Formula 1

“In terms of style it is similar to mine” : Kimi Antonelli believes that him and Lewis Hamilton have the same driving style With Lewis Hamilton on the exit ramp for Mercedes, it is time for Andrea Kimi Antonelli to take up his mantle. You would think that when the Briton announced his transfer to Ferrari, Team Principal Toto Wolff would do everything in his power to replace the legend with a star signing. While he admitted that he wanted Max Verstappen initially, it is believed that even Wolff knew that Lewis Hamilton could never be ‘replaced’. In came Kimi Antonelli, who has been rising through the junior rankings, and now at the age of 18 will be the third youngest driver to debut in Formula 1. Well, the main issue does not arrive from his age, or even his inexperience, but who he is replacing; a seven-time world champion. While Toto Wolff believes that the Italian is the “perfect choice to start the team’s next chapter”, some fans and even analysts claim that this move is too soon for comfort. The 18-year-old knows that stepping into the great Lewis Hamilton’s shoes is almost an impossible task, but he is determined to start off his own fresh chapter regardless. Kimi Antonelli talks about Lewis Hamilton, Monza crash, and relationship with George Russell In a recent interview with Gazzetta, the Italian covered a variety of topics. In addition to having similar driving style, he revealed how Hamilton tries to remain in contact with him and helps him understand important information. “He’s very kind and talks to me a lot. And in terms of style it is similar to mine, with the car having a lot of understeer. I was in Singapore and listening to him talk to the engineers I learned a lot.” said Antonelli. “What I’ll have to get used to is hearing all the engineers on headphones, because I’m someone who doesn’t speak much. But if they speak it’s to give useful information, I’ll have to learn the procedures well. If you touch a wrong button it’s a mess. A seat with a steering wheel will soon arrive at my house to learn the departures and the various procedures. Also, because you have to know where each button is without having to look.” the Italian added. Antonelli also talked about the tests he had to participate in which landed him at Mercedes, and revealed that his pace was the main factor behind it. “The great speed I had right away. I struggled at the beginning with the race pace, but after a test in Spa they saw a clear step forward and were convinced. And two days later the call came that they were taking me for 2025. Today in F1 you have a lot of data to look at, there is live telemetry and they can tell you what to do, but they let me do a lot. At Spa I did a great test where I learned to anticipate tyre degradation.” the 18-year-old revealed. Addressing his very first laps in the F1 weekend in Monza, where his infamous crash made him end the run early, the Italian said that he has two more opportunities in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. He also talked about his relationship with George Russell, who was not the happiest after his future teammate’s crash. The youngster would like to go head-to-head with him next year. “That first lap was a unique emotion with all those people in the stands, then I got… naughty. Now I will have two more opportunities in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.” said Antonelli. “Russell? He wasn’t very happy, but before going out to the Parabolica I had gone fast. I have a good relationship with George, he hasn’t given me great advice, but for now everything is fine. But next year I want to beat him.” The youngster added. With Mercedes and Toto Wolff backing him and George Russell being a more than capable mentor for Kimi Antonelli, things look set for his debut season next year, as the F1 and especially the Silver Arrows fans are waiting for the youngster’s debut, which will mark a new era for the German team. 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

