Mercedes-Benz

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares149 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mercedes preparing world record £128MILLION-A-YEAR offer for Max Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton

      by

      MERCEDES could break the bank with a record-breaking deal to sign F1 world champion Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Sources in Austria claim the F1 team are tabling a whopping £128MILLION-A-YEAR package to lure the three time world champion.Totto Wolf wants Max Verstappen at MercedesCredit: GettyThe Red Bull star could replace Ferrari-bound Lewis HamiltonCredit: SplashIt comes after Red Bull Racing were rocked by the news that design whizz Adrian Newey is stepping back from his role in the team.SunSport reported on Tuesday how Verstappen’s father Jos and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the Merc F1 team.That includes team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Verstappen camp have made it clear that they are assessing their options following their spectacular fallout with team boss Christian Horner.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt comes after an internal investigation where Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.Verstappen’s father said in Bahrain that Horner’s position in control of the team was ripping it apart.Horner responded that he would not stand in his driver’s way if he wanted to leave, despite having a contract worth over £40 million a year that runs until the end of 2028.It means that Mercedes however, could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWolff has made no secret of the fact that he would love to sign Verstappen and is close with the family and they both live in Monaco.He is desperate to return the team to winning ways but has so far failed to see them muster a challenge.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himHowever, Wolff knows he faces a tough task in trying to convince the driver to leave Red Bull for Mercedes.Verstappen has seen Mercedes produce three duds in succession, leading somewhat to Hamilton’s decision to quit, while Red Bull have delivered him three title-winning cars.Consequently there is a high degree of risk in making the switch, which Mercedes are hoping to acknowledge with a substantial contract that comes loaded with bonuses.Verstappen meanwhile has tried to distance himself from the speculation linking him with Mercedes.However, he is likely to come in for some questioning about his future at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen’s dad Jos to hold talks with Mercedes after Miami GP as Red Bull star lined up to replace Lewis Hamilton

      by

      SOURCES in Germany say that Max Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Verstappen’s dad, Jos, and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the F1 team; Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Max Verstappen is set to hold talks with Mercedes after the Miami GPCredit: ReutersA meeting is set to take place with Verstappen’s team and senior Mercedes figures including Toto WolffCredit: GettyWolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Verstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Christian Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.Verstappen Sr has admitted they are considering the three-time champion’s options before the 2026 regulation change. READ MORE IN F1Speaking during the Rally de Wallonie, via RacingNews365, he said: “I think everyone wants him, only I think Max is right for the moment.”He has a fast car, but we also have to look further to 2026, so we are letting everything come to us at the moment. We stay very calm and see what will happen.”WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      On talk of signing Verstappen, Wolff said in Shanghai, China: “There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining.”Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say: ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’. But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think, for simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it but maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing. The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.”I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterward. Everybody is waiting for what he’s going to do.”The Horner-storm which has surrounded the team has been cited as a key factor in reports suggesting car designer Adrian Newey could leave the team amid heavy links to Ferrari and Aston Martin.The internal power struggle at the team also saw advisor Helmut Marko placed under investigation, which is said to have left Verstappen angered and ready to leave if Marko was axed. Jos Verstappen, right, has previously hinted at his son leaving Red BullCredit: PAVerstappen threw his support behind his dad and advisor Helmut Marko when the latter’s job appeared to be threatened earlier this seasonCredit: GettyCare designer Adrian Newey is said to have been left uncomfortable following the Christian Horner storm earlier this seasonCredit: PAVerstappen said at the time: “I am loyal to Helmut. “He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”British racing icon Johnny Herbert then suggested a Verstappen-Mercedes deal was edging closer last month. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told The Sun: “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.”Nico Hulkenberg is the latest F1 star to confirm their position on the grid next season after picking up a seat with Sauber, opening the door for Haas to sign Brit teen Oliver Bearman.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

      by

      FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

      “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen wins Chinese Grand Prix to make if four victories out of opening five races

