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Football

“This is something that I always struggled with when I was playing for Ireland” : Lee Carsley on refusing to sing the England national anthem

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“This is something that I always struggled with when I was playing for Ireland” : Lee Carsley on refusing to sing the England national anthem Since many years, many English players and coaches have been scrutinized from time to time for failing to sing the national anthem ‘God Save the King’. England interim manager Lee Carsley was the latest to not sing the national anthem before the match. The 50-year-old did not sing the national anthem even when he was a player for Ireland and continued the trend as England U-21 team manager up until now. The former Everton midfielder recently addressed this situation ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash against Ireland and revealed as to why this is the case. “This is something that I always struggled with when I was playing for Ireland, the gap between your warm-up, your coming on to the pitch and the delay with the anthems. So, it’s something that I have never done. I was always really focused on the game and my first actions of the game. I really found that in that period I was wary about my mind wandering off,” said Carsley. “I was really focused on the football and I have taken that into coaching. We had the national anthem with the Under-21s also and I am in a zone at that point. I am thinking about how the opposition are going to set up and our first actions within the game. I fully respect both anthems and understand how much they mean to both countries. It’s something I am really respectful of,” the interim manager added. Many fans have defended Carsley on this, including his former Irish teammate and now football pundit Roy Keane as well. The former Manchester United player said that it was not an issue back in his day and the main priority should be winning games. “We’re talking about people losing their jobs because they don’t sing a national anthem. I played with him at Ireland and he didn’t sing it then and it wasn’t an issue then. The priority is to try and win football matches and that will take care of everything else,” said the 53-year-old. “I’m serious about my work and I’m not singing before a game” : Gary Neville provides his take on not singing the national anthem Meanwhile, Gary Neville previously revealed he did not sing the national anthem to prove a point to FA Chairman George Thompson in 1995, who told him he ‘must’ sing it. “I didn’t sing it the first time I played for England, partly because I thought, I’m serious about my work and I’m not singing before a game. He [Thompson] only ever sought out one conversation with me. Did he want to pick my brains on World Cup preparation? Or ask how the FA could help behind the scenes? No, Mr Thompson wanted to know why I didn’t sing the National Anthem. I’m not being told by some suits what to do,” the football pundit firmly explained. Apart from Carsley and Neville, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold also refused to sing the anthem in a Nations League clash against Hungary in 2022, where they eventually lost. The right-back received criticism back then as well. Wayne Rooney before receiving the captain’s armband also did not sing the anthem and faced a lot of criticism; but to his luck, an FA spokesperson addressed this situation back in 2012 and said it is not compulsory for a player to sing the national anthem. “Whether a player wishes to sing the national anthem or not is purely a personal choice,” said by an FA spokesperson 12 years ago. Although, in the recently ended Euros, all English players sang the anthem before the games, it seems like singing or not singing is purely a matter of choice and the FA would not mind the latter. But the coaches and players should be ready to face the consequences and scrutiny the media and fans will reflect on them later on. Also Read: “Imagine what the output of Saka is going to be if he gets a rest here and there” : Rio Ferdinand urges Mikel Arteta to make effective use of Raheem Sterling

Featured

“I still had to get used to liking the guy because of all of our battles” : Steph Curry reflects on teaming up with LeBron James in the Olympics

