bearman’s gutted reaction as 18-year-old is knocked out of Saudi Arabian GP qualifying

      by

      OLIVER BEARMAN narrowly missed out on making Q3 on his Formula One debut in Saudi Arabia.The teen will start P11 in Saturday’s race after an impressive qualifier.”That was a good lap” “Sorry” 💔Ollie Bearman was so close to making Q3 on his F1 debut and will start P11 in tomorrow’s race 😮 pic.twitter.com/k8PuyPOt4W— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 8, 2024

      Oliver Bearman will start P11 in Saturday’s raceThe teen apologised after missing out by a fraction of a secondCredit: AFPBearman was a late call up to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz withdrew due to injury.But he impressed in qualifying and almost made Q3, which would have given him a chance to place higher on the grid.Bearman lost out to compatriot Sir Lewis Hamilton but his team bosses offered encouragement as he finished.One said: “That was a good lap, good last sector.”READ MORE IN F1The 18-year-old replied: “Sorry.”Bearman missed out on Q2 by just 0.036 seconds, with the teen describing it as a “messy session”.His team responded saying: “It was a tough one. Super difficult.”Bearman’s team-mate Charles Leclerc also impressed and qualified for Saturday’s race in second place on the grid, with Max Verstappen taking pole.Most read in MotorsportCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But for Bearman it is all a learning experience with the Essex youngster set to become Britain’s youngest ever Formula 1 driver.He will also be the first Brit to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine in 1999.Who is Ferrari’s new star Oliver BearmanAfter qualifying Bearman said: “I woke up this morning fully prepared for my F2 race and I got the call late in the day, just a few hours before FP3 that I would be doing it.”Not the circumstance I would wish to be making my F1 debut. I wish the best to Carlos and I hope he recovers well but this is a great opportunity.”I honestly did not have time to get nervous, because I did not have time and it was so late that I needed to get ready to go out on track and make up for lost time.”That made my life a little more difficult and I was flat out with the engineers trying to figure everything out to get up to speed as quickly as possible.”I have honestly spoken to no one since the announcement, my phone is going crazy but I will try and have a chat with my mum tonight.”I think my dad was in the garage but I did not see him at all. I was in the car and then in the garage and back in the car.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It has been such a quick progression in my career. Two years ago I was still in F4 and I only did my first F1 test three or four months ago.”So it has been a quick progression. And to make my F1 debut in red, hopefully it is a sign to come.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Meet Oliver Bearman, 18, the record-breaking Brit F1 star making Ferrari debut who is ‘dating famous TikTok star’

      by

      OLIVER BEARMAN will make his Formula One debut at this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has withdrawn from the race to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.Oliver Bearman will make his F1 debut this weekendCredit: GettyBearman will replace the ill Carlos Sainz at the Saudi GPCredit: GettyHe has impressed in F2 this seasonCredit: GettyBearman was picked up by Ferrari at the age of 16Credit: Instagram / @davidbearman87He left his family home in Essex aged 16 to pursue a career at FerrariCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87Bearman, 18, has been selected as his replacement after he secured pole position in yesterday’s F2 qualifying at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.He will break Lando Norris’ record as Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver and be the first Brit to represent Ferrari since Eddie Irvine in 1999. Bearman has been tipped as a future star after winning the F4 series in both Italy and Germany in 2021.After climbing up to F3, the teen sensation finished third and was then promoted to F2 last year with Prema Racing.READ MORE IN F1He has already caught the attention of his fellow F1 racers after impressing in practice sessions during the 2023 season.Bearman got behind the wheel of a Haas car in Mexico City last year.His best lap time at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was just 1.6 seconds slower than three-time champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of experienced team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.However, the Brit was quicker than veteran Fernando Alonso, who won the 2005 World Championship when he was just a matter of months old.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Bearman has also turned heads away from the track and is reportedly dating TikTok star Estelle Ogilvy.The influencer has 72,000 followers, with the loved-up couple choosing to keep their relationship off fans’ social media feeds for the time being. The Sun’s Ben Hunt previews ‘high speed’ and ‘dangerous’ Saudi Grand PrixBorn in Chelmsford, Bearman comes from a racing obsessed family.His father David is a former go-kart driver, who also drove under the No87, and his young brother Thomas is also a highly-rated racer for KR Sport.Bearman dominated British Karting, having hit the circuit for the first time at the age of eight.He was spotted by Ferrari aged 16 and was snapped up as part of their young driver programme.Interest from the Italian giants saw Bearman quit school – to the annoyance of his mother Terri – in favour of moving within a few miles of Ferrari’s HQ in Modena.Since relocating from Essex, his voice has slightly changed with some claiming he now has an Italian twang.On the move, Bearman said: “A lot of people have told me my accent has changed even if I don’t notice it. “I spend a lot of time with Italians and to communicate with people where English is not their first language is not easy, so I have changed my word order and ended up with this everywhere accent.”Maybe I got a bit lucky not to get the Essex accent.”When I moved to Modena it happened pretty quickly. “It was like going to university two years early, but I have loved every moment so far. “My mum was very pro-school and very pro-education, but we managed to convince her in the end.”I miss my family, my two dogs – that is the negative side.”But the food in Italy is a big chunk above the English stuff, the weather is better, too.”Bearman’s boyhood hero is Jenson Button, who has already singled out the wonderkid for praise. On his love for the 2009 champion, Bearman said: “I heard Jenson was praising me on Sky, and that was amazing for me to hear.”I don’t know why, but he was always the guy I loved and really looked up to. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is cool that he recognised my performance in practice and I will try to speak to him.”Bearman will take to the grid for qualifying tonight ahead of tomorrow’s race at 5pm.Bearman first raced at the age of eightCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87The No87 is nod to his dad, who also used the numberCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87His father David is a motorsport enthusiastCredit: Instagram / @davidbearman87Bearman was on pole in Saudi in F2 before getting the call amid Sainz’s illnessCredit: GettyHe is a future star and impressed in practice sessions for Haas last termCredit: Getty More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who is Oliver Bearman? Carlos Sainz’s replacement for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

