Ferrari

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 2025 prize money: How much do drivers earn for winning a race and are there any bonuses?

      by

      FORMULA 1 has always been one of the most lucrative and glamorous sports around.It attracts a worldwide audience throughout its nine-month-long campaign and with that comes huge contracts and high-profile sponsorships for the drivers.The sport travels across the globe from Las Vegas to the Middle EastCredit: ReutersThe sport boasts the biggest names in racing, including Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.The pack are rewarded handsomely for their contributions throughout a season.Like most sportspeople contracted to sports teams, F1 drivers are on deals with there respective teams with an annual salary.Hamilton’s new deal with Ferrari is said to be worth more than £50million annually in 2025 and 2026.MOST READ IN F1But do Hamilton How much do drivers earn for winning a race and are there any bonuses? Drivers don’t directly receive prize money for for winning a race, regardless of standing. Instead, they will earn a significant bonuses on top of their base salary from their team if they win.The amount varies greatly depending on the driver, team, and performance – sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars per victory.Most read in MotorsportWho earns the most? Bonuses excluded, four-time world champion Max Verstappen land Hamilton lead the pack as the highest base earners.The Red Bull superstar driver, 27, reportedly earns £50million a year – a figure similar to seven-time champ Hamilton.Hamilton and Verstappen are two of the biggest names in the sport’s modern historyCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe rest of the top five makes up of McLaren’s Norris, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Leclerc – all earning around £30million annually. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton and new Ferrari race engineer set for crunch meeting after fiery exchange at Australian GP

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON and his new race engineer will be having a bonding session ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.For 12-years all Hamilton knew at the end of his team radio at Mercedes was Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington and his famous ‘Hammer time’ call.Lewis Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after a disappointing debut race with FerrariCredit: GettyRiccardo Adami is the 40-year-old’s new race engineerCredit: GettyThe pair began working together in 2013 when Hamilton joined the team and forged one of the greatest racer-engineer partnerships in history, winning six world titles together over 12, mostly glittering, seasons.The two developed an unbreakable bond over the years with Hamilton referring to Bono as a “brother”.But that pair were ripped apart when Bono was promoted to head of race engineering at Mercedes, meaning the pair’s partnership concluded when Hamilton joined Ferrari this season.Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 40, said before his debut in Melbourne on Sunday that he will “know early on” whether or not his relationship with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami at Ferrari will work.Read More in F1Well, if the fiery exchange between the two after a Ferrari strategy blunder in the opener in Melbourne is anything to go by then it’s not looking good.Hamilton played things down after Sunday’s race and said: “We’re learning about each other, and after this we’ll download and go through all the comments, things I said and vice-versa.“Generally, I’m not one that likes a lot of information in the race, unless I need it, I’ll ask for it. He did his best today, and we’ll move forwards for sure.“I’ve learned a huge amount this weekend, there’s a lot to take away from it. And I’ve got some changes I’ve got to make for next week.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Sunday was a crash course in driving a Ferrari in the rain.”Hamilton led the Australian Grand Prix briefly but the Italian team produced a strategy blunder leaving him finishing the race in P10 as they left it too late to pit him as the rain came down.’I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crashHamilton blasted, “S***!” before apologising after not realising the radio was still on after Ferrari’s mistake.Hamilton had qualified eighth and was sassy throughout with Adami who tried to give the Brit information about DRS, but he replied: “Leave it guys, leave it.”Adami, 51, has been working with Ferrari since 2015, having previously worked with Toro Rosso.He worked as Sebastian Vettel’s race engineer and worked with Carlos Sainz in 2021 before he was replaced by Hamilton.When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked if there were communication issues between Hamilton and Adami, he replied: “It was the first race, the first time that we have to communicate between the pitwall and the car.“We can do a better job and know each other more, for sure it was not a clean one at all, the strategy was difficult and we need to find a better way to communicate between the car and the pitwall but we will learn from race one and it is not an issue.McLaren looked like the fastest car on the grid, with Lando Norris securing the win and Oscar Piastri second for most of the race before finishing in P9 after spinning off track.Max Verstappen came in second ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull boss Christian Horner has urged people not to get too carried away due to how unique the Melbourne track is.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “China is the first representative race circuit of quite a few venues. It will be fascinating to see how Ferrari performs there.“McLaren will be quick there I have no doubts about that.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Best radio exchange ever’ – Charles Leclerc leaves F1 fans in hysterics as Ferrari discover ‘water is wet’