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“I still had to get used to liking the guy because of all of our battles” : Steph Curry reflects on teaming up with LeBron James in the Olympics a Apart from the USA assembling a dream team or ‘The Avengers’ as LeBron James previously addressed it, fans got to see two of the greatest basketball players of all time in the same team after a long wait in the Olympics, Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Curry and James go way back, as they had started off as major rivals for each other, with their peak hitting when they competed in four consecutive NBA finals against each other as part of the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers respectively. Over the years, their sheer competitiveness and the quest to be better than the other turned into mutual respect between the two, showing that the once heated rivalry matured and turned the two into friends along the way as well. Fans were finally able to see the duo play together in the recent Paris Olympics, where both Americans were essential in USAB’s Olympic gold victory. Steph Curry admires the longevity and the work done behind it from LeBron James In a recent appearance on ‘The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert’, Steph Curry revealed a precious moment between him and James, where the Lakers superstar backed him up after having a then dry spell during their time together in the Olympic team. “… asked me the same question, ‘What’s wrong with your shot?’ Positive self-talking, ‘No we’re winning. I know it’s going to come, I know a flurry is coming,’” Curry said. “As soon as I said it, LeBron walks behind me, ‘Damn right it is.’ At first, it caught me off guard because I still had to get used to liking the guy because of all of our battles,” said the 36-year-old. The flurry sure did arrive, when Curry was back to his best in the semi-final and final of the Olympics, where he showcased one of his best performances in recent memory against Serbia and France. The Warriors man also created a shocking viral moment which will be remembered for years to come, when he hit five consecutive threes in the last three minutes of the fourth quarter in the final against France and led the team home. The 36-year-old also talked about LeBron James in another interview with PEOPLE magazine’s Natasha Dye, where he praised the 39-year-old’s abysmal longevity which is still making him compete at the highest level possible. “It’s everything that most people don’t get to see, it’s the time on the recovery table, it’s the time in the weight room … That little bit of investment in preparing your body and your mind to perform. There’s nothing really glamorous about it. … I think we motivated each other even more to however much longer we have left playing,” said the Warriors superstar. From heated on-court fights and jabs to admiring each other’s abilities, the duo of Stephen Curry and LeBron James have come a long way while sharing the stage together for about a decade, which has also made them grow and become greater versions of themselves. Although fans will not be able to see the duo play together in the NBA, their little glimpse together in the Olympics showcased what the two can be capable of doing together. Also Read: “I know I can jump higher” : Mondo Duplantis on setting greater world records

Cricket

“He always keep the environment of the team light” : Ravichandran Ashwin speaks about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy

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“He always keep the environment of the team light” : Ravichandran Ashwin speaks about Rohit Sharma’s captaincy Ravichandran Ashwin has been in the Indian cricket team dynamics long enough to know a thing or two about his peers of the past and present. The 37-year-old off-spinner has played vital roles under the captaincies of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The veteran recently expressed his thoughts over the differences between the three captains, particularly Rohit Sharma. The 37-year-old opening batsman was handed the keys to captaincy from his teammate and friend Virat Kohli post the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Shortly after being named captain of all three formats of the game, the veteran has made the team collectively better with improved performances from the pace department and the youngsters as well. Sharma’s crowning moment in his captaincy came when he led India to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies, where the team won by the barest of margins but overperformed in all other games. Apart from this, the 37-year-old has also led India to the ICC Cricket World Cup final and the WTC final as well. “Rohit works more on the tactics” : Ashwin reveals key differences between Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni In a recent interview, the veteran off-spinner talked about Rohit Sharma’s pre-match planning and how he sets things up ahead of a big game. “If there is any big match or series coming up, Rohit sits with the analytics team and coach and prepares for it, like what’s the weakness of a particular batsman, what’s the plan of a bowler. That’s his strength but he always keeps the environment of the team light and backs the players. If he selects a player in the XI, he backs them 100%. I have played most of my career with these three captains.” said the 37-year-old (via Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel). Ashwin also explained how he thinks the Indian batsman has a slightly different approach than his previous captains, and how he always makes an effort to lighten the squad’s mood as well. “2-3 things are nice about Rohit’s captaincy. He always keeps the environment of the team light. He makes an effort to keep it light. And he stays very balanced and tactically he is strong. Both Dhoni and Virat were also tactically strong but Rohit works more on the tactics.” revealed Ashwin. This may well come as a surprise to some, as fans usually think that out of the three captains, MS Dhoni was the one with the most tactical mindset. While others believe that the legendary Indian captain just had a unique way of looking at things, and that he applied his unorthodox style of field positioning and ‘street smartness’ to get the better of his opponent. As for Ravichandran Ashwin, he is currently at the top spot in the bowler’s ICC rankings in test cricket, and is set to return to the pitch under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. India will face Bangladesh in a two-match test series starting on September 19. Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Will Team India travel to Pakistan?

