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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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

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

    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