Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Meet 16-year-old Mercedes prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli who’s ‘ticking all the boxes’ to become a future F1 champ

      by

      TOTO WOLFF has hailed young Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli as one of the sport’s hottest prospects.The Mercedes team principal is adamant that the junior driver has a “bright future” in racing.
      Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been hailed as a future star of F1Credit: Instagram kimi.antonelli
      Toto Wolff has been full of praise for the junior driverCredit: Alamy
      Born in Bologna, just 40km from the Imola circuit, Antonelli is only 16 but already has an impressive array of performances under his belt.
      The young driver won the WSK Euro Series and Super Master Series titles in the OK Junior category in 2018.
      He also finished runner-up in the FIA Karting European Championship and came fifth in the World Championship before moving up to the OK class where he also found success.
      In 2021 Antonelli made his debut in single-seaters for Prema Racing in the Italian F4 Championship, only three weeks after turning 15.
      READ MORE IN F1
      There, the youngster rapidly worked his way to the top, bagging podium finishes in the final three races.
      Returning for another year, Antonelli dominated the F4 series in 2022, winning both the ADAC and Italian titles with Prema.
      This year the driver will step up again and compete in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA), and is preparing for a potential move up F3 during 2024.
      His string of racing success attracted the attention of Mercedes, and the German team decided to give Antonelli a place on their driver academy programme in 2019.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      The same programme helped current British star George Russell progress to Formula One, as well as Esteban Ocon, who now drives for Alpine.
      Antonelli will be hoping to make a similar progression to the pinnacle of the sport.
      George Russell made his debut with Williams in 2019, but returned to Wolff and the Mercedes team last yearCredit: Splash
      Antonelli will be hoping to copy the likes of Russell and make his way into F1Credit: Instagram kimi.antonelli
      Speaking to the Italian edition of Motorsport.com, Wolff was full of praise for young driver.
      He said: “Since working together, Kimi has ticked all the boxes.
      “But not only that, I really like him as a boy, and as a personality, and he has a fantastic family environment around him that helps him always keep his feet on the ground.
      “He has a great talent and can count on the important values that come from his family.
      The 16-year-old has impressed with his performances in F4Credit: Instagram kimi.antonelli
      “Kimi is still in the early stages of his journey, and I think he has a bright future ahead of him that will be his if he keeps taking it one step at a time.
      “Besides, it’s just lovely for me to work with him and his father, two people who have their feet firmly on the ground.”
      However, it will be another few years before Antonelli can join the F1 grid, as the minimum age for drivers is now set at 18-years-old. More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

      I’m an F1 legend and Max Verstappen should WALK AWAY from the sport because he’s not having fun

      by

      F1 legend Damon Hill believes Max Verstappen should consider QUITTING the sport.The former world champion thinks Verstappen is “not having fun” driving in Formula One and should walk away.
      Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill thinks Verstappen should leave the sportCredit: Getty
      Verstappen has admitted he isn’t a fan of the constant changes to the F1 formatCredit: The Mega Agency
      Hill’s comments come after Verstappen threatened to quit F1 if more sprint races are added to the calendar.
      There are six 30-minute sprints scheduled for this season, but the number may be increased as F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali is a big fan of them.
      Hill claimed that if Verstappen isn’t happy he should have a major career rethink.
      Speaking on the Sky Sports podcast, Hill said “Max’s retirement threat is very unusual. It’s kind of strange to hear, isn’t it? I mean, what’s he going to do with himself?
      READ MORE IN F1
      “He should stop now, really. Stop now, he’s done it.”
      The 1996 world champion continued: “You mentioned fun. I think that’s a very important point. Is he having fun, because I sometimes think he’s not having fun.
      “I think you have to love what you’re doing, otherwise it’s a grind.
      “I think there’s an element of this with Max with him wanting to not waste his time of superfluous things that really are just invented for novelty reasons.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “I think he’s that kind of person. So I can imagine him just saying it because he just thinks ‘well, I just come here and want to win a Grand Prix. I just want one race to mean something. I don’t want to have a half-value race, what’s the point of that on your CV?’
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “People are going to go ‘how many Grand Prix have you won?’ Not ‘how many sprints have you won?'”
      During the Australian Grand Prix Verstappen voiced his upset with the overhaul of the traditional three-day format to include the sprint races rather than a practice session on some weekends.
      He claimed that the addition of the races messed with the “DNA of F1”, and that he was “not a fan of it at all”.
      Explaining his stance, the reigning world champion pointed out that the seasons could have 24 or even 25 races, and that adding more is “not worth it for me”.
      This year already has 23 races scheduled, making it the longest season in the sport’s history.

