More stories

  • in

    F1 star Charles Leclerc confident Ferrari are showing ‘promising signs’ to bounce back from worst finish in 40 years

    CHARLES LECLERC is confident Ferrari are showing ‘promising signs’ as they look to bounce back from last season.
    The Italian team endured their worst finish in 40 years as they were sixth in the constructors’ championship.

    Charles Leclerc is feeling confident with how Ferrari are shaping up ahead of the new seasonCredit: Reuters

    But after a winter of tweaking their car design, Leclerc says they are making improvements.
    He said: “The impressions were good again.
    “Yesterday we went through all the programme in the morning, but the conditions are very very tricky.
    “It’s very warm, and very windy, so it’s very difficult to make a comparison with last year for now.

    “And it’s all relative to the others, how much they improved compared to us.
    “But yeah, there are some promising signs, but we can’t know until the first qualifying.”
    The big issue Ferrari faced last year was their under-strength engine, which Leclerc said was also an improvement this new F1 season.
    He added: “Everything feels quite good.

    CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER – GET THE FIRST RACE FAVOURITE AT HUGE 50/1 PRICE

    “But again, it’s very difficult to comment now, nobody’s pushing everything to its limit, especially in these conditions.
    “So for now it’s early days. But everything feels good and, as I said, stacks up with what we expected.”

    Testing is underway in Bahrain as Ferrari try to bounce back from their nightmare 2020 campaignCredit: Splash News

    Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner

    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

    Ferrari 2021 F1 car labelled ‘ugliest on grid’ as fans slam green stripes and burgundy rear wing More

  • in

    Ferrari 2021 F1 car labelled ‘ugliest on grid’ as fans slam green stripes and burgundy rear wing

    FERRARI fans are in a spin after the they launched their challenger for 2021 – which features a splash of green.
    The Italian F1 team is synonymous with the colour red.

    Fans have slammed Ferrari’s 20201 car as the ‘ugliest on the grid’Credit: AFP

    Fans aren’t happy at the introduction of green stripes and a burgundy rear wingCredit: credit: © Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

    Ferrari fans are unhappy with the move away from the traditional all-red liveryCredit: credit: © Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

    But this season contains a green logo on the engine cover belonging to that of sponsors Mission Winnow, which is owned by tobacco giant Philip Morris International.
    Philip Morris, who’s major brand, Marlboro cigarettes, used to feature so heavily on the Ferrari and McLaren cars when tobacco advertising was legal.
    And fans are not happy with the new colour scheme that goes from red to burgundy at the rear, with green on the top, with some likening it to a red chilli pepper.
    One fan Tweeted: “Ferrari have made it! And by it I mean the ugliest car on the grid.

    “I don’t know what is worse: the green logo or the burgundy rear.”
    Another wrote: “You have got to give it to Ferrari! They really know how to let down the fans.”
    Despite their estimated £400million budget last season, Ferrari plunged to sixth in the constructors’ championship in 2020.
    It was the worst result in four decades, amid season-long issues with its car while Sebastian Vettel was also given the boot.

    CHELTENHAM SPECIAL OFFER – GET THE FIRST RACE FAVOURITE AT HUGE 50/1 PRICE

    The car has weak aerodynamics and was limp due to an engine rules change following a controversial FIA investigation.
    The details of that report were hushed up and kept private between the team and the FIA – much to the frustration of their rivals.
    But team boss Mattia Binotto is hopeful that the winter redesign will improve the team’s performance along with a fresh driver pairing of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
    He said: “This car was born out of last year’s car due to the new regulations so it was partially frozen, but we tried to improve it in all of its areas, wherever it was possible.
    “The aerodynamics was revised, and it has a completely new power unit.
    “Its livery has also changed, the posterior is a burgundy colour similar to the very first Ferrari racing car, the 125S.
    “It’s the same colour we used last year at Mugello to celebrate our 1000th Grand Prix. This year is going to be full of challenges.”

    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
    It is the team’s youngest driver line-up since 1968 as Sainz 26, and Leclerc 23, get to grips with their new motor at three days of testing in Bahrain starting on Friday.
    Racing Director, Laurent Mekies, added: “There’s plenty of positive energy coming from our two drivers.
    “Carlos has spent a lot of time in the factory and has integrated with the team very quickly.
    “As for Charles, he is already perfectly at home with the team: he knows what he wants and is also very aware of the role he has in the team, both in and out of the car.
    “Over the winter, we have witnessed the two guys getting on very well together and this can only be a good thing for the whole team.”
    Meanwhile, Aston Martin launched their car for 2021 earlier this month with a little help from James Bond star Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton.
    And Williams were forced to delay their virtual car unveiling after their app was hacked.
    Elsewhere, Haas were criticised after showing off their new ‘Russian flag’ livery.

