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      We used to beat Lewis Hamilton in karting as kids but there are two reasons he made it to F1 and we didn’t

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is arguably the best Formula One driver of all time, but during his karting days he was given a run for his money.Mike Spencer and Chris Rogers were two up-and-coming drivers hoping to reach the pinnacle of motorsport alongside Hamilton.
      Lewis Hamilton pictured karting in 1997Credit: Rex
      There are two main reasons he made it to F1 while his close rivals did notCredit: Rex Features
      The trio learned their trade at Rye House Kart Raceway in Hertfordshire, with all three earning championship titles in the British cadet karting championship.
      Hamilton won the 1995 edition, before coming sixth a year later when Rogers won the title, while Spencer won his own title two-years earlier.
      However, despite Rogers and Spencer’s ability to go toe-to-toe with Hamilton, they believe there are two main reasons behind his rise and them being left behind.
      These being: funding and relationships.
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      While the early 2000s could allow a parent and child duo to make do, the modern day sees some spend as much as £250,000 a year on getting their kid through karting.
      Speaking to The Times, Rogers explained: “I probably needed £150,000 a year. [But] I went in with £30,000.”
      Being the same age as Hamilton, Rogers raced him more than Spencer, and Rogers also came out on top once again in 1998.
      But when Hamilton was 10 he met McLaren founder Ron Dennis at the annual Autosport awards dinner after winning the 1995 championship.
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      From there, Dennis’ sponsorship of Hamilton allowed him to continue pursuing his dream, which would eventually yield seven F1 world titles, including McLaren’s most recent success.
      Spencer, whose career ended fighting Hamilton in 2003, recalls a similar situation in Formula Renault.
      His last race with Hamilton saw him record the fastest lap but come second to Hamilton, who went on to win 10 of the 15 races that season.
      Spencer said: “The issue with Formula Renault is that if you’re not with the right team, you don’t win the races, and if you don’t win the races, you are forgotten quite quickly.”
      He had finished eighth overall that year, having suffered too many DNF’s (did not finish classifications) to make a serious impression.
      Hamilton’s ability to cultivate such relationships ended up being key to his early success too.
      Hamilton is hoping to get back to winning ways this seasonCredit: AFP
      He added: “Basically you have to be a bit of an animal out on the track and then an absolute gentleman when you’re not.
      “I’m from Essex and that’s how I sound. I speak the way I speak and I am the way I am.
      “I am very much black and white, up front as a person. I’ll always say what I think. Unfortunately, that’s not always the right thing.”
      Kevin O’Malley, one of the co-owners of the Rye House track, detailed how the tutorship of Dennis helped Hamilton, while the lack of a mentor to Spencer hindered his ability to carry on.
      He said: “There wasn’t anyone mentoring Mike. Lewis had Ron Dennis.”
      Not that the opportunity never presented itself.
      Two years earlier, Spencer met the likes of Keke Rosberg, Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell after winning the Cadet championship.
      Read More on The Sun
      But he was not fortunate enough to garner any sponsorships from them, consequently showing how simple circumstance can make or break a young drivers aspirations.
      Alas, Hamilton is now eyeing an eighth world title, reaffirming his desire to “fight” for his F1 future amid rumours of his retirement. More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals how his Mercedes compares to rivals Red Bull ahead of F1 opener after being dominated last year

