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      Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner investigated by F1 team over ‘serious allegations’ of ‘inappropriate behaviour’

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      RED Bull Racing has launched an investigation into team boss Christian Horner over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.The Formula One racing team are looking into claims made against Horner, 50, by an employee of the company.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is under investigation over allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’Credit: AFP
      Horner – who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has denied the allegationsCredit: Getty
      The couple at the Royal Artillery at Larkhill in Wiltshire on January 27Credit: Splash
      The Red Bull chief pictured with world champion Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Horner and wife Geri pose with several famous musicians at his 50th birthday bash
      According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Horner – who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell – has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour”.
      In response to the allegations, Horner said: “I completely deny these claims.”
      Red Bull, the team of world champion Max Verstappen, said it “takes these matters extremely seriously”.
      A spokesperson said: “After being made aware of certain recent allegations, the company launched an independent investigation.
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      “This process, which is already underway, is being carried out by an external specialist barrister.
      “The company takes these matters extremely seriously and the investigation will be completed as soon as practically possible.
      “It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
      Horner – who has an estimated salary of £8million at Red Bull – has been preparing for the 2024 season as Red Bull looks to defend their championship titles. 
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      He described the allegations as “nuts” in a message to Mail Online.
      His defenders reportedly claimed the accusations are part of a plot to oust him within the team in an internal power struggle.
      Last season, the team won 21 of the 22 races as Verstappen claimed the drivers’ title.
      Horner has led Milton Keynes-based Red Bull since their arrival on the grid in 2005 – and has overseen a period of huge success for the team.
      Red Bull has won seven drivers’ championships and six constructors championships under the team boss.
      Spice Girl Geri Horner posts loved-up message to husband Christian as Red Bull F1 boss turns 50
      Horner married Geri, 51, in 2015 and they have one child together, Montague, seven.
      He is also stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      In December, Ginger Spice threw a star-studded 50th birthday bash for the multi-millionaire Red Bull chief.
      Rock n’ Roll legends Ronnie Wood and Sir Rod Stewart were invited along with wives Sally Wood and Penny Lancaster.
      Take That frontman Gary Barlow and R&B singer Jade Jones were also pictured in snaps posing either side of Horner.
      There was also F1 royalty in attendance with Bernie Ecclestone joined by his wife Fabiana Flosi at the event.
      Away from the fast lane of Red Bull, Horner shares two stunning country homes with Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
      The former property boasts its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of motorsport.
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      Back in 2019, he told Luxury London the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
      And it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri, 50, on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
      A look at Christian Horner’s life and career CHRISTIAN Horner is among the most well-known names in Formula One having helped build Red Bull into one of the biggest teams in the sport.
      1973 – Born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
      1991 – Wins a Formula Renault scholarship after impressing in karting races
      1993-1997 – Competed in a host of competitions including British Formula Three, British Formula Two, and Formula 3000
      1997 – Founded and developed the F3000 team Arden
      1999 – Retired from driving and continued developing the Arden team
      2005 – Appointed head of Red Bull team, becoming the youngest ever team principal at that time
      2009 – Wins his first races as team principal with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber
      2010 – Wins the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship with Vettel – the first of four doubles in a row
      2013 – Has a daughter with ex-wife Beverly Allen shortly before the couple split
      2014 – Gets engaged to Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell
      2015 – Marries Halliwell in Woburn, Bedfordshire
      2017 – Horner and Halliwell welcome their son
      2021 – Wins another Drivers’ Championship with Max Verstappen, pipping Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season
      2022-23 – Red Bull win the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship two years in a row

      Horner tied with knot with wife Geri in 2015 and have one child together
      The couple pictured at the Larkhill Royal Artillary Point to Point on January 27Credit: Splash
      Geri Halliwell threw a surprise 50th birthday bash for Christian Horner in DecemberCredit: Instagram
      Horner lives a life of luxury in the country with his familyCredit: Instagram
      Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram More

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      Fleeced by a gigolo, F1 factory romps, secret love children & a cocaine sting… scandalous secrets of supercar dynasties

