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      Why Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hunting for Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has joined the search for Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes replacement.Seven-time Formula One world champion Hamilton is leaving the team to join Ferrari next season.Man Utd minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is helping Mercedes hunt for their Lewis Hamilton replacementCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: GettyMercedes have struggled to produce a car capable of winning races in the last two seasons, with their struggles this year making it look like it could be a third year on the bounce that Hamilton is unable to take a win.However, the Silver Arrows are looking to take advantage of the chaos surrounding Red Bull by poaching star driver Max Verstappen.SunSport reported earlier this week that the team were preparing to hold a meeting with Verstappen’s team; father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen after the Miami Grand Prix.That meeting will include team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Man Utd shareholder, Ratcliffe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe’s Ineos became a one-third shareholder in the F1 team back in 2020 while retaining its position as the teams principal partner.Verstappen’s camp are assessing their options following a fallout with Red Bull boss Christian Horner, with Jos warning Horner’s leadership was tearing the team apart.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      The three-time world champion has a contract until 2028 on £40million-a-year.It means Mercedes could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHorner’s position at the team has grown more precarious after Ferrari-linked Adrian Newey announced he was leaving the team earlier this week.Mercedes look set to offer the Dutchman a whopping £128MILLION-a-year deal to convince him of the switch.Lewis Hamilton races around Tokyo in £260k supercar in incredible video as fans say F1 legend ‘dropped another classic’At Man Utd, Ineos have a 27.7 per cent share of the club but have almost complete control over the sporting operations of the team.This has led to some major changes already, with Omar Berrada starting as CEO in July, Dan Ashworth coming in as football director and Jason Wilcox already starting a role as technical director.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.

      Last November, Wolff revealed he had held talks with Ratcliffe about joining his bid investing into Man Utd.The Hamilton replacement hunt comes with a huge summer ahead for Man Utd as well, with all-bar a few select players said to be up for sale.A decision will also need to be made on Erik ten Hag’s future as manager of the men’s senior team.But more recently he has made no secret of Mercedes’ desire to land Verstappen as their Hamilton replacement.Verstappen won the weekend’s Sprint Race and is aiming for his fourth full race win of the season on Sunday.Ratcliffe will have a number of big decisions to approve at Man Utd this summerCredit: ReutersMax Verstappen’s team will hold a meeting with Ratcliffe and other Mercedes chiefs after the Miami GPCredit: RexPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

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      Lewis Hamilton tells Adrian Newey to join him at Ferrari as he rubs salt in the wounds of F1 rival Verstappen & Red Bull

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he would “very much” like to have Adrian Newey join him at Ferrari.Newey, F1’s most successful designer, announced he was leaving Red Bull Racing on Wednesday.Lewis Hamilton said it would be a privilege to work with Adrian Newey at FerrariCredit: RexNewey announced his Red Bull departure yesterday and has been heavily linked with FerrariCredit: PAThe 65-year-old has negotiated an early exit from this deal with the world champions that would allow him to move early next year.It would free him up to join Hamilton at Ferrari for next season in preparation for a major new rule change in F1 in 2026.Hamilton was quizzed ahead of this weekend’s Miami GP about working with Newey and said: “Adrian has such a great history and track record.”He’s done an amazing job through his career, engaging with teams and the knowledge he has. I think he would be an amazing addition.READ MORE IN F1″I think they [Ferrari] already have a great team, making huge strides forward and progress. Their car is quicker this year. But it would be a privilege to work with him.”Hamilton was grilled if an attempt to sign Newey was part of his wishlist when he started negotiating with Ferrari.He added: “This is all private conversation stuff. If I was to do a list of people I would love to work with, he would absolutely be at the top of it.”When I joined McLaren I think it was an evolution of his car. I got there just after he left, so that car would have evolved from a concept that he had worked on.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I felt privileged that I had the chance to touch something that he had worked on.”Racing against the team that he’s been so heavily a part of has been a massive challenge but I think we have to remember there are a lot of people in the background.Formula One’s Highest Earners”It’s not one person, it’s a whole team of people who do the job. You can imagine all the amazing experience that he brings to the team, but the people that he works with will continue to do an amazing job.”I don’t anticipate Red Bull not continuing to build great cars moving forward. But any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him.”Max Verstappen, who has been the main beneficiary of Newey’s designs in recent seasons, insisted the designer’s exit will not force him to quit Red Bull despite being linked with a move to Mercedes.He said: “All of these things, a couple of years ago, would have been a bit unexpected but I think it is always very important to remain calm and focused on your job, know who you’re working with, feel comfortable.Max Verstappen also opened up on his Red Bull future following Newey’s exitCredit: Reuters”At the end of the day, we need to have the fastest car, that’s what I always demanded, that’s what we finally got for a couple of years now.”And we have a very strong technical team that are part of the team still for a long time. It goes on like it was going before.”Of course Adrian from when he started at Red Bull, he was incredibly important for the success that they had.”Over time, his role has changed a bit and a lot of people don’t understand what he was actually doing.Who is Adrian Newey?
      Adrian Newey was the design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

