Formula 1

“The abuse that the poor guy [Gianpiero Lambiase]’s taken and you never write about it” : Lewis Hamilton aims cheeky dig at Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton had a disappointing start to his F1 career with Ferrari, as he finished P10 in his first race in Melbourne. An incorrect strategy pushed Lewis Hamilton down the pecking order, with Charles Leclerc also managing just a P8 finish. Over the course of the race, Lewis Hamilton was heard having some uncomfortable conversations with his race engineer. The Briton has downplayed any sort of issues between himself and his race engineer, Adami. He believes that the issue has been blown out of proportion, as both of them are still getting used to one another. He also placed his trust on Adami, who has worked with two world champions in the past. “I mean, naturally, everyone overegged,” Hamilton is quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “It was literally just a back-and-forth. I was very polite in how I had suggested it. I said: ‘leave it to me, please’. “I wasn’t saying ‘F you’. I wasn’t swearing. So it was just at that point, I was really struggling with the car and I needed full focus on these couple of things. We’re getting to know each other. He’s obviously had two champions or more in the past and there’s no issues between us still.” “Ultimately, we’re literally just getting to know each other,” he added. “So afterwards I’m like: ‘hey bro, I don’t need that bit of information but if you want to give me this, this is the place I’d like to do it’. This is how I’m feeling in the car and, at these points, this is when I do and don’t need the information’. “That’s what it’s about. There are no issues, it’s done with a smiley face and we move forwards.” Lewis Hamilton draws comparisons to Max Verstappen’s heated exchanges with race engineer Lewis Hamilton aimed a jibe at Max Verstappen, stating that the Dutchman has had a history of heated conversations with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. Lewis Hamilton sympathized with Lambiase stating that he has had to deal with way worse radio calls. However, he believes that the media never made it a point when it was related to Max Verstappen. The seven-time world champion was surprised to see the attention his radio calls were getting over the last week. “Go and listen to the radio calls with others and their engineers, far worse,” Hamilton said. “But unfortunately, you make… the conversation that Max has with an engineer over the years, the abuse that the poor guy [Gianpiero Lambiase]’s taken and you never write about it, but you wrote about the smallest little discussion I had with mine.” In a shocking turn of events, Lewis Hamilton finished on pole in the sprint qualifying in China. The Briton just pipped his former rival Max Verstappen by the barest of margins, as the duo will once again start on the front row. This was a great recovery from Ferrari, after their poor start to the season last week in Australia.

“With Lewis joining, that chance only got increased” : Carlos Sainz on Ferrari winning the World Championship Lewis Hamilton announced his mega move to Ferrari last year, as he leaves Mercedes after spending almost over a decade. The Briton will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, who spent four seasons driving alongside his teammate Charles Leclerc. Now, Carlos Sainz will move to Williams, as Lewis Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. The Spaniard stated that he had no personal experience racing alongside Lewis Hamilton, however, he believes that the Briton will do well at his new team. Carlos Sainz believes that the credentials Lewis Hamilton brings with him will just add to Ferrari’s strength in the coming years. The veteran has won seven world championship titles, which includes six titles at Mercedes. “I’ve never been team-mates with Lewis, so I don’t know what he’s capable of doing. I’ve never seen his data. I’ve seen Charles [Leclerc] and I know how good Charles is, but I’ve never been team-mates with Lewis,” said Sainz. “And the only way you can more or less evaluate a driver is when you’re their team-mate and you see what they’re capable of doing. “When I judge by results and his background and what he’s achieved, I can only say there is a very high chance that obviously he is going to be competitive at Ferrari.” Carlos Sainz believes that Ferrari can win the world championship Carlos Sainz believes that Ferrari were in a good position to win the world championship during the last couple of years. The Spaniard also believes that Charles Leclerc is well positioned to win his first title in the near future. Carlos Sainz reckons that with the addition of Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari are only going to get stronger, and closer to the world championship title. “I can only say when I left Ferrari, I did feel the team – both Ferrari and Charles – were ready to fight for a World Championship. And with Lewis joining, that chance only got increased.” Lewis Hamilton has struggled over the course of the last three seasons, which has been majorly due to Mercedes’ inability to keep pace with the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren. The Briton claimed his first race victory in almost three years at the Silverstone GP last year. He went on to win the Belgian GP as well, which helped him have a respectable season. The seven-time champion will be expecting more from Ferrari this season, as he sets his sight on a record breaking eighth world title. Also Read: “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton

Former F1 driver says it would be the “Greatest thing that has ever happened in Formula 1” if Lewis Hamilton wins his eighth WDC title at Ferrari Lewis Hamilton announced his sensational move to Ferrari last season, as he joins the Italian team after spending over a decade at Mercedes. The Briton won six world championship titles during his reign at the Silver Arrows, as he now moves to their rivals’ garage. Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger explained the rationale behind the Briton’s move to Ferrari. He stated that the veteran needed a new challenge, given that he had spent so many years at Mercedes. Moreover, the Silver Arrows were not really competitive in the last couple of seasons. “I think Hamilton needs new motivation. He has had two problems: the Mercedes has only been a winning car on exceptional occasions, and he has now been in the same team for so long that only a change of scenery will help,” Berger said. However, Berger does believe that the Briton will struggle against Charles Leclerc’s speed at Ferrari. The Monaco based driver has been a part of the Ferrari setup for quite a while, and he will be itching to win his first championship next season. “Finishing fifth is not a result that motivates Hamilton. He’ll have to grit his teeth again at Ferrari and could well be at his best once more. On the other hand, I think he’ll struggle against Leclerc’s speed. It’s going to be a very tight race.” Gerhard Berger backs Ferrari to win at least one title next season Gerhard Berger believes that it would be one of the greatest things in the sport if Lewis Hamilton wins his eighth world championship title at Ferrari this season. He believes that Ferrari were consistently fast last season, and backs them to win at least one championship this season. “Yes. If Hamilton could become World Champion in a Ferrari, it would be the greatest thing that has ever happened in Formula 1 in terms of marketing. I would put my money on Ferrari this season. I can’t say whether Hamilton or Leclerc will win the Drivers‘ or Constructors’ World Championship, but they will win a title. That’s my personal impression,” said Berger. “Ferrari was almost always fast last year, with a few slip-ups. I trust Fred Vasseur to get this volatility out of the system. It took a while, but I think they are very close,” he added. Gerhard Berger places his trust in Fred Vasseur, as he believes he can inspire Ferrari to be world champions once again. He also stated that Ferrari have a great team in place, in terms of both drivers, and the engineering team. Hence, Berger believes that his former team head into the season as one of the favorites. “They are well positioned in terms of engine and chassis and have top drivers. Vasseur makes a good impression. He is calm, thoughtful, always on point, and he delivers.” “That has been the case at all the stations in the motorsport world where he has been so far. It was a good decision by Ferrari to sign him. And it was clear that it would take a year or two for his work to pay off.” “Now I have the feeling that it’s starting to work. I also think it’s great that he got Hamilton. Vasseur will bring Ferrari back to the top.” Also Read: “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton

“I don’t think Lewis will get the same attention at Ferrari” : Bernie Ecclestone Lewis Hamilton sent shockwaves through the F1 community, when he announced his move to Ferrari early last year. The Briton spent over a decade at the Silver Arrows, winning six world championship titles. The veteran will now drive alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari for the next couple of seasons. F1 legend Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his concerns regarding Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, stating that he will not get the same attention at Ferrari. He believes that Charles Leclerc will be the preferred driver at Ferrari, given that he has already been with the team for so long.  “I don’t think Lewis will get the same attention at Ferrari,” Ecclestone told The Telegraph. “Firstly, the team are happy with Charles Leclerc, his team-mate. Leclerc speaks their language [he’s fluent in Italian], so they’ll be looking after him,” Bernie said. “Even if Lewis does well, there’ll still be a lot of enemies” : Bernie Ecclestone Bernie Ecclestone stated that even if Lewis Hamilton does well at Ferrari, he will have a lot of enemies. The F1 legend stated that the Briton has suddenly arrived into the Ferrari garage, which might not go down well with Charles Leclerc’s team.  “Even if Lewis does well, there’ll still be a lot of enemies, because he has suddenly arrived,” he added. It is interesting to see if Lewis Hamilton can integrate himself into his new team this season. Time and again, the Briton has shown his abilities as a team player, and with experience on his side, he will certainly be an asset for Ferrari. The past couple of seasons have been very challenging for Lewis Hamilton. The British driver has struggled to get victories under his belt, which has been majorly due to Red Bull’s dominance, and Mercedes’ decline in the past three years. However, he will be seeing this move as an opportunity to claim his eighth world championship toilet. Also Read: “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton     

