Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Uncertainty over Lewis Hamilton’s future in F1 grows with contract talks on hold while he parties at Coachella

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON did not cut the image of a man who was sweating over his Formula One future when he turned up at the Coachella festival last week.Dressed in a vibrant yellow shirt and orange trousers he was bound to stand out from the crowd in the Southern Californian desert.
      Lewis Hamilton has been partying at CoachellaCredit: Instagram
      The seven-time world champion’s Mercedes contract is up at the end of the yearCredit: Instagram
      But while he enjoyed himself, it also meant that his contract negotiations with Mercedes were also placed on hold.
      Hamilton is out of contract in 255 days – and that, of course, is still plenty of time if we are led to believe that his open discussions with boss Toto Wolff mean it is just a case of changing a few numbers around.
      But the problem is, while F1 is in an enforced break due to the cancellation of the Chinese GP, when it returns, it does so thick and fast.
      With five GPs in Azerbaijan, Miami, Imola, Monaco and Barcelona in just six weeks, will Mercedes and Hamilton want to spend any time off haggling over a contract?
      READ MORE IN F1
      We have been in this place before.
      In 2021, he did not sign a deal with Mercedes until February when he was out of contract, making life fairly uncomfortable, as he took it to the wire for the new season.
      So what is the hold up?
      Hamilton has already stated that he wants to stay. In Saudi Arabia for the GP he said he was feeling fit and wanted to continue to drive for Mercedes in F1.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Hamilton has been partying with friends at CoachellaCredit: Instagram
      He said: “For me personally, just as long as I can continue to help the team, as long as I can continue to help drive the team forwards and really contribute, then that’s why I want to stay.
      “If there’s ever going to be a point where I feel like I’m not able to do that, then it’s time for a youngster to come in to take my seat. But I’m still pretty young, in pretty decent shape.”
      A cynic could suggest that by failing to negotiate a deal, when publicly saying he wanted to, Hamilton and Mercedes are at odds on the contract.
      And that usually involves two numbers. The contract length and, more crucially, the amount paid.
      He is already one of the best-paid drivers on the grid, earning around £40 million a year.
      But he also knows his worth to Mercedes, giving them billions of dollars in advertising.
      However, at 38, maybe Mercedes do not feel the need to pay him the kind of sums he did in the past, for [and this is only a suggestion] he is past his peak, plus he is not winning [at the moment].
      Mercedes may still need to find a new partner for George RussellCredit: Rex
      Does he have other options?
      Absolutely. In F1, there is a limit on seats available, but which team would not jump at the chance to sign a seven-time world champion?Red Bull aside, who have made their feelings known, he would walk into any other on the grid, even Ferrari.
      Outside of F1, he would have the pick of the bunch in terms of other racing categories, but really it is unlikely that another sport’s venture would take his interest.
      Do Mercedes want to keep him?
      Hamilton and Wolff’s relationship is very transparent and open.
      They have achieved so much success that it is inevitable that he would want to retain Hamilton.
      His experience and feedback is vital to helping the team out of their current slump and Wolff knows he can rely on his multiple world champion.
      That said, they know they have a real star in George Russell, who has certainly come to the fore this season.
      Russell is oozing in confidence and proving that he is not afraid to go wheel to wheel with Hamilton, as he proves his own credentials as a team leader.
      For the time being, their relationship is a harmonious one, and Mercedes would look to preserve it.
      If he does not sign, who will they get?
      It was a good piece of business to sign up Mick Schumacher as a reserve driver.
      He might not have the same levels as talent as their other two drivers, but he does have plenty of experience having driven for Haas.
      Should Hamilton decide not to stay and walk away, then Mercedes will have an easy solution to pop him alongside Russell.
      However, it is worth mentioning that Wolff is pally with Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, and that IF he knew Hamilton was leaving, he would not be doing his job if he was not to at least ask about Verstappen.
      Read More on The Sun
      A more-likely option would be Lando Norris, who has a contract at McLaren until 2025.
      Mercedes would certainly test every letter of that contract to see if there was half a chance of getting the Brit.
      Mercedes would explore every avenue… should Hamilton not extendCredit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Topless Lewis Hamilton parties with Justin Bieber at Coachella as F1 legend enjoys time off before Azerbaijan GP

