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    Lewis Hamilton on racing until 50, slamming ‘older white’ critics and getting ‘lit up’ by Mercedes staff at paintball

    AT the age of 40, most F1 drivers are in the slow lane to retirement.But not Lewis Hamilton, who is ready to make his childhood “dream” come true by getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car.Lewis Hamilton makes his dream come true by driving for FerrariCredit: RexAt 40, Hamilton still lives life in the fast laneCredit: Instagram / lululemonThe seven-time world champ spoke to Time Magazine about his move to the ScuderiaThe seven-time world champion fell in love with the red of the Scuderia by driving Michael Schumacher’s car in video games.Ferris Bueller’s 1961 250 GT California Spyder has always been Hamilton’s dream vehicle.But despite this, it was far from a straightforward decision when he was offered the chance to ditch Mercedes for Ferrari.Hamilton spent a few days meditating before deciding it was “the right thing for me”.READ MORE IN F1In an interview with Time Magazine, Hamilton reveals he has “never been so excited” despite nerves ahead of the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia on March 16. It would be easy for Hamilton to put his feet up and end as one of the best drivers to ever grace the sport.But Hamilton is firing back at claims he should retire and at those who have slammed his switch to Ferrari.He said: “You can’t stand still for too long. I needed to throw myself into something uncomfortable again.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar. I could be here until I’m 50, who knows.“The old man is a state of mind. Of course your body ages. But I’m never going to be an old man.”Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia There has been fierce criticism from F1 legend Eddie Jordan, who branded the Italian team’s decision to axe Carlos Sainz from their line-up as “absolutely suicidal”.Ex-Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx claims Hamilton’s move is a marketing ploy to bring the glamour back to the brand.Even Mercedes principal Toto Wolff said he believes “everyone has a shelf life”.But Hamilton said: “I’ve always welcomed the negativity. I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”Hamilton remains on good terms with the people at MercedesCredit: GettyNothing is distracting him from his dream of an eighth world titleCredit: PAWinning his eighth title is firmly in sights and nothing is distracting him during his new life in Maranello, adding: “Don’t ever compare me to anybody else.“I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey. “You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. “I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No1 priority.”Despite Wolff’s comments among others, Hamilton remains on good terms with the people at Mercedes.Even if they got their own back during their annual team-bonding paintball session when one of Hamilton’s own team-mates hilariously fired at him.He admitted: “They lit me up, hard. It was so painful.”After dusting himself down, the Stevenage-born star was all smiles with Wolff and George Russell at the recent F1 75 launch event at London’s O2 Arena.All teams unveiled their liveries ahead of the 2025 season, with Hamilton taking to the stage in red. “I’m in red, I’m like, whoa. The suit looked so good on me. I’m like, Damn. It’s a really, really special moment,” says Hamilton.Despite his pure focus on the track, his calendar is full as he manages a production company, a clothing line and he always keeps at the height of fashion.Acting could also be on the horizon for Hamilton amid his co-producer rule for the new Brad Pitt film F1.The movie hits the big screens in June and Hamilton is playing a huge role in making the film as realistic as possible.Hamilton has rubbed shoulders with Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in recent years – even taking Pitt for a spin to give him a taste of being a racing driver.Top Gun and F1 director Joseph Kosinski revealed: “He gave Brad the scare of a lifetime in a lap.”Brad was clawing at the windows, begging to get out.”On Hamilton’s role in the new movie, Kosinski added: “He opened all those doors for us into that world.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We would not have been able to do this without him.”Hamilton is ready for hit to break box office records, saying: “It’s going to blow away anything that’s ever been done in Formula One before.”Hamilton is playing a key role in the new film F1Credit: Getty More

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    Brad Pitt ‘clawed at window’ in terror and ‘begged to get out’ of F1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton