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

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      Haas chief savages ‘worrying’ Mick Schumacher in X-rated rant in new book Surviving To Drive

      by

      HAAS chief Guenther Steiner has slammed Mick Schumacher over his crashes in a new book.Schumacher raced for Haas for two years in F1 before being let go at the end of last season.
      Guenther Steiner tore into Mick Schumacher in his new bookCredit: Getty
      Schumacher was ripped a Haas car apart last yearCredit: AFP
      The German was involved in mutliple crashes in 2002Credit: Getty
      And Steiner has revealed a big reason for that was his propensity for crashing cars.
      The Haas chief felt Schumacher’s mentality was off and found it increasingly difficult to justify his place in the team to Haas bosses.
      He wrote in his upcoming ‘Surviving to Drive’ book: “And now we get on to Mick. Jeezoz [sic], where do I start?
      “The first time a driver writes off a car in a season due to human error, you have to forget about it. It’s just one of those things and at the end of the day, s*** happens sometimes.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “The second time it happens you think ‘hang on, something’s not right here.’
      “The cost and the effect it has on our chances of scoring points is one thing but what about the dangers to the driver and other people? Nobody ever mentions that.
      “I know I could go on about it but we have a good car this season and I’ve run out of excuses for things like this.
      “‘He crashed again Gunether?’ the board will say. ‘What’s the point of having a good car when you don’t score any points and keep wrecking them?’
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “What can I say to that? Nothing. Having a good car quickly turned into a double-edged sword for me and one of the main reasons for this is that we keep on f***ing wrecking them, or should I say one driver does.
      “The driver who hasn’t scored any points yet and who is one of only two left on the grid right now.”
      Schumacher left Haas at the end of the season and signed for Mercedes as back-up to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Craig Breen’s heartbroken team-mate begs ‘someone wake me from this nightmare’ after rally car driver’s tragic death

      by

      CRAIG BREEN’S teammate admits he’s been left heartbroken by the rally driver’s death, saying: “Someone wake me from this nightmare.”Breen tragically passed away on Thursday at the age of 33 following a fatal crash.
      Craig Breen’s teammate has paid tribute to the tragic late rally driverCredit: AP
      Dani Sordo admits he’s been living in a ‘nightmare’ since the newsCredit: Getty
      The Irish racer collided with a pole while testing his car ahead of next week’s Croatia Rally.
      And Hyundai teammate Dani Sordo has now paid tribute to Breen after revealing his emotional devastation.
      Sordo posted on social media: “Someone wake me up from this nightmare.
      “I can’t believe the call from a few hours ago, saying you’re leaving us forever.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “I’m in Germany tomorrow to tune up your Croatia car. It’s not possible.
      “Rest in peace Craig, friend. You are loved very much and you know it.
      “Good luck to family and friends.”
      The news of Breen’s tragic death shocked the motoring world earlier today.
      Most read in Motorsport
      A statement from Hyundai read: “Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
      “Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.
      “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.
      “Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time.”
      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton is losing his ‘instinctive unconscious speed’ and ‘can’t match’ younger drivers says ex-F1 world champion

      by

      DAMON HILL feels that Lewis Hamilton, given his age and experience in F1, has started to “lose his speed on the track”. Hill, who won the world championship with Williams in 1996, said that “the arrival of the younger, faster driver” can seriously impact an older team-mate.
      Damon Hill now works in the media Paddock on race weekendsCredit: Getty
      And according to Hill, Lewis Hamilton cannot keep up with the pace of the younger drivers foreverCredit: Alamy
      The former racing driver was specifically referring to George Russell’s ability to out-qualify Hamilton.
      Russell,25, leads Hamilton 3-0 in their qualifying head-to-heads in 2023.
      Hamilton,38, was also out-performed by his younger team-mate last season, with the seven-time-world champion failing to win a single race in 2022 for the first time in his career.
      Despite clinching his own title at age 36, Hill referenced how the sport has a history of seeing veteran drivers struggle against younger team-mates.
      READ MORE ON SPORT
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, he said: “Drivers in their late 30s can no longer do those absolutely absurd kind of transcendental laps that they used to be able to do when they were in their 20s.
      “George is super quick, and he’s revelling in the early part of his career and he’s got this speed.
      “I don’t know if Lewis has acknowledged that he can’t match that, or I’m sure he will eventually.
      “But, I mean, it’s possible that that instinctive unconscious speed is starting to leave him, it does happen”.
      Most read in Sport
      Hill insisted that Hamilton and Russell’s relationship brings back memories from the past: “Niki Lauda had Alain Prost arrive.
      “When the older, experienced driver is faced by the speed of a young arrival, they can get depressed about it or devote their energy to making sure the outcome in the race is the thing that matters”.
      The 2023 season has begun on a rather precarious note again for Hamilton’s Mercedes team.
      Though it is Hamilton who has claimed the team’s best finish so far in this campaign, crossing the line in P2 in Australia.
      That did come after Russell, who had earlier been leading his team-mate, was forced to retire prematurely after his car set on fire. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Craig Breen’s heartbreaking final post before tragic death after rally driver was killed in horror crash