      by

      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON let loose as he partied with Justin Bieber at Coachella.Hamilton posted a bunch of snaps from the Empire Polo Club in California as he attended the iconic music festival with friends.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton was spotted topless at CoachellaCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton was snapped with Justin Bieber at the festivalCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton attended the festival alongside some of his closest friendsCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton attended Coachella with a colourful outfit in CaliforniaCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton hung out with his friends inside his private bus at the festivalCredit: Instagram
      The Formula One legend was having such a good time that he even took his top off and danced with the rest of the crowd while topless.
      The joint-record seven-time world champion shared photos of his time off at the nine-day festival on Instagram.
      Hamilton, 38, wore shades and a chain with a pattered outfit as he danced with the Canadian popstar at the celeb-filled event, headlined by Bad Bunny, Blackpink and Frank Ocean.
      The British F1 hero donned a matching bright yellow shirt and trousers, with red floral pattern, in another snap shared with his 32.3million followers.
      Read More on F1

      And he posed alongside his mates close to the stage and inside a private bus en route.
      The Mercedes superstar is in the middle of a four-week break between races.
      Hamilton came within touching distance of winning a dramatic Australian Grand Prix last time out.
      But rival Max Verstappen and Red Bull once again proved to be too quick.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Hamilton’s P2 result meant he secured his first podium of the campaign to lift him up to fourth in the driver standings.
      The next race takes place on April 30 at Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan.
      And Hamilton will be looking for a big comeback after his time off as he bids for a first race win since 2021. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher fans’ fury as German mag touts disturbing ‘first interview’ with stricken F1 star since ski crash

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher’s fans have been left fuming after a German magazine promoted an “exclusive interview” with the star.The latest cover of Die Aktuelle sparked outrage among the F1 star’s fans as it claimed to feature Schumacher’s first interview since his horror ski crash in 2013.
      The front cover claimed to have an interview with Michael Schumacher
      The interview was supposedly Michael’s first after the 2013 accidentCredit: AFP
      Little is known about Schumacher’s condition
      The magazine, dated April 15, 2023, featured a smiling Schumacher on the cover and claimed to include the star’s first interview since his accident.
      It was later revealed that the disturbing “interview” was fake- the former driver’s supposed quotes were made through an artificial intelligence programme.
      The F1 legend’s fans slammed the despicable front cover and branded it “tasteless” and “stupid.”
      Following his horrific ski accident in 2013, the 54-year-old has been in a medically induced coma – and little has been known about his condition ever since.
      read more in Schumacher
      The seven-time-world champion remains at his home in Geneva, Switzerland.
      Michael’s wife Corinna – dubbed his “guardian angel” – has overseen the effort to ensure his wish for privacy is respected and is understood to have imposed a “family only” rule on visits. 
      The article, titled “My life has completely changed”, detailed “Schumacher’s” feelings about the accident, his children, and his future.
      The front cover read “World sensation” while below it said “It sounds deceptively real.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      The supposed quotes by Schumacher read: “My life has completely changed since [the accident]. That was a horrible time for my wife, my children and the whole family.
      “I was so badly injured that I lay for months in a kind of artificial coma, because otherwise my body couldn’t have dealt with it all.
      “I’ve had a tough time but the hospital team has managed to bring me back to my family.”
      In the end, the article concludes that the interview is in fact the result of an AI chatbot called Character.ai and the magazine has not spoken to Schumacher or anyone from his family.
      “The interview was on the internet. On a page that has to do with artificial intelligence or AI for short.”
      Media expert Boris Rosenkranz who first highlighted the deeply problematic article, wrote a comment piece about the twisted stunt and described it “too stupid to be true.”