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      MOST of us can only dream of being part of a supercar dynasty like Lamborghini or Ferrari.But life inside these ultra-rich families is far from simple – as they are haunted by hidden pasts and sordid scandals.
      Flavia Borzone claims to be the lovechild of Tonino Lamborghini – the son of the luxury car firm’s founderCredit: instagram/@flavia_borzone
      A DNA sample was secretly taken from Tonino’s daughter, Elettra Lamborghini
      Just this week, Flavia Borzone, 35, was in court over her claim to be the secret lovechild of Tonino Lamborghini – the son of the luxury car firm’s founder.
      Tonino is suing Flavia after she publicly alleged he had an affair with her mother in the late 1980s.
      In the latest twist to the scandal, it has emerged that Flavia hired private detectives to collect a DNA sample from Tonino’s daughter, Elettra Lamborghini.
      The private detectives snatched a straw, dubbed ‘the straw of a thousand secrets’, that was used by Elettra to drink a coffee.
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      Experts at the University of Ferrara tested the sample and found a DNA match between Elettra – who appeared in the reality show Geordie Shore – and Flavia.
      It is just the latest in a long line of scandals that have rocked the supercar dynasties.
      Bugatti founder’s double tragedy
      Bugatti founder Ettore Bugatti suffered a brutal double tragedy in his life.
      His brother Rembrandt, a talented sculptor, took his own life in 1916 after the outbreak of war stopped him from selling his work, which now sells for millions.
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      Ettore Bugatti’s life was torn apart by the deaths of his son and brotherCredit: Getty
      Ettore’s brother Rembrandt took his own life during WW1Credit: Getty
      Ettore’s son Jean Bugatti died in a crash testing one of his carsCredit: Getty
      The artist was heartbroken when many of the animals he used to base his sculptures on were slaughtered after Germany besieged Antwerp.
      Bugatti suffered another ordeal when his eldest son, Jean, died testing one of his cars. The 30-year-old lost his life when he swerved to avoid a cyclist and crashed.
      BMW heiress fleeced by gigalo
      A gigalo fleeced BMW heiress Susanne Klatten out of £5.9million after meeting her in an Austrian spa.
      He went on to attempt to blackmail Ms Klatten, threatening to release naked photographs of them together if she did not give him more cash.
      Swiss gigalo Helg Sgarbi was jailed for six years in 2009 for his cruel crimes against Ms Klatten and other women.
      Ms Klatten initially handed Sgarbi £5.9million after he told her the Mafia was out for him. But he then took the scam a step further.
      BMW heiress Susanne Klatten was fleeced out of £5.9million by a gigaloCredit: AFP
      Helg Sgarbi was jailed for six years in 2009 for his wicked crimes against Ms Klatten and other womenCredit: Reuters
      Sgarbi threatened to release naked pictures of Ms Klatten which were taken in this Holiday InnCredit: Reuters
      She said: “He asked me to meet him at the Holiday Inn in Munich. When I went there he showed me two photographs, in one of them I was naked and so was he.
      “I could tell they were from a video and I was scared. There was a letter which said he would tell all to the press and my family. He wanted money and I had already given him seven million Euro.
      “He just wanted more money and at that point I decided to go to the police because I realised I was being blackmailed.”
      Ms Klatten’s father, Herbert Quandt, was also engulfed in scandal over his ties to the Nazi party.
      Quandt’s BMW collaborated with the Nazis and employed around 50,000 forced labourers in its arms factories.
      Roughly 80 slave labourers died per month at the plants – and many were executed.
      One of the slave labourers, Takis Mylopoulos, said: “We were treated very badly, we were whipped and had to drink water out of the lavatories.”
      Porsche boss pals with Hitler
      Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the luxury car firm, showing Adolf Hitler his Volkswagen Beetle designCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Porsche was arrested for war crimes as an SS officerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The man who created Porsche was a devoted Nazi and pal of Adolf Hitler.
      Ferdinand Porsche developed the V-1 flying bomb – which was nicknamed the doodlebug by Brits during the Blitz – and Nazi tanks.
      He also worked closely with Hitler, receiving a contract from the dictator to create a ‘Volkswagen’, meaning a car for the masses.
      The result of this alliance was the Volkswagen Beetle.
      Shamefully, prisoners of were were used as slave labour at the Volkswagen car plant in Wolfsburg, Germany, while Porsche was general manager.
      By 1945, Porsche had been arrested for war crimes as an SS officer and was languishing in a French prison of war camp.
      Porsche was released from custody in 1947 after his family posted bail of one million French francs.
      In 2022, the Austrian city of Linz announced that it planned to rename ‘Porscheweg’ street, which honoured the carmaker.
      A report commissioned by the city senate said: “Porsche played a central role in the NS [National Socialism] war economy and actively promoted the forced labour of prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates.”
      Ferrari lovechild
      Ferrari founder Enzo had a secret lovechild, Piero, with his mistress
      Enzo’s wife refused to let Piero (pictured) use his father’s surname while she was alive
      Enzo Ferrari, who started the supercar company, was known for his wild love life.
      The playboy, who was played by Adam Driver in a biopic last year, bedded factory workers and had a secret lovechild with his mistress Lina Lardi.
      Enzo’s wife Laura was so furious about the affair that she refused to let the lovechild, Peiro, have her husband’s surname while she was alive.
      Enzo continued to visit his widow’s grave every morning after she died in 1978.
      And Piero Ferrari, who is now the vice-chairman of the family firm, was by his father’s bedside when he died.
      Lotus founder’s missing millions
      Lotus boss Colin Chapman was embroiled in scandal over missing taxpayer cash
      A judge said Chapman would have been jailed for at least 10 years had he been in the dockCredit: Getty
      Lotus founder Colin Chapman died before he could be charged over a case that cost the taxpayer millions.
      The British Government invested more than £50million in a scheme to build a sports car in Belfast.
      However, £10million of the cash was not spent on the project, which was the brainchild of Chapman and an American car tycoon called John DeLorean.
      The DeLorean Motor Company filed for bankruptcy in October 1982 – just a few days before DeLorean was arrested in a cocaine trafficking case. Undercover federal agents had filmed him agreeing to bankroll a cocaine smuggling operation.
      He was later acquitted over the cocaine case as he argued police had entrapped him.
      However, the mystery over the missing taxpayer cash sparked an investigation which led to the imprisonment of Lotus Group accountant Fred Bushell.
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      It emerged that Bushell had siphoned off £5million for himself.
      Chapman died aged 54 from a heart attack in 1982 but the judge in Bushell’s case said that if he had been in the dock he would have been jailed for at least 10 years. More

