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      ‘I promised Lewis I wouldn’t speak to Max’ – Wolff reveals sweet Hamilton vow in chat with wife in new Drive To Survive

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      TOTO WOLFF has appeared to hint Lewis Hamilton did not want Max Verstappen as a teammate at Mercedes. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton has switched from Mercedes to Ferrari for the new 2025 season. Toto Wolff has indicated Lewis Hamilton didn’t want Max Verstappen as a teammateCredit: PAThe fierce rivals have been battling it out for almost a decadeCredit: GettyToto and his wife Susie discuss Hamilton’s Mercedes’ replacement in the new Drive to Survive documentaryCredit: GettyHamilton’s shock move is the subject of a new episode in Netflix’s hugely popular documentary series Drive to Survive. The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.He announced he was leaving Mercedes after 13 years last February, stunning the world of F1.Hamilton has previously indicated he would “100 per cent” race in the same team as any other F1 driver, per Sky Sports.READ MORE ON F1But the new conversation between Wolff and his wife Susie appears to suggest the Brit was keen to avoid teaming up with rival Red Bull Verstappen. In the clip, Wolff and Susie are on the balcony of their home in Monaco. The pair are discussing who to replace Hamilton with – and whether George Russell is good enough to become Mercedes’ lead driver. Wolff said: “Carlos [Sainz] is somebody to look at. He’s had some really good performances.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Fernando [Alonso]? I mean, race pace, racecraft is still very good.”Susie pointed out Alonso, 43, would not constitute a “new era.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing She then asks her husband: “You don’t think Max is an option?”Toto replied: “I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.”I haven’t spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn’t talk to him.”But I will have the conversation now.”After failing to land Verstappen, Wolff changed his approach. Mercedes opted for youngster Kimi Antonelli to step into Hamilton’s shoes with Russell as lead driver.Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes junior team for five years and began karting at the age of just seven.Hamilton drove his new Ferrari car in Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener in Melbourne next week. And he insists there is “no bad blood” between himself and Mercedes after the split.Speaking to TIME Magazine, Hamilton said: “There is no bad blood. “Absolutely not. We won so many championships.”They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more World Championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have no doubt.”Elsewhere on the new episode of Drive to Survive, Red Bull boss Christian Horner hit back in the wake of his sexting scandal. More

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      ‘It’s almost ready…’ – F1 chief confirms major grid change announcement is on the horizon to shake up the sport

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      FORMULA ONE chief Stefano Domenicali has claimed it is a “formality” an 11th team will be on the grid in 2026.The new F1 season gets underway next week with the Australian Grand Prix from Melbourne. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has given an update on Cadillac’s bid to be on the gridCredit: AFPThere could soon be an 11th team on the grid for 2026Credit: GettyFans are eager to see Lewis Hamilton make his debut for Ferrari following a shock switch from Mercedes.While defending champion Max Verstappen is targeting a record fifth-straight title. It was announced last year that F1 had signed an “agreement in principle” with Cadillac and parent company General Motors.F1 CEO Domenicali has now provided an update following numerous delays. READ MORE ON F1And it appears the US-based team will be lining up on the grid from next season. Domenicali said: “There is the formality that is related to the process that [is] almost ready. “Together with the FIA there has to be an update and whenever this will be ready, it should be not too long, there will be an update to formalise what basically has already happened. “So they will be ready to fight against or together with the other teams for next year.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCadillac will initially use Ferrari engines, with the team hoping to build their own power units in the future. In a statement last November, F1 confirmed they had kept a constant “dialogue” open with General Motors. Random bus enters F1 testing in Bahrain as Lewis Hamilton and Co are forced to abruptly stop It read: “Formula One has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the eleventh team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.”Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024.”Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time.”Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”General Motors remains the largest car-maker in the United States.The company was the biggest in the world until 2008 when it was overtaken by Japanese company Toyota. More