      “I don’t say he wasn’t doing anything but his role has evolved. A lot of good people came into the team that have strengthened that whole department.”Of course I would have preferred him to stay, for sure, because you can always rely on his experience and just as a person he is a great guy to chat to and relate to.”Because he is very bright, very smart but he would also talk to the driver and interpret that into the car, in terms of he would try to imagine himself driving.”But I also really trust that the technical team we have outside of Adrian is very, very strong. They have basically shown that with the last few years with how competitive the car is.But any team would be fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him.Lewis Hamilton”From the outside, it looks very dramatic. But I think if you know what is happening inside the team it is not as dramatic as it seems.”When asked again if he would consider his position in Red Bull, Verstappen again denied that he would be seeking a move.He added: “I think people are making up a lot of things at the moment because they don’t understand how the roles were in the team.”But of course, I cannot deny I would have preferred him to stay, just for how he is as a person, his knowledge and what he will potentially bring to another team if he wants to join.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “If someone really wants to leave they should leave. That’s also what I wrote to him. We talk, it’s not like suddenly we don’t talk.”If you think that is the right decision for yourself and family, or you seek a different challenge or whatever, you have to do it.”Meanwhile, Sergio Perez says Red Bull will cope without Newey, but says he will be an asset to any team he joins.He said: “Everyone is fully committed to the season and the future looks bright.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is normal for some movement, but the organisation looks strong and I don’t expect more changes.”Adrian is much more than a designer, he can influence set-up and strategies and a strong guy who will make an immediate impact wherever he goes.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Ferrari to DITCH iconic red livery for their F1 cars at Miami GP for ‘fresh and unexpected colours’

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      FERRARI will embrace a new look and ditch their iconic red for the Miami Grand Prix next month in favour of some “fresh and unexpected colours”.The Prancing Horse cars will instead be adorned with the colour blue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ferrari making their mark in North America.Ferrari will ditch their red livery for the Miami Grand Prix in MayCredit: RexThe red livery won’t be gone forever though with the change just a one-off in celebration of the milestone.The design change will see two different shades of blue used on the vehicles with Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino taking the place of the traditional Rosso Corsa that can be found on the cars.The Scuderia have carefully picked the two colours to represent their history with meaning behind the specific shades.Azzuro La Plata is a lighter blue which is said to hark back to the colour worn by legendary driver Alberto Ascari during his 1952 and 1953 world Formula One titles for Ferrari.READ MORE IN F1While Azzurro Dino is a darker blue which is said to be a nod to the colours first worn by Ferrari in 1974 when five-time Grand Prix winner Clay Rega donned the shade before the team returned to their iconic red.The dual colour livery will be plastered all over the SF-24 car when Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz take to the track in Miami on May 5.While the pair, currently third and fourth in the driver’s standings, will also wear light blue racing suits as they lap round the Miami International Autodrome.There is yet to be an official announcement of a launch date for the car’s unveiling but it is set to be revealed in the build-up to the Florida race.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFerrari have also teased a collection of merchandise to go with the shake up in an Instagram post featuring both Leclerc and Sainz sporting the colours.The Scuderia switched things up with a red and white livery at the Las Vegas GP last season too.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsBut this will be the first time they have ditched the red altogether since 1964, when it was replaced by a white and blue livery for the final two rounds of the championship.Ferrari have previously used blue on their carsCredit: Getty🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