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      FRUSTRATED   Lewis   Hamilton admits his Mercedes F1 car is lagging even further behind Max Verstappen’s  all-conquering Red Bull than it was last year.And he fears his machine’s controversial slim design — without the sidepods designed to channel the airflow — means he might NOT be able to close  the gap.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton admits his Mercedes car is lagging even more this seasonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton failed to win a single Grand Prix in 2022 — the first winless season in his illustrious career.
      And Britain’s seven-time world champion was again left for dust in the desert.
      After finishing a lowly eighth in practice for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “The gap wasn’t as big last season as it is now.
      “We found out we’re a long way off. We knew that a little bit in the test but it’s a big gap.
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      “Do I believe we can close the gap at some stage? Yes. But it’s quite hard with the concept we have.
      “It’s going to be milliseconds, not ­closing the gap of a second.”
      Hamilton, 38, had hoped his Merc ­engineers had designed a better 2023 car that would put him back into contention for a record-breaking eighth world title.
      But while last year’s “undriveable” bouncing issues have been cured, his car is much slower than his main rivals’.
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      The Brit continued: “We’ll continue to tweak little bits here and there but it’ll be small bits.
      “It’s difficult for everybody, and not where anyone at the team wants to be, or where everyone at the team deserves to be, but we’re just on the wrong track.
      “There was good progress through last year but the gap wasn’t as big as it is now.”
       Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell was even further adrift in 13th spot while Fernando Alonso rolled back the years and was quickest in his Aston Martin.
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      Red Bull star Max Verstappen dominated Formula One last seasonCredit: Reuters
      Alonso, 41, has joined the team for this season and set a faster time than world champion Verstappen, who was second-quickest.
      Alonso, who last won a race at the 2013 Spanish GP when he was driving for  Ferrari, continued the hype surrounding Aston’s car for this season.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton had earlier escaped punishment for another piercing and was granted special permission to race on medical grounds.
      Last year he had fallen foul of an FIA ruling that outlaws  drivers from wearing jewellery under their race suits before being granted an exemption for a nose stud.
      But he now has a second piercing, in his left nostril, and that triggered another breach of the rules.
      However, he successfully argued that by removing the offending stud, he would be at risk of “disfigurement”.
      Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton didn’t win a single Grand Prix last seasonCredit: Getty
      A statement from the FIA said: “The stewards ­consulted the FIA medical delegate, who viewed the report, examined the driver and concurred with the ­opinion.
      “We have determined to take no further action as there are concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device.”
      His Mercedes team have also snapped up a former Red Bull employee to become their team’s new special adviser.
      Red Bull’s ex-HR director Jayne Poole had been Christian Horner’s confidante for years but has been signed to work with ­Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and oversee team infrastructure.
      Read More on The Sun
      She could fill a similar role held by Shaila-Ann Rao, the  lawyer who left Mercedes to join the governing body last year.
      Rao has since left the FIA but was a central figure in the cost-cap ruling that saw Red Bull punished for breaching the spend limit. More

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      Formula One drivers rich list revealed ahead of Bahrain GP – including racer linked to eye-watering £2.4billion fortune

