Mercedes-Benz

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 team Mercedes set to announce backing by Britain’s fifth richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe worth whopping £13 BILLION

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’s Mercedes team are expected to announce the backing of the UK’s fifth-richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
      The chemicals billionaire is understood to be confirmed as part of a three-way ownership set-up along with Mercedes and their current Head of Motorsport, Toto Wolff.

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to boost Mercedes with this backing Credit: Reuters

      The move is a boost to the F1 world champions, who currently have Ratcliffe’s INEOS firm as one of their partners.
      The announcement is with Ola Källenius, who is Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, and Wolff.
      Ratcliffe, estimated to be worth over £13billion, will add the F1 team to his company’s sports portfolio. 
      His acquisitions also include French football giants, Nice, cycling team Ineos Grenadiers and the British entrant to the Americas Cup.

      The move will also see Wolff cement his place in the team as co-owner after speculation about his future.
      However, the Brackley-based group are yet to reveal whether he will remain as Head of Motorsport after he initially said he was reconsidering his role in the team.
      Wolff, who has guided the team to seven straight titles, has previously admitted he has found his successor.
      His team have also been boosted by news that Lewis Hamilton is due to sign a new £40million contract with Mercedes in the coming days. 

      Lewis Hamilton is expected to sign new deal with Mercedes Credit: AP:Associated Press

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      The F1 giants have taken to social media in anticipation of tying the seven-times world title-winning Brit down to a new deal. 
      And Hamilton looks set to attempt to win a record-breaking EIGHTH world title in 2021 
      His bid will commence on March 21 at the start of what is expected in the longest season in F1 history.

      F1 legend Lewis Hamilton scoffs cake with his beloved pet dog Rocco More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Watch Lewis Hamilton celebrate historic F1 season by performing DOUGHNUTS as he turns attention to new Mercedes deal

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON will turn his attention to getting his new Mercedes deal done now the F1 season is over.
      The world champ finished third in the Abu Dhabi GP after Max Verstappen claimed an excellent victory for Red Bull.

      Lewis Hamilton celebrated his F1 return by performing doughnutsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Brit finished third in Abu Dhabi but had already scooped the Driver’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That’s a wrap for the season! 💨🏁Gotta say a massive thanks to my team. It’s been one hell of a year with you guys and I’m so grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together. Let’s keep making #HIS7ORY together🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/KTK7YBZQOT
      — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 13, 2020

      Hamilton pulled doughnuts in his F1 car to celebrate the end of the year, but is still suffering from the effects after testing positive for Covid-19.
      Still coughing during a post-race interview, he said he was “grateful to be alive”.
      He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been so blown. My body isn’t feeling great but look on the bright side, I made it through.
      “I didn’t think any time last week that I would be here, so, I am just truly grateful for my health and to be alive.

      “I am looking forward to recovering over the next period of time we have and being back into training and getting my body back to where I know it should be.
      “You can’t win them all, so, I think considering the past couple of weeks that I’ve had, I am really, generally, happy with the weekend.
      “It’s obviously not 100 per cent, it’s not as good as I’d perhaps have liked but congratulations to Max. That was a really hard race for me.
      “All year physically I have been fine, but today I definitely wasn’t so I am just glad it is over.”

      I didn’t think any time last week that I would be here, so, I am just truly grateful for my health and to be alive
      Lewis Hamilton

      Before Hamilton can put his feet up, he will hold discussion with Merc boss Toto Wolff over new terms.
      He is understood to have agreed wages of up to £40million for at least two years while the two are now haggling over the fine print, including media and sponsorship requirements.
      When quizzed as to when he can expect to sign the deal, Hamilton added: “Hopefully over the next couple of weeks.
      “We would love to get it done before Christmas. The plan is to be here at Mercedes next year and I want to be here.
      “Us as a team have more to achieve both in and out of the sport, so I hope we can begin talks again this week and get it tied up before Christmas.”
      Take nothing away from Verstappen’s win, but this was a dreary GP as the Yas Marina circuit served up another dullard after some excellent races in this short season.
      A total of 17 GPs in 23 weekends has been a punishing schedule for those on the road, who won’t want telling it is just 95 days until practice in Melbourne for the 2021 season opener.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Verstappen is hoping that this, his second win of 2020, bodes well for his chances of wrestling the title out of Hamilton’s hands next season.
      He said: “It is a great way to finish the season and a big boost for everyone in the team.
      “I just hope that we learn from previous years that we have to be stronger at the beginning of the season to be able to give the Mercedes drivers a little bit of a harder time.”