      by

      OLIVER Bearman is replacing Carlos Sainz as a Ferrari driver at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend.Here’s everything you need to know about Formula 1’s freshest face.Oliver Bearman will replace Carlos Sainz at the F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix at Jeddah Corniche CircuitCredit: GettyWho is Oliver Bearman?Bearman was raised in Chelmsford and studied at King Edward VI Grammar School. The talented youngster joined Ferrari’s driver academy at the age of 16.He quit school against his mother’s wishes and moved to Modena — close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.In 2023, he came sixth in the Formula Two championship.READ MORE ON FERRARIOn March 8, 2024, Bearman qualified for the F2 race in Saudi Arabia on pole.However, he will now ditch his F2 commitments for the weekend after being promoted to replace Spaniard Sainz.Bearman has been tipped as a future star after he was snapped up as part of Ferrari’s young driver scheme.His road to the top began in 2021 as he won the F4 series in both Italy and Germany.Most read in MotorsportAfter moving up to F3, the teen sensation finished in third and was promoted to F2 in 2023 with Prema Racing.The racer featured in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi practice sessions with Haas during the 2023 season.Meet Oliver Bearman the Brit F1 star making debut with Ferrari who speaks with Italian twang and has famous brother He impressed in Mexico, where he became Britain’s youngest-ever F1 driver, finishing ahead of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in practice.His best lap time in Mexico City — in a Haas — was just 1.6 seconds slower than triple world champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of experienced teammate, Nico Hulkenberg.Bearman will be the 165th British F1 driver and the first to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari car since Eddie Irvine 25 years ago.His chance comes ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in 2025, but Bearman says it was fellow Brit Jenson Button who was his boyhood hero.What is Oliver Bearman’s net worth?Reports of Oliver’s net worth are limited and vary, but not dramatically.F2 drivers are thought to typically earn between £80,000 to £150,000 per year, but pick up more money through sponsorship deals.WikiAndFact estimates his fortune to be roughly £1million.Whereas Woxikon says he has amassed around $2million (£1.6million) in his career so far.As an up-and-coming racer who’s about to compete in his first Grand Prix, it’s safe to assume his wealth is set to rise.When did Oliver Bearman join Ferrari?Bearman has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021.He is currently the reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas.His F1 Grand Prix debut will be at the 2024 Saudi GP.Why is he replacing Carlos Sainz in the Saudi Arabia Gran Prix?Sainz will miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024 to undergo emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.He was reportedly in hospital, having fallen ill since touching down in Jeddah.Sainz came third in the opening race of the season in Bahrain on March 2, 2024.But Saturday’s Saudi GP will see Oliver Bearman replace him.When will Oliver Bearman be racing in F1 Grand Prix?Bearman will be on the starting line for the Saudi GP at the age of 18.The F1 race in Saudi runs to a similar schedule to the Bahrain Grand Prix, meaning qualifying will take place a day earlier than usual.READ MORE SUN STORIESQualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP will begin at 8pm local time (5pm UK time) on Friday, March 8, 2024.The Saudi Arabian GP will start at 8pm local time (5pm UK time) on Saturday, March 9, 2024. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 star Carlos Sainz to undergo emergency surgery as he is forced to withdraw from Saudi Arabian GP hours before race