      One of the greatest drivers of all time, the F1 ace won five times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton.
      He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012, winning 91 races.
      Michael was left in a medically induced coma after his accident while skiing off-piste on December 29, 2013 – spending three months in hospital before being released home.
      He reportedly suffered a traumatic injury to his brain – but little is known about his health.
      The lack of official updates has sparked rumours and conflicting reports from “insiders” over the years.
      Some have claimed he was in a vegetative state while others claimed he was awake and able to talk.
      But the star’s close circle remains tight-lipped about his condition.
      Corinna rarely speaks about Michael – she did so most recently on the Netflix documentary Schumacher.
      “I miss Michael every day. But it’s not just me who misses him,” she said.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him.
      “I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here. Different, but he’s here and that gives us strength, I find.” More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton saved me from taking all the blame for Mercedes’ downfall, reveals George Russell

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL claims Lewis Hamilton’s decision not to retire last year “saved him” from criticism.Hamilton decided to return in 2022 – despite the controversial end to the 2021 season when he was denied a record eighth world title by former Race Director Michael Masi’s handling of the Abu Dhabi GP.
      Hamilton and Russell are into their second season together as teammatesCredit: Splash
      And Russell says that Hamilton remaining with the Silver Arrows helped “save” his own career from taking a tonking as Mercedes struggled for performance.
      He said: “In a way, having him as a teammate saved me. If he had left Mercedes or the sport when I joined the team, I would have been blamed for the step backwards the team made.
      “But I think that I’ve now proved what I’m worth and what I can do, so there’s no pressure in that regard.
      “I’m there to do my job as well as possible and I think I’m in a very good position.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “So I don’t worry about statistics or whether I’m on Lewis’ pace or whatever, because I feel like I’ve already proved that over the past year.”
      Russell landed 35 points more than Hamilton last season but the seven-time world champion is believed to have allowed Mercedes to use his car to experiment with design changes.
      The constructors became more competitive as the season went on with Russell landing his first ever F1 victory in Interlagos.
      While Hamilton had to endure his first ever winless season, ending a run that had been going since his debut year in 2007.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      With three races gone in this campaign, Hamilton leads Russell by 30 points.
      Due to the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix, motorsport fans are having to endure a three week break before the action restarts in Baku later this month. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Ferrari fail in bid to have Carlos Sainz’s Australian GP penalty overturned despite livid Spaniard’s protests

      by

      FERRARI have failed in their bid to have Carlos Sainz’s penalty in the Australian GP overturned.The Spanish driver was hit with a five-second penalty for clattering into countryman Fernando Alonso in a hectic end to the race in Melbourne.
      Carlos Sainz crashed with Fernando Alonso during the Australian Grand PrixCredit: Rex
      Ferrari have been unable to overturn Sainz’s penalty after the raceCredit: Rex
      Sainz was livid that the penalty was applied without speaking to him first and accused the FIA of making a huge mistake.
      His Ferrari team had decided to seek a review of the incident, which ultimately dropped Sainz to 12th place and out of the points.
      However, after considering Ferrari’s appeal, which included testimonies from team boss Fred Vasseur and Sainz, the stewards deemed “there is no significant and relevant new element” that was not available at the time.
      A statement added: “The Petition is therefore dismissed…We decided that Sainz was wholly to blame for the collision.
      Read More on F1
      “We considered the fact that this collision took place at the first corner on the first lap of the restart, when the Stewards would typically take a more lenient view of incidents.
      “However, we decided that notwithstanding that it was the equivalent of a first lap incident, we considered that there was sufficient gap for Sainz to take steps to avoid the collision and failed to do so.
      “We therefore imposed a five second time penalty.”
      Meanwhile, George Russell claims Lewis Hamilton’s decision not to retire last year “saved him” from criticism.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Hamilton decided to return in 2022 – despite the controversial end to the 2021 season when he was denied a record eighth world title by former Race Director Michael Masi’s handling of the Abu Dhabi GP.
      And Russell says that Hamilton remaining with the Silver Arrows helped “save” his own career from taking a tonking as Mercedes struggled for performance.
      He said: “In a way, having him as a teammate saved me. If he had left Mercedes or the sport when I joined the team, I would have been blamed for the step backwards the team made.
      “But I think that I’ve now proved what I’m worth and what I can do, so there’s no pressure in that regard.
      “I’m there to do my job as well as possible and I think I’m in a very good position.
      “So I don’t worry about statistics or whether I’m on Lewis’ pace or whatever, because I feel like I’ve already proved that over the past year.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Ben Hunt: F1 facing China crisis as Covid cancels Shanghai GP AGAIN… but can they afford to scrap it altogether?