    Lewis Hamilton ‘a bit grumpy’ during pre-season Sky filming and ‘seemed unhappy’ at Mercedes negotiations More

  • in

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic met girlfriend Helena Seger in angry row over his Ferrari after he blocked off her car

    HELENA SEGER has revealed she met partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he blocked her car off with his Ferrari.
    The sparky AC Milan striker set model and businesswoman Helena, 50, off with his haphazard parking skills.

    Helena Seger has revealed her first encounter with Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The Swedish striker’s Ferrari blocked off Seger’s Mercedes in a Malmo car parkCredit: Splash News

    And Helena has recalled the incident while admitting neither of them are ‘easy to live with’.
    She told Elle, via Corriere dello Sport: “He had parked his Ferrari badly in a car park in Malmo.
    “He had done so in a way that prevented my Mercedes from coming out.
    “Quite gruffly, I told him to move it right away.

    “And yes, he saw something that he liked.
    “It’s not easy to live with him, but I admit it, it isn’t with myself either.”

    Ibrahimovic watched on as AC Milan suffered another title race setback on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Swedish businesswoman Seger discussed her relationship with the strikerCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Together, Ibrahimovic and Seger have two children, sons Maximilian and Vincent.
    Talk of the pair getting married at some point was dismissed by the Swede, who insisted she does not want to be defined by her relationship.

    Helena continued: “I think I like Zlatan because I stand up to him, I too have an important background and I have built my career with a lot of sacrifice.
    “Getting married could disturb my sense of independence.
    “I don’t want to be labelled simply as the wife of a player, or the winner of a beauty contest.
    “I think people don’t know how much I have studied, worked and fought.”
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

    Ibrahimovic, 39, is a known Ferrari fan and splashed out £1.4million on a Monza SP2 for his 38th birthday.
    However the expensive motor landed him in hot water when he was fined for a cruise around Malmo – because the vehicle was unregistered.
    The veteran forward, recently criticised for sparking a row with LeBron James over the NBA icon’s political activism, was absent as Milan drew 1-1 with Udinese on Wednesday night.
    AC face his old side Manchester United in the Europa League next week but he will miss the renuion due to a groin injury.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Ex-Man Utd stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku clash in fiery Milan derby More

  • in

    F1 star Sebastian Vettel selling EIGHT supercars worth £5million including rare limited edition Ferrari Enzo

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL is having a garage clear-out like no other after putting some of his multi-million pound supercar collection up for sale.
    The four-time F1 champ has enlisted the help of supercar salesman Tom Hartley Jnr to flog the motors.

    The 2016 LaFerrari – which has his personal logo etched into the headrests – costs a cool £1.5millionCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

    Sebastian Vettel has put a stunning collection of supercars up for saleCredit: PA:Press Association

    Vettel, who will race for Aston Martin in F1 this season after being dumped by, Ferrari has put up EIGHT cars for sale, including a bespoke LaFerrari.
    Here they are in all their glory – coming in at just a shade under £5million in total.
    2016 Ferrari LaFerrari – £1.5m
    One careful owner from new. Vettel ordered this direct from Ferrari and he has looked after the 950hp sought-after motor.
    It has been regularly serviced and has just 300 miles on the clock. Finished in Ferrari red, it has his own personal logo etched into the headrests.

    It has a Nero roof, Alcantara upholstery with Rosso stitching throughout, 4-point safety harnesses, Ferrari telemetry, integrated audio system, track inner camera kit, suspension lifting system, red brake calipers, carbon fibre fog lamp, carbon fibre mirrors, carbon fibre lower part, anti-stone chipping film, sport exhaust pipes.
    Forbes valued the car at £1.5million.

    Sebastian Vettel’s logo is etched into the headrestsCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
    2004 Ferrari Enzo – £450k
    One of only 400 ever made, this Ferrari has a screaming 651hp 6.0-litre V12 engine that can easily power the car to over 200mph.
    Again, it is very low mileage for the year, just 1,100 miles have been driven in this beast.

    The car also benefits from a fantastic service history from new and Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification confirming it still retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox.
    The usual going price of the car is in the region of half a million pounds.

