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      Ben Hunt: Mercedes already have work cut out for 2024 season after disastrous 2023 with Hamilton’s assessment damning

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      IT is just 95 days until the Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening race for the 2024 season, and boy do Mercedes have their work cut out.This season has been a total disaster from start to finish.
      It’s been a season to forget for MercedesCredit: Rex
      From the opening qualifying session in Bahrain, where boss Toto Wolff ordered their car design to be scrapped, to the final race in Abu Dhabi, where Lewis Hamilton delivered the bleak assessment that his only highlight from the season was the fact he “survived it”.
      Each time the team appeared to make progress, they took two steps back the next weekend.
      Hamilton and his teammate George Russell were despondent as Mercedes went without a single win for the first time in 12 years.
      This is now a hugely important time for Wolff as he tries to steer his ship back on course to challenge for wins again.
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      In the past, it would have been easier to buy their way out of trouble, committing funds to the development of their car until finding something that worked.
      F1’s cost cap means his spending is limited to that of his rivals — a figure of just $135million (£107m) for the whole season, a third of what the big teams would spend before it was introduced in 2021.
      It was encouraging at least to see no back-slapping at finishing second in the championship, having narrowly pipped perennial under-achievers Ferrari by three points.
      Somewhat worryingly, in his post-race media session in Abu Dhabi, Wolff said he could draw some optimism from McLaren, Aston Martin and Alpha Tauri, who had all made a strong finish to the season.
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      Wolff needs to find answers quickCredit: PA
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      Only, this is not a customer team like those listed above, this is Mercedes, who won eight constructors’ titles in a row.
      Wolff spoke with a frown which now appears etched across his brow and the general mood raises more fears for next season.
      For the development of their challenger in 2024 is now well under way at their Brackley HQ.
      But there seems to be nothing to brighten their spirits, no optimism, only the painful realisation of another season of woe ahead.
      This campaign has only just finished but time is already running out to be able to challenge Red Bull next season.
      I received a great deal of feedback from people working in the F1 paddock after last week’s column, where I revealed the human cost of six races in seven weeks, criss-crossing the world.
      Staff sickness was a big issue in Abu Dhabi, with Red Bull boss Christian Horner saying: “I sincerely hope that subscriptions to Lemsip are not within the budget cap. It’s been a pretty brutal regime.”
      Horner said there had been sickness in his campCredit: Splash
      LEAVING HIS DIRTY MARQ
      MARCO BEZZECCHI has blasted MotoGP rival Marc Marquez, calling him “the dirtiest rider”.
      The two collided on the opening lap of the Valencia GP, which was won by Ducati’s 26-year-old Francesco Bagnaia, who retained his title.
      Bezzecchi, 25, fumed: “Marquez decided to end my race on the third corner. He did the same as he did in Thailand with me in corners five and six.
      “So, he hit me right here in my back. It was very, very dirty.
      “I think from the view from the TV you can see very well, but it’s Marquez so they don’t do anything to him.
      “Most of the time, when the other rider doesn’t crash it’s OK. But when you make the other rider crash, at least it’s a f***ing penalty.
      “They never do anything to him — because it’s Marquez and he’s the dirtiest rider.”
      Bezzecchi raged at rival Marc MarquezCredit: Getty
      MUSICAL CHAIRES
      FRENCH driver Theo Pourchaire won the Formula Two title in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
      A fifth-place finish at Yas Island was enough to beat Danish racer Frederik Vesti by 11 points in the overall standings.
      Rules in the competition state that champions must retire from Formula Two — but with no seat in F1 available, Pourchaire faces a spell on the sidelines.
      The 20-year-old is currently a member of the Sauber Academy and serves as a test and reserve driver for Alfa Romeo Racing.
      Pourchaire earned Formula 2 victoryCredit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘views stunning £12million Los Angeles mansion’ with infinity pool, putting green and motorised windows

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has viewed a stunning £12MILLION mansion in LA.The property comes complete with an infinity pool and its own putting green.
      Lewis Hamilton is reportedly in the market for a property in LACredit: Rex
      He is claimed to have toured this mansionCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The property is worth £12millionCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The seven-time World Champion, 38, is looking at adding to his global property portfolio, according to the New York Post.
      The report claims that the Mercedes star has now toured a six-bedroom.
      The property sits on a 0.38-acre site in the Hollywood Hills near the Sunset Strip.
      Hamilton’s potential new pad has a flat back garden which is rare in its location and views of the city.
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      The building is described as “industrial-style and modern”.
      It features vaulted ceilings, wood-panel details and motorised floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
      There is also an open living and dining area as well as a cinema room.
      The main bedroom comes with a stunning double-sided fireplace and a wrap balcony.
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      The house has stunning views of LACredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The house is in the Hollywood HillsCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It has an industrial designCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      There are six bedroomsCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It has its own putting green in the gardenCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It also has a walk-in closet and a spa bath for the F1 star.
      Outside there are even more stunning features.
      The garden includes an infinity pool and an outdoor kitchen.
      There is also a fire pit and a putting green for the owner to keep up their golfing skills.
      The property is being listed by brokers Carl Gambino and John Bercsi of Compass.
      Hamilton already has properties in London, Monte Carlo and New York.
      There is an infinity pool to cool off in complete with sun loungersCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      There is an open living spaceCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      It has a lovely kitchenCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS
      The kitchen has its own islandCredit: Anthony Barcelo / COMPASS More

