Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Iconic Spanish Grand Prix MOVED amid fears for Barcelona track’s future with new F1 race on stunning circuit

      by

      FORMULA ONE chiefs have signed a ten-year deal with Madrid to become the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix.It will replace Barcelona’s out-dated Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on the schedule, which has been a key venue for the sport since 1991.
      Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya faces an uncertain futureCredit: GETTY
      The drivers will race next to Real Madrid’s training baseCredit: Getty
      Madrid’s track will be built around the Ifema exhibition centre
      F1 will return to the capital from the 2026 season for the first time since 1981’s race at Circuito del Jarama.
      Spain’s new circuit will mix street and non-street sections.
      F1 chiefs officially revealed that the 5.47km circuit will feature 20 corners and it is going to join the calendar on a long-term deal until 2035.
      It will be located near Barajas airport and next to Real Madrid’s training base Ciudad in the suburb of Valdebebas.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The track will be built around the Ifema exhibition centre.
      And itwill incorporate a premium paddock building with a new race tower, office spaces, VIP hospitality and entertainment areas.
      The venue will have capacity to host more than 110,000 fans per day across grandstands, general admission, and VIP hospitality.
      There are also plans to increase the capacity to 140,000 per day, making Madrid one of the largest venues on the F1 calendar.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The track is also committed to reaching “Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and plans to be the most sustainable event of the season”.
      All buildings will use renewable energy and any temporary structure will be made of recyclable materials.
      Stefano Domenicali, F1 president, said: “Madrid is an incredible city with amazing sporting and cultural heritage, and today’s announcement begins an exciting new chapter for F1 in Spain.
      “I would like to thank the team at Ifema Madrid, the Regional Government of Madrid and the city’s Mayor for putting together a fantastic proposal.
      “It truly epitomises Formula One’s vision to create a multi-day spectacle of sport and entertainment that delivers maximum value for fans and embraces innovation and sustainability.”
      Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: “Modern F1 cars racing on a new circuit in the Spanish capital city of Madrid is an enticing prospect.
      “As is customary, the proposed circuit will be subject to FIA homologation and safety checks and calendar approval by the World Motor Sport Council.”
      Meanwhile, Barcelona track bosses are still hopeful of holding F1 races at their venue in the future, alongside the Spanish GP.
      Drivers will go past Real Madrid’s training base and Ifema exhibition centre
      Coming up next season…
      Max Verstappen lifted his third World Championship title in 2023 as he won 19 out of 22 races.
      Next season gets underway in Bahrain on March 2.
      McLaren beat their rivals to revealing their livery for 2024 with a bold new design.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      And Mercedes have re-hired technical director James Allison, who oversaw Lewis Hamilton win five World Championships as they look to close the gap on Red Bull.
      Hamilton, 39, has no plans to retire just yet, having signed a £100m contract in August that sees his spot on the grid nailed for both the 2024 and 2025 season. More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mercedes’ two-man shortlist to replace F1 legend Lewis Hamilton including 17-year-old wonderkid

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’S succession plan is reportedly already in the works at Mercedes. Hamilton, 39, has been an ever-present figure on the Formula One grid since 2007, yielding seven titles in the most glittering career ever seen by a driver.
      Mercedes have lined up potential successors for Lewis HamiltonCredit: Splash
      But Mercedes chiefs know Hamilton will not stay in the fast lane forever.
      While the Brit signed a mega £100million contract that will take his F1 career into his 40s in the summer, Mercedes has wasted no time in earmarking his potential replacements.
      One of these is a name already familiar with F1 and Mercedes in Esteban Ocon.
      Gwen Lagrue, head of the Silver Arrows driver programme, revealed to The Race the Alpine driver was still managed by Mercedes.
      READ MORE IN F1
      He said: “He’s still very linked to us. He’s an Alpine driver and he’s fully committed to Alpine, but we’re still managing his career.
      “We have a very good relationship with Alpine and with others.
      “And we always try to find the best solution to work together in the best interest of the team and the driver.”
      The other driver lined up as George Russell’s potential next partner is 17-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The Mirror suggest that come 2026 Antonelli could be the ideal long-term candidate for a provisional Mercedes seat.
      The Mercedes junior driver was afforded the chance to skip F3 and move straight into F2 with Prema for the upcoming 2024 season.
      Toto Wolff, who himself signed a new Mercedes contract extension earlier this month, has tipped the Italian to be able to win a seat.
      Wolff said: “His track record in karting was already impressive and then he moved up to the junior formulas and won every single season in his rookie year.
      “But we have to be careful because there is a lot of hype around Kimi.
      “Bringing him into F2 is a big step because these cars are heavier and have a lot more power.
      “If we give him time and don’t expect him to surpass everything in his first season, I think he can become a great in this sport.
      “We’ll see how things go in F2. They have new cars there, which is an advantage for him.
      “But there are some great competitors who are contesting their second Formula 2 season this year and are also highly rated.
      “He has to show that he is ready for a place in F1. And first, we have to concentrate exclusively on F2.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The new F1 season kicks off in Bahrain on March 2.
      Hamilton will be hoping to break his two-plus year wait for an F1 race win.
      Esteban Ocon is an F1 race winner who is still managed by MercedesCredit: Getty
      Andrea Kimi Antonelli has skipped F3 entirelyCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton enjoys night out with Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex Irina Shayk days after her cosy dinner date with Tom Brady