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN won again after overcoming two safety restarts to open up a 25 point lead in the championship.The Red Bull man was otherwise untroubled as he cruised to his 58th victory while his team-mate Sergio Perez was beaten by Lando Norris.Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the Chinese GPCredit: AFPVerstappen, 26, hoists the trophy in ShanghaiCredit: AFPThe McLaren man, who is still searching for his first win in F1, was the best of the rest as he split the Red Bulls.Charles Leclerc was fourth and Carlos Sainz was fifth as the Ferrari duo failed to trouble the top three.Verstappen crossed the line nearly 14 seconds clear of Norris, a whopping margin given there were two safety cars to bunch up the pack of drivers.Verstappen, who also won the sprint race the previous day, said: “It felt amazing. The whole weekend we were incredibly quick.READ MORE IN SPORT”We survived the restarts well and the car was basically on rails and I could do whatever I wanted with it.”Those kinds of weekends are amazing to feel and to achieve what we did this weekend is fantastic.”Norris’ was crowned as the Driver of the Days in the fans’ vote, took his 15th podium in F1 as he squeezed past the Ferraris and Perez, who is second in the championship.He said: “[I am] surprised, so I’m very happy. I’m happy for the whole team, they deserved it. Good pit stops. Just today worked out.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”It was not the race I was expecting to have, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday.”And I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable. So a good day, good points, and another podium. I am so very happy.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I was surprised by many things: the lack of pace from Ferrari, our good pace, and I guess us comparing to the Red Bull which was so surprising.”I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium, so it’s a pleasant surprise.”But it shows the team have done a good job, have worked hard and it’s paying off.”I made a bet how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today. I thought 35 seconds – and I was very wrong by that.”So, I am happy to be wrong with myself, and my own bets, but a good day for everyone.”We were definitely lacking some paceSergio PerezPerez, who was upset he could not finish second, added: “Unfortunately we got the Safety Car and lost two places.”We did most of the lap on the hard and fighting like that in the early laps, the life of the tyre goes off dramatically but at least we got onto the podium. But it would have been good to be one and two.”We were definitely lacking some pace, especially on the medium compound, we struggled a bit with the balance.”We changed a lot from yesterday to today, so we didn’t read the conditions as perfectly as we could.”But overall it was a strong weekend and we understand the reasons today why the race pace was a little down.”Chinese GP results in full

      Max Verstappen
      Lando Norris
      Sergio Perez
      Charles Leclerc
      Carlos Sainz
      George Russell
      Fernando Alonso
      Oscar Piastri
      Lewis Hamilton
      Nico Hulkenberg
      Esteban Ocon
      Alex Albon
      Pierre Gasly
      Zhou Guanyu
      Lance Stroll
      Kevin Magnussen
      Logan Sargeant

      DNF Daniel Ricciardo
      DNF Yuki Tsunoda
      DNF Valtteri Bottas

      George Russell was sixth in his Mercedes while Lewis Hamilton battled back from 18th on the grid to finish in ninth place.Meanwhile, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu finished 14th and race bosses allowed him to park on the grid after the chequered flag.And the Sauber driver waved to his fans before bursting into tears after an emotional weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Verstappen was untroubled, there were plenty of battles behind with some excellent racing, albeit for the lower positions.There were safety cars first when Valtteri Bottas’s car stopped and then when Kevin Magnussen and Yuki Tsunoda tangled, sending debris across the track.Lewis Hamilton received a great reception from the Chinese fansCredit: EPA More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton races around Tokyo in £260k supercar in incredible video as fans say F1 legend ‘dropped another classic’

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON left fans buzzing after sharing footage of himself racing round in an incredible £260k supercar.The seven-time Formula 1 world champion drove a 1998 Nissan Skyline R34 around Tokyo in a late-night drive back in 2022.Lewis Hamilton has wowed fans by riding round Tokyo in a stunning motorCredit: Instagram / lewishamiltonThe Brit was behind the wheel of a £260k Bayside Blue GT-RCredit: Appreciating ClassicsThe star flew around the famous Tokyo highway systemCredit: Instagram / lewishamiltonFans loved the clip that he shared on social mediaCredit: Instagram / lewishamiltonThat led to Hamilton being blasted for “speeding” and doing doughnuts in the £155,000 supercar.However, the soon-to-be Ferrari star has recently been back at it again in Japan and he had no hesitation in sharing footage of it.This time the 39-year-old Hamilton, who was today eliminated from Chinese Grand Prix qualifying in the first session, was tearing round in a Bayside Blue GT-R – a motor said to be worth just over a quarter of a million quid.The cinematic piece shows him flying around the famous Tokyo highway system and close to the Shibuya Crossing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHamilton is a little more reserved this time around compared to two years ago.Fans can see him perform a few skids and highway pulls while he captioned the footage, which was presumably shot around last month’s Japanese Grand Prix, with: “Just another night in Tokyo.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd his legion of supporters were quick to claim that he had “dropped another classic”.“These videos are hands down my favourite bits of content out of all the F1 drivers,” wrote another.Most read in MotorsportSky Sports forced to apologise for Lewis Hamilton’s four-letter outburst live on TV after F1 star’s Chinese GP nightmareA fellow fan said: “When the sequel hits harder than the . . . version originale.”“Better than any movie I’ve seen this year,” wrote another.While a fifth said: “This is sick.”The seven-time world champion will start tomorrow’s race from 18th place.He began the weekend positively by coming second in the Sprint to Max Verstappen as he said it was “the best result I’ve had in a long time.”But disaster followed for the Mercedes star in qualifying for the main race after a costly mistake when going too wide around a corner on his final lap.Hamilton swore on live TV after a poor qualifying performanceCredit: EPAHe therefore failed to improve on the time he had already set and finished in a disappointing 18th and his frustration go the better of him afterwards.Hamilton swore in a live interview with Sky Sports when he said: “I just struggled – it is what it is.“This morning, George [Russell] and I had very similar cars but this afternoon, we are trying to experiment still with car.“So I went one way, a long way, and he went the other way, just to see if we could find anything. But yeah, it didn’t work.“I’ll give it my best shot – 18th is pretty bad.”When I was making the setup changes I was like ‘it can’t get any worse, surely’. And it did. S**t happens.”Sky Sports broadcaster David Croft was forced to apologise for the bad language.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen clinched pole position and make it five out of five this season.The Dutchman is the first driver to start the opening five races of the year from the front since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Sky Sports forced to apologise for Lewis Hamilton’s four-letter outburst live on TV after F1 star’s Chinese GP nightmare