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      FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

      “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Max Verstappen wins Chinese Grand Prix to make if four victories out of opening five races

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN won again after overcoming two safety restarts to open up a 25 point lead in the championship.The Red Bull man was otherwise untroubled as he cruised to his 58th victory while his team-mate Sergio Perez was beaten by Lando Norris.Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the Chinese GPCredit: AFPVerstappen, 26, hoists the trophy in ShanghaiCredit: AFPThe McLaren man, who is still searching for his first win in F1, was the best of the rest as he split the Red Bulls.Charles Leclerc was fourth and Carlos Sainz was fifth as the Ferrari duo failed to trouble the top three.Verstappen crossed the line nearly 14 seconds clear of Norris, a whopping margin given there were two safety cars to bunch up the pack of drivers.Verstappen, who also won the sprint race the previous day, said: “It felt amazing. The whole weekend we were incredibly quick.READ MORE IN SPORT”We survived the restarts well and the car was basically on rails and I could do whatever I wanted with it.”Those kinds of weekends are amazing to feel and to achieve what we did this weekend is fantastic.”Norris’ was crowned as the Driver of the Days in the fans’ vote, took his 15th podium in F1 as he squeezed past the Ferraris and Perez, who is second in the championship.He said: “[I am] surprised, so I’m very happy. I’m happy for the whole team, they deserved it. Good pit stops. Just today worked out.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”It was not the race I was expecting to have, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday.”And I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable. So a good day, good points, and another podium. I am so very happy.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I was surprised by many things: the lack of pace from Ferrari, our good pace, and I guess us comparing to the Red Bull which was so surprising.”I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium, so it’s a pleasant surprise.”But it shows the team have done a good job, have worked hard and it’s paying off.”I made a bet how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today. I thought 35 seconds – and I was very wrong by that.”So, I am happy to be wrong with myself, and my own bets, but a good day for everyone.”We were definitely lacking some paceSergio PerezPerez, who was upset he could not finish second, added: “Unfortunately we got the Safety Car and lost two places.”We did most of the lap on the hard and fighting like that in the early laps, the life of the tyre goes off dramatically but at least we got onto the podium. But it would have been good to be one and two.”We were definitely lacking some pace, especially on the medium compound, we struggled a bit with the balance.”We changed a lot from yesterday to today, so we didn’t read the conditions as perfectly as we could.”But overall it was a strong weekend and we understand the reasons today why the race pace was a little down.”Chinese GP results in full

      Max Verstappen
      Lando Norris
      Sergio Perez
      Charles Leclerc
      Carlos Sainz
      George Russell
      Fernando Alonso
      Oscar Piastri
      Lewis Hamilton
      Nico Hulkenberg
      Esteban Ocon
      Alex Albon
      Pierre Gasly
      Zhou Guanyu
      Lance Stroll
      Kevin Magnussen
      Logan Sargeant

      DNF Daniel Ricciardo
      DNF Yuki Tsunoda
      DNF Valtteri Bottas

      George Russell was sixth in his Mercedes while Lewis Hamilton battled back from 18th on the grid to finish in ninth place.Meanwhile, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu finished 14th and race bosses allowed him to park on the grid after the chequered flag.And the Sauber driver waved to his fans before bursting into tears after an emotional weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Verstappen was untroubled, there were plenty of battles behind with some excellent racing, albeit for the lower positions.There were safety cars first when Valtteri Bottas’s car stopped and then when Kevin Magnussen and Yuki Tsunoda tangled, sending debris across the track.Lewis Hamilton received a great reception from the Chinese fansCredit: EPA More

