F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (2024)

Table of Contents
And that's a wrap! Daniel Ricciardo opens up on McLaren exit Leclerc gives verdict on Vasseur Sergio Perez confident ahead of crucial season David Coulthard offers insight into Red Bull test Mercedes told they 'owe Lewis Hamilton everything' Red Bull made 'interesting moves' with RB20 Mick Schumacher's next move? Vowles sends Sargeant demand Ferrari not thinking about 2025 Alonso slams 'unfair' testing schedule Grosjean singles out Mercedes for praise FIA release Horner statement Hamilton facing 'awkward' situation at Mercedes Verstappen on 'very tough' challenge Norris insists Red Bull are 'beatable' Steiner opens up on Haas exit Horner weighs in on Hamilton to Ferrari Good morning Thanks for following Ferrari backed to snap up Red Bull chief Newey What will happen next in Christian Horner investigation? Wolff insists Mercedes' ambitions 'strong' F1 release Christian Horner statement as investigation 'noted' F1 made 'last-minute' engine decision Newey to join Hamilton at Ferrari? F1 star's manager to approach Mercedes Las Vegas GP future in doubt? Classy Hamilton story comes to light Steiner speaks out on sacking Newey's incredible net worth Turkish GP return? Perez speaks out on Horner probe Geri Horner 'broken' Lando sends warning to Max Good morning... Fernando Alonso wants testing changes VCARB take 'big step' with new car Mercedes 'contacted' by star's manager Every driver disqualified in bizarre race Max Verstappen thinks Mercedes will ban Lewis Hamilton from meetings Martin Brundle 'doesn't buy' Lewis Hamilton claim Nico Rosberg responds to wild Mercedes return rumours Fred Vasseur opens up on Lewis Hamilton phone call with Carlos Sainz Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez 'supporting Christian Horner, Red Bull chief insists Christian Horner admits 'overwhelming support' from Red Bull Brown doubles down on Red Bull complaint Wolff told to take 'a risk' with Hamilton replacement Stroll makes Alonso confession Red Bull's Horner investigation now being 'accelerated' Red Bull row over Horner Red Bull to unleash Mercedes-style tactic Red Bull pay for their own success Mercedes warned they face 'illegal' accusations Ford release statement on Horner Hamilton blocked from 'what he wants at Ferrari' Good morning F1 fans! References

Jonathan Spencer

And that's a wrap!

That's all from us today, everyone!

Thanks a lot for sticking with us throughout. We'll be back with more of the same tomorrow as the 2024 F1 season draws a day closer.

Jonathan Spencer

Daniel Ricciardo opens up on McLaren exit

Daniel Ricciardo said his willpower and motivation was left 'hurt and bruised' following his premature McLaren exit.

“As unpleasant as the situation at McLaren was, it was a blessing in disguise,” Ricciardo told the French edition of Motorsport.com.

“Let’s just say they ended my contract because I needed to take a step back to find myself, find my love again and find my hunger again.

“I think a lot of things were a bit hurt or bruised, like my willpower and motivation. So I needed to rediscover them and this period of rest allowed me to do that.”

Jonathan Spencer

Leclerc gives verdict on Vasseur

Charles Leclerc has offered his full support to Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur ahead of his second season in charge of the construcutor.

With Ferrari looking to close the gap with Red Bull this season, Leclerc is confident they have what it takes to do just that.

"With Fred, I obviously have a lot of discussions. I’m completely on board with the long-term and mid-term vision that he has for the team. That also gave me the confidence in believing in the project for the future."

Jonathan Spencer

Sergio Perez confident ahead of crucial season

Sergio Perez has issued a confident message ahead of what is a vital season for him with Red Bull.

It could be his last campaign for Red Bull after a tough 2023 season as team-mate Max Verstappen ran away with the world title.

But Perez is determined to prove his doubters wrong, and is expecting to showcase his very best stuff in 2024.

Perez told media: "I feel fully fresh. And obviously, with the learning of last year, it's very important that we will learn what went wrong and learn from our mistakes. I think we understood a lot of things.

"And I think it's my fourth year with Red Bull and I do expect to be at my best for this year."