    LEWIS Hamilton left Hollywood actor Brad Pitt fearing for his life while helping to produce a new F1 film. Pitt reportedly “clawed at the window” and “begged to get out of Hamilton’s vehicle” when the pair went for a drive around an LA track.Lewis Hamilton helped Hollywood actor Brad Pitt with his new F1 filmHamilton left Pitt frightened while driving around a track near LAHamilton has been working as a consultant to Pitt and his colleagues, who have been shooting a racing-themed movie – aptly called ‘F1’.The Brit has provided the directors and writers with all sorts of knowledge about what happens inside an F1 car, on the track, and in the pit lanes.The movie’s director, Joseph Kosinski, offered an insight into Hamilton’s influence in an interview with Time Magazine.He hilariously revealed that the seven-time world champion gave two-time Academy Award winner Pitt the fright of his life.READ MORE F1 NEWSKosinski said: “Lewis gave Brad the scare of a lifetime in a lap.”Brad was clawing at the windows, begging to get out.” Hamilton was also part of the casting process and offered instructive feedback for the film.Movie producer Joseph Bruckheimer said: “Hamilton’s notes were so detailed.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”‘When you’re going into that next turn, you have the car in second gear, it should be in third. I can hear it. I can hear the sound of it.'”The film, which comes out in June could deliver a jolt to the sport’s popularity, especially in the US.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue Pitt plays the role of F1 driver Sonny Hayes and was spotted in Las Vegas filming a new scene at the track last year.The legendary actor will play a character who finds himself back in action when he returns to F1 to take on the sport’s top competition.Hamilton told Sports Illustrated last year: “We [Hamilton and Pitt] went to a track in LA.”I took him out and sat in the passenger seat, and he drove. I used to be a driving coach when I was younger.”It was a way of making some money part-time whilst I was racing. So I’ve sat with God knows how many non-racing drivers. “You can tell immediately the good ones, the bad ones. Straight away, he was on it. You could tell he has it—it’s in his DNA. “He’s just not been able to hone in on it like we have, but he’s got big potential.”Hamilton, 40, will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit will be working to end Ferrari’s agony, while breaking the individual title record he shares with Michael Schumacher.The 2025 F1 season kicks off in Australia on March 16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    ‘It does feel different’ – Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit hits hard as George Russell gives insight into new season

    GEORGE RUSSELL has admitted Mercedes does “feel different” following Lewis Hamilton’s exit.Hamilton, 40, left the F1 team for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.Lewis Hamilton has started his career as a Ferrari driverCredit: APHe has shown off plenty of his new Ferrari clothingCredit: PAFormer Mercedes team-mate George Russell has opened up on Hamilton’s exitCredit: PAThe seven-time world champion will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.He had been with Mercedes for 12 years but was keen to impress his new bosses.He turned up in full Ferrari gear on the first day of official testing in Bahrain.Hamilton’s exit has appeared to hit Mercedes hard as one staff member had to peel his No44 off a generator at the Bahrain International Circuit.READ MORE IN F1The team is now in transition, with Russell being joined by teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli.Russell, 27, opened up on the difference in the team following Hamilton’s exit at the FIA drivers’ press conference.He said: “Naturally, it does feel different, of course.”Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think everyone within the team is very much excited for this next chapter really.”As the team may look on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have that chance to be his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him but also going head-to-head with him directly for three years.”F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari Russell also insisted that Mercedes is now looking to the future and will not be lingering on the success of the past.He added: “It kind of feels like the end of a chapter but you’re looking forward to the next journey.”It’s very much for us and Mercedes. We’re looking forward and not backwards.”Russell and Co will start the season on March 16 in the Australian GP.Hamilton will be bidding to win a record eight world championships, while Max Verstappen will be aiming to win his fifth title in a row.The Brit has already shown what he is capable in his all-new SF-25.On day two of testing, he posted back-to-back fastest laps on the track.His fastest time was recorded at 1:29.379 after 45 laps.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also eclipsed Ferrari’s Q3 time from the Bahrain GP in the 2024 season.Hamilton also beat Russell’s best time by 0.399s after 71 laps.Timesheet after Day 2 morning sessionLewis Hamilton led the way on the morning session of Day 2 of testing…Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari 1:29.379, 45 lapsGeorge Russell – Mercedes +0.399, 71 lapsCarlos Sainz – Williams +0.711, 44 lapsPierre Gasly – Alpine +1.051, 40 lapsFernando Alonso – Aston Martin +1.321, 45 lapsYuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls +1.414, 46 lapsOscar Piastri – McLaren +1.442, 44 lapsLiam Lawson – Red Bull Racing +1.854, 28 lapsNico Hulkenberg – Kick Sauber +2.078, 56 lapsEsteban Ocon Haas – F1 Team +3.692, 69 laps More