Tennis

“I would love nothing more than for an American to win on Sunday” : Andy Roddick ahead of the US Open final

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“I would love nothing more than for an American to win on Sunday” : Andy Roddick ahead of the US Open final The 2024 US Open is at its business end this weekend. With only one match left to determine the Grand Slam winner, we as fans are in for a treat. World no.1 and hot favorite, Jannik Sinner defeated Jack Draper in the semifinals in three grueling sets, as the Italian reaches his second Grand Slam final of the year. On the other hand, in the all-American semifinal clash between Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, it was the latter who came out on top in a five-set encounter. Both players gave it their everything on Friday evening, however, it was Taylor Fritz who held his nerve to make a comeback win. But more importantly, the US Open will have an American competing in the final for the first time since 2006, when Andy Roddick lost to Roger Federer. Andy Roddick is also the last American to win at the Flushing Meadows in 2003, when he beat Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero in three straight sets. The 42-year-old recently commented on the all-American semi-final clash, and reflected that after more than two decades, he wants his crown to be taken by either Fritz or Tiafoe. “American in the final, I want it all to end” : Andy Roddick on passing the baton to Taylor Fritz Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open success led him to greater heights, while it also made him climb atop as the youngest US player to achieve the world no.1 ranking then. On the most recent episode of his podcast ‘The Served’, the 42-year-old wanted any of the American semi-finalists to have the fame he achieved during his early career. “American in the final, I want it all to end, I would love nothing more than for an American to win on Sunday…I get, I hate it, I get this anxious feeling every time they have to answer for it. I f***ing hate it for them. I want them to have it, I want them to clear. And frankly speaking, if one of them breaks this thing, they could all, they could start contending regularly,” said the 2003 US Open winner. For now, fifty percent of Andy Roddick’s anxiety-riddled dream is reality, as Taylor Fritz has advanced to the final at the Arthur Ashe stadium in New York. But the problem will arrive as to who he will be up against in the finals, which is Jannik Sinner. Also Read : “To be able to do it against the greatest of all time is unbelievable” : Alexei Popyrin expresses his shock over victory against Novak Djokovic

Formula 1

“I actually let Lewis past, on team orders. My direct championship rival!” : Nico Rosberg reflects on his time with Mercedes and how Lewis Hamilton was preferred over him

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“I actually let Lewis past, on team orders. My direct championship rival!” : Nico Rosberg reflects on his time with Mercedes and how Lewis Hamilton was preferred over him Nico Rosberg left Formula 1 on high note, winning the world championship in his final year in 2016. But prior to his final season, the German had to take a backseat and watch Lewis Hamilton on the top for a while, just like all other F1 drivers at that time. The 39-year-old recently appeared on the Sky Sports F1 podcast with Natalie Pinkham, where the topic of the latest controversy involving McLaren partners Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri was being covered. Both the Aussie and the Briton are in direct contention for the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, with Norris the closest to rival Max Verstappen. Due to this, McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has hinted that the team will now back the Briton’s title charge. “We have now to acknowledge that not only the constructors’ championship is possible but – with the performance we have at the moment in the car, and some of the struggle we see with Red Bull – even the drivers’ is definitely possible. If we can achieve both, we need to put the team and Lando in position to pursue both championships. Both drivers are mathematically in condition to do so but Lando is in the best position from a numbers point of view and we are fighting Max Verstappen. So, if we want to give support to one driver, we have to pick the one in the best position,” said the 53-year-old. Nico Rosberg had much to say about this situation, as the German had shared a similar situation in the past with his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. “You don’t want to see your team mate win a world championship in a car that you knew you could potentially have won it in, as well” : Natalie Pinkham throws a harsh one on Nico Rosberg Nico Rosberg related to the Aussie and revealed how unfair and borderline shameful this decision could turn out to be, as Oscar Piastri is himself doing a great job so far this season.  “It is hard, though, on Oscar because Oscar, in his contract, you will have a number one contract, yeah? It won’t say in his contract that, ‘You need to help Lando’. And Oscar is driving brilliantly also, so he deserves every opportunity, just from his point of view, to get race wins. Plus, let’s also remember mathematically he can still be world champion, so there’s also that. I mean, he’s not that far behind Lando, what is it, 40 points or something? So he’s not that far behind either so it’s a hard ask on Oscar to start forfeiting race wins, potentially,” said the German. Natalie Pinkham replied to the 39-year-old while also taking the opportunity for a dig at him due to the past experiences he has had with teammate Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows. “Absolutely. I mean, you don’t want to see your team-mate win a world championship in a car that you knew you could potentially have won it in as well. I mean, that’s got to be the worst,” Pinkham said in a sly tone. Nico Rosberg agreed to this statement with a smile on his face, which was overshadowing his frustration on the fact that he himself was Lewis Hamilton’s shadow and played second fiddle during his tenure with the AMG Petronas. The two have shared a fierce rivalry together in the past but, post-retirement, the German has made many positive statements about his time with the Briton from 2013 to 2016, which suggests that there will always be a level of mutual respect between them. Also Read: “There are no bad feelings, and there is no betrayal” : Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari

Featured

2024 Zurich Diamond League : List of Top Athletes competing this weekend ft Sha’Carri Richardson

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2024 Zurich Diamond League : List of Top Athletes competing this weekend ft Sha’Carri Richardson The Diamond League is a yearly competition of elite track and field sports. Founded in 2010, its purpose is to provide a platform for the best track and field athletes to showcase their abilities. The most popular and key sporting events in the Diamond League are sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws, all having different options and distances for athletes to choose from. This also provides a far more global reach to the competition. This year, Zurich will host the penultimate competition in the Diamond League series, on September 4 and 5. This event is turning out to be one of the most anticipated in a long time with a great lineup of athletes. Here are some of the best to look out for. Best Athletes to watch out for at the 2024 Zurich Diamond League Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis No list of best track and field athletes will be complete without the name of Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis. The Swedish is on one of his best hot streaks this year, as he has broken the world record in pole vaulting twice in under a month, first at the Paris Olympics setting it at 6.25m, then again breaking his record at the Silesia Diamond League now set at 6.26m. He has now broken his own record ten times, and with no real competition for him except Olympic silver medalist Sam Kendricks, fans are claiming for the 24-year-old to go over 6.30m this time around. Letsile Tebogo The current Olympic champion will be heading to Zurich in order to continue his unbeaten streak. After stunning Noah Lyles and winning the 200m Olympic gold medal, the 21-year-old has competed in all three Diamond League events post the Paris Olympics (Laussane, Silesia and Rome) and has won comfortably in all three. He will battle it out against Kenny Bednarek at Zurich this time. Sha’Carri Richardson The main talk of the town, Sha’Carri Richardson will be making her first appearance after the Paris Olympics in the women’s 100m race. After winning a gold and a silver medal in the French capital, the 24-year-old will be facing heavy competition from the women’s 100m Olympic champion Julian Alfred. This rematch could be one for the ages as the American was very narrowly defeated by the Saint Lucian in the Olympics. A returning Richardson would definitely be on her guard this time around. Also Read: “I know I can jump higher” : Mondo Duplantis on setting greater world records

Mikel Arteta
Football

“Imagine what the output of Saka is going to be if he gets a rest here and there” : Rio Ferdinand urges Mikel Arteta to make effective use of Raheem Sterling

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“Imagine what the output of Saka is going to be if he gets a rest here and there” : Rio Ferdinand urges Mikel Arteta to make effective use of Raheem Sterling The Gunners secured the signing of former Manchester City and Liverpool player Raheem Sterling on a season long loan deal from Chelsea, when head coach Enzo Maresca told the Englishman that he would not be receiving any minutes with the Blues. Raheem Sterling is a former Premier League winner, who has vast experience in the league and could be a major title defining signing for Mikel Arteta and co. provided they use him right. The 29-year-old is apt at playing on both the wings while also casually playing out behind the striker as well. Apart from his experience and versatility, the Englishman provides squad depth, and that would be helpful for the rest of the attacking options, specifically Bukayo Saka who plays on the right wing. The 22-year-old is Arsenal’s key man in the attack, and plays a huge responsibility covering the right flank while also providing important goal contributions. But fans believe that the Englishman has been overworked this year, especially after the Euros this summer. Most recently, football pundit Rio Ferdinand also mentioned that the player needs rest, and the arrival of Raheem Sterling would help that cause. “He’s been doing this on full throttle, no rest, every game going out there giving mad performances” : Rio Ferdinand On his YouTube channel, the former Manchester United centre-back claimed that this loan deal will reignite Sterling for the better, while also providing Saka some much-needed rest, so that the 22-year-old does not face any long-term repercussions. “I just hope this [the loan deal] reignites him [Sterling] now and he hits the ground running. I think their wide players do need help – Saka’s had so many games, it’ll be nice I think if Arteta can go, ‘You know what let me just let Saka sit out’,” said Ferdinand. “Saka won’t like it, but he’ll say, ‘Just sit out for this one’, and imagine what the output of Saka is going to be if he gets a rest here and there? He’s been doing this on full throttle, no rest, every game going out there giving mad performances, right? Now, he’s got a bit of back-up, you know what it’s like when a man’s got back-up, they get bigger, they feel stronger, they feel better, they deliver more.” the 45-year-old added. Rio Ferdinand also revealed how the prospect of having a Premier League winner can urge the players and give them the extra motivation to win it this time around. “I think that’s what these Arsenal forwards will be sitting there thinking. That’s a big thing as well, what would these Arsenal players be thinking when Sterling walks in? “It’s important what a new signing gives to the changing room. And I think that he comes in and everyone goes, ‘Yes, I cannot wait for this, I’m ready,’” explained Ferdinand. With three matches in, Arsenal is currently in fourth place in the table, with rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton over them. The Gunners will next play against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur as soon as the international break ends, and Raheem Sterling could very well debut in the red and white colours for the first time as a substitution for the 22-year-old. Also Read: “It doesn’t strike me as an essential signing for Manchester United” : Gary Neville was skeptical over Manchester United’s pursuit of Raheem Sterling