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      ‘That was my idea’ – Lewis Hamilton takes credit for major F1 rule change he’s been ‘mentioning for years’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has claimed that he told Formula One chiefs to change the Monaco Grand Prix to a two-stop race years ago.Last week, the FIA announced a significant rule change for one of F1’s most prestigious races.Lewis Hamilton appealed to F1 chiefs ‘years’ ago about making the Monaco GP a two-stop raceCredit: GettyFrom this year, it will become mandatory for drivers to make two pit stops as opposed to just one.The change has been made to “improving the sporting spectacle” of the Monaco Grand Prix.Both fans and drivers have complained about the lack of action at Circuit de Monaco in recent years.For that reason, Hamilton believes a change should have been introduced a long time ago.Read More in F1After pre-season testing last week, he said: “I’m pretty sure that was my idea anyways.”But if you go back and look at some of the transcripts of previous years, I’ve been mentioning the two stop for years.”I think Monaco has to be at least a two-stop [race]. I think the one-stop was never really great.”I think that [the Monaco] Grand Prix is a great Grand Prix, but the race… there’s more to offer in the race maybe with more than one pit stop.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Hamilton believes the change will largely improve the Monaco race, he insists it will not fix every issue.He continued: “That won’t fix it all. We’ll still see some of the issues of not overtaking and stuff, but I think it will make it more exciting. So yeah, I’m all for it.”Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleThe 40-year-old, who officially joined Ferrari in January, was seen driving the team’s new SF-25 car for the first time in testing last week.Hamilton was thrilled with his first taste of action in the car and said: “I’ve learned that you really can’t judge too much from the first outlook.”I definitely think in past years, particularly in the previous generation of car, it was much easier to know where you stood quite early on.”But I would say this is the most positive feeling that I’ve had in a long time.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton admits Italian racists made him think twice about joining Ferrari after suffering sickening abuse in past

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      LEWIS HAMILTON admits Italian racists made him think twice about moving from Mercedes to Ferrari.Italian football has been plagued with racism problems, with ex-Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku suffering sick monkey taunts while playing for Inter Milan and Roma.Lewis Hamilton has admitted he thought twice about joining FerrariCredit: AlamyThe 40-year-old has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversityCredit: AFPAnd Hamilton, F1’s only black driver, confessed: “It definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision.”It’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”Hamilton, 40, was racially abused during his days in karting and also targeted by Spanish bigots in 2008.READ MORE ON F1But now he has been fired up by F1 pundits attacking his name, like former team owner Eddie Jordan, who branded Ferrari’s decision to axe 30-year-old Carlos Sainz for the Brit as “suicidal”.Hamilton told Time Magazine: “I never reply to any of the older, ultimately white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”But Hamilton has expressed concerns over Ferrari’s lack of diversity.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn 2020, he started the Hamilton Commission to increase black representation in UK motorsport.Mercedes launched their own diversity initiative and began hiring staff from under-represented groups.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleBut Hamilton said: “Now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.”Ferrari, along with every other F1 team,  signed a Diversity and Inclusion charter in November.Yet boss Fred Vasseur said: “It’s not politically correct but first is performance. “I’m keen to go into the  direction of diversity and so on but I want to build up the best team.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton on racing until 50, slamming ‘older white’ critics and getting ‘lit up’ by Mercedes staff at paintball

