More stories

  • in

    Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire

    FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.The F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010Credit: GettyThese will range from Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari, McLaren’s bid to win a drivers title for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri and how Red Bull will recover from their poor season last time out.However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.READ MORE IN F1Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – MercedesKimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: RexKimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories. This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOllie Bearman – Brit born 2005 – HaasOllie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024Credit: RexOllie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.Moment Toto Wolff gets set to break Lewis Hamilton promise in behind-the-scenes clip on Netflix’s Drive to SurviveBearman turns 20 in May but is already estimated to have a net worth of more than £1m, as estimated from figures of his firm OBR Management Ltd.He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – SauberGabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championshipsCredit: RexGabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – AlpineJack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyJack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.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 OconHe was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing BullsIsack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2Credit: RexIsack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red BullLiam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing careerCredit: GettyLiam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started. Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen’s team-mate. More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari under FIA investigation after Red Bull complain about 2025 car in huge blow ahead of F1 season

    LEWIS Hamilton’s Ferrari faces a thorough FIA investigation after Red Bull complained about it’s rear wings, according to reports. The new 2025 F1 season is set to be one of the closest title fights in modern history after a promising pre-season test in Bahrain.Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari team are under investigation by the FIACredit: AFPRed Bull technical director Pierre Wache accused Ferrari and McLaren of still using ‘mini-DRS’ design tricksCredit: RexMcLaren had already changed their rear wing designs once last seasonCredit: GettyBut FIA inspectors will head to Maranello to inspect Ferrari’s latest F1 car after Red Bull’s complaints during pre-season testing. Christian Horner’s team argued Ferrari and McLaren were using a flexible rear wing trick to gain a performance advantage.The FIA has promised to clamp down on it and run checks before the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.F1’s governing body will place rear wings under increased scrutiny at the Australian Grand Prix next weekend.READ MORE F1 NEWSRed Bull technical director Pierre Wache raised fresh concerns last week, and told The Race: “It is still going on. “I think Ferrari and McLaren are doing the mini-DRS stuff still.”The extra investigation will include cameras on the rear wings of all 10 teams, allowing the FIA to monitor any flexibility outside of the regulations.The Scuderia reject Red Bull accusations and don’t believe that they’ll face “too many problems”, according to Italian outlet FUnoAnalisiTecnica. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs it stands, all cars with wings that have passed the FIA’s static load checks are deemed to be compliant within the rules.McLaren already changed their rear wing designs once last season after complaints from their rivals. Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleRed Bull complained about McLaren’s ‘mini DRS’ rear wing trick after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a race won by Oscar Piastri. Although the design was legal, the slot in the wing appeared to open narrowly under load which created an slight advantageous effect.McLaren, who went on to win the constructors’ title, said they had “proactively offered to make some minor adjustments to the wing” after FIA talks. They also made it clear they wanted to governing body to make sure other teams were not using similar tricks.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 OconThe accusations travelled in multiple directions last term.McLaren called attention to Red Bull’s front-bib device at the United States GP. The front bib is a tool that adjusts the height of the front of a car’s floor.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut FIA officials subsequently clarified that there was no way for the drivers to alter ride height from the cockpit, which would have been illegal.Max Verstappen is the defending drivers’ champion but Lando Norris heads into the season as the title favourite with McLaren. More

  • in

    Enrico Cardile decision made as Ferrari chief blocked from starting new Aston Martin job

    FORMER Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile has been blocked from immediately starting his new role with Aston Martin following a court case in Italy.Cardile left his role at Ferrari last July to join Aston Martin as their new chief technical officer, sparking a legal dispute over when the 49-year-old could begin his new job.Enrico Cardile will be blocked from starting his role with Aston Martin until July 18Credit: GettyFerrari have now won their court case regarding Cardile’s gardening leave, meaning he can’t begin his new job until July 18.A statement released by Ferrari explained that a judge in Modena made the ruling “a few weeks ago”.It read: “With reference to the recent news regarding the timing of Enrico Cardile’s arrival at Aston Martin.”Ferrari clarifies that a few weeks ago the Court of Modena, upholding the requests of the Company, ordered Enrico Cardile to immediately cease any form of collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team until next July 18th.READ MORE F1 NEWS”In this urgent procedural phase, the Court of Modena found that our former employee was already violating the non-compete commitment with Ferrari.”Whose purpose was precisely to prevent other F1 teams from gaining an unjustified competitive advantage by hiring Cardile earlier than allowed, causing irreparable harm to Ferrari.”Aston Martin released a statement of their own, writing: “This is a matter between Enrico and Ferrari and their legal representatives in Italy, and the parties continue to be engaged in the process.”As such we won’t be making any further comment. We will make an announcement in due course.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ruling means that Cardile will now be unable to join Aston Martin’s team until long into the development of the team’s 2026 car.Aston Martin are undergoing a huge restructure ahead of Formula One’s new chassis and engine regulations for 2026.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia The British team have already announced the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey, as they look to improve on consecutive fifth place finishes in the Constructor’s Championship.Newey, who previously worked with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, began work as the managing technical partner on Monday.Aston Martin will also be powered by Honda works engines for the first time in 2026, having previously used Mercedes since 2022.Adrian Newey has joined Aston MartinCredit: Getty More

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

    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