      by

      FERRARI had a race weekend to forget during the Formula One season opener in Australia.However, a radio exchange between Charles Leclerc and his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, left fans in hysterics and did at least provide one lighter moment for the Italian team.Charles Leclerc had a stunning exchange with his race engineer during the Australia Grand PrixCredit: RexLeclerc asked if there was a leakage during the race, to which his engineer replied it ‘must be the water’Credit: GettyLeclerc snapped back ‘let’s add that to the words of wisdom’Credit: GettyChangeable conditions at the Albert Park circuit caused chaos as six cars crashed out of the race, including rookie Isack Hadjar on the FORMATION LAP before he was then consoled by Anthony Hamilton.But early on in the race, Leclerc was heard asking Bozzi about an issue he was having, sparking a stunning exchange.The Monegasque started by asking: “Is there a leakage?”Bozzi replied: “A leakage where?”READ MORE IN F1Leclerc explained: “I have the seat full of water, like full of water.”After a minor delay, Bozzi then responded: “Must be the water.”The 27-year-old then sarcastically replied: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”Fans were loving the hilarious exchange, with one saying on social media: “Following Ferrari is like watching an episode of The Office.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Charles Leclerc radio message for the history books.”Another said: “Leclerc’s comedy gold, F1’s new stand-up sensation!”Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseA fourth added: “Engineering breakthrough at Ferrari: Water is wet.”Leclerc’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton also had his own issues over the radio, lamenting engineer Riccardo Adami for giving him too much information.Ferrari also had a disastrous strategy late on during a rain shower.After leaving both Hamilton and Leclerc out on dry tyres, the Scuderia pair were both placed on the podium with Hamilton even briefly leading the race.However, the slippery conditions saw the team then pit both well after all their rivals had.This left them down in P9 and P10.Leclerc managed to get up to P8 after overtaking Hamilton and Pierre Gasly, while Hamilton finished P10 after overtaking Gasly but was overtaken by Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.X-RATED HAMILTONHamilton blasted an expletive down the radio following the strategy blunder before apologising.Speaking after the race, Leclerc said: “It was definitely a missed opportunity.“I mean, especially in those conditions, when it’s changing and you don’t have the pace, it’s there that you’ve got to score the points. – and we didn’t. “We were not fast enough at the beginning of the race when the race was kind of boring.“Once it mattered to make the right choice, we didn’t.”Hamilton, making his debut for the Scuderia, said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris despite him going off track, with Max Verstappen second and George Russell third.The drivers will have a week to regroup before the Chinese Grand Prix, which is also the first Sprint Race of the season. More

    • 300 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      Meet the stunning F1 WAGs stealing the show in 2025 – from pro golfer to racing star & top model who dated Kardashian ex