      by

      WE CAN reveal the heartbreaking final post made by Craig Breen before the rally driver was tragically killed.The star passed away at the age of 33 following a fatal crash.
      Craig Breen has tragically died after a crash aged just 33Credit: Getty
      The Irish racer collided with a pole between Stari Golubovac and Lobora while testing the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 ahead of the Croatia Rally next week.
      Co-driver James Fulton came away unscathed, but it has now been confirmed that Breen sadly died.
      Just three days ago, the motorsport ace posted a snap of himself smiling on Instagram along with the caption: “When someone tells you we’re back in the Rally1 car again this week..
      “Can’t wait to get my first taste of the @hmsgofficial i20 N Rally1 Hybrid on Tarmac!”
      READ MORE IN RACING
      Police and Breen’s team, Hyundai Motorsport, have confirmed they are both investigating the incident.
      The authorities have confirmed the accident occurred at 12.40pm local time.
      A Hyundai statement read: “Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that driver Craig Breen today lost his life following an accident during the pre-event test for Croatia Rally.
      “Co-driver James Fulton was unharmed in the incident that occurred just after midday local time.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “Hyundai Motorsport sends its sincerest condolences to Craig’s family, friends and his many fans.
      “Hyundai Motorsport will make no further comment at this time.”
      Tributes for Breen have poured in on social media from the likes of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
      He said: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

    • 75 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      What car was Craig Breen driving?

      by

      CRAIG BREEN was one of the world’s most popular rally car drivers to ever touch a course.But the Irish icon tragically lost his life during a test event in Poland
      Craig Breen tragically passed away at age 33Credit: Getty
      The news has shocked the motorsport industry as Breen was set to figure in the 2023 Croatia Rally which gets underway next week.
      And SunSport has knowledge on the car Breen was driving when the horrific accident took place.
      What car was Craig Breen driving?
      Breen, 33, drove for the works Hyundai Motorsport team and was conducting a pre-event test in his i20 N Rally 1 when the fatal incident happened.
      His co-driver James Fulton was also in the car but he escaped from the crash unharmed.
      Read more on Craig Breen
      The Irish star had been a mainstay in the top level of rallying since 2014 but Breen’s racing career began in karts before making the switch to rallying in 2007.
      He made his debut at a WRC event at the 2009 Rally Portugal in a Ford Fiesta ST and then raced at the highest level for Citroen, Hyundai and M-Sport.
      What has Craig Breen won?
      Craig became the WRC academy champion in 2011 and the rally superstar secured the second-tier SWRC championship in 2012.
      Unfortunately, Breen didn’t manage to get his hands on a European championship.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But the Irishman did land two podiums on his way to seventh during his first full-time drive as the lead driver for M-Sport.
      He was also runner-up in the 2015 European Rally Championship.
      And outside of Breen’s WRC exploits, he raced at the Goodwood Revival in 2022 where a number of classic rally cars took to the track.
      What has been said?
      A statement from the WRC said: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also paid his condolences, writing: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident in Croatia.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More

    • 50 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who was Craig Breen?

      by

      RALLY driver Craig Breen has tragically passed away during a test event in Poland. Breen was preparing for the 2023 Croatia Rally, which was due to take place next week, when his Hyundai went off road and crashed.
      Craig Breen was killed in a crash in Poland while preparing for a race in Croatia next weekCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The 33-year-old succumbed to his injuries, but his co-driver James Fulton survived the crash unharmed.
      The world of motorsport is now in mourning for Breen, who began rallying in 2007.
      Who was Craig Breen?
      Breen began karting for the first time in 1999 as a 9-year-old and was the son of Ray Breen, an Irish rally champion.
      It was 10 year later that Breen made the full-time move to rallying, where he competed in the Irish and British Fiesta Sporting Trophies, winning both.

      Breen earns himself a contract with M-Sport and he was crowned Young Irish Rally Driver of the Year.
      In 2012, tragedy struck as Breen’s co-driver Gareth Roberts was killed during the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
      Craig Breen began his rally career in 2009 and went on to grab numerous podiumsCredit: Getty
      Breen went on to enjoy success later in his career with multiple podiums, having signed deals with Peugeot and M-Sport Rally Team.
      However, Breen failed to win a championship before his tragic death.
      Most read in Motorsport
      A statement from the WRC said: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also paid his condolences, writing: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident in Croatia.
      “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” More