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      ‘That’s not nice to say’ – Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg ‘disrespected’ live on TV during Chinese GP qualifying

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      FORMER Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg was left red faced after a sly dig was aimed at him live on TV.During Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix, Rosberg was asked to analyse what the driver dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could be like in 2025.Nico Rosberg was taken aback by a comment made by Sky Sports F1’s Karun ChandhokCredit: Sky SportsIt was announced before the season that the seven-time world champion would be transferring to Ferrari from Mercedes in a move which rocked the world of F1.Kicking of his analysis, Rosberg said: “Of course we’re all looking forward to that dynamic again.”Charles doesn’t seem like someone who goes into conflict too much with his team-mate.”This prompted Sky’s F1 expert Karun Chandhok to joke: “Like you?”READ MORE IN F1Rosberg seemed to stumble over his sentence slightly before sheepishly replying back: “Oh come on. That’s not nice to say.”This came in reference to the German’s time as Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes between 2014 and 2016, when the duo butted heads when vying for the title.A friend of Hamilton, 39, from their karting days, Rosberg, 38, linked up with the former McLaren star at Mercedes between 2014 and 2015.But as they both went for F1 titles their relationship broke down, coming to a head in 2016 with a number of high profile incidents such as heated exchanges and crashes throughout the season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the clip, one fan said: “Karun ATE.”A second said: “It’s savage… he still can’t help it lol.”The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsA third added: “You can tell from Nico’s response how deeply sensitive and emotional he feels about his conflict with Lewis, even now.”Another said: “You can tell that Nico was p****d off there.”A fifth accused Chandhok of not showing Rosberg “respect”.While a sixth said: “Got him!!! 😂”Rosberg dramatically retired from F1 at the end of the 2016 season, admitting afterwards that the pressure of racing against Hamilton that season took its toll on him.On their heated rivalry, Rosberg previously said: “It [the friendship breakdown] happened immediately when we were fighting for the World Championship, not before.Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton came into conflict during the 2016 F1 seasonCredit: GettyThe pair turned from friends to enemies but Rosberg has since insisted they have ‘repaired’ their bondCredit: Getty”But that’s always the case: When you’re fighting for success in every race and for titles, it doesn’t work anymore.”It was a build-up from one race to the next. If you want to decide the world championship for yourself, you can’t play ‘love, peace and harmony’.”You have to test limits and go into grey areas to win, especially when two drivers are at such a high level. Then it often gets tight.”Despite the fractured relationship, Rosberg insists they have since “repaired our friendship” and revealed Hamilton sends a “huge box full of gifts” to her.Hamilton has since gone on to rack up a record-equalling seven world titles, but has not won a race for two years following a change in regulations that has seen Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominate.The Brit thought he had claimed sprint pole during sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lando Norris’ lap time – originally removed from the timings – was reinstated and placed the McLaren ace on pole for the sprint race instead. That came as a fire broke out on the GRASS by the track, causing two delays – one in free practice and one in SQ1.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Lewis Hamilton gives F1 retirement update and blasts people who ‘continue to talk s***’ about Ferrari move