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    F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S first day at Ferrari went up in smoke after a power cut hit the Bahrain International Circuit.The electrical connection failed in the teams’ garages and elsewhere in the paddock. F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darknessCredit: GettyThe Aston Martin area plunged into darknessCredit: AFPThe torches were out in the Ferrari campCredit: ReutersThe Bahrain circuit’s lighting system was also extinguishedCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton was keen on making a good impression for his first day at the officeCredit: RexThe cause of the fault is unknown as the circuit’s lighting system was also extinguished.The race director red-flagged the session immediately afterwards and the FIA confirmed the action was taken in response to the blackout.The failure struck shortly after 5pm local time and has continued for more than an hour.The session was scheduled to end at 7pm, with sunset due to fall at 5:40pm.READ MORE F1 NEWSWith the teams’ facilities plunged into darkness, mechanics began working by torchlight.The torches were out in the Ferrari camp, with the Aston Martin area cast into the void.Every minute that passed was bad news for the teams because they want to do as many laps as possible.Hamilton was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the office.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut his debut Ferrari testing has been hit with a bizarre roadblock.The seven-time world champ was fifth quickest in this morning’s session – with a time of 1:31.834 in 70 laps – as he made his full Ferrari test debut at an F1 event. Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Meanwhile, Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc set the fastest time of the day in his Ferrari, with 1.30.878 in 32 laps.George Russell was leaving the pits in his Mercedes when the track was suddenly went dark.Russell told Sky: “I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here.”I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realised there was no floodlights around.”It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”Earlier this morning, Hamilton was in bright and early as the second driver to arrive in the paddock, and to many’s surprise he was suited and booted in full Ferrari kit.Hamilton meant business and was so eager to get in the car that he nearly fell off the back of a golf buggy as he was dropped off at the Ferrari garage with Leclerc.The Brit’s iconic No44 has also made the switch and was seen on the side of the red Ferrari car instead of Mercedes’ black and green, where Hamilton spent the last 12 years.The number, which pays tribute to Hamilton’s karting days and his dad, has featured since he was eight as it was his dad’s car registration number.Day one of testing in Bahrain was Hamilton’s first chance to get a true feel of the SF-25 car, after the Brit and Leclerc took part in a shakedown last week at Ferrari’s home track at Fiorano.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would have been tough for him to get up to speed given the short and tight nature of the Italian circuit.Hamilton will just have 12 hours of running available to him ahead of the first race in Melbourne on March 16. More

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    ‘I won’t fit in the car anymore!’ – Lewis Hamilton admits to eating THREE pizzas a week at Ferrari and reveals fave dish

    LEWIS Hamilton fears not being able to fit into his Ferrari now that he’s eating THREE pizzas a week.The Brit, 40, has opened up on his diet since joining Ferrari and his love for Italian food.Hamilton joked that he has concerns about fitting in his car for the 2025 seasonHamilton attended a F1 event in London with Charles Leclerc and Frederic Vasseur last weekHamilton is beginning a new chapter in his career by joining Ferrari, one of the most storied teams in F1.The move ended his 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he became a seven-time world champion, clinching most of his 103 race victories and amassing his 104 pole positions.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.And the Brit has highlighted his excitement at the new chapter of his F1 career.READ MORE F1 NEWSHe said: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.'”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton has a deep-rooted connection with Italy that dates back to his karting days. He first cut his teeth in motorsport at the age of 13, racing in Italy with his first mechanic, Luca del Fante.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia This included his time with the MBM team in the Open Italian Championship in 2000 and 2001 alongside Nico Rosberg, who later became his team-mate at Mercedes.Hamilton added: “I still remember going into town with Nico every evening to buy pizza and ice cream. We ate so much pizza.”Luca, my first mechanic, and his mother always made me an incredible lasagne. “I have never forgotten that lasagne to this day.”Ferrari’s hopes are pinned on Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc, who has confirmed his contract with Ferrari beyond 2024.The pair will look to end Ferrari’s long-standing title drought since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 crown.The driver market has been shaken by Hamilton’s move, leading to changes like Carlos Sainz’s departure from Ferrari to Williams. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Lewis Hamilton handed luxury watch worth £375k at Ferrari – more than 30 times value of what ex-Mercedes team-mate gets