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      F1 fans convinced they’ve worked out who’s replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes after social media clue

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      F1 FANS are convinced that they know who will be replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.The British driver will be leaving the Formula 1 team for Ferrari next year.
      Fans are sure who will replace Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: Alamy
      Fans spotted a clue on social media about a driver being near Mercedes’ team baseCredit: Instagram @valtteribottas
      The driver is former Mercedes star Valtteri BottasCredit: Getty
      Hamilton, 39, has been with the Brackley-based team since 2013 but will leave after the 2024 campaign.
      Mercedes are now on the lookout for a replacement driver.
      The Silver Arrows have been linked with the likes of Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Oscar Piastri and Alexander Albon.
      However, Valtteri Bottas has got fans thinking he will be the new driver after a social media post.
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      The current Stake F1 team driver posted a snap of him playing darts on Instagram.
      His followers were quick to point out that the Finnish ace has tagged the location as Brackley, the town where Mercedes’ operations centre is based in.
      Many took to social media to share their theory that Bottas will be lining up alongside George Russell next year.
      One fan posted: “Now Bottas is at Brackley. Oh GARD.”
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      A second commented: “Bottas babe why are you in Brackley? WHY ARE YOU IN BRACKLEY?”
      A third wrote: “Bottas strolling back into Brackley.”
      A fourth said: “Bottas arriving back at Brackley to replace Lewis at Mercedes.”
      Another joked: “What if Bottas isn’t actually in Brackley and he posted it as a joke.”
      Bottas spent four years at Mercedes as Hamilton’s team-mate between 2017 and 2021.
      He left the team to join Alfa Romeo after coming second in the driver’s championship twice.
      As a result of Hamilton’s move to join Ferrari, the company’s value has skyrocketed to over £3billion.
      The Brit released a statement in which he admitted that the move has made him feel a “range of emotions”.
      He said: “It’s been a crazy few days which have been filled with a whole range of emotions.
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      “But as you all now know, after an incredible 11 years at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the time has come for me to start a new chapter in my life and I will be joining Scuderia Ferrari in 2025.
      “I feel incredibly fortunate, after achieving things with Mercedes that I could only have dreamed of as a kid, that I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream. Driving in Ferrari red.” More

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      Top 10 richest F1 drivers in history revealed as Lewis Hamilton dwarfs Max Verstappen… but misses out on top spot