“It doesn’t feel good” : Lewis Hamilton speaks on his poor form in his final run with Mercedes Lewis Hamilton’s unexpected transfer to Ferrari has been hyped up the whole season, but with just a few months away from dawning the Italian colors, the Briton has found himself in a bit of a stiff. It has been anything but a dream final run with Mercedes for Hamilton, who has spent the better half of his career here, winning six world championships along the way. From what started as a promising season where the Briton won two races, the summer break changed everything for the whole German team. Let alone being victorious, the 39-year-old has failed to even reach the podium in the last seven races. Meanwhile, his teammate George Russell, who has had the upper hand against him when it came to qualifying, has himself had just one. The AMG Petronas now find themselves fourth in the constructors’ rankings while Russell and Hamilton are in the sixth and seventh spot respectively. With just three races to go, it looks like all is done for the German team this time around. “I’m doing the best with what I’ve got with the kit” : Lewis Hamilton The Briton has had a frustrating time with his beloved team post summer break, whether it is the unusual calls from the support staff or his ‘damn car’. He recently addressed his season and explained that he is always doing his best regardless. “It doesn’t feel good, obviously, it’s devastating to have these bad races in the second half of the season, but all I can say is we’re trying coming into the weekends, but it’s definitely not acceptable.” said Hamilton (via PlanetF1.com). “It’s definitely not good enough. And we have to take accountability. I have to take accountability. But I am driving, I’m doing the best with what I’ve got with the kit.” the Briton added. Hamilton’s car woes have still not disappeared, as he has time and again blamed his car due to some or the other issue. It is clear that it has been one of the main reasons for the Briton’s poor record after the summer break. “For some reason the car has been the worst this weekend, and I don’t know what it is. We’re going to have to find out what it is. One of the cars was working a lot better, so there’s obviously potential.” The 39-year-old explained. The Briton concluded by explaining that since he is not in the world title picture, he could not care less about which position he finishes. All he wishes for his last few races with Mercedes is to help his team as much as possible. “I just put my focus on something else. I’m not fighting for the championship. Doesn’t matter really where we finish in the championship, I don’t care if I finish ahead of George or behind George. It doesn’t make any difference to me. I just want to keep the car out the wall and try to score points if I can for the team, if I can finish, whatever.” the seven-time world champion addressed. What happens in the next three races will not change anything, and Lewis Hamilton knows that. What he has done at Mercedes might never be replicated, winning six world championships and tying the record. His legacy will always remain intact, and that is what matters the most now that he is on the verge of leaving the place where he became the greatest driver of all time. 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

“I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis” : Former F1 Supremo believes Lewis Hamilton will have a hard time going against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari All is done for Lewis Hamilton to set sail on his new and perhaps final journey in F1 to the Italian team. This move has been built up since the start of the year and after a rollercoaster of a final stint with his beloved Mercedes, the Briton seems to have made up his mind. Hamilton’s final season with the Germans has not been the easiest, to say the least. His victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps might say otherwise, but overall, the seven-time world champion has played second fiddle to teammate George Russell almost the whole season, whether it is in qualifying or the actual racing. The Briton will be looking forward to change things as soon as he reaches Maranello, but the doubters remain prominent. Earlier, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that he is glad that Lewis Hamilton decided to dawn the red and white colours as it makes him avoid a pretty nasty conversation where he needs to tell arguably the greatest F1 driver of all time that his services are no longer required. But most recently, even former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has also come out to say that Lewis Hamilton should not bother racing for Ferrari, fearing he might not be the main guy for them anymore. “They will back Charles Leclerc” : Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton will not be prioritized over Charles Leclerc It is true that Charles Leclerc is having a great season at Ferrari personally, and has had victories at the Circuit of Americas, Monza, and a pretty iconic one at Monaco, for obvious reasons. Ecclestone has made some good points, as Leclerc has never looked this good in the five years he has spent with the Italian team. “I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis, especially [at Ferrari]. They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there, they won’t dump him for anyone.” said Ecclestone to the Daily Mail. Although, the former F1 supremo does believe that it is a good move for Lewis Hamilton’s career, as he was obviously not welcomed for another season at Mercedes. “However, from Lewis’ point of view, it may not have been a mistake to join Ferrari. He couldn’t exist any longer at Mercedes. Either he’s given up with them or they have given up on him. They wouldn’t do much to keep him, so he is better off going.” the 94-year-old added. Ecclestone also revealed that he does not want to see Lewis Hamilton fading, and that is why he wants him to leave and do something he would be the best at. Obviously, he means well, but the idea of the Briton leaving F1 before his stint at Ferrari seems too far-fetched. Not to mention the substantial amount he would be missing financially. “He would have to walk away from a lot financially, it is a big deal he has got, though I suspect the bonus clauses written into his contract are there to make him feel good rather than reality,” said Ecclestone. Getting the title of the greatest F1 driver of all time is all good and well, but the soon to be 40-year-old will have to honour that title by producing one of his best seasons in 2025, all while going against teammate Charles Leclerc. 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