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      Lewis Hamilton slams F1 rival Christian Horner for ‘stirring things’ and says ‘I don’t understand what he’s on about’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has accused Christian Horner of “stirring things” after the Red Bull chief claimed he was keen to join them from Mercedes.Horner told the Daily Mail that a representative of Hamilton’s had reached out to him about joining Red Bull to work alongside Max Verstappen.
      Lewis Hamilton has slammed Christian Horner for “stirring things”Credit: Rex
      Horner had claimed that a member of Hamilton’s team had reached out to him about Hamilton joining Red BullCredit: Getty

      But the Brit driver has rubbished the claims in an interview ahead of this weekend’s season closer in Abu Dhabi.
      Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t really know where that story’s come from. I mean I know it has come from Christian [Horner].
      “I don’t really understand what he’s been talking about because no one from my team as far as I’m aware has spoken to him.
      “I haven’t spoken to Christian, really, in years. However, he did reach out to me earlier in the year about meeting up, but that’s it.
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      “I just congratulated them on an amazing year and said hopefully soon I’ll be able to fight against them in the near future – that was it.
      “So I’m not really sure, I think it’s just stirring things.”
      Hamilton had been linked with an exit from the Mercedes in recent times, but ended up agreeing a new deal with the Silver Arrows this August that will see him stay put until 2025.
      When probed further about the Horner’s claims, Hamilton doubled down on the fact there had been no talks.
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      He said: “There aren’t any confidential discussions. You know Christian, he loves that kind of stuff.”
      The 38-year-old has been struggling at Mercedes over the last two years and is now just one race away from going two seasons without a single win.
      Meanwhile Red Bull have made this year’s competition essentially a nine month long procession due to their dominance.
      Max Verstappen tied up his third consecutive World Championship in Qatar with SIX races still to go.
      The Belgian-Dutch driver has won all but three of this year’s Grand Prix with his teammate Sergio Perez winning two of the races he was unsuccessful in. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick lands job in new sport after failing to secure F1 seat for second season in a row

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      MICK SCHUMACHER will move to the World Endurance Championship to race for Alpine in 2024.The son of legend Michael Schumacher lost his F1 seat at Haas to Nico Hulkenberg following the 2022 season.
      Schumacher has landed a new job away from F1Credit: Getty
      He spent two seasons at Haas, before being axedCredit: Getty
      He is the son of seven-time F1 champion Michael SchmacherCredit: Alamy
      Schumacher, 24, is a reserve driver for McLaren and Mercedes but has struggled to get a chance behind Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
      He had long hoped to return to the F1 grid, potentially with Williams, but it looks like they will stick with America’s Logan Sargeant.
      He has therefore failed to secure a seat for next season.
      But it’s not all bad news – as the young prodigy has landed himself a new contract in a different branch of the sport.
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      The German has signed a deal with Alpine and will compete in the FIA WEC’s Hypercar class next year.
      In this format, a group of drivers form a team that races with just one car.
      In the WEC’s six- to eight-hour races, the cars are usually split between three drivers.
      Round four of the championship features the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
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      Schumacher said: “I sorely missed racing this year; it’s what I’ve loved to do since I was a kid.
      “And it was sometimes difficult to watch the other drivers take to the track.
      “Endurance racing is a new challenge for me, and I’m sure we will share great moments together next year with Alpine.”
      Schumacher took part in 43 Formula 1 races with Haas between 2021 and 2022.
      But he paid the price for a series of high-profile crashes and for failing to match the output of then teammate Kevin Magnussen.
      He is also likely to retain his role as test and reserve driver at Mercedes.
      His father and seven-time F1 champion Michael competed in endurance racing with Sauber-Mercedes before making his grand prix debut with Jordan in 1991.
      Michael has not been seen in public since his horror ski crash in 2013. More

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      Struggling Mercedes name Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Abu Dhabi GP weekend with F1 legend to miss session