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      FORMULA ONE is well known as a glamour sport where vast riches can be both acquired and shown off.And the top drivers in the sport can amass wealth that rivals any of the highest-earning athletes in the world.
      Max Verstappen has the biggest salary in Formula OneCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton has a huge portfolio that has earned him a staggering amount of wealthCredit: PA
      The likes of Jenson Button remain key figures behind the scenes in F1Credit: Rex
      The 2023 grid – which has remained the same for the upcoming 2024 season – saw drivers earning huge sums topped out at a whopping £45million for reigning champion Max Verstappen.
      But over the course of an F1 career the figures are even more staggering, with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher reaching mega-wealth status.
      Accounting for the huge salaries some drivers command, plus sponsorship deals and property portfolios, net worths are in the region of hundreds of millions.
      Below we take a look at the top ten F1 drivers in history with the highest net worth, according to figures compiled by Planet F1 and GQ Australia.
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      10. Eddie Irvine – £92.5million
      Eddie Irvine battled it out for an F1 title in the 1990sCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He owns a property empire said to include 40 properties
      He flogged a plush Irish mansion for £2.6m in 2021
      A four-time race winner in F1 who battled it out with the likes of Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s.
      However, Eddie Irvine never managed to get his hands on an F1 drivers title.
      Instead, much of his wealth comes from investment into an estimated 40 properties worldwide, including an Irish mansion he sold to Matt Damon in 2021.
      According to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2006 this made him the fifth richest person in Northern Ireland.
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      9. Mario Andretti – £100.1million
      Mario Andretti is one of three racers to win races in F1, Indycar, Nascar and the World Sportscar ChampionshipCredit: X @MarioAndretti
      Andretti owns a stunning 18,513 square foot property in Pennsylvania, USACredit: X @MarioAndretti
      An icon of motorsport, Andretti is one of three drivers to win races in F1, Indycar, Nascar and the World Sportscar Championship.
      Some of his wealth includes an 18,513 square feet property in Nazareth, PA, USA, that features four bedroooms, 15 bathrooms and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
      He has seen corners on streets and race tracks alike named after him and is now gearing up for a team move into F1.
      So his inclusion in this list should be little surprise.
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      8. Sebastian Vettel – £107.9million
      Sebastian Vettel’s F1 career earned him a fortuneCredit: Splash
      Since retiring Vettel has invested in green projectsCredit: Getty
      Vettel has a stunning car collection including the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel is a name synonymous with motorsport despite keeping a fairly low profile away from the track which has included a visit to a top German medical clinic.
      Green-fingered Vettel commanded one of the highest salaries in the sport during his time with Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin.
      Vettel also has a stunning car collection including the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG worth £175,000.
      Since retiring he has invested in green projects in a bid to tackle climate change.
      7. Jenson Button – £115.6million
      Jenson Button has amassed a huge fortuneCredit: Instagram
      Jenson Button married Brittny Ward in 2022Credit: brittny/Instagram
      Button’s car collection includes a 2015 McLaren P1 GTRCredit: SWNS
      Shock 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button continues to be a familiar face in the sport thanks to his TV appearances and recent role in the Brawn documentary as well as being a senior adviser to Williams F1.
      Button, who finished third on his Daytona 24 hours debut, has a large property portfolio and was reportedly one of F1’s biggest earners even before he landed his one and only title.
      He has also taken a liking to cars and has owned a stunning garage, with which he can chaperone wife Brittany Ward around in.
      These have included a McLaren P1, a Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari 275 GT.
      6. Kimi Raikkonen – £140.6million
      Kimi Raikkonen was one of F1’s best paid drivers during his time on the gridCredit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