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (1)

Sergio Perez is excited for the 2024 season. (Image: Getty.)

Jonathan Spencer

David Coulthard offers insight into Red Bull test

David Coulthard has given some insight into Red Bull's first outing with their new car at Silverstone last week.

Sharing Red Bull's thoughts after Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez acclimatised to the new RB20, Coulthard told Formula1.com: “Just that it functions as you would expect in those conditions – no surprises.

“I think the technical team were happy with the numbers they were getting in terms of… the things you can get out of that, the cooling and load sensors.”

Jonathan Spencer

Mercedes told they 'owe Lewis Hamilton everything'

Plenty of F1 talk continues to circle around Lewis Hamilton following his sensational move to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season.

And that chat will continue as we get that bit closer to his final campaign with Mercedes - in which he has won six world titles.

And Sky F1 presenter Simon Lazenby has shared his thoughts on how Mercedes and Hamilton will get on this upcoming season.

Speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, he said: "I think the thing is with Lewis, it's an exceptional case, isn't it? At the end of the day, it's Lewis. And Lewis has brought everything to Mercedes.

"Therefore, they kind of do owe him a little bit. I think they owe him everything really. And they probably owe him the respect that he deserves to treat him like the great champion that he is for the time that he has remaining at Mercedes."

He then added: "I don't think it's going to be emotion, I don't think it's going to be anything to do with that. It's about he'll get through the season, he'll know early on whether he's got a car to compete for the championship and I think that could be the key. If he does, they'll have to rally round whoever's the best driver again."

Jonathan Spencer

Red Bull made 'interesting moves' with RB20

Former F1 driver Romain Grosjean has claimed Red Bull have produced some 'interesting moves' when it comes to their 2024 car - the RB20.

Following the car's unveiling, Grosjean said he noticed several changes - including to the front wing and sidepod entrance.

He admitted: “Some interesting choices made by Red Bull, and I’m very excited to see what that car is going to be doing on track because obviously the last two years they were unbeatable, and it seem that they just didn’t go a step in a conservative direction, but they went for a very aggressive car and [made] very, very interesting choices.”

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (2)

Romain Grosjean has shared his thoughts on the RB20. (Image: Getty.)

Jonathan Spencer

Mick Schumacher's next move?

Mick Schumacher's name has been included on the provisional entry list for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

A massive 62-car field has been revealed ahead of the race, with Jenson Button also eyeing glory in the endurance race.

Prior to the 2024 season, plenty of ex-F1 drivers have put their names down.

Jonathan Spencer

Vowles sends Sargeant demand

Williams boss James Vowles has urged Logan Sargeant to surprise everyone ahead of his second season in F1.

The American endured a very difficult debut campaign, picking up just one point and there is pressure on his shoulders this time round.

And now Vowles has sent a message to his driver. "First and foremost, I’ve asked him to surprise the world in terms of his physical performance, his approach and his performance.

“We’ve changed quite a bit with him across this winter period. His trainer’s different, his training mechanisms and programmes are completely different. You should see he’s very much a more confident person and he carries that well. What I’ve asked him to do is there will be a reset."

Archie Griggs

Ferrari not thinking about 2025

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has insisted that he is not yet allowing himself to think about working with Lewis Hamilton next year.

"2024 won’t be a transition year, t’s a quite important season for us and I’m fully focused on this," he said.

"I think the best way to prepare something is to do a good job. It means that we are focused on 2024, we want to get the best.

"We want to win races, we want to continue on the path of 2023, and we won’t be at all thinking about 2025."

Archie Griggs

Alonso slams 'unfair' testing schedule

Fernando Alonso has revealed that he is not happy with the current pre-season testing format, which sees drivers restricted to just one and a half days of testing.

He said: "We have a very limited testing in Bahrain, which is, and by the way I can say now I've been thinking all winter about this, how unfair it is that we have one day and a half to prepare a world championship.

"With all the money involved, and with all the marketing and the good things that we say about Formula One, and being closer and closer to the fans, I cannot understand why we then go to Bahrain for four days, which could be two and two for [each of] the drivers.