Formula 1

“I don’t know how much longer I can go” : Lewis Hamilton plans on his F1 retirement

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“I don’t know how much longer I can go” : Lewis Hamilton plans on his F1 retirement It will be one of the saddest days for fans and the F1 when Sir Lewis Hamilton finally retires from the sport. The Briton has been in the Formula scene for over 17 years now, but admits that the end is near. But the 39-year-old has not shown any immediate signs of stopping. After two rough years with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton along with his partner George Russell have shown resilience and vastly improved their performances, with the Briton clinching two grand prix victories already this season. The greatest F1 driver of all time, as widely considered, also broke the internet this year by signing with the Italian team Scuderia Ferrari and fulfilling his childhood dream of wearing the red uniform. Although he signed a lucrative multi-year deal with them, the Briton will be 40 by the time next season rolls up, and the thoughts of retirement are well considered. “I want to make sure I really max it out” : Lewis Hamilton’s reveals strategy for the final stretch of his career The seven-time world champion and fifth-longest-serving driver in F1 history reveals that he does have a plan for retirement and has also talked with many former rivals and friends about it, but for now remains determined to have a strong start with Ferrari next season. In a recent interview with US magazine Esquire, the Briton talked about many things and answered plenty of questions, from working with Brad Pitt for the latest F1 movie, pre-match rituals to his eventual retirement scene. “There are days I’m like, ‘shoot, I don’t know how much longer I can go’. There are days I’m like, ‘shoot, I’d love a break’ because you don’t get a real big break in the season like other sports. You’re not really getting a huge amount of downtime. But I do have, mentally, a plan of where I would like to extend to. I’ve just got to strategize and sequence things. Is there a time when I’m not all in, and I’m just not in love with it anymore?” said Hamilton. “That’s the moment that hopefully never happens, in the sense that I’ve fallen out of love with it. But I will know when I need to stop. I want to make sure I really max it out while I can and fully enjoy this sport I’ve done my whole life,” the Briton added. Lewis Hamilton also said it is tougher to stay fit and compete with drivers who are in their twenties and in the essential prime of their career. But despite approaching his 40s, the Briton still has a sense of responsibility on his shoulders and vows to continue his excellent form this season for a dream start at Ferrari, potentially notching another world title in the final chapter of his career. Also Read: “It’s going to be one hell of a second half of the season” : Lewis Hamilton has high hopes for the remainder of the year

Tennis

“The 25th Grand Slam doesn’t feel too far away” : Laura Robson on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning the US Open

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“The 25th Grand Slam doesn’t feel too far away” : Laura Robson on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning the US Open Novak Djokovic is currently the happiest man in tennis. After achieving his lifelong dream of winning gold for his country in the most recent Paris Olympics, the Serbian declared a well-deserved break for himself and withdrew from the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments held in Montreal and Cincinnati. The 37-year-old, after many failures in the Olympics finally earned glory by defeating the newest poster boy in town, Carlos Alcaraz in a modern classic. Both of them were vividly emotional after the match for different reasons, which truly showed the stakes that are held in the highest level of sports. Novak Djokovic has been receiving ‘GOAT’ shouts from fans and media after completing the ‘Golden Slam’ and essentially achieving each and every accolade possible in tennis. But due to this, some fans have doubt on whether or not the Serbian has the passion left to go for his 25th Grand Slam title, in winning the 2024 US Open. “We know he can win it!” : Laura Robson has faith over veteran’s abilities Former WTA player Laura Robson recently opened up about Novak Djokovic’s Olympic run and described it as ‘inspiring’. She also spoke about Nole’s chances at the US Open but explained how it would be challenging due to his recent triumph and whether or not the Serb can continue his good run in form. “The 25th Grand Slam doesn’t feel too far away for Novak, but he’s on a well-earned break and I think we will need to see if he even wants to show up at the US Open… he’s achieved something that he’s described as the pinnacle of his sporting career, so I think it’s quite hard to reset after that., said the former British no.1 during an interview with Sky Sports. “We know he can win it! We absolutely know he can do it, but whether he wants to come back so soon is the challenge. How can anything live up to that moment of winning the medal you’ve always wanted? Then to see his homecoming in Serbia and to see the reaction that he’s had from the public. It will be tough to arrive in New York raring to go!” the Briton concluded. If history has taught us anything, Novak Djokovic will not feel out of form coming into the US Open, as the Serb also took a break from ATP Masters tours in 2021 in order to feel fresh for the US Open, and ended up winning the whole thing. The Serbian will be hoping for a title defence in order to achieve the record breaking 25th Grand Slam, one more than Margaret Court, and also join in the category of most US Open titles in history. Standing once again his way would be the two favorites, world no.1 Jannik Sinner who just won the Cincinnati Open, and one of his great rivals in Carlos Alcaraz. Also Read : “I got into people’s business many times on the court”: Andy Roddick addresses on-court issues at Paris Olympics

Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1

“When I’m putting the helmet on, then there’s none of this any more” : Charles Leclerc on showing mercy to new teammate Lewis Hamilton next season

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“When I’m putting the helmet on, then there’s none of this any more” : Charles Leclerc on showing mercy to new teammate Lewis Hamilton next season Lewis Hamilton made a surprising decision to move to Ferrari at the end of the current F1 season. This decision comes after spending almost a decade at Mercedes, where Lewis Hamilton clinched six of his seven world championship titles. Lewis Hamilton will now team up with one of the most promising drivers on the grid, Charles Leclerc. The Monaco based driver admitted that he was a huge admirer of the Briton while growing up, and it will be a terrific opportunity to race alongside him. He looks forward to learning from his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Moreover, he stated that it would also help him become more competitive by racing alongside the seven-time F1 champion. It will test Leclerc’s mettle and force Hamilton to demonstrate how much he’s got left in the tank. “It’s going to be incredible to have Lewis on the team,” Lecerc told The Gentleman’s Journal. “And, obviously, to be able to have such an incredible champion in the same team as me, with the same car. First, it’s going to be a great opportunity to learn from one of the best ever.” “And second, I think it is going to be an amazing opportunity, also, for me to be able to show what I’m capable of, so I’m really looking forward to it. By being on karting tracks every weekend growing up, it was difficult for me to actually follow a Formula 1 season, so I used to watch some races and he was definitely one of the guys that I looked up to,” said Leclerc. Charles Leclerc comments on driving alongside Lewis Hamilton next season Charles Leclerc was asked if he would show some mercy to Lewis Hamilton next season, given that it would be first season at Ferrari. The Monaco based driver clearly stated that he would treat him as a competitor, and he will not be influenced by his admiration for the seven-time F1 champion. “No, of course not. No, no, no – when I’m putting the helmet on, then there’s none of this any more,” said Leclerc. “You change, you don’t think about who is who and you just go for it. Now I’m racing Lewis, so I’ve got to forget a little bit the names that are inside the paddock, and just focus on my own performance whenever I’m on track,” he added. Lewis Hamilton has been in terrific form over the past couple of weeks leading up to the summer break. The Mercedes driver claimed the race win on his home turf in Silverstone in July. He also won the Belgian GP, after his teammate George Russell was disqualified due to breaching car weight rules. Also Read: “It’s going to be one hell of a second half of the season” : Lewis Hamilton has high hopes for the remainder of the year

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