“Not even Lewis Hamilton will ever come close to Michael Schumacher” : Ralf Schumacher Ralf Schumacher recently commented on Lewis Hamilton matching his brother Michael Schumacher’s legacy in F1. Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher hold the record for the most F1 world championship titles, having won seven each. The Briton has an opportunity to go one above the great German driver, as he still has some years of racing left in him. However, Ralf Schumacher believes that Lewis Hamilton will not come close to Michael Schumacher’s legacy. He believes that the Mercedes driver will not be able to win an eighth title, given his struggles over the last three seasons. Lewis Hamilton will now move to Ferrari at the end of the season, as he leaves Mercedes after almost over a decade. Ralf Schumacher believes that Max Verstappen could probably have an opportunity to match Michael’s legacy, given that he is well on his way to claiming his fourth consecutive World Championship title. The Dutchman sits 52 points ahead of Lando Norris, with just six races remaining. “Not even Lewis Hamilton will ever come close to Michael. Not in light years, from my point of view. We thought Lewis Hamilton could walk on water and, no, he didn’t,” said Ralf. Ralf Schumacher states that Max Verstappen can go further in terms of talent than Lewis Hamilton Max Verstappen has been the undisputed leader in Formula One over the past couple of seasons. He claimed the title rather comfortably in 2022 and 2023. He has been pushed by his rivals this season, however, it seems that the Dutchman will claim his fourth successive title. “We thought Max Verstappen could walk on water – although in my opinion, in terms of talent, he could actually go further than Lewis. That’s just the way it is,” Ralf added. Ralf Schumacher also added that Michael Schumacher was lucky to be at the right place at the right time. The German dominated the grid with Ferrari during the early 2000s. For Lewis Hamilton, he will now move to Ferrari in 2025, as he ends his tenure with Mercedes after spending almost over 10 years. He will now partner Charles Leclerc, who has been with the Italian team for quite some time. 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

Guenther Steiner believes FIA Race Director ‘robbed’ Lewis Hamilton of his eighth F1 title Max Verstappen’s infamous first world championship victory was bound to be talked about for decades to come. A controversy which has divided the F1 world to this day, with some believing the Dutchman clearly deserved his title while others dead set on Lewis Hamilton being ‘robbed’ of his record eighth world championship. Lewis Hamilton, who is currently tied with Michael Schumacher at seven world championships, was believed to be one of the victims of the FIA’s unjustly ruling during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Race Director Michael Masi permitted only a few cars to overtake to move them back into position during the late-race safety car. This decision ultimately favored Max Verstappen to get ahead of the Briton in the final minutes of the race. Former Haas Team Principal Guenther Stiener was the latest to comment about this controversy. In his new book ‘Unfiltered’, the Italian says that he is one of the people who believes Lewis Hamilton should have been an eight-time world champion. “From a regulations point of view, it was a s*** show” : Guenther Steiner leaves no filter on his assessment over the FIA’s controversial decision Apart from choosing Hamilton as his winner, Steiner also bluntly stated about the FIA’s disappointing ruling, and then compared it to the late Charlie Whiting’s decision-makings. The Italian manager believes that Lewis Hamilton would have been an eight-time world champion had Whiting officiated the race. “Wherever your loyalties lie, and yes, it was amazing entertainment, from a regulations point of view, it was a s*** show of biblical proportions,” said the 59-year-old in his book ‘Unfiltered’. While Max Verstappen has now gone and become a three-time world champion after that race and a potential fourth one on the way, things have not quite been the same for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. The Briton has massively struggled in these past seasons and has been nowhere near those same heights. Whether it is the new ground regulations set by the FIA, car struggles or issues in qualifying sessions, something or the other seems to be stopping Hamilton to go for no.8. But nonetheless, Lewis Hamilton is still not one to give up, as he finally ended his winless drought by winning the British and Belgian Grand Prix this season. Moreover, his shift to Scuderia Ferrari next year is only increasing his odds of becoming the first driver to have eight world championships. 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