      Lewis Hamilton expresses appreciation for support after testing positive for COVID-19 coronavirus More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      George Russell told to forget about driving for Mercedes next year with Valtteri Bottas keeping seat alongside Hamilton

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL has been told to forget about driving for Mercedes next season as Valtteri Bottas will be keeping his seat. The 22-year-old was impressive when he filled in for Covid-hit Lewis Hamilton last weekend and was only denied a debut win for the team after a bungled pitstop. After the race, the Brit said […] More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton on track for more F1 records with Bahrain pole as Max Verstappen admits he cannot be stopped

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’S rivals have no idea how to stop him from setting more Formula One records.
      Hamilton, who has already sewn up a joint-record seventh world title, is on course to set a new benchmark for wins in a season.

      Lewis Hamilton claimed his tenth pole of the season at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: EPA

      Hamilton was unstoppable as he took pole for Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix and is now poised to win this season’s remaining three races.
      If he can do that, it would take his tally to 13 victories in 17 GPs.
      That would not only mean he levels Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher’s record for the most wins in a year, but it would give him a win percentage of 76.47 per cent — beating Alberto Ascari’s record from 1952.
      No wonder then that his nearest competitors are left feeling that the only way they can stop him winning is by locking him up in a cupboard.

      Champ Hamilton, 35, said: “I came today and I was like, let’s just have fun and enjoy it.
      “That’s the most important thing, to enjoy what you’re doing.
      “And with the pressure a little bit off, it’s a bit of a release to go and drive like I just did.
      “I have not thought that I could finish the season on 100 pole positions for my career.

      Hamilton is on course to set a new benchmark for wins in a seasonCredit: EPA
      “It has already been such an incredible year so anything from now is just an added bonus.
      “It is close between the three of us and we have some tricky races ahead of us and it is not something I am thinking about.
      “But we will get there eventually and I am pushing as hard as I can for sure.”
      Hamilton’s boss at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, praised his driver’s relentless attitude to dominate the sport, despite picking up the title in the last race.
      And Wolff also admitted for the first time that he HAS started talks with Hamilton about extending his stay with the team, with a new deal expected to be worth £40million a season.
      He added: “It is unbelievable. Lewis won the championship and is still so motivated to show these kinds of performances.
      “On the contract, we are talking, which is good. Just little initial steps but we know we have to do something before the end of the year.”
      Hamilton starts ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

      Seven-time world champion Hamilton claimed pole with a time of 1:27.264
      And Bottas was left scratching his head as to how he can better the Brit.
      He groaned: “I am trying my best — he has got the title this year.
      “I am here to win and I know that starting from second on the grid you have all the opportunities. But you need a perfect race and, for sure, we will push hard and try.
      “And I am pretty sure that is what Max is thinking as well.”
      Verstappen, who starts in third in his Red Bull, says that he cannot take the fight to Hamilton because the Brit has a superior car.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      He said: “As Lewis has shown, he is one of the best drivers in F1 but at the moment I don’t have equal chances.
      “I am pushing as hard as I can with the material I have got and sometimes it is closer and sometimes it is further away.
      “Today it was less competitive.”

      Lewis Hamilton to be awarded knighthood in New Year’s Honours after 7th F1 world championship win More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Bahrain GP: World champion Lewis Hamilton continues 2020 dominance by storming to pole in Middle East

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON continued his stranglehold on the Formula One season after taking pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix. It was Hamilton’s tenth pole of the season and he will now go in search of his 11th win of the campaign – despite having already wrapped up the title. Hamilton’s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, will line […] More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton closes door on Ferrari switch because Mercedes F1 star does not believe ‘values’ are aligned

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON will NOT drive for Ferrari in Formula One due to a clash of ‘values’.
      A record-equalling seven world titles have been won by the Brit, 35, in a career with motor racing giants McLaren and Mercedes.