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON enjoyed a Parisian night out with Irina Shayk – just days after she was papped with Tom Brady.The F1 legend was spotted heading to a luxury venue with the stunning Russian model on Friday night.
      Lewis Hamilton stepped out for a night out in Paris with Irina Shayk on Friday nightCredit: BACKGRID
      Russian model Shayk donned an all-black outfit for their night on the tilesCredit: BACKGRID
      The pair were spotted heading into a luxury vehicleCredit: BACKGRID
      Hamilton donned an oversized and puffy cream hoody with baggy brown trousers and black sunglasses as they headed for a night on the tiles.
      Shayk, 38, also went for the oversized look – completing her all-black outfit with a large black leather trench coat.
      But she made sure to add some colour to her chic look with a bright but small red clutch bag.
      Shayk’s Paris rendezvous with Hamilton comes just days after she was spotted on a dinner date with NFL icon Tom Brady in New York.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The pair have been romantically linked for some time, although Shayk has refused to be drawn on rumours they’re an item.
      When recently probed on their rumoured romance, the ex of footie icon Cristiano Ronaldo said: “No comment.
      “I share my work stuff because I decided to keep my personal life personal.”
      Seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady is said to have not dived head-first into a relationship with Shayk due to all of his business commitments.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      A source close to the 46-year-old reportedly told The Daily Mail: “If Tom had more time for love, he would be all about it and would likely still be dating Irina.
      “He really thinks she is great.
      “But Tom is keeping himself busy with his businesses.
      “Being a part of the sports teams he owns, getting ready for his commentating job next year, and being a father.
      “Everything he does, he wants to give it 110 per cent.
      “He knew he wasn’t able to give his full attention and time to Irina and she is such a good person, that he didn’t want her to feel less than in his world.
      “Maybe they will find each other in the future, but right now, it is easier for them to be friends.”
      Shayk is one of the world’s top modelsCredit: Mega
      Irina Shayk was recently spotted out on a dinner date with NFL legend Tom BradyCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mercedes re-hire chief who oversaw Lewis Hamilton’s success in desperate bid to bring back F1 glory

      by

      MERCEDES have followed up Toto Wolff’s new three-year deal by signing technical director James Allison to a new long-term contract.Wolff, who is three-way owner of the team along with Mercedes-Benz and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has recently committed his future to the team.
      James Allison has committed his future to MercedesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lewis Hamilton is bidding to return to winning ways next seasonCredit: Rex
      And now the Silver Arrows have moved to tie-down his chief designer ahead of another major rule change planned for 2026.
      Wolff said: “I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team.
      “Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport.
      “His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none. His influence and impact, however, goes so much further than that.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “Since joining in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner for me personally.
      “We can challenge each other openly and honestly; an embodiment of the ‘tough love’ culture of the team that is vital in helping us all perform at our very best.
      “Most importantly though, James is a true friend you can rely on, not only in times of success but in difficult moments too.
      “It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past seven years and I look forward to doing so for many more to come.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Allison joined the team in 2017 as technical director and oversaw Lewis Hamilton’s successful spell with the team where he won four drivers’ titles and five consecutive constructors’ championships.
      After a brief spell working on INEOS’ America’s Cup project he returned to the F1 team in April last year to cure the team’s dreadful performance.
      He has now been ringfenced for the F1 operation as Mercedes try to catch runaway leaders, Red Bull.
      Allison said: “F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto’s call to join Mercedes in 2017.
      “It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success.”
      Toto Wolff is thrilled to have tied Allison down to a longer dealCredit: PA More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Major Michael Schumacher health update as stricken F1 legend ‘may attend daughter’s wedding’ after location is revealed