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      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world – so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast an eye-watering bank balance.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez certainly enjoy life in the fast lane – with supercar collections, huge mansions and luxury holidays.
      Forumula 1 returns this weekend with 20 drivers vying for supremacy on the gridCredit: Getty
      This weekend sees the 2023 Formula 1 rev into gear, with 20 drivers set to battle it out for supremacy on the grid.
      Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, we reveal the 10 drivers at the top of the rich list.
      Lewis Hamilton – £270.9m
      Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lewis is currently F1’s highest-paid driver – his contract with Mercedes nets him £41.6million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9m.
      Lewis Hamilton is the richest F1 racer on the grid right nowCredit: PA
      The seven-time champion is worth £270.9m and owns several propertiesCredit: Instagram
      The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.
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      Hertfordshire-born Lewis is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.
      Planet F1 reports he has an impressive private collection of supercars worth over £13million, including a Pagani Zonda, a Mercedes-AMG Project One, and a Ferrari LaFerrari, among others.
      Lewis also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.
      Fernando Alonso – £216m
      Fernando Alonso has competing since 2001 and shows no signs of slowing downCredit: EPA
      The 41-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram
      Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 41, has shown no signs of slowing down since his debut back in 2001.
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      This season the Spanish star has signed a new deal with Aston Martin believed to be worth around £17.8million.
      He also has several sponsorship deals and owns the clothing brand Kimoa.
      Savvy Alonso has also invested in private companies, said to reap him incredible rewards.
      Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 that have been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain, reports the Express.
      The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.
      Max Verstappen – £75m
      Max signed a new deal with Red Bull last year, bringing his salary up to $50m a yearCredit: Reuters
      He is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard BransonCredit: Instagram
      Reigning champion Max Verstappen has been competing in Formula 1 since 2015 and signed a new five-year contract with Red Bull last year, reportedly worth £41.6million.
      This makes him the joint-highest paid racer on the grid alongside Hamilton.
      Max also benefits from lucrative deals from the likes of G-Star RAW, Red Bull, and EA Sports.
      As he’s only 25, industry experts predict his estimated £75m fortune will soar in the coming years.
      Max is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard Branson worth £11million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.
      Sergio Perez – £62.4m
      Sergio is worth over £62.4 and owns a huge property in MexicoCredit: Getty
      He lives a luxurious lifestyle of private jets and lavish holidaysCredit: Instagram
      Sergio, 33, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.
      His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £8.3million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.
      The Mexican also has investments and an incredible list of endorsement deals, including Ticel, Telmox, and Claro.
      Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.
      Daniel Ricciardo – £41.6m
      In 2020, Daniel was among the world’s highest-paid athletes, according to ForbesCredit: REUTERS
      He has no problem showing off his impressive wealth on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      He may only be a reserve driver for Red Bull this year, but Australian Daniel has eight Grand Prix wins and 32 podiums under his belt, and an estimated £41.6m fortune.
      After being tied to Red Bull for five years, he signed a lucrative deal with Renault in 2020, which bagged him a mention on Forbes’ top 50 highest sports people that year.
      This season he’s been replaced at McLaren by Oscar Piastri.
      The 33-year-old doesn’t shy away from showing off his incredible wealth – he reportedly owns three properties across three continents.
      Daniel also owns supercars including a Porsche 918 Spyder and an Aston Martin Valkyrie, said to have cost a staggering £3million.
      Lance Stroll – £41.6m
      Lance’s career in F1 has netted him a fortune of £41.6mCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Canadian’s father is worth a whopping £2.4billionCredit: Instagram
      Lance, 24 would sit at the top of the list if his family’s wealth was taken into consideration – his dad Lawrence, who owns Aston Martin, has an estimated net worth of over £2.4billion.
      The driver isn’t doing too badly for himself either, as he takes home a whopping £8.3million each year from the team.
      When he’s not busy racing, Lance enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and surfing. He is dating Italian model Sara Pagliaroli.
      Pierre Gasly – £27.4m
      Pierre Gasly races for AlpineCredit: Getty
      Pierre, 27, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.
      His salary is reported to be £1.6million, which excludes performance bonuses and sponsorship deals that bring his estimated net worth up to £27.4m.
      Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming. He also features on the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive.
      He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.
      Valtteri Bottas – £25m
      Valtteri takes home £8.6m a year from his deal with Alfa RomeoCredit: Getty
      He was previously Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes and took home a quarter of his salaryCredit: Instagram
      Although he spent much of his career as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas, 33, was only making a quarter of the English driver’s salary.
      He now races for Alfa Romeo, making up to £8.6million a year, and is one of the competition’s most popular stars.
      He recently announced his partnership with Finnish sporting company Polar, and is sponsored by locking solutions company Abloy and a private jet company called Insijets.
      Valtteri is currently dating Australian road cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, and has an estimated net worth of £25m.
      Kevin Magnussen – £20.8m
      Kevin returned to Haas last season when Russian driver Nikita Mazepin was dropped
      K-Mag made his return to Formula 1 last year after Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s contract was terminated by Haas just a few days before the 2022 season.
      Although he impressed with his debut in 2014, his form dipped in subsequent years – though he put in a solid performance for Haas last season.
      The 30-year-old will be keen to prove why he’s been able to amass a reported net worth of £20.8million.
      His £5million salary at Haas is topped up by endorsement deals believed to be worth over £800,000.
      Esteban Ocon – £14.9m
      Ocon has been racing at F1 since 2016 and takes home £4.1m from Alpine
      Despite being only 26, Esteban Ocon has impressed fans since his debut in 2016.
      He has raced for Force India, Racing Point, Alpine, and was a test driver for Mercedes back in 2019.
      Read More on The Sun
      Although he earns a £4.1million salary at Alpine, his long tenure in Formula One and endorsement deals with the likes of Microsoft, Bell and Castrol have given him a hefty estimated net worth of £14.9millon.
      The Frenchman reportedly owns a Mercedes AMG GTR, a Mercedes AMG C63 Edition 1, and an Alpine A110S. More