“Lewis was 29 when he joined Mercedes” : George Russell backs himself to succeed as Mercedes lead driver George Russell will now take up the role of a lead driver at Mercedes next season. The Briton has been a part of the Silver Arrows garage for three seasons now, as he has enjoyed his fair share of success. Now with the departure of his teammate Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes, the young driver will take the role of a lead driver. George Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 from Williams, as he drove alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The Briton is excited to start a new chapter, and believes that he is more than capable of leading the line for Mercedes. George Russell stated that he is entering a mid-stage in his racing career, where he is expected to challenge for world championship titles. Lewis Hamilton completed his mega move to Ferrari last year, as he will now drive alongside Charles Leclerc. “I am entering a new chapter in my career. I am ending my beginning and entering the mid-stage,” Russell claimed. George Russell backs himself to taste unprecedented success George Russell stated that he joined Mercedes only when he was 20, comparing his rise at such an early age to the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. The latter two driver started tasting success in their early 30s, once they had significant number of years of experience. For instance, Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes when he was 29, winning six world championship titles in a span of just seven years. Meanwhile, Michael Schumacher dominated the grid in his early 30s with Ferrari, winning five world championship titles in addition to his two. “Lewis was 29 when he joined Mercedes [in 2013] and started winning all those championships, and Michael [Schumacher] was early 30s at Ferrari [where he won five titles]. Nowadays, everyone starts younger and younger—my debut came at 20. But I feel ready now to fulfill roles at the team, and the most important part of that is driving as quickly as possible,” Russell added. Also Read: “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton

“His peak might be behind him” : Martin Brundle makes bold Lewis Hamilton statement Lewis Hamilton has now officially become a Ferrari driver, as he ends his 11-year stint as a Mercedes driver. The Briton achieved a lot of success at Mercedes, winning six world championship titles taking his totally tally to seven. However, he has not been able to achieve such heights in the final three years of his Mercedes career, failing to win an unprecedented eighth title. Martin Brundle has expressed his fears over Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, which will now see him drive alongside Charles Leclerc. He believes that the driver may be past his prime, given that he has had his fair share of struggles over the course of the last three seasons. However, Martin Brundle acknowledged Lewis Hamilton’s effort in finishing fourth in his final race as a Mercedes driver in Abu Dhabi. He overtook his teammate George Russell on the final lap to end his season on a high note. “Tremendous drive, a bit like Las Vegas as well, wasn’t it? Where he came back through the field and just showed a lot of pace, a lot of determination,” said Brundle. Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton is past his prime Martin Brundle believes that Lewis Hamilton’s best years might be behind him, given that he has turned 40 in January this year. “Plenty of people [are asking], ‘Is Lewis over the hill? Is his peak ahead of him or behind him? ‘ His absolute peak, it might be behind him as he turns 40 in January.” Many former F1 drivers and pundits have questioned Ferrari’s decision to axe Carlos Sainz in favor of a move for Lewis Hamilton. The Briton will now race alongside Charles Leclerc, who looks to win his first World Championship title in the near future. Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur has a huge job on his hands this season, as he needs to make sure that both drivers get on well with each other. Additionally, he would hope that the two drivers keep the team’s interests above their personal quest for a world championship title. Also Read: “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton

“It was absolutely suicidal to get rid of Carlos” : Eddie Jordan criticizes Ferrari for getting rid of the Spaniard Lewis Hamilton has officially ended his reign at Mercedes, as he finally becomes a Ferrari driver in 2025. The seven-time world champion will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, as he will now drive alongside Charles Leclerc for the iconic team. However, Eddie Jordan believes that it was a suicidal decision by Ferrari to ditch Carlos Sainz in order to make way for Lewis Hamilton. Eddie Jordan stated that Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc forged a good partnership with each other over the course of the last four seasons. Additionally, the Spaniard was properly integrated into the Ferrari system and the atmosphere in the team was very friendly and cordial. Eddie Jordan believes that Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur will now have to think about integrating Lewis Hamilton in the team, and make sure there are no ego clashes between the two drivers. “We’re on the same page here, because my FFS is, I say to John Elkann, who’s the chairman of that group, what the f**k was he thinking about in getting rid of Carlos, when he had a very happy, friendly, structured team that knew how to work together. The drivers got on well together,” said Jordan. “Fred Vasseur had a real opportunity to bring this team great, great success. Now he has to start thinking about gelling and mending away, that he can get a new member of the team, egos, everything involved.“ Eddie Jordan believes Ferrari should have stayed with Carlos Sainz Despite his concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, the 76-year-old believes that the Briton is among the nicest people to work on the grid. Hence, Eddie Jordan is confident that Ferrari would not have a problem here. “Lewis is a particularly nice person. I’m not sure there’s many nicer people on the grid than Lewis Hamilton, so I don’t think he’ll have a problem there. However, my FFS goes to John Elkann of Ferrari for even authorizing, signing off on that deal. It was absolutely suicidal to get rid of Carlos,” Eddie Jordan said, as quoted by Crash.net. Lewis Hamilton will look to capture an elusive eighth world championship title next season in Ferrari. The last couple of years have been tough for the veteran driver, who claimed six world championship titles during his reign at Mercedes. The Silver Arrows have fallen behind the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull when it comes to car performance, which has also affected Lewis Hamilton’s bid for a record eighth title. Also Read: “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton

“When the driving ends, there’s going to be plenty of adventures we’re going to embark on” : Toto Wolff leaves door open for future reunion with Lewis Hamilton Toto Wolff has left the door open for a future collaboration with Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time F1 champion ended his 10 year stint with the Silver Arrows this month, as he now moves to Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton will now be seen driving alongside Charles Leclerc for at least the next two seasons, as he continues his quest to win a record eighth title. Toto Wolff stated that Lewis Hamilton will always remain a part of the Mercedes family. The Austrian is also open to working with the veteran driver after his stint with Ferrari. He believes that the duo will embark on several adventures together in the future, as he hints at working together post Hamilton’s retirement from racing. “There is no such thing in an end to the relationship that Mercedes has with Lewis, neither what we as a team have nor I and Susie [Wolff, wife] personally. On the contrary. I think Lewis has decided to do something else for the last part of his career, which I understand – or I can understand – but he’s always going to be part of that family and always welcome in the family,” said Wolff. “And one day, maybe when the driving ends, there’s going to be plenty of adventures we’re going to embark on,” he added. Toto Wolff applauds Niki Lauda’s effort in bringing Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes Toto Wolff acknowledged the efforts of Niki Lauda in bringing Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes. The former driver took a huge effort in persuading the Briton to join the Silver Arrows after spending several years with McLaren. “Without Niki, there wouldn’t be any Lewis with Mercedes. I think Niki was so persistent in trying to convince him to join Mercedes and, particularly, he just scored the goal with him on that Sunday night in Singapore, where Lewis DNF’d with the McLaren and convinced him to join the team,” Wolff added. Toto Wolff stated that Niki Lauda was never given enough credit for his effort in persuading Lewis Hamilton. He also revealed that the former three-time champion acted as a good mediator between the team and Lewis Hamilton. The Austrian also mentioned that Lewis Hamilton was more like a team member at Mercedes rather than just a contracted driver. The Ferrari bound driver won six titles during his 11-year reign at the Silver Arrows, winning four back to back titles from 2017 to 2020. “I’m not sure Niki was ever given enough credit for that. Took no prisoners – what’s the salary you want? – and convinced the board of Mercedes to do this. Niki was always a very good liaison between the team and Lewis in the first few years, because he was talking as a three-time World Champion and had the respect of Lewis. “Eventually it became the three of us and the whole team became one,” he added. “We sometimes call drivers contractors: they come, you pay them well, if they don’t have the right car anymore and they’re getting paid well somewhere else, they leave. Lewis changed from a contractor to team member and that was because everybody else just embraced the notion of the team that we had then.” Also Read: “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton

“Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that” : Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf places heavy criticism over Lewis Hamilton After an almost fairytale ending with the Mercedes brand, Lewis Hamilton sets his sight on dawning the red uniform next year and potentially having one last chance of breaking the record for the number of world championships. He is currently tied with former Ferrari and F1 icon Michael Schumacher. Due to this tie, the debate of who the actual ‘GOAT’ is may be never ending, so the Briton being crowned world champion once again will go a long way. But Ralf Schumacher, Michael’s brother, believes there never has been any debate as it is understandable who he thinks is the greatest. But Ralf has also so far gone and said that Lewis Hamilton has never been able to develop a car as well as his brother and made the technicians’ lives easier along the way.  He also suggested that apart from the engineers, the Silver Arrows CEO Toto Wolff has also prompted time and again about a driver and the engineers working hand-in-hand to further develop any car, something which the German team has lacked. “The biggest difference is that Michael, among many other qualities, was able to develop a car perfectly for his driving style together with the engineers. Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that, if you listen carefully to what the Mecedes technicians say. Toto Wolff [Mercedes boss] has emphasised more than once that a driver should step on the gas and the engineers should develop.” Ralf said to Sport1.de. “But he also said that because his drivers were apparently incapable of giving the right input. Michael was completely different. He always gave his confidants like Ross Brawn or Jean Todt the direction.” the 49-year-old added. Lewis Hamilton has largely been *the* driver for Mercedes ever since Nico Rosberg’s departure in 2016, but that may not be the case now because of another top star’s presence in Ferrari in the form of Charles Leclerc. As Carlos Sainz said, the Monaco-based driver has been the cornerstone of the Italian team’s big project ever since his initial debut, and fans have already claimed him as a future world champion. Even for someone like Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, it will be difficult to break in and automatically become the top guy from the start. Ralf Schumacher understands this as he reiterated his feelings. “That makes things even more difficult for Lewis: because Charles Leclerc is the top dog. Everyone in the team knows him. For Lewis, everything is new at Ferrari. What’s more, Michael came to Ferrari as the current world champion and was much younger. That’s not the case with Lewis.” Schumacher continued. Ralf Schumacher was not finished yet, as he also said that he does not count the Briton as great of a world champion as others on the list, including the reigning champion Max Verstappen. He believes Hamilton requires the perfect environment and team to reach the top, similar to Sebastian Vettel, while drivers like the Dutchman can function exceptionally even when the odds are not in their favour. “He simply makes the difference. Max Verstappen is really capable of giving that little bit extra that those exceptional world champions before him already have. There are not many of them, and I honestly don’t count Lewis Hamilton among that list. Hamilton is certainly exceptional, but also needs a bit of the perfect environment and car, just like Sebastian Vettel. But Max Verstappen, what he has achieved this year in these circumstances – problems with Christian Horner, the departure of Adrian Newey.” Even before his debut for Ferrari, it seems like the Briton has a lot of people to silence already, and knowing him, it will just work in as extra motivation ahead of his much-awaited and important first year with the Italian team. Also Read: “I heard the bells ringing two weeks before” : Toto Wolff reveals the moment he came to know Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari

“Lewis lost that championship unfairly. Could you imagine the roles being reversed?” : George Russell fires shots at Max Verstappen In a surprising turn of events, George Russell vs Max Verstappen has now become the hottest rivalry starting next season. On what initiated as a simple one-place grid penalty for impeding the Briton which demoted the Dutchman from pole position in the Qatar GP, things seem to have escalated. On Thursday’s news conference, Russell addressed his situation with the now four-time world champion and revealed that the Dutchman threatened him to go out of his way to make him crash and put his head in the wall. He also compared Verstappen to the six-time world champion and teammate Lewis Hamilton, who would never dare to say such thing. “I don’t know why he felt the need for this personal attack and I’m not going to take it. This is me just setting the record straight, I am not going to stand here and let someone slam me personally.” “I knew that was a spur of the moment thing, but the next day, we were joking around a bit with (Sergio) Perez and Carlos (Sainz), I saw it in his eyes that he meant it.” “He’s a four-time champion. Lewis (Hamilton) is the champion I aspire to be – hard but fair; never beyond the line. We have a duty as drivers. For a world champion to come out and say he is going to go out of his way to crash into someone and put him on his head, that is not the example we should be setting.” George Russell addressed his situation boldly. Although, the Dutchman also came out to speak to De Telegraf, where he revealed that the Briton is putting false accusations towards him and he never said anything of sorts to Russell, but not before calling him a ‘loser’ and a ‘backstabber’. “He lies and pastes all kinds of things together that aren’t true.” “That’s not true. I didn’t say it like that. He’s trying to exaggerate it again.” Verstappen said when asked about Russell’s claims. “Lewis stood up to him in ’21” : George Russell claims Max Verstappen to be a bully George Russell was not finished firing shots at the Dutchman just yet. He additionally called out Verstappen’s inability to deal with adversity, hinting that Red Bull have spoon-fed him with the best cars, and when something does not go his way, he starts to spiral, giving examples of Lando Norris in Budapest and his current teammate. Russell believes that this behaviour of Verstappen has increased so much because of nobody standing up to him, except for Lewis Hamilton in 2021 where he lost the championship unfairly. “Lewis stood up to him in 2021, and Lewis lost that championship unfairly. Could you imagine the roles being reversed? I mean, [Michael] Masi would be fearing for his life.” Russell also spoke about the race director Michael Masi. “I’m not looking for any repercussion from this, I am standing up for myself to a guy who is questioning my reputation and slamming me in the media.” the Briton added. While Max Verstappen has already said that he possesses absolutely no regrets for the comments he has said to George Russell, things have gotten more serious after the inclusion of Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, who was also present with Russell in the conference. The Austrian called out Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, who called Russell ‘hysterical’. Wolff did not appreciate this one bit. “Why does he feel entitled to comment about my driver? If you’re thinking about it, yapping little terrier, always something to say. His forte is not intellectual psychoanalysis, but that’s quite a word. How dare you comment on the state of mind of my driver.” the Mercedes CEO said. Also Read: “I heard the bells ringing two weeks before” : Toto Wolff reveals the moment he came to know Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari