Ferrari

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mercedes make awkward Lewis Hamilton blunder at F1 testing as staff spotted hurriedly fixing error

      by

      MERCEDES made an awkward Lewis Hamilton gaffe on the first day of F1 testing.The F1 legend departed the Siver Arrows in December to join Ferrari but his ghost remains at the factory.Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari colours for the first time in testingCredit: RexIt appears some in the team are still getting used to a Mercedes without Hamilton – for the first time in 12 years.In testing at the Bahrain International Circuit a Mercedes staff member had to peel Hamilton’s iconic No44 off a generator.It is a symbolic image which shows Mercedes are very much in transition, with George Russell joined by 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli in testing.Fans reacted to the image with one saying: “This is an amazing picture. So symbolic.”READ MORE ON HAMILTONAnother added: “End of an era.”A third wrote: “Oh my gosh, they hadn’t taken it out yet…”Hamilton, 40, did not have the best start to life at Ferrari as a power cut hit the circuit.The cause of the fault is unknown as the circuit’s lighting system was also extinguished.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe race director red-flagged the session immediately afterwards and the FIA confirmed the action was taken in response to the blackout.The failure struck shortly after 5pm local time and continued for more than an hour.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing The session was scheduled to end at 7pm, with sunset due to fall at 5:40pm.The season kicks off in Australia on March 16, when Hamilton launches his bid for a record eighth world championship. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’S first day at Ferrari went up in smoke after a power cut hit the Bahrain International Circuit.The electrical connection failed in the teams’ garages and elsewhere in the paddock. F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darknessCredit: GettyThe Aston Martin area plunged into darknessCredit: AFPThe torches were out in the Ferrari campCredit: ReutersThe Bahrain circuit’s lighting system was also extinguishedCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton was keen on making a good impression for his first day at the officeCredit: RexThe cause of the fault is unknown as the circuit’s lighting system was also extinguished.The race director red-flagged the session immediately afterwards and the FIA confirmed the action was taken in response to the blackout.The failure struck shortly after 5pm local time and has continued for more than an hour.The session was scheduled to end at 7pm, with sunset due to fall at 5:40pm.READ MORE F1 NEWSWith the teams’ facilities plunged into darkness, mechanics began working by torchlight.The torches were out in the Ferrari camp, with the Aston Martin area cast into the void.Every minute that passed was bad news for the teams because they want to do as many laps as possible.Hamilton was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the office.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut his debut Ferrari testing has been hit with a bizarre roadblock.The seven-time world champ was fifth quickest in this morning’s session – with a time of 1:31.834 in 70 laps – as he made his full Ferrari test debut at an F1 event. Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Meanwhile, Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc set the fastest time of the day in his Ferrari, with 1.30.878 in 32 laps.George Russell was leaving the pits in his Mercedes when the track was suddenly went dark.Russell told Sky: “I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here.”I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realised there was no floodlights around.”It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”Earlier this morning, Hamilton was in bright and early as the second driver to arrive in the paddock, and to many’s surprise he was suited and booted in full Ferrari kit.Hamilton meant business and was so eager to get in the car that he nearly fell off the back of a golf buggy as he was dropped off at the Ferrari garage with Leclerc.The Brit’s iconic No44 has also made the switch and was seen on the side of the red Ferrari car instead of Mercedes’ black and green, where Hamilton spent the last 12 years.The number, which pays tribute to Hamilton’s karting days and his dad, has featured since he was eight as it was his dad’s car registration number.Day one of testing in Bahrain was Hamilton’s first chance to get a true feel of the SF-25 car, after the Brit and Leclerc took part in a shakedown last week at Ferrari’s home track at Fiorano.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would have been tough for him to get up to speed given the short and tight nature of the Italian circuit.Hamilton will just have 12 hours of running available to him ahead of the first race in Melbourne on March 16. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the office.The stylish seven-time world champion is known for strolling into the paddock in a couture outfit that looked fresh off the runway.Lewis Hamilton turned up in full Ferrari gearCredit: AlamyHamilton, 40, drove his new carCredit: EPABut on the first day of official testing in Bahrain, Hamilton was in bright and early as the second driver to arrive in the paddock, and to many’s surprise he was suited and booted in full Ferrari kit.He was reunited with his trusted physiotherapist Angela Cullen who was buzzing around the paddock, having left her role as Hamilton’s performance coach in 2023 after seven years together.The 50-year-old from New Zealand was also on site early and was seen delivering breakfast for Hamilton on a tray, with the Brit still following a strict vegan diet.Hamilton meant business and was so eager to get in the car that he nearly fell off the back of a golf buggy as he was dropped off at the Ferrari garage with team-mate Charles Leclerc.READ MORE IN SPORTThe Brit’s iconic No44 has also made the switch and was seen on the side of the red Ferrari car instead of Mercedes’ black and green, where Hamilton spent the last 12 years.The number, which pays tribute to Hamilton’s karting days and his dad, has featured since he was eight as it was his dad’s car registration number.In a previous interview, he said: “I always start with the No44 because that’s the number that I had on my go-kart when I was eight years old.”It was my dad’s car registration number, F44, so each year, it’s just a new chance to rise to the challenge.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe seven-time world champion is preparing for his new challengeCredit: RexHamilton ended his full testing debut for Ferrari in fifth and he was one of the first to emerge from the pit-lane with what looked like spiky armour on the outside of his Ferrari.The equipment is called an ‘aero rake’ which is a metal frame fitted with multiple sensors that teams attach to different areas of the car.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue They are usually behind the front wheels, near the sidepods, or at the rear and they are mounted temporarily during test runs to measure airflow characteristics around the car.Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz said: “I was interested to see that aero rake on Hamilton’s car on his first run, measuring what’s going on with the front wing.”It’s one of the technical talking points of the early part of the year.”Day one of testing in Bahrain was Hamilton’s first chance to get a true feel of the SF-25 car, after the Brit and Leclerc took part in a shakedown last week at Ferrari’s home track at Fiorano.It would have been tough for him to get up to speed given the short and tight nature of the Italian circuit.Hamilton will just have 12 hours of running available to him ahead of the first race in Melbourne on March 16.Most notably, he will have to get to grips with the Ferrari power unit having made the switch from Mercedes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has only driven with Mercedes power throughout his career, including during his six years at McLaren.F1 commentator David Croft added: “There will be huge attention on Lewis, as there always is. Particularly as he makes his first few laps on Ferrari power. His entire career so far has been powered by Mercedes engines.” More

    • 275 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Never going to get out of the hole’ – Max Verstappen told ‘roles have reversed’ with Lewis Hamilton ahead of F1 season

      by

      FORMER F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya isn’t convinced Max Verstappen’s dominance will continue in 2025.Red Bull driver Verstappen, 27, is hoping to win a fifth consecutive Drivers Championship this season.Juan Pablo Montoya has given his bold prediction ahead of the new F1 seasonCredit: GettyMax Verstappen is chasing a fifth consecutive F1 title this seasonCredit: GettyMontoya believes Lewis Hamilton (pictured) will dominate for FerrariCredit: RexThe Dutchman’s was pushed hard by Lando Norris last season and will now renew his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, who has moved to Ferrari from Mercedes.The seven-time world champion, 40, has penned a two-year, £78million deal with the Italian giants. Both Ferrari and McLaren went toe-to-toe with Red Bull on the track last season.And Montoya – winner of seven F1 Grand Prix races – believes Verstappen will be “no problem” for Hamilton in 2025.READ MORE ON F1The Colombian said: “Verstappen is not going to be a problem for Lewis this year. “I would be surprised if Red Bull came out to fight like in recent years”.Red Bull finished third in last season’s Constructor Standings.Verstappen won nine races on his way to a slender title win over Norris – ten fewer than his all-conquering championship season in 2023.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMontoya continued: “You just start moving sideways or even backwards. “If you keep going based on wrong principles, you’re never going to get out of the hole. And that hole can be very deep, that’s the problem. Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue “Max doesn’t like to lose, and Max is a guy who would rather crash than let himself be beaten.”We saw it at the end of last year, when he did things that surprised people. We were wondering: ‘Why did he do that?’ “When he went up against Lewis [to end Hamilton’s dominance] and took no prisoners, everyone thought: ‘Oh, great. Finally someone is standing up to Hamilton.'”Now the positions are reversed.”Hamilton will make his first Grand Prix appearance for Ferrari next month. The 2025 F1 campaign kicks off in Melbourne, Australia on March 16 with Albert Park staging its first season-opener since 2019.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.But he admitted he’d been enjoying the Italian food a little too much over the offseason.The Stevenage native laughed: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.” More

    • 288 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘I won’t fit in the car anymore!’ – Lewis Hamilton admits to eating THREE pizzas a week at Ferrari and reveals fave dish

      by

      LEWIS Hamilton fears not being able to fit into his Ferrari now that he’s eating THREE pizzas a week.The Brit, 40, has opened up on his diet since joining Ferrari and his love for Italian food.Hamilton joked that he has concerns about fitting in his car for the 2025 seasonHamilton attended a F1 event in London with Charles Leclerc and Frederic Vasseur last weekHamilton is beginning a new chapter in his career by joining Ferrari, one of the most storied teams in F1.The move ended his 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he became a seven-time world champion, clinching most of his 103 race victories and amassing his 104 pole positions.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.And the Brit has highlighted his excitement at the new chapter of his F1 career.READ MORE F1 NEWSHe said: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.'”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton has a deep-rooted connection with Italy that dates back to his karting days. He first cut his teeth in motorsport at the age of 13, racing in Italy with his first mechanic, Luca del Fante.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia This included his time with the MBM team in the Open Italian Championship in 2000 and 2001 alongside Nico Rosberg, who later became his team-mate at Mercedes.Hamilton added: “I still remember going into town with Nico every evening to buy pizza and ice cream. We ate so much pizza.”Luca, my first mechanic, and his mother always made me an incredible lasagne. “I have never forgotten that lasagne to this day.”Ferrari’s hopes are pinned on Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc, who has confirmed his contract with Ferrari beyond 2024.The pair will look to end Ferrari’s long-standing title drought since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 crown.The driver market has been shaken by Hamilton’s move, leading to changes like Carlos Sainz’s departure from Ferrari to Williams. 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

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton handed luxury watch worth £375k at Ferrari – more than 30 times value of what ex-Mercedes team-mate gets

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has been handed a new luxury watch at Ferrari worth a whopping £375,000 – 30 times more than the timepiece of former Mercedes team-mate George Russell.Hamilton stepped out with Formula One pals at the O2 Arena for the launch of their 2025 liveries.Lewis Hamilton stepped out with a new luxury watch at a Formula One eventCredit: GettyThe amazing timepiece is worth £375,000Credit: GettyThe seven-time world champion dazzled fans as he wore the famous red of Ferrari for the first time.But there was an even bigger sight to behold on Hamilton’s wrist.While talking on the microphone, a large glittering watch was clearly visible.And it turned out to be an amazing timepiece from watchmaker Richard Mille.READ MORE IN SPORTExperts identified it was none other than an RM 74-02 Automatic Winding Tourbillon.It’s worth a mind-boggling £375,000.And the watch was way more expensive than the one adorned by ex-Mercedes mate Russell.The fellow Brit showed off a Big Pilots Top Gun Edition Mojave Desert as he soaked up the atmosphere in London.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis watch is worth a tasty £10,000.But that’s still a long way off Hamilton’s exotic number.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue Former Mercedes teammate George Russell also showed off a watchCredit: SplashIt was worth a lot less than Hamilton’s at £10,000Credit: SplashSpeaking at the event, the F1 legend admitted he could not wait to drive his first race for Ferrari.And Hamilton revealed his new car is totally different to the ones he’s been driving for Merc.Hamilton said: “It’s nothing like the car that I had before, or the last 10, 12, 17 years.“It’s unique in its own. And to feel the vibration of the Ferrari engine for the first time, wow!“That’s what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.” More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

      Jack Whitehall reacts to what Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc did in F1 75 crowd as Brit legend predicts ‘trouble’

      by

      JACK WHITEHALL looked at the funny side after coming across Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc playing CHESS in the F1 75 crowd.The two Ferrari team-mates were spotted playing chess on their mobile phones during Tuesday night’s live event at The 02.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were spotted enjoying a virtual game of chess during a live F1 eventCredit: GettyClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Jack Whitehall taking it wellCredit: GettyJack Whitehall found humour in the viral social media post and joked about his hosting skillsCredit: GettyHamilton and his fellow drivers attended F1’s London launch event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary.Teams revealed their car liveries in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 fans ahead of the new season.But, with the teams appearing in reverse Constructors’ Championship order from 2024, there was plenty of time for Hamilton and Leclerc to pass as they waited for their big moment. The pair hatched a hilarious solution, pulling out their phones and starting a head-to-head battle over a game of virtual chess.READ MORE F1 NEWSClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Whitehall coming across it later.The comedian replied to a post on X: “A lot of my audiences resort to this.”Hamilton and Leclerc’s chess antics are a positive sign that their relationship is in the right place heading into the new season.The Brit previously admitted there will “definitely” be “trouble” between himself and the French F1 star.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe seven-time world champ said: “Last year, we spent a couple of evenings together during the year at a couple of different races and had some good laughs.”So I know that we’re definitely going to get into some trouble and have some fun during our time here.”Whitehall meanwhile pulled no punches as he made fun of Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff, among others, during the show.As Whitehall walked past a grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to Russell.The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.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

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Moment diehard Lewis Hamilton fan chops down TREE to get better view of Ferrari star

      by

      THIS is the hilarious moment a Ferrari fan chopped down a tree to get a better view of Lewis Hamilton.The seven-time world champion began his love-in with the Italian team when he stepped into the cockpit of their new SF-25 car for the first time in Maranello.A Ferrari fan chopped down a tree that was blocking fans’ viewSupporters cheered as the obstruction was removedHamilton waved to fans on his arrival at MaranelloCredit: SplashHe took Ferrari’s new car for a spin for the first timeCredit: SplashHamilton’s first spin sparked mayhem among Ferrari’s fiercely loyal Tifosi support.But a tree blocked the view of hundreds who visited the F1’s team base to get a glimpse of the Brit at the Fiorano circuit.One fan took matters into his own hands and was spotted making his way up a 25ft tree to chop it down with an electric saw.There were cheers from supporters as the obstruction tumbled to the ground.READ MORE IN F1Hamilton completed a quick turnaround for the 9am run, having been on stage at London’s O2 Arena the previous night as the teams unveiled their new livery.There he had spoken about how he had been “invigorated” about his challenge with the Scuderia.Hamilton, 40, also aimed a dig at his former team Mercedes by saying his new car was nothing like he had ever experienced.He said: “I’m really conscious of the fact that there are only a handful of special first times in life — the first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I honestly thought I’d had all my firsts and nothing would be new again.“Given I’ve raced for so long, even I’m surprised at just how much I still love what I do — it felt so new.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style“I remember putting my suit on, getting into the cockpit, and just the excitement I had was very reminiscent of maybe the first time I got to step in a Formula One car when I was 21 years old… 20 years ago.“But this time was different. I’ve always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red.”Hamilton has been living and breathing life in Italy having spent 12 years with Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles after first making his name with McLaren.He has been living the ‘Dolce Vita’ — learning Italian and gorging on pizza. Hamilton added: “I’ve had quite a few pizzas but somehow lost weight! I love Italian food. Penne all’arrabbiata has always been my favourite dish.”He produced a squeaky-clean run in the new car having crashed the 2024 version at last month’s Pirelli testing in Barcelona.And Hamilton claimed: “It’s nothing like the car I had before over the last ten, 12, 17 years. It’s unique.“To feel the vibration of a Ferrari engine for the first time… wow.“That’s what ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.“I had seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me.“It’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and this suit. I hope I swag it out and make it look good.”Ferrari were able to complete a 200km shakedown with the car ahead of the official pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.Hamilton added: “I had been waiting such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like such a new, uncharted journey.“It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.“I knew that I would see the Tifosi on the bridge and to finally get to Turn One and see them down there, that was amazing to see.“And meeting the team, I was blown away just by the reception and the passion of the people.“I worked with two world championship-winning teams before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know what a winning team looks and feels like.“Everyone here, the passion is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got every ingredient they need to win a world championship.” More