    One of only 400 Ferrari Enzo cars ever madeCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
    1996 Ferrari F50 – £1.3m
    This beauty was picked up by Vettel on his first season at Ferrari in 2015. He picked it up from a collector in Denmark.
    It has a 4.7-litre V12 engine that draws on the power unit in the back Ferrari’s former F1 cars. It has a full service history and stands with 4,312 miles on the clock.
    It comes complete with its flight case, hard top, roll hoops, tonneau cover, Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification binder which confirms the car still retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox.
    The car also retains its original handbooks including the very important service/warranty supplement, luggage bag, spare key, Ferrari car cover, battery conditioner and documented history file.
    The retro F50 can cost millions depending on the rarity.

    The F50 is one of Ferrari’s iconic modelsCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
    2016 Ferrari F12tdf – £725k
    Yours for around £725,000, ironically Vettel helped to launch this model in 2015.
    Finished in yellow triple layer paint it has large carbon fibre racing seats with the ‘Vettel’ logo and prancing horse embroidered on the headrests.
    Extras include a coloured steering wheel, carbon fibre dashboard, yellow rev counter, passenger display, high power hi-fi system, radio navigation and Bluetooth, integrated audio system and personalisation plate.
    The also include suspension lifting system, 20″ forged Diamond rims, yellow brake callipers, carbon fibre filter box, carbon fibre fog lamp, engine covers in carbon fibre and an engine cover.
    The cover is signed by all the technicians who worked on the car through the production and there’s also titanium exhaust pipes, carbon fibre headlight buckets, plus a parking camera.

    Sebastian Vettel is also selling his yellow Ferrari F12TDFCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
    2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale – £350k
    Maybe he is bitter about being shown the door by Ferrari, because this was the German’s order with the team.
    He requested metallic black paint, a grey racing stripe. Again it has large carbon fibre racing seats with the ‘Vettel’ logo and prancing horse embroidered on the headrests.
    A 4-point safety harnesses, Alcantara central tunnel, headliner in Alcantara, coloured steering wheel, yellow rev counter plus loads of carbon fibre add ons.
    It has an asking price of £350,000.

    The 2015 Ferrari 458 has an asking price of £350,000Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com
    2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series – £275k
    An absolute thumper of an engine, this super car is powered by a twin-turbocharged V12 engine that is said to crank out 670hp.
    This model has a carbon fibre roof.
    Only 350 ‘Black Series’ were ever produced and this particular example was gifted to Vettel after his victory at the first ever Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.
    It is expected to sell for around £275,000.

    He also has two Mercedes cars up for sale, including this black SL65Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com
    2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – £175k
    Another sporty Merc with plenty of punch thanks to a 6.2litre V8 engine.
    Painted in Magno Matte designo paint it has an AMG carbon ceramic braking system with yellow painted brake callipers and sports suspension.
    Inside, exclusive Nappa leather, AMG interior carbon fibre package, AMG performance steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen stereo.
    It will set you back £175,000.

    The 2010 SLS model is up for £175,000Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com

    2002 BMW Z8 Roadster – £175k
    Modelled on the BMW 507 used by James Bonds in the film ‘The World Is Not Enough’, the Z8 took ten-times longer to produce than a contemporary BMW as it was primarily assembled by hand.
    The most desired colour was Titan Silver metallic, of which only 1,895 examples were produced.
    Originally a US model, Vettel had this car converted to European specifications when he bought it in 2015.
    It has a £175,000 asking price.

    Sebastian Vettel also has a BMW Z8 RoadsterCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

    F1 star Sebastian Vettel makes classy tribute to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with new helmet at Eifel GP More

  • in

    Ferrari history as Maya Weug becomes first female to drive in F1 team’s driving academy aged just 16

    FERRARI have signed up teenager Maya Weug – who has become the first female to join their driver academy.
    The 16-year-old won the FIA’s inaugural Girls on Track – Rising Stars programme, that was run in conjunction with the Ferrari driver academy and the governing body’s Women in Motorsport commission.

    Maya Weung is set to make history as the first female in Ferrari academyCredit: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

    Weug clinched the spot after impressing on an evaluation day at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters last week.
    She has been given a seat to race in this year’s Formula 4 Championships.
    Ferrari boss, Mattia Binotto, said: “This is a key moment in the history of Scuderia Ferrari and its Academy, the FDA.
    “It was set up in 2019 to shape the drivers of the future for our Formula One team.

    CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700
    “Now, thanks to the partnership with the FIA in the Girls on Track-Rising Stars programme, for the first time, a female driver will join the Ferrari Driver Academy.
    “Over the course of this year, she will progress along with us.
    “She will also take part in one of the F4 Championships Certified by FIA, the category seen as the first step in single-seaters on the road to Formula One.

    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

    “Maya’s arrival is a clear indication of the Scuderia’s commitment to making motorsport increasingly inclusive, in line with the hashtag supported by the entire Formula One community, #weraceasone.”
    Weung, who was born in Spain to a Belgian mother and Dutch father, added: “It’s been my dream for so long, since I’ve started karting.
    “Being with Ferrari is amazing. Now being here and winning is unreal. It has been an amazing experience.”

    Italy star Federico Marchetti left fuming after £300k Ferrari 812 Superfast smashed up by car wash worker while training More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton offered Ferrari F1 drive… in 50-year-old car belonging to former driver Paolo Barilla

    LEWIS HAMILTON has been offered a drive in a Ferrari F1 car… from 50 years ago. Speculation has been rife around the future of the out-of-contract superstar. Hamilton, 36, has often been linked with a move to Ferrari down the years, although is expected to eventually re-sign with Mercedes. But he could end up taking […] More

  • in

    Italy ace Federico Marchetti left fuming after £300k Ferrari 812 Superfast smashed up by car wash worker during training

    ITALY star Federico Marchetti has lost his rag after his £300,000 supercar was wrecked by a CAR WASH worker.
    The Genoa goalkeeper decided to have his new Ferrari 812 Superfast cleaned while training with his Serie A club on Monday.

    The Ferrari 812 Superfast was left a mangled wreck after the worker crashed it a safety barrier

    It also struck five parked cars in the smash

    However, the employee tasked with delivering the shiny red motor to Genoa’s training base failed to handle its awesome power.
    Marchetti’s Ferrari was left a mangled mess after the worker smashed it into a safety barrier, and also struck five parked cars.
    Images show the vehicle with its front caved in as police and recovery workers attend to it.
    Fortunately the driver walked away unharmed – but Marchetti was obviously left furious about his dream motor.

    However, the former Torino and Lazio stopper did show forgiveness with a message on Instagram.
    He wrote: “I am very sorry about what happened.
    “Thank God no-one was hurt, and that is the most important thing.
    “I’ve read a lot of bad stuff written. Let’s leave it alone – I hope I won’t have to read it any more.”

    CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

    The front of the car was caved in but the driver walked away unscathed

    Italy international Federico Marchetti’s £300k supercar was wrecked by a car wash workerCredit: Getty

    The 812 Superfast is Ferrari’s most powerful sports car ever built.
    It has a top speed of over 211mph.
    Marchetti has won 11 Italy caps and played at the 2010 World Cup finals.

    Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

    Burnley vs Man Utd – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Premier League clash More

  • in

    Italy star Federico Marchetti left fuming after £300k Ferrari 812 Superfast smashed up by car wash worker while training

    ITALY international Federico Marchetti has lost his rag after his £300,000 supercar was wrecked by a CAR WASH worker.
    The Genoa goalkeeper decided to have his new Ferrari 812 Superfast cleaned while training with his Serie A club on Monday.

    The Ferrari 812 Superfast was left a mangled wreck after the worker crashed it a safety barrier

    It also struck five parked cars in the smash

    However, the employee tasked with delivering the shiny red motor to Genoa’s training base failed to handle its awesome power.
    Marchetti’s Ferrari was left a mangled mess after the worker smashed it into a safety barrier, and also struck five parked cars.
    Images show the vehicle with its front caved in as police and recovery workers attend to it.
    Fortunately the driver walked away unharmed – but Marchetti was obviously left furious about his dream motor.

    However, the former Torino and Lazio stopper did show forgiveness with a message on Instagram.
    He wrote: “I am very sorry about what happened.
    “Thank God no-one was hurt, and that is the most important thing.
    “I’ve read a lot of bad stuff written. Let’s leave it alone – I hope I won’t have to read it any more.”

    CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

    The front of the car was caved in but the driver walked away unscathed

    Italy international Federico Marchetti’s £300k supercar was wrecked by a car wash workerCredit: Getty

    The 812 Superfast is Ferrari’s most powerful sports car ever built.
    It has a top speed of over 211mph.
    Marchetti has won 11 Italy caps and played at the 2010 World Cup finals.

    Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

    Burnley vs Man Utd – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Premier League clash More