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S replacement for first practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been named.Mercedes have confirmed that Frederik Vesti will take his place in the driving seat.
      Lewis Hamilton will miss first practice at the Abu Dhabi grand prixCredit: Rex
      Frederik Vesti will drive Hamilton’s car at the Yas Marina circuitCredit: Getty
      An F1 rule introduced last year requires each team to run a rookie for two practice sessions across the season.
      With the Abu Dhabi race weekend serving as the season finale, a host of young drivers are set to appear, with every team yet to fulfil the requirements.
      Vesti will be amongst those promising starlets after Mercedes confirmed he will drive Hamilton’s car.
      The 21-year-old previously took part in first practice in Mexico last month in place of George Russell.
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      He has impressed in Formula 2 for Prema Racing this year, having been a part of Mercedes’ Silver Arrows programme since 2021.
      The Danish driver is second in the F2 standings ahead of the final round at the Yas Marina circuit and could clinch the championship this weekend.
      Vesti will first appear in FP1, though, and told Mercedes’ official website: “Driving in FP1 in Abu Dhabi is another step in my career.
      “Getting my first experience of an official session on an F1 weekend in Mexico was a big moment. I learnt so much, and it was great being able to support the team and work with Lewis and George.
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      It has been a difficult season for Hamilton and MercedesCredit: Rex
      “I’m looking forward to building on that experience at Yas Marina. It’s a track I know well and that will no doubt make it easier to get up to speed in the one hour of practice.
      “I’m extremely excited to get back behind-the-wheel of the W14 for FP1 and then the post-season test. Once again, I want to say a big thank you to the team for giving me this opportunity.”
      It has been a difficult season for Mercedes, who have yet to win a race in 2023.
      Hamilton and Russell’s final places in the Drivers’ Championship have also already been confirmed, with the pair finishing third and eighth, respectively. More

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      Lewis Hamilton takes huge swipe at ‘negative’ F1 rival Max Verstappen after Las Vegas Grand Prix

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has hit out at Max Verstappen’s criticism of the Las Vegas Grand Prix saying the star-studded race was one of the best of the year.Verstappen had blasted the circus around this GP, labelling it “a show” and saying it was “99 per cent entertainment and one per cent race”.
      Lewis Hamilton has hailed the Las Vegas GP as one of the best races of the seasonCredit: Splash
      Hamilton finished the race in seventhCredit: Reuters
      The Red Bull ace had said it was more National League than Champions League and lashed out after the cringeworthy Superbowl-style opening ceremony.
      But Hamilton, a long-term supporter of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, said: “I’m really, really happy to have had a positive race and I’m really grateful the race was so good.
      “I really wasn’t expecting the track to be so great but the more and more laps you did I just really loved racing it.
      “Lots of great overtaking opportunities and I think for all those who were so negative about the weekend, saying it was all about show blah blah blah, I think Vegas proved them wrong.”
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      Hamilton said the thrilling race proves that F1 can sustain three races in the US, as Vegas joins Miami and Austin on the calendar.
      He added: “There has been criticism about having three races in the United States, and people talking about bringing back old classics from Europe.
      “But this has provided a better race than most of the tracks we go to. Hats off to the people who ran the show.
      “I cannot wait to come back and hopefully have a better race next year. I am really grateful to Vegas for having us.”
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      Verstappen went on to win the race, with Charles Leclerc finishing second and Sergio Perez third.
      But it did not go to plan for Hamilton’s fellow Brit Lando Norris, who crashed out on the third lap.
      The 24-year-old collided with the barriers at around 180mph before sliding down a straight and coming to a stop at the turn 12 run-off.
      He was taken to hospital but later discharged with no significant injuries.
      There was chaos even before the race started after two show cars leaked oil on the track, which subsequently left Verstappen furious. More

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      Verstappen wins Las Vegas GP in front of celebs including David Beckham and Brad Pitt while Hamilton only takes seventh