“When you are a driver, you have to behave properly” : Fernando Alonso disagrees with Lewis Hamilton as he gives his opinion regarding the ongoing dispute between Max Verstappen and the FIA Just a few weeks ago during the Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was sanctioned by the FIA, who made an example out of him due to his unprofessional conduct in a press conference. The F1 stewards also ordered the Dutchman to take part in the work of public interest as a punishment, to which Verstappen decided to protest against. This decision was met with a lot of controversy inside the F1 world, as even before this incident, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s rather racist words regarding the use of explicit language triggered a lot of people. This led star drivers like Lewis Hamilton and even Verstappen’s current championship rival Lando Norris came in support of the Dutchman. This matter really started getting out of hand when the three-time world champion started ignoring questions in press conferences or even speaking his mind, as he ‘might get banned’ again. Although Verstappen was backed by his fellow competitors and other motorsport drivers in his quest for protesting his sanction, one veteran driver does not seem to entertain his behaviour. “This kind of thing reminds us that there are a lot of people watching us” : Fernando Alonso 43-year-old Fernando Alonso has been in the motorsport business long enough to understand the small intricacies of driver’s decisions and the consequences it provides later on. Speaking at a sponsor event, the Spaniard said he believes that drivers should encourage proper behaviour more, as they are the inspirations of millions of fans around the world. “I’ve met a lot of fans around the world who follow Formula 1 and they always tell you that you are their inspiration. This kind of thing reminds us that there are a lot of people watching us. When you are a driver, you have to behave properly.” said Alonso. “The fans can give you a lot of love, a lot of motivation, but also a lot of responsibility for what they expect from you. You have to be prepared to be a role model when you want to be, and when you don’t too. When you want to say something that is not correct, you have to control yourself and be politically correct. When you’re on that day when you don’t want to train or prepare for the next Grand Prix, you have to do it because it’s your responsibility to your fans and the people who believe in you.” the Aston Martin driver added. The two-time world champion did not directly talk about Verstappen, but looking at the landscape of the F1 in the past few weeks, it was pretty evident to whom he was referring to. This is not the first time a dig has been aimed at the Dutchman this season indirectly, as in July, Lewis Hamilton also suggested the three-time world champion to act more professionally. 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

“It is so exciting because I remember as a kid watching Michael” : Lewis Hamilton reveals the impact Michael Schumacher made in his childhood which led to his quest for joining Ferrari Not long ago in F1, Michael Schumacher and Ferrari were the symbol of complete dominance. The German is widely regarded as one of the best drivers in F1 history along with Lewis Hamilton, winning five consecutive F1 titles from 2000-2004, a record that stood unmatched until the Briton equaled it four years ago. Schumacher is one of the few names in F1 that has transcended their sport, becoming a household name outside the world of motorsport and into the territories of pop culture, music, and mainstream media. The German has inspired millions to start their careers in racing, including one that may well have exceeded his greatness as well. At the age of 40 years old, Lewis Hamilton will finally fulfil his childhood dream of racing in the Scuderia uniform. A dream which might not have become a reality if not for the impact created by the German icon. The Briton recently spoke about this to the media, as his days of being with the Silver Arrows are quickly flying away. Lewis Hamilton proudly admits having Michael Schumacher as his idol Speaking in a frank interview with the Times, the Briton reflected his excitement on joining the Italian giants, and how Schumacher was the role model for him to accelerate his dream further. “It is so exciting because I remember as a kid watching Michael. Every driver watches that car and you’re like: ‘What would it be like to sit in the red cockpit?’” said the 39-year-old. Apart from being tied at seven world championships, the careers of Hamilton and Schumacher have somewhat been crossed at different points of time. Coming out of retirement in 2010 to race for the new Mercedes F1 team, the German was asked to be the veteran alongside newcomer Nico Rosberg. The Briton had already won his first championship by that time. Schumacher did not have the greatest time with the Silver Arrows, and when he finally decided to hang his helmet for the second time in 2012, it was none other than Lewis Hamilton as his replacement at Mercedes. The rest as they say, is history. Lewis Hamilton’s almost perfect career in F1 could very well have a fairytale ending after all, if he ends up winning his record eighth world championship, cementing himself as the undisputed greatest driver in F1 history, that too in his favourite childhood team’s cockpit. The 39-year-old is not the driver he used to be, but one can only dream. 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