      by

      CARLOS SAINZ will miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to undergo emergency surgery.The 29-year-old has been diagnosed with appendicitis. Carlos Sainz will miss this weekend’s Saudi Arabian GPCredit: GettyTeenage sensation Oliver Bearman will make his F1 debutCredit: GettyHe is now reportedly in hospital, having fallen ill since touching down in Jeddah earlier this week.Sainz came third in the opening race of the season in Bahrain last weekend.But tomorrow’s Saudi GP will see Oliver Bearman replace him.The Brit reserve driver has been promoted after securing pole in F2 qualifying this week.READ MORE ON F1Bearman, 18, has been tipped as a future star after he was snapped up as part of Ferrari’s young driver scheme. His road to the top began as he won the F4 series in both Italy and Germany in 2021.After climbing up to F3, the teen sensation finished in third and was promoted to F2 last year with Prema Racing.The Chelmsford-born racer featured in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi practice sessions with Haas during the 2023 season.Most read in MotorsportHe impressed in Mexico where he became Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver, finishing ahead of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in practice.His best lap time in Mexico City – in a Haas – was just 1.6 seconds slower than triple world champion Max Verstappen, and three tenths adrift of experienced teammate, Nico Hulkenberg.Bearman will be the 165th British F1 driver and the first to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari car since Eddie Irvine 25 years ago. His chance comes ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari in 2025 but Bearman says it was fellow Brit Jenson Button who was his boyhood hero.Sainz is being released by Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Hamilton and is yet to find a seat for 2025.Who is Oliver Bearman?By Ben Hunt
      Raised in Chelmsford, and schooled at King Edward VI Grammar, Bearman joined Ferrari’s driver academy, aged only 16.
      He quit school — against his mum’s request and moved to Modena close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.
      The teenager drove for the Haas last season in the practice sessions in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi.
      He impressed and became Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver, finishing ahead of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso in practice.
      His best lap time – in a Haas – was just 1.6 seconds slower than Max Verstappen.
      He has previously won the Italian Formula Formula 4 and German Formula 4 titles, both in 2021.
      Last year, he was sixth in the Formula Two championship and on Thursday he qualified for the F2 race here in Saudi Arabia on pole.
      However, he will now ditch his F2 commitments for this weekend after being promoted to replace Sainz. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Supercomputer predicts 2024 F1 season with Hamilton in for horror final year at Mercedes.. but is Verstappen still king?

      by

      FORMULA ONE was a nine month long procession for Max Verstappen last year – but will it be the same this time round?The Red Bull ace has been the sport’s dominant force since his first world title in 2021, winning every Drivers’ World Championship since.Lewis Hamilton looks set for a tough final season with MercedesCredit: GettyWill Max Verstappen breeze to a fourth consecutive World Championship?Credit: GettyWhile Lewis Hamilton was the man to beat for many years before the Dutchman’s success and will be hoping to make his mark in his final season with Mercedes before he makes his switch to Ferrari next year.Although Verstappen is the clear favourite to take home a fourth consecutive World Championship with Red Bull this season, F1 is a sport full of unpredictability that could throw up some surprises.The brain-boxes at BonusCodesBets have let their supercomputer do the predicting for us so we can take a look at how this exciting season might shape up.The supercomputer has simulated every race this season 1,000 times using code fuelled by stats from previous seasons and real-time data to draw up exactly what they expect to happen this year.READ MORE ON F1But first they’ve had a look at what might happen in this weekend’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.The Middle Eastern race gets underway in Jeddah on Saturday afternoon and it looks like Verstappen is going to get a second win under his belt already.The 26-year-old has an incredible 85.4 per cent chance of winning the GP and according to the computer will only miss out on a podium spot if he is forced out of the race with car issues.Teammate Sergio Perez is the second most likely driver to win in Jeddah with a 3.2 per cent chance of victory.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHamilton has been handed just a 1.8 per cent chance of crossing the finish line first, but could certainly make the podium with a 14.3 per cent chance of finishing second and a 14.4 per cent chance of third place.As for the rest of the season it could make for hard reading for the Brit who according to the supercomputer will go the entire year without winning a race for the third season in a row.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto WolffTo make matters worse it’s predicted that the 39 year old will only make the podium twice in the entire season – that’s less than half of the amount he made last year (six).The algorithm has suggested that a third place finish in Australia and a second place ending in China will be the highlights of Hamilton’s final season in a Mercedes car.As for Verstappen it looks like more dominance is on the table for the superstar.He is expected to win a staggering 21 of the 24 races this year finishing second in the three that he doesn’t take first place in.A 21-win season would break the record for the most race wins in a campaign which was set by Verstappen himself last year with 19.The whitewash season is predicted to see him earn an incredible 585 points with his closest competitor being Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who is predicted to earn 271 points from the season.The three races that Verstappen isn’t expected to walk are projected to be won by three different drivers in his place.McLaren’s Lando Norris is forecast to take first place in the Singapore Grand Prix for his first ever win in F1.Fellow Brit George Russell is predicted to snatch the Dutch GP title away from Verstappen on the Red Bull driver’s home ground.While Oscar Piastri may be a surprise package with a first career win for McLaren in Japan next month.Lando Norris (top left) and George Russell (top right) are both predicted to get a win this seasonCredit: GettyMcLaren’s Oscar Piastri could also earn a first career victoryCredit: PA More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 legend Rubens Barichello distraught as beloved dog Speedy dies after ‘stomach torn apart’ by cigarette butts