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      Christian Horner names Red Bull’s direct rivals for 2023 and makes prediction for the F1 season ahead

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      RED BULL team principal Christian Horner is expecting a fierce tussle with Mercedes and Ferrari this season.After romping to the F1 constructors’ championship last year, all points return to zero ahead of this weekend’s opening Grand Prix in Bahrain.
      Christian Horner expects a fight from Ferrari and Mercedes
      Red Bull go into 2023 as the strong favouritesCredit: Getty
      Red Bull are favourites again, but Horner knows “our opponents are fiercely competitive and they won’t be standing still”.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Horner said: “Our biggest threats this year would have to be both Ferrari and Mercedes. They are going to be fiercely competitive.
      “With the quality of their drivers, both of those teams are always dangerous.”
      Ferrari finished second last year, with Mercedes’ run as eight-time consecutive constructors’ champs crashing to an end with Toto Wolff’s team in third.
      READ MORE F1
      Both teams were over 200 points behind Red Bull in the standings as Max Verstappen won the drivers’ title with four races to spare.
      Red Bull looked most impressive during testing last week but it’s hoped 2023 could prove more competitive than last year.
      On the final day of testing in Bahrain, Sergio Perez topped the time-sheets with Lewis Hamilton in second and Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz fourth and fifth.
      Horner also predicted that those outside the top three teams could be more of a threat.
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      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      He said: “The competition will be very stiff from the front running teams.
      “I think the grid as a whole, in this second year of these new regulations, will start to converge and I’m expecting some really competitive racing.”
      The issue of porpoising, where cars would bump up and down, was a major issue for teams last season and updates to resolve the issue are sure to have an impact on the order according to Horner.
      He said: “The core specifications will inevitably have an effect (on results) and of course it is whichever team manages to deal with those regulation changes. The best will prevail.”
      Horner admits that topping last year in which Verstappen won his second consecutive drivers’ championship will be a tough ask.
      Speaking as PokerStars launch their 2023 partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, Horner said: “2022 was the most incredible year for us and the most successful season in our history. To retain the drivers’ championship and to reclaim the constructor’s championship after an eight-year absence was a monumental performance by the whole team.
      “I think it will be very difficult to beat the season we had in 2022 but of course you must always try to do better.
      “You’re always learning in this business, applying the lessons that you learnt from last year and implementing them into the following year.”
      The 2023 season will see 23 Grand Prix across the globe, with the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar which is something Horner is looking forward to.
      He said: “The race that will generate the most interest in 2023 is unquestionably Las Vegas.
      “The introduction of Vegas to the calendar made a lot of noise, it is a big venue and everyone has immense expectations.”
      The team principal cut a relaxed and confident figure during testing but if Mercedes and Ferrari can show they’re in the fight it will be a different story come lights out on Sunday.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “5 minutes to 2pm is when I feel most anxious!”
      PokerStars’ partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing will see even more community rewards and epic experiences during the 2023 F1 season. For details visit: PokerStars.com
      Red Bull get their season under way on Sunday More

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      Lewis Hamilton gives fans major update on F1 future after retirement rumours