      Lewis Hamilton has insisted he does not want a move to FerrariCredit: Reuters

      Many fans of the Prancing Horse would love to see Hamilton wear red before he retires from F1.
      But he is not invigorated about a potential move – despite being a ‘Ferrari fan’.
      Hamilton told GQ: “That’s not going to happen. The Ferrari thing is not going to happen… I think.
      “I’ve always been positive about Ferrari. I watched Michael [Schumacher] win there. I’ve always been a Ferrari fan.

      “I remember one of the first cars I ever bought was a Ferrari. And I think it’s a hugely iconic team and brand, particularly.
      “I think the team has, in my period of time… There have been things I’ve seen that I don’t necessarily feel mirror my values and my approach.

      “However, it is a team that every driver, I think, has dreamed of what it would be like to sit in the red cockpit.
      “No disrespect to them, but when I stop I want to work with Mercedes in helping them be even better in the outside world.

      “You know, they’ll always have beautiful cars, but how can we be a more diverse industry?”
      Hamilton, still yet to agree a new Mercedes contract for next year, has become an even greater advocate for racial diversity in motor racing in 2020.
      Regularly donning the Black Lives Matter logo around the paddock, he successfully persuaded Mercedes to adopt a black livery for the current campaign.
      After capturing his seventh world crown, he sent a heartfelt message to any youngsters watching who hoped to match his inexorable rise.
      He declared: “That’s for all the kids out there that dream the impossible. You can do it too, man. I believe in you.”
      There have been calls for Hamilton to receive a knighthood in honour of his stunning career – a prospect the champ is remaining modest about.

      Hamilton has increased his demands for racial diversity in motor racingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Mercedes man has gone toe-to-toe with Ferrari for his entire career on the trackCredit: Getty – Pool
      He added: “My granddad served in the Second World War – I’ve got all his medals – and I was so proud to see Captain Sir Tom get his knighthood this year.
      “I think the unsung heroes are the ones that deserve these things.
      “If I’m one day honoured, I don’t think it’s something I’d say no to, but it’s not an issue for me right now.”

      Lewis Hamilton reveals sickening racist abuse after British F1 legend was told ‘go back to your own country’ More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton claims he has worked harder than ever on and off track to win seventh F1 world title ahead of knighthood

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON says he has worked harder than ever this year to win his record-equalling seventh world title.
      The 35-year-old, who SunSport have revealed will be knighted in the New Year, has made this season look easy with ten wins in 14 races but says it is all down to his hard work.

      Lewis Hamilton has discussed how the coronavirus pandemic forced him to work harder for his seventh world titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Brit has spent more time at home this year due to the pandemic and has used the time to study his car’s performance and understand the multi-function steering wheel.
      Hamilton said: “People may think it looks easy, but I tell you man it’s far from it. It has taken a long, long time to be as good as I am.
      “I think I’ve always had the talent. I have probably always had the tools, but I’ve been messing around in the toolbox not knowing what to do with those tools.
      “I’ve been fine tuning them. And I think it’s just focusing on things.

      “Every year, I write down where I’m not great, as there are plenty of places I’m not great, and then ask, ‘So how do we do that?’.
      “I’m not great at communicating sometimes, so how can I do that better with the guys in the team?

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “How can I be more positive every time I come to work and be more uplifting rather than drag on people? In the car, how can I better understand all the buttons?

      “It’s a lot of studying, I’ve done more this year than I would have done last year [because of coronavirus and its restrictions on life].
      “I never understood that when I was younger, I’d just arrive and drive.
      “The amount of homework I do in the background is probably the reason you see the results that I get today.”
      Meanwhile, his Mercedes team are looking to finish the season strongly in the final triple-header as the races swing to the Middle East, starting with Bahrain this weekend.
      Boss Toto Wolff added: “We witnessed something truly remarkable at the last race in Turkey with Lewis winning his seventh Drivers’ Championship and the way in which he did it was spectacular.