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher could be set to attend his daughter’s wedding after spending the last 10 years hidden from the public.The location of the wedding has finally been revealed as fans of the former F1 legend eagerly wait to see if Michael will turn up.
      Michael Schumacher could be set to attend his daughter’s wedding, according to reportsCredit: AFP
      His daughter Gina, 26, is getting married to Iain Bethke at the family home in Majorca, Spain later this summerCredit: Rex
      According to Corriere della Sera, Schumacher could be going to his daughter’s wedding as it’s being held in one of the family homes set up with Michael’s specialist equipment.
      Gina-Maria Schumacher, 26, and her boyfriend, Iain Bethke, 27, are set to tie the knot later this summer in a huge celebration.
      The wedding is reportedly due to take place at a luxury £27million mansion owned by the Schumacher family over in Majorca, Spain.
      It is already used by Michael frequently after it was transformed to make his care and recovery easier after being purchased in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
      read more in Schumacher
      Among the 15,000 square metre estate is two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.
      The ex F1 icon has been protected by his wife Carinna and close circle of friends ever since his tragic ski accident with almost no updates on his health being released.
      Despite the world eager to see what condition Schumacher is in after 10 years, the family have managed to prevent any photos of him being leaked.
      German magazine Bunte said this will continue even if he is at the wedding as the Schuey clan looks to keep his privacy intact.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The family are reportedly looking at hiring a large security team to keep photographers away from the event and prevent any photos of the 55-year-old coming out.
      The family are still yet to confirm if Michael will be at the wedding at all.
      Plans for the huge day have already started to be revealed after it was reported that a wedding planner from northern Germany has been hired.
      Their job is to put the “finishing touches” on the celebration and make it the best possible wedding despite the families tough circumstances with Michael’s health.
      Bunte says the couple will say “I do” under an arch of flowers at the family villa as a country music band is set to play in the evening at an open-air ceremony.
      With Spanish temperatures set to soar this year, male guests have reportedly been encouraged to not wear ties.
      As rumours around whether or not Michael will be in attendance increase, the other members on the guest list is also a hot topic.
      Since 2013, Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery – including forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the great man and those who can’t.
      Schumacher has regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer and manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after his accident.
      Ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, 42, is regarded by the Schumacher family as “Michael’s younger brother” is allowed to see his old pal.
      The third member of the so called inner circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.
      The pair reportedly watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.
      Michael’s son Mick was also recently allowed to bring his girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, 23, into the home to see Michael for the first time.
      But there are also a list of names who are almost certainly not expected to be at the wedding.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Corinna was forced to cut certain people out of the driver’s life for his sake as she feared information being leaked out.
      Some of these people include ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello, former manager Will Weber and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.
      Michael’s wife Corinna has spent the last ten years protecting her husband’s privacy as he continues to recover from a tragic ski accidentCredit: Rex
      The former Ferrari icon hasn’t been seen in over a decade as his health status is kept private and only his ‘inner circle’ can see himCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Antony Gobert dead aged 48: Eight-time World Superbike race winner passes away after long battle with addiction

      by

      ANTHONY GOBERT has passed away at the age of 48.The eight-time World Superbike race winner had struggled with addiction for a long time.
      Anthony Gobert has passed away aged 48Credit: Crash.net
      Gobert’s mother announced the Austalian’s passing in a statement on social media.
      She wrote: “My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon.
      “I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die.
      “At times he was challenging to say the least but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone.
      READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWS
      “Sadly he was a victim of addiction which runs deeply in our families. He tried many times to get better but he couldn’t quite make it.
      ” I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are.”
      The heartbreaking news comes after Gobert’s brother Aaron had recently announced the star was in palliative care.
      Gobert was known as “The Go Show” during his career that saw him become the youngest ever race winner in World Superbike history in 1994.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Tributes have poured in for the superbike superstar with many taking to social media to pay tribute to Gobert.
      One wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Anthony Gobert, an exceptionally talented motorcycle racer with a career full of accolades many could only dream of.”
      While another added: “Anthony Gobert was always entertaining, both on and off the bike. A real character and a prodigious talent who endured some difficult times in later life. RIP Go Show.”
      Gobert struggled with drug and alcohol abuse in his later life as well as during his career.
      The Aussie sensation lost his ride with the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix team in 1997 after he failed a drugs test.
      The Go Show won eight races during his time on the track and made the World Superbike podium 16 times throughout his career. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Legendary F1 Grand Prix set to move cities after 45 years with announcement of stunning new circuit just days away