      by

      AS the Formula 1 aces took to the grid this weekend, some fans were driven to distraction by the bevvy of beauties in the paddocks.The drivers’ glamorous wives and girlfriends  tried to keep their cool at the Australian Grand Prix as the mercury hit 32C and their partners burned rubber.At the Australian Grand Prix the F1 Wags stole the showCredit: GettyAnd with a host of rookies on the track alongside veterans Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, there were some unfamiliar faces on the sidelines, too.American Hannah St John, 21, was all smiles at Albert Park Circuit, in Melbourne, as she cheered on Red Bull Racing’s rising star Liam Lawson. She joined Scot Rebecca Donaldson, 28, the girlfriend of Carlos Sainz, who was making his Williams’ debut after four seasons at Ferrari.And the Wags also live life in the fast lane, with impressive careers of their own including as a professional golfer, model and racing driver.read more on formula oneHere, Thea Jacobs takes a look at the F1 stars’ stunning other halves, who are in pole position to steal the limelight from their men . . . Isabella Bernardini & Gabriel BortoletoYOUNG love is at the races this year, in the shape of Team Sauber’s newbie driver Gabriel, 20, and his girlfriend Isabella, who is just a year older.The couple are high school sweethearts, having got together when he was 16.Isabella Bernardini is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the NetherlandsCredit: GettyIsabella and Gabriel Bortoleto are high school sweetheartsCredit: AFPMeet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student Isabella is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the Netherlands.Most read in MotorsportThe couple aren’t afraid to show off their romance online, posing together for a cute New Year’s snap in which she perched on his knee, and sharing pictures of his Formula 2 races last year.Brazilian Isabella flew in to watch her beau make his F1 debut, and she looked stunning in a white mini-skirt and blouse combo.Sadly, Gabriel was not placed in his first race of the season – but he was surely a winner with Isabella.KELLY, 36, is in a relationship with Max , 27, the four-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.She is also racing royalty, as the daughter of three-time winner Nelson Piquet, 72.Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time winner Nelson PiquetCredit: GettyKelly is expecting her first child with Max VerstappenCredit: RexSince she started dating Red Bull racer Max in 2020, the Formula E social media manager has been a regular at the grand prix.But the heavily pregnant model missed out on this weekend’s race to attend an event at swanky restaurant Kaspia London, in Mayfair.It will be Kelly and Max’s first baby together. She also has a daughter with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat.Francisca Gomes & Pierre GaslyPORTUGUESE Francisca, 22, has been in a relationship with Alpine’s French driver Pierre Gasly since 2022.She posted a sweet black- and-white snap of the pair kissing after his first outing of the season and revealed they had relaxed with a plush Italian meal the night before.Francisca Gomes has built a career as a model and influencerCredit: GettyPierre Gasly has dubbed Francisca his ‘lucky charm’Credit: AFPBeing in the paddock isn’t a new experience for “Kika” either as her father is former F1 driver Goncalo Gomes, 49.And thanks to her mum being TV presenter Maria Cerqueira Gomes, Francisca isn’t easily fazed by the limelight.She has built a career as a model and influencer, which allows her to follow Pierre, 29, around the world for his races.Which is lucky for the driver as he dubbed her his “lucky charm.”Not too lucky though, as he only took 11th place on Sunday.Eliska Babickova & Andrea Kimi AntonelliELISKA and boyfriend Andrea, 18, clearly love life in the fast lane – as they’re both professional racing drivers.She is more likely to be seen trackside this year as Andrea has been promoted to the F1 circuit and snatched fourth place for Mercedes Down Under.Eliska Babickova was the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting classCredit: AlamyEliska and Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated a year together in OctoberCredit: AFPEliksa – the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting class – will understand the nerves and determination involved when it comes to racing.Outside the sport, she has a YouTube channel with her sisters, fellow drivers Petra and Tereza, where they document their lives.Eliska and Andrea celebrated a year together in October, and while he is off racing all over the world, she is finishing high school and plans to study economics at uni.Carmen Montero Mundt & George RussellAS fans of Netflix documentary Drive To Survive will know, George loves nothing more than showing off his stunning 26-year-old Spanish girlfriend Carmen.She appears to be a good omen too, as 27-year-old British Mercedes ace George took third place in the Aussie Grand Prix at the weekend.Carmen Montero Mundt recently returned to studies after a finance job in LondonCredit: InstagramCarmen and George Russell have been together since 2020Credit: AFPThe couple, who have been together since 2020, live in Monaco.Carmen recently returned to studies after a finance job in London, but her life is worlds away from her childhood in Spain.She said: “I always wanted to work in finance. “My family struggled financially during the global crisis, and that determined what I wanted to do from a very young age.”Hannah St John & Liam LawsonHER rookie boyfriend Liam may have endured a nightmare start to his Red Bull career, but Hannah looked like a seasoned Wag as she cheered him on from the sidelines.Wearing this black halter-neck dress to the race, she later changed into a striped blue two-piece to console the 23-year-old Kiwi driver after he swerved into the wall and crashed out in Melbourne.Hannah St John graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical SciencesCredit: Avalon.redHannah was there to support Liam Lawson as he began his Red Bull careerCredit: APHannah, 23, graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She also works as a model and influencer, with 40,000 followers and partnerships including Bvlgari.The beauty flew to New Zealand last year to meet Liam’s family and followed him around the world in his last season as a Formula 2 driver.She was also there to support him last year when he replaced Daniel   Ricciardo for the last six races of the F1 season.Alexandra Saint Mleux & Charles LeclercSHE has only been dating Ferrari ace Charles since 2023, but that hasn’t stopped Alexandra winning over legions of fans and becoming the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social media.The Italian influencer – who has a degree in Art History and a social media account dedicated to her favourite pieces of work – is often seen trackside cheering on her boyfriend, who placed eighth yesterday.Alexandra Saint Mleux is the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social mediaCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has been dating Alexandra since 2023Credit: GettyShe has also started carving out a career as a model, and last month appeared in adverts for Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand.Alexandra, who has more than 1.6million followers on Instagram, often posts snaps of her pet dachshund, holidays and outfits, leading Tatler to brand her the “most stylish woman in F1” – quite the accolade.Rebecca Donaldson & Carlos SainzSCOTTISH beauty Rebecca did a few laps of the showbiz circuit before she shacked up with Williams driver Carlos in 2023.Now an established model, she started out in pageants and appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TV, and was linked to Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick.Rebecca Donaldson appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TVCredit: RexCarlos Sainz started dating Rebecca in 2023Credit: EPAThese days she is often spotted cheering on 30-year-old Carlos, who she has dated since 2023, and was seen gracing the paddock this weekend in a body-hugging grey dress.During her catwalk career, 28-year-old Rebecca has been a cover girl for Vogue and Marie Claire, and in October 2020 she launched her own activewear range, Muse.Sara Pagliaroli & Lance StrollVICTORIA’S Secret Angel model Sara and 26-year-old Aston Martin race ace Lance made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of 007 blockbuster No Time To Die.And with her bombshell good looks, the gorgeous 29-year-old Italian could pass for a Bond Girl herself.Sara Pagliaroli started modelling at 17Credit: InstagramLance Stroll and Sara made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of No Time To DieCredit: AFPSara started modelling at 17 and has worked with brands including Replay Jeans and Adria Beachwear.In 2020 she launched her own jewellery brand called Blue Lemon Jewels, and she is currently the face of clothing brand Yamamay.Lily Muni He & Alexander AlbonLILY, 25, might be known to some as the girlfriend of F1 driver Alexander, 28, but she is a sports star in her own right.The stunning brunette is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of five and currently takes part in the US-based LPGA Tour.Lily Muni He is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of fiveCredit: GettyAlexander Albon and Lily had their first date on a golf course in 2019Credit: AFPLily wasn’t there to cheer on ­Alexander as he took fifth place in Oz, but she showed her ­support on Instagram.It was F1 that brought the pair together as they began their relationship after she watched Netflix series Drive To Survive. They had their first date on a golf course in 2019.While Lily travels the globe playing golf, she does find time to cheer on Alexander during races – such as at Silverstone in 2023, when she was spotted in the paddock.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander repays the favour and has been seen ­supporting her on the green, posting about it on his own social media.These two are well on their way to taking pole ­position as a true sporting power ­couple.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crash