      Lewis has cemented his position among the all-time best sportspeople in the world.
      Toto Wolff

      “In general, it was a difficult weekend for us as a team and a big challenge for everyone, but Lewis did an outstanding job to come from sixth on the grid to take victory and he has cemented his position among the all-time best sportspeople in the world.
      “We had some mixed fortunes as it was a tough weekend for Valtteri, but we know how resilient and strong he is. I know he will bounce back stronger in these final three races.
      “Now we look ahead to Bahrain and returning to a familiar circuit. It always presents an interesting challenge, because of the variation in track conditions and temperatures between the sessions.
      “This makes it challenging to set up the car and gather the right information when it counts.” More

    • 175 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      From knighthood to SPOTY… what’s next for Lewis Hamilton after matching Michael Schumacher’s record?

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has the world at his feet having matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles.
      The British legend is swarmed with options as his future remains bright and here SunSport looks at what could be next for the champ.

      Lewis Hamilton won his seventh world title in Turkey to match Michael Schumacher’s recordCredit: Rex Features
      New Contract

      The top priority for Hamilton, after allowing his achievement to sink in, is to get his new Mercedes deal signed.
      It is likely to be a three-year deal with earnings of around £40million a season, a similar contract to his current one that expires on December 31st.
      He will use the time over the next three races in the Middle East to discuss terms with Merc boss Toto Wolff.
      Expect less media and sponsorship days to be part of the package – as a seven time world champion, he is in a powerful position to dictate his terms.

      The top priority for Lewis Hamilton is to get his new Mercedes deal signedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Knighthood
      Hamilton was quizzed about becoming Sir Lewis. There is no doubt he would welcome a knighthood, but it is not the priority.
      He said: “When I think about that honour, I think about people like my grandad who fought in the war, or Captain Tom for what he did.
      “Or the people in the hospitals who are saving us during this hardest of times. I think about those unsung heroes.
      “I am not a hero. I am not saving anybody. It is an incredible honour that a small group of people have bestowed on them.

      “But what I can say is that I am a very proud Brit and it is a special moment to be representing a nation with the flag above your head in P1.”

      There is no doubt Hamilton would welcome a knighthoodCredit: PA:Press Association

      SPOTY
      He has won it before and missed out before.
      It is fair to assume that Hamilton’s desire to win over the British public remains as strong as it ever was.
      However, there is also an understanding that perhaps he will never enjoy universal support from us Brits.
      Perhaps we should not be surprised that an F1 star misses out on the award.
      Think of Ryan Giggs beating Jenson Button to the SPOTY Award in 2009.
      Like the Knighthood, Hamilton would no doubt love it, but he is also realistic to know that it is not the be all and end all.

      It is fair to assume that Hamilton’s desire to win over the British public remains as strong as it ever wasCredit: PA:Press Association
      Retirement
      Despite claiming to be as fresh as ever, Hamilton is planning for his retirement.
      He has made a few investments in property and, given the fortune he has amassed – estimated to be around £225million – he won’t be going hungry.
      Whichever way his career takes when he eventually does decide to retire, it is likely to be away from the F1 race track.
      He has spent 14 years in F1 so far and has previously stated that he has no interest in being a TV pundit like many others.

      Despite claiming to be as fresh as ever, Hamilton is planning for his retirementCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other interests
      Fashion remains a big one for Hamilton but we can also expect a big contribution to his aspirations with music.
      He has recently posted a lot about the work he is doing in the studio. He has only just admitted he contributed to singing vocals in Christina Aguilera’s 2018 track ‘Pipe’, appearing as the artist XNDA.
      Other projects include being a boss of his own race team.
      He has entered a team in the Extreme E racing series that will race in remote parts of the world to highlight problems with climate change.

      Fashion remains a big one for HamiltonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Lewis Hamilton wins 7th world title in Turkey to match Michael Schumacher record More