      Raikkonen owns a stunning ‘Bond villian-like lair’ which houses an impressive motor collectionCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
      A one-time F1 title champion like Button, “The Iceman” could command one of the highest salaries in the sport during his peak and famously almost bankrupt Lotus during his time with the team.
      Like some of his former rivals, Raikkonen is a property investor – including a $24m Swiss villa – and he is now helping his son Robin with his own motorsport career.
      The villa in question has been dubbed a “Bond villian-like lair” which houses an impressive collection of motors including a £$360,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge and a $3.6million Ferrari Enzo.
      Raikkonen is also said to own three homes in Finland, and have properties in Dubai and Thailand.
      5. Niki Lauda – £154.1million
      Niki Lauda played an integral role in Lewis Hamilton joining MercedesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lauda ran airlines after retiring from the sportCredit: Reuters
      The three-time World Champion was the only man to win the title at both Ferrari and Mercedes.
      After retiring from F1, he founded and ran three successful airlines, Lauda Air, Niki and Lauda.
      He also stayed in and around the paddock with his former teams, Jaguar and owned 10 per cent of Mercedes Motorsport.
      Lauda passed away aged 70 in 2019.
      4. Max Verstappen – £165.5million
      Verstappen is dating Kelly PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/
      Verstappen lives in Monaco and has invested in his own GT team
      Verstappen’s car collection includes an Acura NSX Type S worth around £122,000Credit: Acura
      At present, Verstappen has commanded the most lucrative F1 contract for the past two seasons when accounting for bonuses.
      Verstappen has invested in his own GT team, is an ambassador for EA Sports and has a host of personal sponsors, all of which helped him earn a place in Forbes’ 2023 list of sports top young earners.
      He also has a great affinity for cars, with his collection worth around £2.3m.
      Verstappen also lives in Monaco, which is not exactly on the cheap end of the property market.
      3. Fernando Alonso – £205million
      Fernando Alonso is F1’s most experienced driverCredit: Splash
      The Spaniard naturally has a Ferrari in his collectionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs0iZ8Cor2q/
      Alonso also owns a McLaren P1Credit: INSTAGRAM @fernandoalo_oficial
      F1’s most experienced driver, and also one of its best, it should come as no surprise to see two-time champion Fernando Alonso high on the list.
      As well as commanding huge contracts, Alonso has invested into the next generation with his Alonso Sports Complex in his native Asturias which features a museum and a karting track.
      Like many others in this list the Spaniard owns a number of supercars.
      These include a McLaren P1, Aston Martin DBX luxury SUV and Ferrari 599 GTB Fernando Alonso Edition.
      2. Lewis Hamilton – £224.7million
      Lewis Hamilton has invested in a wide array of projects
      Hamilton often jets around the world during the off seasonCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton invested in the Denver Broncos in 2022Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/
      Hamilton was recently labelled a “brand” due to his involvement in so many projects.
      Expected to earn £50million at Mercedes during the 2024 season, Hamilton is a cool earner salary wise.
      Hamilton has investments in property, cars, fashion and initiatives encouraging wider representation in sport and even teams, with Hamilton investing in NFL side Denver Broncos in 2022.
      Luckily a wide range of sponsors including the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, IWC and Bose allow him to fund this far reaching influence which has landed on him on the Sunday Times Rich List.
      1. Michael Schumacher – £462.5million
      Michael Schumacher is top of the F1 driver rich listCredit: AFP
      Schumacher owns a Ferrari Enzo
      An era defining driver for many fans of motorsport, the seven-time F1 champion was named the highest-paid athlete by Forbes in 1999 and 2000 and even predicted to be the first billionaire athlete in 2005.
      In 2017, he was named as the fifth-highest athlete of all time in terms of career earnings, but he has not been seen publicly since his life-changing skiing accident in 2013.
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      The German was well-known for his charitable donations, including a £39.5m donation to UNESCO during his final five years of racing.
      Predictably, Schumacher and his family have a worldwide real estate portfolio, while Schumacher also earned a staggering amount through brand endorsements, including a £8.5m deal to wear a shell hat and show its logo in nearly all public appearances.