      by

      FANS fell in love with Lewis Hamilton’s dad Anthony after spotting his classy gesture during the Australia Grand Prix.The Formula One season opener was hit by chaos as six cars crashed out in the changeable conditions.Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar crashed out of the formation lap of the Australian Grand PrixCredit: ReutersBut Anthony Hamilton was there to comfort the tearful 20-year-old after the incidentCredit: X @SkySportsF1Fans said they were going to cry at the heartfelt gestureCredit: X @SkySportsF1Hadjar blasted his own ’embarrassing’ error but said he appreciated the gestureCredit: GettyThis included Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who after impressing with P11 in qualifying ended up crashing out on the formation lap.The 20-year-old was visibly distraught after the crash and burst into tears trackside.But when he made it back to the paddock Anthony Hamilton was there to console him. Hamilton Snr could be seen giving the youngster, two years younger than Lewis was when he made his debut, a hug as they then carried on walking.READ MORE IN F1Spotting the interaction on social media, one fan said: “No way… Honestly I’m about to cry… sorry for him..Anthony Hamilton speaking to Hadjar.”A second said: “Papa Hamilton comforting Hadjar, I’m going to cry.”A third added: “Man that made me cry… Mr. Anthony Hamilton, what a kind soul you have.”Another said: “Seeing Isack cry while Anthony Hamilton comforts him is making me wanna bawl my eyes out.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHadjar is known to be a huge fan of Hamilton, and revealed he appreciated the gesture. He revealed the words of wisdom Hamilton delivered to him, saying: “Just keep your head high. I think he knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one, he knows how tough it feels.”He came to comfort me, I think it was a really nice gesture from him. But nevertheless it feels really hard and I feel really sorry for the team.”Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixHamilton Snr was reported as saying: “When I saw what happened to Isack my heart fell. I went to him and treated him like a father.”Despite the brilliant gesture, Hadjar was bitterly disappointed with his own performance, blasting the mistake as “embarrassing”.“I just lost the rear-end of the car, these cars in these conditions, they snap so fast, and it’s unsavable, couldn’t get the grip back.“I knew it was going to be tricky, on the laps to the grid I knew it’d be tricky. I’m sorry for the team right now, my close ones watching the race… it’s just embarrassing.”The chaotic race Down Under was eventually won by Lando Norris, whose drive was described as one of his “all-time greats” by Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle.Norris had lost the lead after going off track but managed to salvage his race to edge out Max Verstappen.Meanwhile, Ferrari suffered a disaster as they pitted their two drivers late on and dropped from a double podium to P8 and P10.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton was particularly critical of the move, swearing on the radio after saying the team had “missed a big opportunity”.The stars will go again in a week at the Chinese Grand Prix. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Just leave me to it’ – Lewis Hamilton in X-rated blast at engineer after Ferrari gaffe blows Australian GP chances

      by

      FUMING Lewis Hamilton swore down his team radio after a Ferrari strategy blunder blew his chances of Australian Grand Prix glory.Hamilton had scored P8 in qualifying on his debut for the Scuderia.Lewis Hamilton swore down the radio after Ferrari’s colossal strategy blunder during a rain showerCredit: GettyHamilton had been leading the race before he had to come in to change to wet tyresCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘All-time greats’ – Lando Norris pips Max Verstappen in epic Australian GP after SIX drivers KO’d and Hamilton blunder