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has hit back at those who have criticised his move to Ferrari and says people will always “continue to talk s***”.Hamilton, 39, has decided to end his contract with Mercedes early to join Ferrari for next season.Lewis Hamilton has defended his decision to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: GettyThe blockbuster switch has sparked a huge reaction within the sport, but the seven-time world champion says he doesn’t need to prove to people why he made his decision. Hamilton, who has made a slow start to the season as Mercedes continue to struggle, was quizzed ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix about the move. He said: “I don’t feel like I need my decision vindicating. I know what was right for me, and that hasn’t changed since the moment that I made the decision. “There has not been a moment where I questioned it, and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments.READ MORE IN F1″Even today, there’s people continuing to talk s*** and it will continue on for the rest of the year. And I’ll have to just do what I did the previous time.”Only you can know what’s right for you and it will be an exciting time for me.”Hamilton will be 40 when he makes his Ferrari debut in the opening race in Melbourne next season.But he says age is not a barrier as Fernando Alonso has signed a new deal with Aston Martin until 2026 that will take him past his 45th birthday.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHamilton has pointed to Fernando Alonso as an example of the longevity his career can haveCredit: GettyHamilton added: “I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good [Alonso] is still around.”Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible.Lewis Hamilton storms out of interview after Japanese Grand Prix as F1 legend slams journalist’s question”And shows the new era of an athlete, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”I never thought I would be racing into my 40s. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. But life is such a crazy trip. I don’t feel 40. I generally feel great.”Meanwhile, F1 drivers have questioned whether the Chinese GP bosses were right to paint the track surface with bitumen.The hard-wearing oily substance has been used on the track, which will host its first race in five years, much to the surprise of the teams and tyre suppliers, Pirelli.”It looks like they painted the track or they’ve done something to the surface,” said Daniel Ricciardo, who won the race in 2018.”Apparently, they’ve just painted it or something, so I don’t know how the track is going to change; if it’s going to be the same or super slippery.”Maybe that changes the way the tyres behave,” he added, “so it could also open up some things for overtaking or strategies.”Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc added: “It depends a lot on the type of paint they used. That could cause different issues or have no issues at all. I hope it’s the latter that will be the case.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For now, it’s very difficult to predict. I have only seen pictures, I haven’t gone around the track yet. I don’t think it’s the same everywhere, which might not be great.”Before adding further comments, I think we just have to drive and see how it feels.”Daniel Ricciardo is one driver who has voiced his concern over the paint on the Shanghai International CircuitCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has also spoken about the unusual trackCredit: Reuters More

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      Lewis Hamilton brutally told he’s ‘past his prime’ by former F1 star who’s still racing at 74 years old

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been brutally told he is “past his prime” by former F1 driver Michael Bleekemolen. At 74 years old the Dutchman still competes in the NASCAR Whelan Euro Series.Lewis Hamilton has been brutally told he is ‘past his prime’Credit: SplashHamilton has endured a miserable start to his final season as a Mercedes driver currently in P9 going into the Chinese Grand Prix.The 39-year-old’s rocky start to the season has sparked doubts about his upcoming transfer to Ferrari.Especially with Carlos Sainz’s impressive performances including two third-place finishes and a Grand Prix win in just three races.And Bleekemolen expressed doubt about the mentality of the seven-time world champion and does not think he will be able to compete for a World Championship with Ferrari.READ MORE ON F1Giving his verdict on Hamilton’s 2024 season to RacingNews365, Bleekemolen said: “It’s all coming together just a little bit badly. I think he’s had his best time a bit. “It’s not right between his ears either. I don’t see much good in him anymore.”Asked if the move to Ferrari will help Hamilton return to the podium Bleekemolen continued: “Maybe he’ll end up in the top two, three again, that could just happen. “It’s not going to be easy, but it would be nice. I just don’t think it’s going to happen.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe veteran racer ruled out any hopes of an eighth World Championship for Hamilton saying “no” when asked if the British driver will move ahead of Michael Schumacher in the record books.Bleekemolen who made one Grand Prix start for ATS Racing in 1978 struggled to predict what life would be like when Hamilton made a move to Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton ‘in advanced talks’ to join Ferrari as shock clause in Mercedes star’s contract emergesThe seven-time World Champ is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Maranello, one of the top qualifiers in recent F1 history and a five-time Grand Prix winner.He added: “​​Who will be number one? You often see over the course of a few races. “At the moment, Sainz is also sort of number one. It’s hard to estimate, but everyone fights for themselves in the end.“It’s the same within such a team. And they really do understand, that when you start winning races or consistently finish on the podium.”You always have an advantage over someone who only finishes fourth, fifth, sixth.”Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More