      by

      PARTNERS and families of people who work in F1 must be wondering what has happened — because their loved ones still have another week at home.It seems like a long time ago that we had the Australian Grand Prix.
      Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu has joined Alfa RomeoCredit: Getty
      And there are still 12 days to go until the Azerbaijan GP.
      Aside from the winter off-season, where there are obviously no races, such a spell at home is unheard of.
      For context, the travel demands in F1 were once so tough that an enforced two-week break was inserted into the rulebook — known as the summer shutdown — amid rocketing divorce rates within the sport.
      This season sees, for the first time, an enforced winter break as teams rightly consider the impact a gruelling schedule has on their workforce.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The 2023 season is the longest in the sport’s history — 266 days across 23 races running from the start of March to the end of November.
      It would have been 24 but for the decision to cancel the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai — which caused this unexpected four-week break.
      This time at home might be welcome, but for Formula One it represents a problem and raises a question about the future of this race.
      The schedule is limited to a maximum of 24 races and organisers of the Chinese GP are allocated one of those slots and have another two years left to run on their contract.
      Most read in Motorsport
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Yet with the other 23 slots all signed up, it means F1 is at the mercy of China.
      By that I don’t mean the organisers of the GP, but the country’s Covid stance, including on quarantine, and their ability to process the incoming freight and subsequent logistics.
      It was a combination of both that saw the trigger pulled on this year’s race, F1 acting swiftly in December but maybe not quick enough to thrash out a deal for a suitable replacement.
      There is some suggestion from sources in China that F1 chiefs were too hasty to cancel this year’s race  — but maybe that was done so as to find an alternative race.
      F1 has to include the Chinese GP as part of its planning, but that means bosses are not able to sell that spot on the calendar to another bidder.
      Be that South Africa, Turkey, a second race in Saudi Arabia, or to whoever stumped up the cash.
      A hastily-arranged deal would not be as lucrative, not to mention cause a logistical problem for teams.
      The reality is that there has been no Chinese GP since 2019.
      But since then, a Chinese driver has joined the grid in Zhou Guanyu, who races for Alfa Romeo.
      And we are yet to see the full impact his arrival in the sport has had back home.
      There are currently just two Asian races on this year’s calendar — Japan and Singapore. The Middle East has twice as many.
      The simple fact is, F1 cannot really afford to have an unknown each year when it comes to the Chinese GP.
      Should they just bite the bullet and cancel the contract?
      However, with the potential for investment and sponsorship — not to mention a huge TV audience — can they afford not to at least give it another go?
      For what it is worth, I firmly believe that there will be another Chinese GP in Shanghai, I am just not too sure when that will be.
      LOAD OF BULL
      Daniil Kvyat felt betrayed by Red BullCredit: Getty
      DANIIL KVYAT says he felt “betrayed” and “stabbed in the back” when Red Bull demoted him to Toro Rosso in favour of Max Verstappen in 2016.
      Kvyat, 28, once dubbed ‘The Torpedo’ for the way he crashed into people, is now racing for Lamborghini in their World Endurance Championship.
      He has also detached himself from Russia, the country of his birth and will compete under his Italian racing licence.
      RIN-CREDIBLE
      Alex Rins won the MotoGP in AustinCredit: Reuters
      IT IS amazing to think that Alex Rins’ victory for Honda in Austin was the team’s first win in 539 days and 24 Grands Prix.
      The Japanese giants have the biggest budget and most resources in MotoGP and, finally, they have broken their horror run.
      Spaniard Rins was able to capitalise after world champion Pecco Bagnaia slid off while leading the race.
      The Italian had dominated all weekend at the Circuit of the Americas but has been left rattled by his second expensive error in consecutive races.
      He said: “Now it’s another week in a row, I don’t know why. So I am quite angry and disappointed — but not with myself.
      “I am 100 per cent sure it wasn’t my fault. We have to understand it, we don’t know how it’s happening.”
      E-XCITED
      Felipe Drugovich will drive for MaseratiCredit: Getty
      FORMULA E is returning this weekend in Berlin.
      The series then holds a rookie test on Monday where F2 champ Felipe Drugovich will drive for Maserati MSG Racing.
      Brits Jonny Edgar and Jack Aitken test for Envision.
      MORE SEATS
      Two new grandstands are set to be built for the Singapore GPCredit: Splash
      SINGAPORE GP chiefs put in two new grandstands for September’s race due to increased ticket demand.
      But those hoping to go need to get in quick because even those are selling fast and it is close to a sell-out.
      Read More on The Sun
      GOR BLIMEY
      Gordon Murray unveiled the new T.33 SpiderCredit: PA
      I ATTENDED Goodwood’s 80th Members’ Meeting at the weekend.
      The highlights were seeing the Lotus Cortina race plus the unveiling of the new T.33 Spider by legendary F1 designer Gordon Murray. More