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he’s “a fighter” and will not walk away from F1 – even if he’s not winning races.Hamilton will kick off his 17th year in the sport on Friday at the season-opening Bahrain GP.
      Lewis Hamilton addressed rumours regarding a retirement from Formula OneCredit: Getty
      Last year he went winless for the first time in his career.
      And former world champions Jenson Button and Damon Hill have questioned whether he will lose the desire if that poor run goes on.
      But Hamilton, 38, who has made no secret of the fact he wants to extend his Mercedes deal beyond this season, is confident he will agree new terms with boss Toto Wolff.
      He said: “Ultimately people are creating rumours without facts. It’s never helpful. And you would have thought they would have both known by now.
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      “I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. Having a difficult year; whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a team.
      “I love the challenge of finding solutions. I still believe I’m able to put the car in places that others are perhaps not able to, and I love that challenge.
      “Of course I wish that we start the season with a great car. But it’s the journey that really counts.
      “So there is no hold up with our contract. I’ve always been very, very relaxed. I don’t feel like I’ve got to get it done right this second. I’m in a very fortunate position.
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      “It’ll get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes, and we fully support each other.
      “I’m really excited about the future together. I’m really proud of the work that we’re doing on and off the track, and the potential things we can do going forward. We’ll get there.”
      There were mixed messages from Mercedes after last week’s three days of testing but Hamilton says that from the very first lap at a shakedown at Silverstone that he knew of the challenges he would be facing this season.
      While the bouncing has been cured, there is still some way to go before he feels he can catch up to Red Bull and Ferrari.
      He added: “We arrive here with a much better understanding of the challenges that are ahead.
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      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton insists he will not retire from Formula OneCredit: Getty
      “We’ve had a few really good days of digesting the data and I’ve been on calls every day with the team.
      “Everyone’s been working so hard to make sure we arrive here as best prepared we can with the information we have.
      “I knew from the moment I first drove the car where we were and the challenges that we would be facing.
      “On a positive note, not having the bouncing this year is a huge plus and now we can focus on just pure performance.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m encouraged to see the focus and courage of everyone with the team on getting us back to the top.
      “We’re not where we wanted to start a season but this still is a multi-world championship-winning team and group of people I believe in.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton excites F1 fans with bold statement about new season as he poses for model photo shoot

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      LEWIS HAMILTON told fans to “expect it all” this year as he geared up for the start of the 2023 Formula 1 season with a modelling shoot.The seven-time world champion, 38, is hoping to bounce back after a difficult 2022 campaign in which he went the entire season without winning a Grand Prix for the first time in his career.
      Lewis Hamilton is in Bahrain ready for the F1 season openerCredit: Getty

      The Brit is beginning his 17th successive season on the F1 gridCredit: Getty
      Following testing in Bahrain, Mercedes still appear to be playing catch-up to Red Bull and Ferrari.
      But Hamilton remains a formidable presence on the grid as he seeks a record-breaking eighth title.
      And on Wednesday, as the opening weekend of the season prepares to get underway in Asia, the Brit shared a couple of pictures taken from a photo shoot.
      Alongside the snaps shared on Instagram, he added the message: “If you’re on this journey with me, thank you.
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      “Expect to see it all this year. The highs and the lows.
      “Now’s the time for us to breathe, dig deep, focus, and get after it.”
      Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Let’s goooo Lewis Hamilton, this journey is a blessing and thank you for the inspiration to keep going everyday. ❤️🙌”.
      Another added: “This year’s yours man. I know it 🏎️🔥”.
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      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – every Grand Prix from this year
      A third responded: “Right behind you every step of the way – the good and the bad!!! But obviously only looking for the good – let the games begin!”
      And a fourth replied: “Good luck this weekend Lewis Hamilton. Last year you proved why you are a seven-time world champion, you never give up no matter what. So take that eighth title and keep showing that anger and aggression is never the right way!”.
      The F1 season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix – a race Hamilton has won five times in the past.
      But 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill believes Hamilton could choose to quit the sport if he is no longer fighting for victories. More

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      Five British motor racing sensations on verge of breakthrough season aiming to follow in Lewis Hamilton’s footsteps