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      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell Mercedes exit as Toto Wolff reveals how F1 star went to his house to break news

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      TOTO WOLFF felt like he has been “punched in the nose” after Lewis Hamilton dropped the bombshell he was quitting Mercedes to join Ferrari.Mercedes boss Wolff says he had heard rumours of Hamilton’s defection for the 2025 season but did not want to believe them.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: Alamy
      And revealed he only discovered Hamilton was off after the Brit told him over breakfast on Wednesday.
      Wolff says it is at a loss to understand what has convinced the 39-year-old to jump ship after only agreeing a two-year deal last summer.
      Wolff said: “What happened is that we got together for coffee at my place in Oxford when he was returning to the factory and he said to me that he had decided to race for Ferrari in 2025.”
      Wolff added: “The surprise was that I’d heard the rumours a couple of days earlier but wanted to wait for the breakfast we had planned.
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      “It was Wednesday morning and this is when he broke the news…once he said this is what I wanted to do, I didn’t try to convince him otherwise.”
      Hamilton and Wolff have struck up a great friendship during their 11 years at Mercedes but admits he was stunned to discover his star driver is off to their rivals.
      The move is particularly upsetting given that Wolff is also chums with Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur who has persuaded Hamilton to change teams.
      Wolff added: “I have great respect for Fred, not only as a racing manager, but also as a longtime friend.
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      “On the relationship. It is a tough competition, a cutthroat environment and as much as I try to do the best for our group, he will do that for Ferrari.
      “It’s a little bit like rugby. We punch each other in the nose, but we are able to get off the pitch and have a respectful relationship.”
      Hamilton only agreed a two-year deal last summer and Wolff says his discussions with the Brit over the winter were only focussed on Mercedes.
      And the Austrian says he is at a loss to understand what has caused Hamilton to change his mind.
      He said: “I cannot tell you exactly [what caused Hamilton to change]. I only know that we were very aligned when we went into the Christmas period.
      “We’ve said that in public and in the team. You need to ask Lewis why he changed his mind.

      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff learned of Hamilton’s exit during breakfastCredit: Getty
      “How he framed it to me was that he needed a new challenge and that he was looking for a different environment and it was maybe the last possibility to do something else.
      “We totally respect that. You can change your mind and switch to Ferrari maybe for the last gig in his career, maybe rolling the dice a bit.”
      Wolff will now turn his attention to picking Hamilton’s replacement to drive alongside George Russell.
      With Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris both signing new long-term deals at Ferrari and McLaren respectively, he admits his options are more-limited.
      He added: “Some drivers will be coming available, others just signed a few weeks ago, so these would have been opportunities six weeks earlier.
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      “But it is what it is. In 2025 and beyond the driver market is very interesting and we need to look out to the future.
      “Who is it that we can partner with George? What’s the best combination? There’s a variety of options and I want to take my time.”
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut ‘leaked’ in cryptic hint at major shakeup to F1 calendar

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S first race as a Ferrari driver has been “leaked” by an iconic Formula One track.Hamilton, 39, rocked the world of motorsport by yesterday signing a shock deal with Ferrari from the 2025 season.
      The venue of Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari debut may have been leakedCredit: AFP
      The Australia Grand Prix posted this graphic on their page before deleting itCredit: X @ausgrandprix
      He will become the 12th British racer to drive a Ferrari in F1 as he bids to win a record eighth world title.
      The official Australia Grand Prix account posted a graphic suggesting Hamilton’s Ferrari debut would be at Albert Park in 2025 rather than in Bahrain where the season starts this year on March 2.
      However, the post was swiftly deleted.
      There has been no confirmation yet on the venue of the 2025 season opener.
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      It would be a major shakeup to the calendar not seen for six years.
      Australia previously hosted the season opener for F1 seasons between 2011 and 2019.
      Before Melbourne, Adelaide was Australia’s resident F1 circuit from 1985 to 1995, though Adelaide was never a track which kick started an F1 season.
      This run came to an end when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, with Austria taking over the mantle that season.
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      Bahrain have hosted each of the opening races since 2021.
      Between 1996 and 2019, Albert Park in Melbourne played host to F1 season openers in all but two years.
      Hamilton will pocked £100million to join Ferrari in a switch that has shocked F1.
      The seven-time world champion agreed to drive for F1’s most famous team in 2025 and 2026.
      In a statement issued by Mercedes, Hamilton, 39, said he was committed to finishing the season with Mercedes before taking on a new challenge.
      He said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.
      “Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.
      “It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.

      “But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge.
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      “I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together.
      “I am 100 percent committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
      WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

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      What happened to Ferrari’s 11 British F1 drivers including last winner 60 YEARS AGO as Lewis Hamilton joins elite club