    LEWIS HAMILTON has been handed a new luxury watch at Ferrari worth a whopping £375,000 – 30 times more than the timepiece of former Mercedes team-mate George Russell.Hamilton stepped out with Formula One pals at the O2 Arena for the launch of their 2025 liveries.Lewis Hamilton stepped out with a new luxury watch at a Formula One eventCredit: GettyThe amazing timepiece is worth £375,000Credit: GettyThe seven-time world champion dazzled fans as he wore the famous red of Ferrari for the first time.But there was an even bigger sight to behold on Hamilton’s wrist.While talking on the microphone, a large glittering watch was clearly visible.And it turned out to be an amazing timepiece from watchmaker Richard Mille.READ MORE IN SPORTExperts identified it was none other than an RM 74-02 Automatic Winding Tourbillon.It’s worth a mind-boggling £375,000.And the watch was way more expensive than the one adorned by ex-Mercedes mate Russell.The fellow Brit showed off a Big Pilots Top Gun Edition Mojave Desert as he soaked up the atmosphere in London.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis watch is worth a tasty £10,000.But that’s still a long way off Hamilton’s exotic number.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue Former Mercedes teammate George Russell also showed off a watchCredit: SplashIt was worth a lot less than Hamilton’s at £10,000Credit: SplashSpeaking at the event, the F1 legend admitted he could not wait to drive his first race for Ferrari.And Hamilton revealed his new car is totally different to the ones he’s been driving for Merc.Hamilton said: “It’s nothing like the car that I had before, or the last 10, 12, 17 years.“It’s unique in its own. And to feel the vibration of the Ferrari engine for the first time, wow!“That’s what I think ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.” More

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    Jack Whitehall reacts to what Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc did in F1 75 crowd as Brit legend predicts ‘trouble’

    JACK WHITEHALL looked at the funny side after coming across Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc playing CHESS in the F1 75 crowd.The two Ferrari team-mates were spotted playing chess on their mobile phones during Tuesday night’s live event at The 02.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were spotted enjoying a virtual game of chess during a live F1 eventCredit: GettyClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Jack Whitehall taking it wellCredit: GettyJack Whitehall found humour in the viral social media post and joked about his hosting skillsCredit: GettyHamilton and his fellow drivers attended F1’s London launch event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary.Teams revealed their car liveries in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 fans ahead of the new season.But, with the teams appearing in reverse Constructors’ Championship order from 2024, there was plenty of time for Hamilton and Leclerc to pass as they waited for their big moment. The pair hatched a hilarious solution, pulling out their phones and starting a head-to-head battle over a game of virtual chess.READ MORE F1 NEWSClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Whitehall coming across it later.The comedian replied to a post on X: “A lot of my audiences resort to this.”Hamilton and Leclerc’s chess antics are a positive sign that their relationship is in the right place heading into the new season.The Brit previously admitted there will “definitely” be “trouble” between himself and the French F1 star.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe seven-time world champ said: “Last year, we spent a couple of evenings together during the year at a couple of different races and had some good laughs.”So I know that we’re definitely going to get into some trouble and have some fun during our time here.”Whitehall meanwhile pulled no punches as he made fun of Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff, among others, during the show.As Whitehall walked past a grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to Russell.The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    We won’t go back to being best mates’ – George Russell no longer speaking to Max Verstappen after F1 feud

    GEORGE RUSSELL has “no intention” of burying the hatchet with Max Verstappen following their explosive row last season.The pair went to war in last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi, with the British 27-year-old claiming Verstappen threatened to put his “f***ing head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix.George Russell says he didn’t speak to Max Verstappen over the winterCredit: AlamyRussell and Verstappen fell out after clashing at the Qatar GPCredit: GettyFour-time world champ Verstappen was branded a “bully” by Russell — with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling the Brit a “backstabber” and “loser” after he won the race, with his Mercedes rival trailing in fourth.Russell — speaking at Tuesday night’s  F1 75 event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary at London’s O2 Arena — said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest.“That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.READ MORE IN F1“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it.“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Most read in MotorsportThe situation between the pair is set to remain frostyCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Verstappen admitted he will put the issue to one side. He said: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Meanwhile, the Dutchman laid into the FIA for their new extreme swearing rules for the upcoming campaign, urging them to focus on more important issues.F1 star Ollie Bearman gets suited up ready for the 2025 season driving for Haas F1 Team Fines will range from  £34,000 to £152k, while Championship points can be docked and race bans  handed out for repeat offenders.In Singapore last year,  Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to complete community work after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.The 27-year-old said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of Formula One cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”Lando Norris revealed he expects McLaren to bounce backCredit: AlamyMeanwhile, British McLaren driver Lando Norris says his team have “no excuses” if they are not  competing at the front of the grid right from the off this season.McLaren won their first constructors’ championship since 1998 last year but Norris was runner-up to  Verstappen, 63 points adrift in the drivers’ standings.Red Bull had dominated the first five races which ultimately  left Norris with a mountain to climb.With the countdown to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 underway, he said: “After last year  we have no excuses, I guess.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past we’ve had our fair share but honest and true excuses.“This year we  don’t  have any, we have nothing to hide behind.“We proved last year we have everything we need and everything  it takes to fight at the top and be  the best.” More