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      VIVA Max Vegas!It was the only certainty in the city where luck plays its part as Max Verstappen won the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
      Max Verstappen won the Las Vegas Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      Shaquille O’Neal and David Beckham headlined the star-studded VIP listCredit: Getty
      Brad Pitt looked as cool as ever at the circuitCredit: Getty
      Justin Bieber waved the chequered flag for VerstappenCredit: Reuters
      Veronika Rajek made quite the impression in her sparkling pink outfitCredit: Getty
      Rihanna was one of the biggest names enjoying the event as a Ferrari guestCredit: Getty
      Paris Hilton could not hide her smile as she walked down the pit laneCredit: AFP
      Dressed in an all-white Elvis Presley-style race suite, the world champion belted out a rendition of the singer’s hit about this gambling mecca.
      It was his 18th win of the season but this time he was made to fight for it after picking up a five-second penalty on the first lap.
      He had a running battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who started on pole and eventually came home in second place after pipping Sergio Perez on the final lap.
      The Mexican choked on the final lap for the second successive race as he was unable to hold on.
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      Verstappen, who had blasted this race as “99 per cent entertainment” said: “It was a tough one.
      “I tried to go for it at the start. I just ran out of grip, so ended up a bit wide.
      “The stewards gave me a penalty for that and it put us on the backfoot.
      “I had to pass quite a few cars and there was the Safety Car, so at that point there was a lot going on… Definitely a lot of fun.”
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      Leclerc added: “What a race! I enjoyed it so much. I’m of course disappointed to only finish second, but that’s the best we could do.
      “At the start Max on the inside lost a little bit of the grip and brought me onto the outside [of the track] but we had good pace, we passed him back, and we were really strong overall. So that was a really good race.
      “The weekend didn’t start the way it had to start but I am so happy it ended that way.
      “It’s such an incredible sport and I today is no better race than for the first race in Vegas. The energy around the city is incredible and I at least really enjoyed today.”
      Verstappen’s win means Red Bull have set a new record for the most wins in a season by a team – surpassing Mercedes’ 19 victories from 2016.
      The Dutchman has now equalled Sebastian Vettel on 53 career wins, the joint-third most on the all-time winners’ list.
      Verstappen celebrates alongside Sergio Perez and Charles LeclercCredit: Getty
      The race took place on the famous Las Vegas stripCredit: Splash
      It was a disappointing race for Lewis HamiltonCredit: EPA
      Lando Norris crashed out of the raceCredit: Rex
      It was victory No18 in a remarkable season for VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell had eventful races as Mercedes’ hopes of a return to form were ended.
      Boss Toto Wolff is under more pressure to turn the team around after a miserable two years.
      Hamilton, who had come into this weekend saying the team had learned their lessons from the Brazilian GP, was only good enough for seventh after picking up a puncture in a tangle with Oscar Piastri.
      And Russell came home in eighth place but only after serving a five-second penalty for banging into Verstappen.
      Lando Norris crashed out on the third lap after inexplicably losing control of his McLaren at high speed.
      Norris climbed from his McLaren but was taken to the medical centre for checks before being sent to the local hospital.
      Gordon Ramsay attended with his daughter Holly AnnaCredit: Getty
      Cara Delevingne opted for a green numberCredit: Getty
      Kylie Minogue posed alongside Verstappen’s Red Bull carCredit: Getty
      Amanda Sorensen was a guest at the Sports Illustrated Club SICredit: Getty
      Camille Kostek opted for a black leather outfitCredit: Getty
      Usain Bolt took in the sights and sounds of the Vegas GPCredit: AFP
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic made an appearance at the raceCredit: Getty
      MMA star Aljamain Sterling looked brilliant in a floral shirt and pastel pink suitCredit: Getty
      Nastya Swan rocked a pink dressCredit: Getty
      Rachael Kirkconnell looked glamorous in a skirt and high bootsCredit: Getty
      Colin Kaepernick kept himself warm amid the low temperaturesCredit: Getty
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino was in the houseCredit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff launches into X-rated rant in passionate defence of Las Vegas GP after practice chaos

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      MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff fiercely defended organisers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix with a passionate rant following Thursday’s cancelled practice session.FP1 lasted just eight minutes before it was brought to a halt after Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz hit a loose manhole cover.
      Toto Wolff, second from left, raged at critics of the Las Vegas Grand PrixCredit: Sky Sports
      He could not believe people were labelling the FP1 incident a ‘black eye for the sport’Credit: Sky Sports
      The track issue has led to criticism of the event – the inaugural Las Vegas race.
      However, Wolff was quick to reject that way of thinking after one reporter suggested the incident was a “black eye” for the sport.
      The Mercedes chief said: “That is not a black eye. This is nothing.
      “We are Thursday night, we have a free practice session one that we are not doing. We are going to seal the drain covers and no one is going to talk about that tomorrow morning.”
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      When pressed further on his comments, he added: “It’s completely ridiculous. How can you even dare try to talk bad about an event that sets the new standards to everything.
      “Then you are speaking about a f***ing drain cover that has been undone – that has happened before – that’s nothing. It’s FP1.
      “Give credit to the people that have set up this Grand Prix, that have made this sport much bigger than it ever was.”
      Talking directly to a journalist, he continued: “Have you ever spoken good about someone and written a good word? You should about all these people that have been out here.
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      “Liberty [F1’s owners Liberty Media] has done an awesome job and just because in FP1 a drain cover has come undone we shouldn’t be moaning.
      “The car [Sainz’s Ferrari] is broken, that’s really a shame. For Carlos it could have been dangerous. So between the FIA, the track, everybody needs to analyse how we can make sure this is not happening again.
      “But talking here about the black eye for the sport on a Thursday evening… nobody watches it at European time anyway. Come on.”
      The second practice session was delayed, but the drivers eventually got out on track as Charles Leclerc topped the leaderboard.
      Wolff’s Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, posted the ninth and 12th best times.
      It comes off the back of a nightmare weekend in Brazil for the Silver Arrows as Hamilton finished eighth and Russell failed to finish. More