"If you go to three, which is not even, which is an odd number, you cannot divide [fairly] between the drivers."

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (3)

Fernando Alonso wants to see pre-season testing increased to four days (Image: GETTY)

Archie Griggs

Grosjean singles out Mercedes for praise

Romain Grosjean believes that Mercedes now have the best-looking car on the grid, with the Silver Arrows having reverted to their traditional colour scheme.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Grosjean said: "That is my favourite! I think it’s the most good-looking car and I’m glad to see the Silver Arrow back on the track.

“It is the car that, apart from the Red Bull, I am the most intrigued to see on the track. I think there’s some very bold moves, I think there’s some very bold decisions made on the car."

Archie Griggs

FIA release Horner statement

The FIA have issued a statement regarding the current investigation into Red Bull team principal Christian Horner over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

As reported by BBC Sport, the statement reads: "In relation to the independent investigation currently being undertaken by Red Bull GMbH, the FIA reiterates that until such time as the investigation has concluded and the outcome is known, we will not be commenting further.

"The FIA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness and inclusivity within the sport."

Archie Griggs

Hamilton facing 'awkward' situation at Mercedes

Formula E driver Sam Bird has suggested that Lewis Hamilton could have an 'awkward' final year at Mercedes if he is left out of important meetings ahead of his move to Ferrari.

Speaking on the Chequered Flag podcast, Bird explained: "There will be meetings probably later on in the season that he’s not going to be privy to.

"It will be George Russell, and the engineers, and maybe Toto who will be involved in those, but there will now be meetings that Lewis is not invited to go to the base and take part in.

"They’ll use his data, of course, but he will be seen as somebody that can potentially take Mercedes’ secrets to Ferrari. Maybe Ferrari don’t want them, but you know there’s certainly going be times that it might get a little bit awkward."

Archie Griggs

Verstappen on 'very tough' challenge

Max Verstappen has insisted that it will be extremely difficult for Red Bull to improve on last year despite going into the new season as the team to beat.

"These kinds of things are very tough, I think, to top," said the Dutchman.

"I think it's also not our goal. I think it's just about trying to deliver another very competitive car and from my side, of course, I'll try to deliver the best I can.

"But that depends on a lot of things that have to come together, so I guess only time will tell how quick we are. And, of course, also around us, people are learning more and more.

"It's not always that it's up to us how great the season is going to be. Because if you have more natural competition with different teams, it's even harder to win races."

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (4)

Max Verstappen is hoping to win his fourth straight Drivers' Championship title this year (Image: Abu Dhabi)

Norris insists Red Bull are 'beatable'

Lando Norris believes that McLaren will be able to challenge Red Bull for regular Grand Prix victories over the course of this year.

He said: "If you were to say ‘are they beatable’, you’re going to have to say yes.

"I think we want to believe to say yes, because we were very close at certain times and at certain times [last year] we did beat them.

"The question is, can we beat them over a season? I think that’s going to be the challenging thing and I think that’s going to be very difficult to do with how well they are performing."

Archie Griggs

Steiner opens up on Haas exit

Guenther Steiner has admitted that he still does not understand why he was told to leave by Haas, who chose not to renew his contract into 2024 and beyond.

Speaking to RacingNews365, he said: "No, I don't understand it, but he [owner Gene Haas] can do what he wants, I understand that.

"I respect that. I would never do that, and that was my opinion, because for me, it's a way to nowhere, but in the end I need to respect that he owns the team, not me.

"So who am I to tell him what to do? He can do what he wants, and I'll do what I want. As simple as this. Life is like this, and I can live with my choices."

Archie Griggs

Horner weighs in on Hamilton to Ferrari

Christian Horner says it is a 'shame' that fans will be made to wait until next year to see Lewis Hamilton driving alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

"The timing of the news is quite unusual and it will have surprised a lot of people, including perhaps his current employer," said Horner.

"But Lewis never shied away from bold choices. He previously switched from McLaren to Mercedes, a team not very highly regarded at the time, but it turned out to be the right choice.