      by

      SKY SPORTS were forced to apologise after Lewis Hamilton swore on live TV following disappointment at the Chinese Grand Prix.The 39-year-old was eliminated in the first qualifying session in Shanghai.Lewis Hamilton let out his frustration after a poor Q1Credit: SplashHamilton will start from 18th in ShanghaiCredit: SplashHamilton finished in an underwhelming 18th after a blunder saw him go too wide around a corner.Speaking after his qualifying nightmare, he told Sky Sports: “I just struggled – it is what it is”This morning, George [Russell] and I had very similar cars but this afternoon, we are trying to experiment still with car.”So I went one way, a long way, and he went the other way, just to see if we could find anything.READ MORE IN F1″But yeah, it didn’t work. I’ll give it my best shot – 18th is pretty bad. “When I was making the setup changes I was like ‘it can’t get any worse, surely’.”And it did. S**t happens.”Sky Sports’ David Croft apologised for his bad language immediately.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHamilton’s poor Q1 result was called a “disaster” and “seriously painful” by former world champion Nico Rosberg.It came after Hamilton finished second in the earlier Sprint race to earn Mercedes seven points.Lewis Hamilton storms out of interview after Japanese Grand Prix as F1 legend slams journalist’s questionAfter the Sprint, he said: “Every time I have come here the crowd has been so, so supportive. “That’s the best result I’ve had in a long time. I am super happy and grateful. “Of course, we couldn’t fight the Red Bulls but this is a huge step and improvement.”I found out a lot about the car in this short stint for the race, so I’m excited for tomorrow.”We are still not as quick on a single lap as the Ferraris, Red Bulls and McLarens and perhaps the Aston Martins. “I don’t anticipate we will fight for the front row, but hopefully we will have a better qualifying session than we have had in the past.”Verstappen went on to clinch pole position and has become the first driver to start the opening five races of the season from the front since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.Red Bull’s Sergio Perez will be behind the Dutchman in second on the grid.READ MORE SUN STORIESFernando Alonso sealed third in his Aston Martin.McLaren’s Lando Norris is in fourth and Hamilton’s team-mate Russell will begin from eighth tomorrow. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘That’s not nice to say’ – Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg ‘disrespected’ live on TV during Chinese GP qualifying