      by

      FORMULA ONE legend Rubens Barichello has been left distraught after his dog Speedy passed away.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fell ill after consuming cigarette butts dropped by other dog owners.
      Barrichello expressed his sadness after dog Speedy diedCredit: Newsflash
      The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fell ill after consuming cigarette buttsCredit: Newsflash
      Barrichello paid tribute to SpeedyCredit: Newsflash
      Barrichello, 51, noticed Speedy would hang around other dogs when he took him to designated dog loos during walks.
      The former Ferrari star believes that is where his dog consumed the cigarette butts, which ended up damaging Speedy’s stomach.
      Barrichello paid tribute to his pet following his death, saying: “My Speedy… You went too soon, my friend.
      “I can only thank you for the joy that was our journey together. I love you forever.”
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      The two-time world champion explained how Speedy developed a disease that prevented his body developing a crucial protein, resulting in his death.
      He added: “One day my son went to check and saw that there were a lot of cigarette butts.
      “Speedy’s stomach was torn apart and he developed a disease which kept his body from developing a crucial protein.
      “He could no longer eat. He had bloody diarrhoea and went downhill.
      Most read in Motorsport
      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
      “Eleven cigarette butts were removed from his guts.”
      Fellow former F1 driver Felipe Massa reached out, saying: “My condolences. He was so nice. I can only imagine what you’re going through.”
      I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rival
      Barrichello also sent a warning to fellow dog owners to be more aware about discarding cigarette butts.
      Barrichello concluded: “We take the dog’s poop with a bag and throw it in the bin, so it would be polite if people who smoke had this attitude too.
      “I’m passionate about dogs. I don’t talk bad about anyone.
      “It’s very sad. It is a shame. We really miss Speedy.” More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Every F1 team ranked for pace after testing with season-opening Bahrain GP days away… and it’s bad news for Mercedes

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON may be in for a tough season if the analysis of one Sky Sports F1 pundit turns out to be correct.Hamilton and co were taking part in pre-season testing in Bahrain before the first race of the season this Saturday, March 2.
      Ted Kravitz revealed his ranking for the F1 teams after testing in BahrainCredit: Rex
      Kravitz’s analysis was not good news for Lewis Hamilton and MercedesCredit: Rex

      Formula One pundit Ted Kravitz was keeping a close eye on the teams’ performances during the testing days.
      And he has now revealed where he thinks each team ranks in terms of pace.
      Kravitz told Sky Sports he reckons Haas will be at the back of the pack, with Sauber, Alpine, Williams and RB ahead of them going up to sixth place.
      Getting into the top five however, Kravitz kicked things off by saying Aston Martin would once again be behind the front four.
      READ MORE IN F1
      He then tipped McLaren to be fourth place, but also said they were a team with “plenty of potential” to grow.
      For his top three, Kravitz then named Mercedes.
      He explained: “Mercedes showed they do have some speed but much more to learn from a transition into a car that they don’t know, but there’s lots to learn on that.
      “I think Mercedes think they are behind Ferrari but not too far.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Things went far from smoothly in testing for seven-time world champion Hamilton given his W15 ran over a loose drain cover and forced Thursday’s morning session to be abandoned.
      Testing for the Brackley based team came with the backdrop of Hamilton having announced he will be leaving the team at the end of the season and joining Ferrari.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him
      Red Bull unsurprisingly then topped the tree ahead of Ferrari.
      Kravitz said: “Then Ferrari clearly ahead of that pack.
      “Given that Leclerc was on the C5, the softest of all them, but Sainz with the fastest lap of the test, in the 29s, that was only the C4. So clearly I think Ferrari are second.”
      He continued: “Which leaves in front, Red Bull – but by how much? Between eight tenths and three tenths to Ferrari, that’s what I think.
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      “Tyre corrected, Max Verstappen would have been quickest because he set his time on the C3 tyre.
      “And if there’s seven tenths to the C5 which Leclerc was on, then that makes Max faster today by three or four tenths of a second. 
      “So I think it’s anything from a conservative three tenths to an absolutely whacking optimistic eight tenths, or even maybe more.”
      Max Verstappen and Red Bull were placed top of the tree by KravitzCredit: Getty

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More