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S stunning transfer to Ferrari has shocked the world of Formula One.Motorsport fans around the globe will remember February 1 as the date Hamilton officially cut ties with Mercedes following a 26-year association.
      Lewis Hamilton has sealed a shock move to FerrariCredit: PA
      He joins the likes of Nigel Mansell on a prestigious list of British Ferrari F1 driversCredit: Rex Features
      Hamilton’s career with Mercedes
      Seven world drivers titles, 103 race wins, 104 podiums and a legion of other records to boot. To say his career backed by Mercedes power has been a success would be an understatement.
      Having signed a £100million contract with Mercedes in summer 2023, Hamilton then used a break clause in his deal to seal his switch to Ferrari.
      Hamilton will drive for the Scuderia from 2025 after signing a “multi-year contract” worth £100m.
      His goal with the Italian constructor will no doubt be to win a historic eighth title if he cannot manage it in his final season with the Silver Arrows.
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      However, Hamilton is not the only Brit to have driven in the scarlet red of the Prancing Horse.
      That being said, if he is to win Ferrari’s first driver title since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 he will be fighting against history stretching back 60 YEARS.
      But who are Hamilton’s predecessors?
      Below we take a look at the 11 previous drivers to have got behind the wheel at Ferrari.
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      Peter Whitehead
      Peter Whitehead pictured drinking a beer in a FerrariCredit: 2015 Getty Images
      Peter Whitehead raced for Ferrari at the birth of F1 in 1950.
      An amateur pre-war racer and RAF pilot, Whitehead raced in 12 F1 races, achieving one podium before he left the sport in 1954.
      Following the second world war Whitehead returned to racing and worked his way to purchasing a Ferrari 125 from Enzo Ferrari, contesting nine Grand Prix with it.
      Whitehead’s most noteworthy exploits came in outside of F1 however, winning the 1951 Le Mans 24 Hours race. He was killed in 1958 while competing in the Tour de France.
      Mike Hawthorn
      Mike Hawthorn was the first Briton to win the F1 world championshipCredit: SSPL/Manchester Daily Express
      “Farnham Flyer” Mike Hawthorn joined Ferrari in 1953 and raced with them until 1958 and became famed for wearing a bow tie during races.
      Battling with the likes of F1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio, Hawthorn came close to title success in 1954 as he won three podiums and won in Spain.
      However, he would not land a title until 1958, becoming the first Brit to win an F1 title in the Ferrari 246 in a title battle with Sir Stirling Moss.
      Hawthorn would retire from racing in 1958 but would tragically die in a car accident on the A3 Guildford Bypass on January 22 1959.
      Peter Collins
      Peter Collins won three races in F1Credit: 2009 Getty Images
      Peter Collins raced his first season with Ferrari in 1956.
      He earned Enzo Ferrari’s respect that season when he gave up his own world title ambitions by handing his car over to Fangio at Monza.
      Collins was active in F1 for six years, with his final win in F1 coming at Silverstone in 1958.
      He died while racing around the Nurburgring just three weeks later.
      Tony Brooks
      Tony Brooks won two races with Ferrari during his F1 careerCredit: Getty
      Tony Brooks joined Ferrari in 1959 following the deaths of Hawthorn and Collins.
      He won two races in Reims and Germany to hand him a shot at the title.
      But the title dream would fall short after an ultimately needless pit-stop at Sebring, USA, following a collision with Wolfgang von Trips.
      Unlike many unfortunate racers in the era, Brooks retired from motorsport and lived a long life, only passing away in 2022 aged 90.
      Cliff Allison
      Injuries thwarted Cliff Allison’s promising careerCredit: Getty
      Cliff Allison joined Ferrari as part of its stable of drivers for the 1959-1960 F1 season.
      However, after just six races he saw his career cut short. Following a second place finish in Argentina, a crash at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix saw Allison hurled from his cockpit and was sidelined for a year.
      Allison woke up in a hospital speaking French despite never learning the language.
      He returned to F1 in 1961 with Lotus but suffered a double leg break at the Belgium Grand Prix, ending a promising career. Allison died in 2005 aged 73.
      John Surtees
      John Surtees won world championships in F1 and on motorcyclesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The last man to win the F1 title at Ferrari, John Surtees was proficient in both F1 and motorcycle racing and is famed as a world champion on four and two wheels.
      He was active for 12 years in F1, winning six races including two in 1964 on route to a championship.
      Things eventually turned sour between driver and team however, leaving Ferrari in a rage in 1966.
      Surtees died of respiratory failure in 2017 at the age of 83.
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      Mike Parkes
      Mike Parkes raced six races in FerrariCredit: Getty
      Mike Parkes raced for Ferrari in the 1966 and 1967 F1 seasons following a seven-year break from the sport he had made his debut in in 1959.
      Podiums in the French and Italian Grand Prix in 1966 showed off his promise before he suffered a leg-break in Belgium ended his career prematurely.
      Parkes was also a racer in sports cars, winning the British Saloon Car Championship in 1961.
      He died in 1977 aged 45.
      Jonathan Williams
      Jonathan Williams made just one F1 start in his careerCredit: Getty
      Jonathan Williams made just one F1 start in his racing career, but making it for Ferrari means he makes this list.
      Williams one F1 race in Mexico saw him finish 8th.
      He retired in 1972 and became a pilot, before switching to be a writer and photographer.
      Williams died on in 2014 aged 71.
      Derek Bell
      Derek Bell is the most successful Brit in Le Mans historyCredit: Getty
      Derek Bell is best known for his career in sportscars.
      But the two F1 starts he made for Ferrari put him on this list even though he did not do great in the seat.
      A lack of opportunities prompted him to move on from the team in 1969, before he would go on to win Le Mans five times to make him the most successful Brit to race in it to date.
      Born in 1941, Bell has also won the Daytona 24 three times and the World Sportscar Championship twice.
      Nigel Mansell
      Nigel Mansell was the last driver confirmed by Enzo Ferrari before he diedCredit: 2019 Getty Images
      Nigel Mansell became the first driver to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari for more than 20 years when he joined the Prancing Horses in 1989.
      Things started off well with a win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but that would prove to be a false-dawn amid reliability issues.
      Mansell would eventually leave the team at the end of 1990 to rejoin Williams, where “Mansellmania” was born as he won a championship in 1992.
      “‘Il Leone” as he was known to the Tifosi, was the last driver confirmed by Enzo Ferrari before his death. These days Mansell is enjoying retirement with a number of successful business enterprises.
      Eddie Irvine
      Eddie Irvine came within touching distance of a title at FerrariCredit: Bongarts
      Eddie Irvine came within touching distance of an F1 title in 1999, winning four races.
      However, he was unable to match Michael Schumacher in his prime and promptly left at the end of the season before retiring from F1 in 2002.
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      Irvine has since gone on to become a successful businessman which has earned him an incredible net worth.
      He is the last Brit to race for Ferrari, and 20 years on Hamilton will follow in Irvine’s footsteps aiming for an eighth title to eclipse none-other than Schumacher.