      by

      LANDO NORRIS won a thrilling season opener in Melbourne after SIX drivers were KO’d and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton gamble went horribly wrong.The McLaren driver held onto the lead by the skin of his teeth as Max Verstappen pulled it out the bag to finish a whisker behind him in second. Lando Norris won a chaotic Australian Grand PrixCredit: GettyNorris celebrated the win with his mumCredit: AFPNorris celebrates following his thrilling winCredit: EPANorris finished just ahead of VerstappenCredit: EPAThe wet conditions saw six cars crash outCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton had a Ferrari debut to forget as he finished P10Credit: AFPHamilton was fuming with his race engineerCredit: GettyThe other McLaren, Oscar Piastri, suffered a nightmare ending having been hot on team-mate Norris’ heels throughout before spinning off the track and onto the grass with 11 laps to go. It meant Verstappen overtook him and Piastri finished in ninth after starting the race in second after a front row lock-out for reigning Constructors’ champs McLaren.After the Piastri chaos, Lewis Hamilton was leading the race on his debut for Ferrari as the Italian team gambled by not pitting him and his team-mate Charles Leclerc.  But it did not pay off as Verstappen pitted and hunted them down on fresh tyres, forcing them into the pits for a changeover. READ MORE IN F1The fuming seven-time world champion gave his race engineer Riccardo Adami a tongue lashing, swearing on his radio after Ferrari dropped down the positions and he finished in ninth while Leclerc settled for eighth. At one point Adami was trying to give Hamilton information about DRS but he says on his team radio: “Leave it guys, leave it. I’m learning the car as I go mate, just leave me to it with the DRS. It’s not an issue.”Earlier on in the race, Hamilton asked: “Tell me where I’m slow I’m having a hard time.”British Mercedes driver George Russell made it onto the podium in third and Alex Albon came in fourth in his Williams. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTo rub salt in the wounds for Hamilton, Lance Stroll also finished ahead of him in sixth for Aston Martin. SIX drivers did not finish the drama-filled race, including Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson. ‘Shock to the system’ – Lewis Hamilton makes surprise admission about progress in Ferrari car ahead of wet Australian GPRB rookie Hadjar crashed on the formation lap before he even started and was left crying with his head in his hands before Lewis Hamilton’s dad comforted him. “Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.”Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.”Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle called it one of Norris’ “all-time great” drives.After his disappointing debut, Hamilton said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.” More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘Shock to the system’ – Lewis Hamilton makes surprise admission about progress in Ferrari car ahead of wet Australian GP

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON joked that he doesn’t even know where the wet switch is on his new Ferrari with Melbourne’s race set for rain. The seven-time world champion is struggling to get to grips with his new car as he finished a disappointing eighth in his first qualifying session of the season for the Italian team. Lewis Hamilton fears a nightmare Ferrari race debut in the wetCredit: GettyHamilton managed P8 after a tough qualifying sessionCredit: AFPHamilton spun during Q2 as he got to grips with his new machineryCredit: GettyAll eyes are on the 40-year-old as his hunt for an elusive, record eighth driver’s title kicks off in Albert Park this Sunday.  He is adjusting to Ferrari’s power unit having only driven with Mercedes power throughout his career, including during his six-years at McLaren between 2007 and 2012. Hamilton said: “Honestly, I thought I was further along than I was and then I got here. “After FP1 I was like, jeez, I’ve still got a way to go. There’s still a ton of tools and the engineers are popping up like ‘hey, what about this?’ I’ve never tried that what does it do?READ MORE IN F1“There’s one thing saying it, but actually going out and feeling it. We did some good work trying to move the car forward. “When you have a problem in the car and you come in, normally when you’ve got the experience you can say, ‘this is where I want to go with it’, but I don’t know which tool to use at the moment. “I’m heavily reliant for the first time on my engineers. They’ve done a great job, but in the past I would say, this is what I want. That setting, this setting, and I can’t do that anymore. “I don’t even know where the wet switch is really. I don’t know which buttons I’m going to switch towards tomorrow. So, that’s going to be new.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc only managed one place better in seventh despite looking strong in the practice sessions. It is 1-0 to the Monegasque in their qualifying head-to-head, with Leclerc out-qualifying his new team-mate by two tenths of a second in the end. Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseHamilton added: “It’s going to be for the first time in the wet, in an uncomfortable position in this car. “I think it’s going to be a shock to the system when I get out there, but I’m going to be learning on the fly, and just giving it everything.“We’re just improving every single lap, session on session. Big learning curve this weekend. “The car was so much different from the moment I left the pit lane just feeling so much different than I’ve ever experienced here.”It’s been a much slower process to really build confidence in the car. If you look at the high speed everywhere, I’ve been down all weekend.“Charles just had it from the get go. From the minute he went out, he knew what the car does. For me, I was just building up to that through the weekend.”F1 Australia results1. Lando Norris (McLaren)2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)4. George Russell (Mercedes)5. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)6. Alex Albon (Williams)7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)11. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)14. Jack Doohan (Alpine)15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)16. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)17. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)18. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)20. Oliver Bearman (Haas) More