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      AT the age of 40, most F1 drivers are in the slow lane to retirement.But not Lewis Hamilton, who is ready to make his childhood “dream” come true by getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car.Lewis Hamilton makes his dream come true by driving for FerrariCredit: RexAt 40, Hamilton still lives life in the fast laneCredit: Instagram / lululemonThe seven-time world champ spoke to Time Magazine about his move to the ScuderiaThe seven-time world champion fell in love with the red of the Scuderia by driving Michael Schumacher’s car in video games.Ferris Bueller’s 1961 250 GT California Spyder has always been Hamilton’s dream vehicle.But despite this, it was far from a straightforward decision when he was offered the chance to ditch Mercedes for Ferrari.Hamilton spent a few days meditating before deciding it was “the right thing for me”.READ MORE IN F1In an interview with Time Magazine, Hamilton reveals he has “never been so excited” despite nerves ahead of the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia on March 16. It would be easy for Hamilton to put his feet up and end as one of the best drivers to ever grace the sport.But Hamilton is firing back at claims he should retire and at those who have slammed his switch to Ferrari.He said: “You can’t stand still for too long. I needed to throw myself into something uncomfortable again.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar. I could be here until I’m 50, who knows.“The old man is a state of mind. Of course your body ages. But I’m never going to be an old man.”Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia There has been fierce criticism from F1 legend Eddie Jordan, who branded the Italian team’s decision to axe Carlos Sainz from their line-up as “absolutely suicidal”.Ex-Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx claims Hamilton’s move is a marketing ploy to bring the glamour back to the brand.Even Mercedes principal Toto Wolff said he believes “everyone has a shelf life”.But Hamilton said: “I’ve always welcomed the negativity. I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”Hamilton remains on good terms with the people at MercedesCredit: GettyNothing is distracting him from his dream of an eighth world titleCredit: PAWinning his eighth title is firmly in sights and nothing is distracting him during his new life in Maranello, adding: “Don’t ever compare me to anybody else.“I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey. “You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. “I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No1 priority.”Despite Wolff’s comments among others, Hamilton remains on good terms with the people at Mercedes.Even if they got their own back during their annual team-bonding paintball session when one of Hamilton’s own team-mates hilariously fired at him.He admitted: “They lit me up, hard. It was so painful.”After dusting himself down, the Stevenage-born star was all smiles with Wolff and George Russell at the recent F1 75 launch event at London’s O2 Arena.All teams unveiled their liveries ahead of the 2025 season, with Hamilton taking to the stage in red. “I’m in red, I’m like, whoa. The suit looked so good on me. I’m like, Damn. It’s a really, really special moment,” says Hamilton.Despite his pure focus on the track, his calendar is full as he manages a production company, a clothing line and he always keeps at the height of fashion.Acting could also be on the horizon for Hamilton amid his co-producer rule for the new Brad Pitt film F1.The movie hits the big screens in June and Hamilton is playing a huge role in making the film as realistic as possible.Hamilton has rubbed shoulders with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in recent years – even taking Pitt for a spin to give him a taste of being a racing driver.Top Gun and F1 director Joseph Kosinski revealed: “He gave Brad the scare of a lifetime in a lap.”Brad was clawing at the windows, begging to get out.”On Hamilton’s role in the new movie, Kosinski added: “He opened all those doors for us into that world.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We would not have been able to do this without him.”Hamilton is ready for hit to break box office records, saying: “It’s going to blow away anything that’s ever been done in Formula One before.”Hamilton is playing a key role in the new film F1Credit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton, 40, addresses relationship status in rare statement as he discusses F1 future

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      LEWIS HAMILTON insists he is still fully focused on Formula One – despite experiencing a difficult few years.The seven-time world champion, who turned 40 last month, is embarking on a brand new era with Ferrari.Lewis Hamilton insists he is still hungry to win in F1Credit: GettyHaving spent 11 years with Mercedes, he left in December to join the Italian team on a multi-year deal.Before he completed the switch, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff appeared to take aim at the Brit, suggesting: “Everyone has a shelf life.”Although Wolff later claimed the quote had been taken out of context, Hamilton was keen to respond in a recent interview with TIME Magazine.The Brit insisted that his journey has made him unique in his own right.READ MORE IN F1He said: “Don’t ever compare me to anybody else. I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport.”I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.”Hamilton also briefly touched on his life away from the track, adding: “You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me.”I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No.1 priority.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton’s most public relationship was with Nicole SherzingerCredit: GettyThe F1 icon likes to keep his personal life private for the most part.His most public relationship was with Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Sherzinger.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing After having an on/off romance that spanned seven years, they eventually called it quits in 2016.Hamilton has also been in rumoured relationships with other celebrities in the past, including Rita Ora, Barbara Palvin, Winnie Harlow and Danielle Lloyd.In 2023 he was romantically linked with Colombian singer Shakira, but their relationship never went past the friend zone.And last month he was spotted on a dinner date with actress Sofia Vergara.He was also rumoured to be in a relationship with Rita OraCredit: Getty More

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      Brad Pitt ‘clawed at window’ in terror and ‘begged to get out’ of F1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton

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      LEWIS Hamilton left Hollywood actor Brad Pitt fearing for his life while helping to produce a new F1 film. Pitt reportedly “clawed at the window” and “begged to get out of Hamilton’s vehicle” when the pair went for a drive around an LA track.Lewis Hamilton helped Hollywood actor Brad Pitt with his new F1 filmHamilton left Pitt frightened while driving around a track near LAHamilton has been working as a consultant to Pitt and his colleagues, who have been shooting a racing-themed movie – aptly called ‘F1’.The Brit has provided the directors and writers with all sorts of knowledge about what happens inside an F1 car, on the track, and in the pit lanes.The movie’s director, Joseph Kosinski, offered an insight into Hamilton’s influence in an interview with Time Magazine.He hilariously revealed that the seven-time world champion gave two-time Academy Award winner Pitt the fright of his life.READ MORE F1 NEWSKosinski said: “Lewis gave Brad the scare of a lifetime in a lap.”Brad was clawing at the windows, begging to get out.” Hamilton was also part of the casting process and offered instructive feedback for the film.Movie producer Joseph Bruckheimer said: “Hamilton’s notes were so detailed.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”‘When you’re going into that next turn, you have the car in second gear, it should be in third. I can hear it. I can hear the sound of it.'”The film, which comes out in June could deliver a jolt to the sport’s popularity, especially in the US.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue Pitt plays the role of F1 driver Sonny Hayes and was spotted in Las Vegas filming a new scene at the track last year.The legendary actor will play a character who finds himself back in action when he returns to F1 to take on the sport’s top competition.Hamilton told Sports Illustrated last year: “We [Hamilton and Pitt] went to a track in LA.”I took him out and sat in the passenger seat, and he drove. I used to be a driving coach when I was younger.”It was a way of making some money part-time whilst I was racing. So I’ve sat with God knows how many non-racing drivers. “You can tell immediately the good ones, the bad ones. Straight away, he was on it. You could tell he has it—it’s in his DNA. “He’s just not been able to hone in on it like we have, but he’s got big potential.”Hamilton, 40, will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit will be working to end Ferrari’s agony, while breaking the individual title record he shares with Michael Schumacher.The 2025 F1 season kicks off in Australia on March 16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      ‘It does feel different’ – Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit hits hard as George Russell gives insight into new season

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has admitted Mercedes does “feel different” following Lewis Hamilton’s exit.Hamilton, 40, left the F1 team for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.Lewis Hamilton has started his career as a Ferrari driverCredit: APHe has shown off plenty of his new Ferrari clothingCredit: PAFormer Mercedes team-mate George Russell has opened up on Hamilton’s exitCredit: PAThe seven-time world champion will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.He had been with Mercedes for 12 years but was keen to impress his new bosses.He turned up in full Ferrari gear on the first day of official testing in Bahrain.Hamilton’s exit has appeared to hit Mercedes hard as one staff member had to peel his No44 off a generator at the Bahrain International Circuit.READ MORE IN F1The team is now in transition, with Russell being joined by teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli.Russell, 27, opened up on the difference in the team following Hamilton’s exit at the FIA drivers’ press conference.He said: “Naturally, it does feel different, of course.”Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think everyone within the team is very much excited for this next chapter really.”As the team may look on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have that chance to be his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him but also going head-to-head with him directly for three years.”F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari Russell also insisted that Mercedes is now looking to the future and will not be lingering on the success of the past.He added: “It kind of feels like the end of a chapter but you’re looking forward to the next journey.”It’s very much for us and Mercedes. We’re looking forward and not backwards.”Russell and Co will start the season on March 16 in the Australian GP.Hamilton will be bidding to win a record eight world championships, while Max Verstappen will be aiming to win his fifth title in a row.The Brit has already shown what he is capable in his all-new SF-25.On day two of testing, he posted back-to-back fastest laps on the track.His fastest time was recorded at 1:29.379 after 45 laps.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also eclipsed Ferrari’s Q3 time from the Bahrain GP in the 2024 season.Hamilton also beat Russell’s best time by 0.399s after 71 laps.Timesheet after Day 2 morning sessionLewis Hamilton led the way on the morning session of Day 2 of testing…Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari 1:29.379, 45 lapsGeorge Russell – Mercedes +0.399, 71 lapsCarlos Sainz – Williams +0.711, 44 lapsPierre Gasly – Alpine +1.051, 40 lapsFernando Alonso – Aston Martin +1.321, 45 lapsYuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls +1.414, 46 lapsOscar Piastri – McLaren +1.442, 44 lapsLiam Lawson – Red Bull Racing +1.854, 28 lapsNico Hulkenberg – Kick Sauber +2.078, 56 lapsEsteban Ocon Haas – F1 Team +3.692, 69 laps More