      by

      FORMULA ONE is gearing up for a major change to its calendar by introducing a new Spanish Grand Prix circuit in Madrid, reports suggest.Spain’s current F1 host Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya sees its licence to hold races expire in 2026.
      Formula One is in line for a track change in SpainCredit: AFP
      The announcement of the first Madrid Grand Prix in 45 years is reportedly about a week awayCredit: Getty
      Multiple reports from the country now suggest the track’s days on the calendar are numbered due to the introduction of a new venue, with F1 long been rumoured to be gearing up for a location change.
      In December reports alleged how F1 had registered its trademarks with the name: “Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix.”
      That deal now appears to be on the horizon of being announced, according to a new report from AS.
      The outlet says Madrid will host F1 from 2026 – the first time it would do so since its Jarama circuit in 1981 – with confirmation on the deal potentially coming as early as next week.
      READ MORE IN F1
      Isabel Diaz Ayuso, president of the community of Madrid, revealed January 23 as the proposed date for the announcement.
      At a New Year speech, Ayuso said: “On January 23 there will be a big announcement.”
      The proposed semi-urban Madrid track will pass by the training ground of Real Madrid and will be located 7km away from the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.
      Barcelona – which underwent a revamp ahead of the 2023 race – has hosted Spain’s F1 event since 1991.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      But after 2026 that status looks set to be revoked after F1 chief Stefano Domenicali suggested two races could not be held in the same country in Europe.
      Domenicali told AS in June: “I don’t think in the medium term, after 2026, we will be in that situation of having two races in Europe in the same country unless something changes and is different.”
      Elsewhere, reports suggest Japan may undergo a change of its own with Osaka wanting to host an F1 street race.
      The 2024 F1 season’s first race at Bahrain will be on March 2, though McLaren has wasted no time in unveiling their livery for the new season.
      How the new Madrid circuit may look More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris set for huge McLaren pay rise on £13million F1 salary as rivals Mercedes and Red Bull circle British driver

      by

      McLAREN want to tie up Lando Norris to another long-term contract to fend off interest from Mercedes and Red Bull.In the second half of last season, Norris was the second-highest points scorer behind champion Max Verstappen.
      Lando Norris could see his salary rise by £7m per yearCredit: Getty
      McLaren CEO Zak Brown has explained how he wants to ensure Norris remains with his teamCredit: Getty
      The Brit, 24, is under contract until the end of 2025 but that has not put off McLaren’s rivals from checking on the highly-rated racer’s availability.
      Norris is currently on a deal worth around £13m per year and a new extension could see him earn £20m per year from 2026 onwards.
      McLaren CEO Zak Brown has signed key design staff, such as David Sanchez and Rob Marshall from Ferrari and Red Bull respectively, as the team make progress off track.
      Speaking at the launch of the team’s livery for 2024, Brown says he now wants to turn his attention to signing up his drivers to their long term project to win championships again.
      READ MORE IN F1
      He said: “My primary role is to get the right people in place, give them the right resources, and the support.
      “Of course when you’re building a team that has desires to get back to winning the world championship, you need the management, you need the technology, the infrastructure, and of course you need the two grand prix drivers.
      “I think we have all of those in place. We have Lando under contract for another couple of years. Of course, we’re in dialogue with him on a continuous basis as he’s starting to think through as we are, we’re very focused now here, obviously on the short term.
      “But also 2026 isn’t far away, and we recognise that being able to retain Lando and Oscar [Piastri] for the foreseeable future is definitely a key element and something that is a high priority for us.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Norris is yet to win his first race but has come agonisingly close. He has taken 13 podiums and finished the championship in sixth place last season.
      And Brown says it is not down to his driver’s failure to see out the result but because the team have let him down, something he wants to rectify in 2024.
      He added: “The first victory is always somehow the most important, because when you have it, some confidence comes with it, so other things come slightly easier.
      “At the moment, I would say the main reason why this has not been possible is because we haven’t put Lando in condition to consistently compete for the victory.
      “So when Lando wins his first race, it will be a beautiful moment. He’s ready for that. It’s more about us being ready in delivering the car that allows him to take the opportunities.
      “At the moment, like actually we’ve been leading races but we couldn’t consolidate the result up to the chequered flag, so we look forward to that win, and hopefully we’ll have the opportunity in 2024.”
      While Brown is optimistic about his team’s chances coming into the new season he has raised concerns about the partnership between Red Bull and their sister team, AlphaTauri.
      And the McLaren chief thinks it could disrupt the playing field if the two teams are allowed to operate too closely and has subsequently voiced his fears.
      He said: “I am concerned over the AlphaTauri/Red Bull alliance.
      “AlphaTauri is, from what I understand, moving to the UK, which I think will benefit both teams.
      “So this A/B team and co-ownership, which is a whole other level of A/B team, is a big concern to us and the health and fairness of the sport.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “The A/B team co-ownership is a serious issue for the fairness of the sport for the fans.
      “That’s why it’s pretty much not allowed in any other form of major sport, and I’d like to see us as an industry focus on that before it gets to a level of being where F1 once was, which was very out of balance because people are playing by the rules but a different set of rules.”
      Norris made the podium an impressive 13 times last yearCredit: Getty More