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      How Lewis Hamilton’s sensational move to Ferrari was revealed by hidden clue in beer advert – so can you spot it?

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S bombshell move to Ferrari was revealed in a BEER advert earlier this week – but everybody missed it.The legendary seven-time world champion announced on Thursday that he has agreed to drive for F1’s most famous team in 2025 and 2026.
      There is a clue in this advert from Peroni announcing their Ferrari sponsorship – but can you see it?Credit: Peroni/Ferrari
      Lewis Hamilton has agreed a bombshell package to join Ferrari in 2025Credit: EPA
      Hamilton, who will see out this season with Mercedes, has signed a £100million mega deal in a switch that has shocked F1.
      However, now it has emerged that the Brit’s big news was actually already out there and hiding in plain sight.
      Ferrari and beer brand Peroni entered a new sponsorship partnership this week.
      And during the announcement of that, they appear to have given away the secret early.
      READ MORE ON LEWIS HAMILTON
      Ferrari and Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% have joined forces in a multi-year partnership and confirmed the deal on Wednesday.
      To celebrate, Peroni released a graphic that had several Ferrari items alongside their iconic bottle of alcohol-free beer.
      But it seems something about the miniature red racing car featured in the advert when completely unnoticed.
      Can you see it in the image above?
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      The huge clue is the 44 plastered on the miniature car.
      That, of course, is Hamilton’s lucky racing number, and it is only now that fans are beginning to realise that the big move was there staring them straight in the face.
      He previously revealed: “When I started racing when I was eight, the number plate on my dad’s car – he had this red Cavalier – was F44.
      “So he used 44 – it was his idea. And then it became the family lucky number.”

      Hamilton’s exit is a huge blow to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff ahead of the new F1 season, which kicks off in Bahrain on March 2nd.
      But he is adamant that he remains committed to finishing the season with Mercedes before taking on a new challenge as he chases a record eight title crown.
      He said: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together. 
      “Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old. 
      “It’s a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.
      “But the time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge. 
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      “I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together. 
      “I am 100 per cent committed to delivering the best performance I can this season and making my last year with the Silver Arrows, one to remember.”
      Did you spot Hamilton’s racing number hidden on the car in the ad?WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.

      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton. More