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      WITH Lewis Hamilton nearing the end of his F1 career and George Russell and Lando Norris nearing their prime years, here SunSport looks at the young British drivers to keep an eye on this year.Hamilton is one of the sport’s greats, having won seven World Drivers’ Championship titles.
      Lewis Hamilton is one of the best-ever drivers in F1Credit: Getty
      While Russell and Norris will be hoping to take centre stage this year in F1 with the season starting this Sunday with the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Oliver Bearman – Formula 2
      Oliver Bearman has joined Ferrari’s young driver programmeCredit: Getty
      Despite being only 17, Bearman has already had a lot of success and has been snapped up by Ferrari to join their young driver programme.
      Last year, in his first season in F3, he finished in third place and was promoted by his Prema Racing team to F2 for 2023.
      In 2021, the racer from Chelmsford won the Formula 4 series in both Italy and Germany.
      READ MORE ON MOTORSPORT
      Zak O’Sullivan – Formula 3
      Zak O’Sullivan will be racing in Formula 3Credit: Getty
      The 18-year-old will race in the Formula 3 Championship for Prema Racing this season. Last year he competed in the same series but drove for Carlin.
      He won the 2021 GB3 Championship and is a member of the Williams Driver Academy. He was awarded the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award for 2021.
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      Oliver Gray – Formula 3
      Oliver Gray is a member of the Williams Driver AcademyCredit: Getty
      Gray will race in the same championship but for O’Sullivan’s former team. In 2022 he competed in F4 British Championship, finishing runner-up in the standings.
      The 18-year-old is also a member of the Williams Driver Academy.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Luke Browning – TBC
      Luke Browning won the 2020 F4 British ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      The 21-year-old is the current GB3 champion driving for Hitech Grand Prix. He was also the champion of the 2020 F4 British Championship with Fortec Motorsports.
      He has already competed in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship this year.
      Abbi Pulling – F1 Academy
      The 19-year-old has joined F1’s new women-only series and drives for Rodin Carlin. She is also a member of the Alpine Academy programme.
      Pulling has been racing karts since she was eight and won the Super 1 National Junior TKM Championship twice in 2017 and 2018.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – every Grand Prix from this year More

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      New drivers, faster tracks and the glitz and glam of Las Vegas – everything you need to know ahead of the 2023 F1 season

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      THE new F1 season is set to start this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix.Max Verstappen will be hoping to retain his championship title but will have to compete with new drivers and new rules.
      Max Verstappen’s title defense starts at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: PA
      The Red Bull racer was unstoppable last year, although old rivals such as Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to fight back this time around.
      There will also be more F1 than normal with the all-female racing series.
      NEW DRIVERS
      Oscar Piastri is now a driver for McLarenCredit: PA
      Australian racer Oscar Piastri has joined McLaren and will partner Lando Norris however, his arrival to F1 was a bumpy one.
      He was caught in a tug of war between McLaren and his former team, Alpine, who had confirmed that he was a replacement for Fernando Alonso.
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      However, Piastri – managed by former F1 driver Mark Webber – challenged Alpine’s contract and after a hearing by the FIA’s contracts board, he was given the green light to join McLaren, much to the frustration of Alpine.
      Piastri, 21, won the 2020 F3 title and the 2021 F2 title but spent last year on the sidelines, so will be a bit rusty.
      Logan Sargeant has joined Williams with the 22-year-old spending half his life in the UK having left the United States to further his racing career.
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      While they aren’t new to F1, Nyck de Vries comes in to AlphaTauri after the Formula E champion impressed while filling in for Alex Albon at Monza last year.
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      Veteran Nico Hulkenberg is also back in F1. The German, 35, has not had a full season in F1 since 2019 but has been offered a way back by Haas.
      NEW RACE
      Las Vegas will host the F1 this yearCredit: Getty