    • 163 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mercedes star George Russell failed his first driving test then furiously confronted examiner

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL confronted his examiner after failing his first driving test at the age of 17.The Mercedes star is now one of the best young drivers in F1 but there was a time when he let his confidence get the better of him.
      George Russell was very upset after failing his first driving testCredit: AFP
      Russell, 25, took up karting at the age of five so was experienced behind the wheel ahead of his first driving test.
      And his dad Steve has revealed that Russell’s skill on the track made him believe passing his test would come easy.
      But he failed his first go and that led a furious Russell to demand a showdown with his examiner.
      Steve Russell shared the story with The Times, saying: “There was just one occasion when George didn’t put the full effort in and it caused quite a commotion.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “He failed his first driving test at 17 because he thought that being a great driver on the track was good enough. He came home fuming that the examiner was wrong.
      “We had to go back to the test centre in King’s Lynn so George could confront him. That didn’t go down well.”
      Russell spoke about his childhood racing, revealing there could be a bad atmosphere in his home if races did not go to plan.
      He told The Times: “When I drove well, there were celebrations and the mood was great but because everyone was so emotionally and financially invested, when I suffered a poor weekend the mood was bad.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “Dad has always been hard on the ones he loves. As a young kid, that was difficult to deal with. The pressure didn’t just filter down to me, it affected the whole family. I felt the weight of failure and expectation.
      “If I made a silly mistake and spun off the track, I can now understand why Dad might have thought, ‘What the hell am I doing this for?’.
      “He had to work his arse off to support my racing, so if I didn’t put in enough effort, it must have been hard.” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Ex-Red Bull F1 driver Robert Doornbos beaten with batons & has priceless Rolex stolen in violent attack

      by

      FORMER Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos was clubbed over the head by bat-wielding thieves who stole his Rolex watch.The Dutch racer, 41, was ambushed by two crooks outside his home in Amsterdam.
      Robert Doornbos was beaten by thieves who stole his watchCredit: Getty
      The former F1 driver pictured with David Coulthard, Jackie Stewart and Nico RosbergCredit: AFP
      It is thought the horror robbery was planned and the thieves used a tracking device to follow his car’s movements.
      He arrived home shortly after midnight on March 18 and was attacked by two men.
      The ex-F1 star was struck over the head and his priceless Rolex watch was swiped, along with his phone.
      He said the incident has put him off wearing flash watches.
      More motorsport news
      Doornbos told RTL Boulevard: “It was intense.
      “I no longer wear expensive watches, only an Apple Watch, so at least I can count my steps.”
      Cops are investigating the violent attack and believe the two men responsible are aged between 25 and 30.
      A police statement said: “The victim got out of his car at around 00.15am after parking when almost immediately an unknown man approached him with an accelerated pace.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “He had a bat in his hand. The victim was hit in the head with the bat.
      “While the victim defended himself and called for help, he was robbed of a precious watch and his phone.
      “The duo [then] ran away from the Soetendaal, turning right in the direction of Vijverhoef.”
      Doornbos originally started out as a tennis player before giving up the sport to take up motor racing.
      He went on to compete in F1 in 2005 and 2006 for Minardi and Red Bull Racing.
      The sports star completed 11 races in his short stint and now works in punditry in the Netherlands. More