      by

      FORMER Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg was left red faced after a sly dig was aimed at him live on TV.During Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix, Rosberg was asked to analyse what the driver dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could be like in 2025.Nico Rosberg was taken aback by a comment made by Sky Sports F1’s Karun ChandhokCredit: Sky SportsIt was announced before the season that the seven-time world champion would be transferring to Ferrari from Mercedes in a move which rocked the world of F1.Kicking of his analysis, Rosberg said: “Of course we’re all looking forward to that dynamic again.”Charles doesn’t seem like someone who goes into conflict too much with his team-mate.”This prompted Sky’s F1 expert Karun Chandhok to joke: “Like you?”READ MORE IN F1Rosberg seemed to stumble over his sentence slightly before sheepishly replying back: “Oh come on. That’s not nice to say.”This came in reference to the German’s time as Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes between 2014 and 2016, when the duo butted heads when vying for the title.A friend of Hamilton, 39, from their karting days, Rosberg, 38, linked up with the former McLaren star at Mercedes between 2014 and 2015.But as they both went for F1 titles their relationship broke down, coming to a head in 2016 with a number of high profile incidents such as heated exchanges and crashes throughout the season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the clip, one fan said: “Karun ATE.”A second said: “It’s savage… he still can’t help it lol.”The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsA third added: “You can tell from Nico’s response how deeply sensitive and emotional he feels about his conflict with Lewis, even now.”Another said: “You can tell that Nico was p****d off there.”A fifth accused Chandhok of not showing Rosberg “respect”.While a sixth said: “Got him!!! 😂”Rosberg dramatically retired from F1 at the end of the 2016 season, admitting afterwards that the pressure of racing against Hamilton that season took its toll on him.On their heated rivalry, Rosberg previously said: “It [the friendship breakdown] happened immediately when we were fighting for the World Championship, not before.Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton came into conflict during the 2016 F1 seasonCredit: GettyThe pair turned from friends to enemies but Rosberg has since insisted they have ‘repaired’ their bondCredit: Getty”But that’s always the case: When you’re fighting for success in every race and for titles, it doesn’t work anymore.”It was a build-up from one race to the next. If you want to decide the world championship for yourself, you can’t play ‘love, peace and harmony’.”You have to test limits and go into grey areas to win, especially when two drivers are at such a high level. Then it often gets tight.”Despite the fractured relationship, Rosberg insists they have since “repaired our friendship” and revealed Hamilton sends a “huge box full of gifts” to her.Hamilton has since gone on to rack up a record-equalling seven world titles, but has not won a race for two years following a change in regulations that has seen Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominate.The Brit thought he had claimed sprint pole during sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lando Norris’ lap time – originally removed from the timings – was reinstated and placed the McLaren ace on pole for the sprint race instead. That came as a fire broke out on the GRASS by the track, causing two delays – one in free practice and one in SQ1.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton gives F1 retirement update and blasts people who ‘continue to talk s***’ about Ferrari move

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has hit back at those who have criticised his move to Ferrari and says people will always “continue to talk s***”.Hamilton, 39, has decided to end his contract with Mercedes early to join Ferrari for next season.Lewis Hamilton has defended his decision to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: GettyThe blockbuster switch has sparked a huge reaction within the sport, but the seven-time world champion says he doesn’t need to prove to people why he made his decision. Hamilton, who has made a slow start to the season as Mercedes continue to struggle, was quizzed ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix about the move. He said: “I don’t feel like I need my decision vindicating. I know what was right for me, and that hasn’t changed since the moment that I made the decision. “There has not been a moment where I questioned it, and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments.READ MORE IN F1″Even today, there’s people continuing to talk s*** and it will continue on for the rest of the year. And I’ll have to just do what I did the previous time.”Only you can know what’s right for you and it will be an exciting time for me.”Hamilton will be 40 when he makes his Ferrari debut in the opening race in Melbourne next season.But he says age is not a barrier as Fernando Alonso has signed a new deal with Aston Martin until 2026 that will take him past his 45th birthday.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHamilton has pointed to Fernando Alonso as an example of the longevity his career can haveCredit: GettyHamilton added: “I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good [Alonso] is still around.”Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible.Lewis Hamilton storms out of interview after Japanese Grand Prix as F1 legend slams journalist’s question”And shows the new era of an athlete, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”I never thought I would be racing into my 40s. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. But life is such a crazy trip. I don’t feel 40. I generally feel great.”Meanwhile, F1 drivers have questioned whether the Chinese GP bosses were right to paint the track surface with bitumen.The hard-wearing oily substance has been used on the track, which will host its first race in five years, much to the surprise of the teams and tyre suppliers, Pirelli.”It looks like they painted the track or they’ve done something to the surface,” said Daniel Ricciardo, who won the race in 2018.”Apparently, they’ve just painted it or something, so I don’t know how the track is going to change; if it’s going to be the same or super slippery.”Maybe that changes the way the tyres behave,” he added, “so it could also open up some things for overtaking or strategies.”Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc added: “It depends a lot on the type of paint they used. That could cause different issues or have no issues at all. I hope it’s the latter that will be the case.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For now, it’s very difficult to predict. I have only seen pictures, I haven’t gone around the track yet. I don’t think it’s the same everywhere, which might not be great.”Before adding further comments, I think we just have to drive and see how it feels.”Daniel Ricciardo is one driver who has voiced his concern over the paint on the Shanghai International CircuitCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has also spoken about the unusual trackCredit: Reuters More