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – every Grand Prix from this year
      Just one new GP to the calendar of 23-races – but boy, is it a big one! Las Vegas will welcome F1 as the penultimate race.The race, which will be held in November, is on a new street circuit along its iconic Strip.
      It is the first time F1 returns to Sin City since 1982 and, unlike all the other races, will be held on a Saturday night.
      Hotels are already sold out, as F1 is booming in the US right now with this, the third race in the States.
      The timing of the night race and the low temperatures could make things challenging for the drivers too.
      NEW RULES
      Cars will now have rounded tops on the roll hoops above the driverCredit: AFP
      Over the winter, the FIA’s decision to change the rules and ban drivers from making personal or political statements drew a lot of criticism.
      The pressure has eventually told and while they are now allowed to continue their free speech, they have been told where it is, and crucially where it is not acceptable.
      Whether they will fully abide by the rules we will see, but there have also been some minor tweaks to the rulebook for sporting regulations and technical rules.
      Safety improvements on the cars have seen it mandatory for rounded tops on the roll hoops that sit above a drivers’ cockpit.
      This was introduced after Zhou Guanyu’s huge crash at the British Grand Prix in which his car slid across the track upside down.
      A rounded top is now compulsory to reduce the chance of it digging into the ground in an accident.
      The car height has been raised by 15 millimetres – granted not much, but a big deal in F1 as this should help to solve the dreaded porpoising problems.
      And finally, tyres. Pirelli have introduced a new tyre compound, so there are now six variations of the slick tyre.
      ANYTHING ELSE?
      More sprint races. Last season, there were three sprint races on Saturday, the 30-minute races that are used to determine the grid.
      While the drivers and teams have mixed views on them, the promoters love them as they offer more value for money for the punters.
      There will be these extra races, where points are on offer, in Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Brazil.
      F1 Academy. The sport has launched its all-female racing series to help speed up the process of having a women driver in F1.
      The F1 Academy will race away from the F1 bill but has been included on the schedule for the race in Austin, Texas.
      Unfortunately, this could make things difficult for the W Series, which had looked to do the same.
      KEY QUESTIONS FOR THIS YEAR
      CAN HAMILTON WIN?
      Lewis Hamilton could fall short of Verstappen againCredit: Getty
      A race? Definitely. The title? I don’t think so. There is little you can read into testing but my feeling is that Red Bull and Max Verstappen were just so good last year that I cannot see past them.
      Verstappen is the best driver on the grid at the moment and rarely makes mistakes. He is brimming in confidence and just so incredibly strong in all conditions.
      Mercedes look like they have cured their bouncing issues, which is good news. And George Russell and Hamilton looked to have formed a strong partnership.
      However, will it be enough to topple Red Bull? I just cannot see it at this stage.
      WILL THE FIA PRESIDENT KEEP OUT OF TROUBLE?
      FIA Presedent Mohammed ben Sulayem could be drawn back on to centre stageCredit: PA
      Unlikely. Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been dogged by controversy since he took the position 14 months ago.
      His bling ban, historical sexist comments, legal warning from F1 for speaking out on the potential sale of the sport has got him in hot water.
      For the meantime, he’s promised to step back from running the FIA’s F1 operation on a day-to-day basis.
      However, if there is one thing we have learned from his short tenure it is that he loves the limelight.
      The lure of being on the podium and seen with F1’s stars could prove too strong and no doubt draw him back into trouble.
      WILL FERRARI STUFF IT UP AGAIN?
      Fred Vasseur replaced Mattia Binotto as Ferrari’s PrincipalCredit: Reuters
      I don’t think so, no. The Italian team took decisive action and replaced Mattia Binotto after a series of failures.
      Binotto, to his credit, stayed loyal with his employees and carried the blame but ultimately that has cost him his job.
      He has been replaced by Fred Vasseur, formerly of Sauber who knows how to run an F1 team.
      I firmly believe that he not only has the potential to iron out all their costly mistakes but also to get the best out of Charles Leclerc, who he has worked with in the past.
      LANDO STAY?
      Lando Norris will be aiming for a win with McLarenCredit: Getty
      This is a huge year for Norris and McLaren. He has held his own against Carlos Sainz, outclassed Daniel Riccardo and now faces a new challenge in highly-rated Oscar Piastri.
      However, he is still missing that crucial victory after coming so agonisingly close in 2021.
      Put simply, McLaren have not delivered him a good car and while he could have all the skill in the world, he needs to have a decent car to be challenging for regular wins, which is ultimately what he is capable of.
      He has a contract with McLaren until 2025, but if he is hampered by another poor car, expect the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes to be hovering to test the strength of that McLaren deal.
      WHERE ARE THE POTENTIAL BUST-UPS?
      Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen fell out last yearCredit: Getty
      All over the place. I expect this season to be one of the most exciting – albeit off track – in years.
      It is littered with plots. Mercedes verses Red Bull over the past few seasons has ignited a war of words between their respective team bosses, drivers, mechanics, engineers and fan bases.
      Read More on The Sun
      F1 verses the FIA promises to be a thrilling battle in the management and governance of the sport.
      Then there is the inter-team rivalry. Esteban Ocon and Pierry Gasly are not pally, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen fell out spectacularly last season following the Mexican’s crash in Monaco and surely Fernando Alonso will not last five minutes without blasting Lance Stroll! More