"It is clear to me that he has seen something at Ferrari, that makes him think he is better off there than where he is now.

"I think it's great for Formula One to see Ferrari and Hamilton joining forces. It's just a shame that we have to wait until 2025."

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (5)

Christian Horner was recently quizzed on Lewis Hamilton's impending Ferrari move (Image: GETTY)

Archie Griggs

Good morning

Welcome back!

We'll be bringing you more news from the world of F1 throughout the day as we continue to look ahead to the new season.

Sam Smith

Thanks for following

That's all for today's Formula One news.

Be sure to tune back in tomorrow as teams enter the final two weeks of pre-season preparations before the season kicks off on March 2.

Thanks for following and take care!

Sam Smith

Ferrari backed to snap up Red Bull chief Newey

Ivan Capelli has backed Ferrari to poach Adrian Newey from Red Bull after luring Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes.

Capelli told AutoSprint: “Hamilton has an enormous wealth of experience, he can make an important contribution to Ferrari. He can provide different rhythms and visions for future planning.

“He alone will not distort performance, because he drives the car and does not design it, however, it could open up future horizons for some engineers who until now have not considered a job at Ferrari.

“Seeing Hamilton join Ferrari makes the team more attractive also for the technicians, and above all I say Newey, because in any case we are witnessing a seven-time world champion arriving in Maranello giving the idea that there is a future projected towards something different.

“Beyond marketing and the return on the commercial level, I believe this is precisely the additional value of Hamilton to Ferrari, I believe this is the focal point of this arrival.”

Sam Smith

What will happen next in Christian Horner investigation?

Red Bull are investigating Christian Horner over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.

The team principal denies the allegation.

Horner was questioned by an independent lawyer for several hours on February 9.

According to the BBC, the lawyer - whose identity has not been revealed - will compile a report to give to Red Bull.

It is unclear when the probe will conclude.

All parties are naturally keen for a resolution prior to the start of the 2024 season.

The first Grand Prix takes place in Bahrain on March 2.

Charlie Malam

Wolff insists Mercedes' ambitions 'strong'

Toto Wolff admits "there are no miracles in the sport" as Mercedes look to challenge for the Drivers' Championship in 2024.

But he insists the Silver Arrows are determined to get back to the front of the pack.

The Mercedes team principal said: "I am excited that we’re about to go racing again and, of course, curious and excited to see how the car will perform. We have a mountain to climb to get to the front of the field, but we are focused on doing so.

"We were in a tough fight last season with Ferrari and McLaren, at times Aston Martin, with a big gap between Red Bull and the rest.

"I would hope we are in the chasing pack at the beginning of the season and hopefully a step closer to Red Bull.

"On one hand, you need to be realistic about the odds of beating a team that is a fair chunk ahead under these regulations, and who got things right over the last two seasons whilst we have not.

"There are no miracles in the sport. On the other hand, our ambition is strong. It is Red Bull and a very successful car that are the benchmark we are aiming to beat. I do not know when that will happen, we do not have any crystal ball. But we will know soon enough how far ahead they are and the task in front of us."

Sam Smith

F1 release Christian Horner statement as investigation 'noted'

F1 has 'noted' Red Bull's investigation into Christian Horner.

Allegations have been made about the Red Bull chief's conduct - which he denies.

An F1 statement read:

“We have noted Red Bull has instigated an independent investigation into internal allegations at Red Bull Racing. We hope the matter will be clarified at the earliest opportunity, after a fair and thorough process. Will not comment further at this time.”

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (6)

Christian Horner is facing an investigation at Red Bull (Image: Getty)

Sam Smith

F1 made 'last-minute' engine decision

Ferrari power unit chief Enrico Gualtieri has revealed that it was a last-minute decision for teams to increase the number of engines allowed for 2024.

The previous rules allowed for three but a late meeting saw an increase to four.

“It was three until the very last minute,” Gualtieri said. “We were prepared obviously in tackling the season with these conditions.

“There was this kind of proposal at the last F1 Commission and finally I think that there was a broad agreement in getting four [engines].”

Jordan Seward

Newey to join Hamilton at Ferrari?