“I’ve struggled with depression through my life” : Lewis Hamilton opens up on dealing with bullying and mental health issues in childhood Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. The Briton has claimed seven world championship titles, and continues to go strong even in the last stages of his racing career. Lewis Hamilton has been a great supporter of various social issues, and has voiced his opinion over racism in the racing industry as well. The Briton recently revealed his struggles with depression and mental health issues during his childhood days, and how he used to bullied at school. Lewis Hamilton reveals that he did not have anyone to speak to during his younger days, as he often struggled to maintain a balance between school and his racing career. The Briton also stated that he did consider taking therapy, but that did not help him much back then. “I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to,” Hamilton told The Times. I’ve struggled with mental health through my life, depression from a very early age when I was, like, 13 … when I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases.” When asked if he he has ever consulted a therapist, Hamilton replied: “I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn’t really helpful. I would like to find someone today.” Lewis Hamilton reveals how he reshaped his life during the covid pandemic Lewis Hamilton revealed that the covid-19 pandemic helped him connect with himself. F1 drivers have a pretty hectic schedule, as they all over the globe for about nine months of the year. Hence, he used this time to develop some good habits, which helped understand himself better. He started waking up early at 5 am to meditate, before going on runs. Having made his debut back in 2007, as a 21-year-old, Lewis Hamilton revealed that he is a much more mature person as he was back then. “You’re learning about things that have been passed down to you from your parents, noticing those patterns, how you react to things, how you can change those. So what might have angered me in the past doesn’t anger me today. I am so much more refined,” said Lewis. After racing for Mercedes for almost over a decade, Lewis Hamilton will now move to Ferrari next season. His hunger to keep going, and race for the best teams on the grid is quite commendable. 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

“I’m a big Messi fan in the end” : Lewis Hamilton on Ronaldo vs Messi debate Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly one of the greatest F1 drivers of all-time. The Briton has claimed a record of seven world championships, and is still going strong even as he nears the 40s. The Mercedes driver was recently asked as to who he considers the GOAT of football between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated world football for the past two decades, and still continue to do so with the same hunger and commitment. After having played in Spain together for almost a decade, the Portuguese footballer is now competing in the Saudi League. On the other hand, Lionel Messi remains involved with MLS side Inter Miami along with his former Barcelona teammates. Lewis Hamilton acknowledged that both footballers are among the greatest ever to play the sport, but he admitted that he was Lionel Messi fan. “Messi or Ronaldo? Messi! They are both amazing to be honest, but I’m a big Messi fan in the end,” Hamilton said, as quoted by Pulse Sports. Lewis Hamilton issues statement after Singapore GP outburst Lewis Hamilton took to social media following his disagreement with Mercedes over his strategy at the Singapore GP. The Briton started the race from P3, and could finish only P6, losing a couple of places. The Briton started the race on soft tyres, while the rest of the grid started on mediums. Lewis Hamilton wanted to start the race on mediums, however, his team disagreed with this view. He was boxed early for hard tyres, as he was overcut by his teammate George Russell who boxed later in the race. “Heading into the next weekend focused on training for the next race. I know there has been a lot of chat around the last one and our strategy in Singapore which just didn’t work. When that happens, it’s natural to be frustrated and easy for me to speak out in that frustration.“ “We knew starting on soft tyres was a bold and risky move, but one that could give us an advantage at the start and I ultimately agreed with that recommendation. We also miscalculated what others might do. Make no mistake though, things are cool with the team. As with all successful partnerships, you have some lows to have the highs.“ “We’re not afraid of those tricky conversations and challenging moments, which is why we have achieved so much together. “We all support each other until the very end. It’s all love. See you in Austin,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram. 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