Red Bull have been warned that Lewis Hamilton could entice Adrian Newey to ditch them for Ferrari.

Former F1 driver Ivan Capelli believes Hamilton's arrival could attract top engineers to jump ship and follow him to the Scuderia.

“Hamilton has an enormous wealth of experience, he can make an important contribution to Ferrari,” former F1 driver Capelli told AutoSprint. “He can provide different rhythms and visions for future planning.

“He alone will not distort performance, because he drives the car and does not design it, however, it could open up future horizons for some engineers who until now have not considered a job at Ferrari.

“Seeing Hamilton join Ferrari makes the team more attractive also for the technicians, and above all I say Newey, because in any case we are witnessing a seven-time world champion arriving in Maranello giving the idea that there is a future projected towards something different.

“Beyond marketing and the return on the commercial level, I believe this is precisely the additional value of Hamilton to Ferrari, I believe this is the focal point of this arrival.”

Jordan Seward

F1 star's manager to approach Mercedes

Mercedes will reportedly soon be approached by Pierre Gasly's management team to discuss the possibility of replacing Lewis Hamilton next year. The latter is departing Mercedes at the end of 2024 season to join Ferrari in a blockbuster deal.

Toto Wolff has refused to rule out any possibility in his search for a Hamilton replacement.

Several big-name drivers will be out of contract next year, including Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz. Gasly's will also be up and 'talks are anticipated' between the Frenchman's representatives and Mercedes, according to F1.com.

Jordan Seward

Las Vegas GP future in doubt?

Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom has revealed that they never officially signed an agreement with Formula One for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix last season.

The race on the strip was a huge success after throwing up one of the most entertaining Grands Prix of the season.

However, Segerblom has insisted told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that they don't have a contract in place with F1 and haven't committed to staging the race for the next three years, contrary to some reports.

He intends to raise the issue at a futue Board of Clark County Commissioners meeting. “It turns out that we never signed a contract — that was all with the LVCVA,” Segerblom said.

“So everybody keeps saying that we’ve got three years. We never committed to three years, to my knowledge.”

Clark County spokeswoman Jennifer Cooper said the item - which was supposed to be heard next Tuesday - will now be discussed at a later date.

In an email, she wrote: “It is anticipated that the agenda item for Board discussion on F1 noticed for next Tuesday will be held for a future meeting in the coming weeks to align around the County’s public debrief of the event and the structure for facilitating future races."

Jordan Seward

Classy Hamilton story comes to light

An F1 reporter has shed light on the type of person Lewis Hamilton is after revealing a classy move he made in Saudi Arabia.

Rebecca Clancy, who has covered F1 for The Times for the last seven years, recounted how Hamilton once made a point of speaking to a Saudi Arabian hotel to ensure that female guests had the same access as male members of the paddock.

In her farewell article for The Times, Clancy explained her experience with the legendary British driver, writing: “I’ve always had a good relationship with Hamilton. I find him polite and engaging and he always looks you in the eye when he answers your questions.

“At this brunch, we were chatting about F1, and Hamilton, who has regularly spoken about the lack of diversity in the sport, turned to me and said: 'Rebecca, there’s something I wanted to ask you. What’s it like being a woman in F1?' I told him I never felt I was treated any differently, which I didn’t.

“However, I did mention that I was heading to Saudi Arabia the next day and was slightly hesitant about it because at the media hotel women weren’t allowed to use the pool or the gym. The next day, an email was sent to all media which said women would have the same access to the hotel facilities as the men. Hamilton had had a word.”

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (7)

Lewis Hamilton has a reputation for fighting for equality (Image: GETTY)

Jordan Seward

Steiner speaks out on sacking

Guenther Steiner has insisted he still doesn't understand why Haas sacked him at the backend of last year.

The charismatic Italian, who was given his marching orders via a phone call over the festive period, has now spoken out about his dismissal two months on.

"No, I don't understand it, but he [Haas] can do what he wants," Steiner told RacingNews365. "I understand that. I respect that. I would never do that, and that was my opinion, because for me, it's a way to nowhere.

"But in the end, I need to respect that he owns the team, not me, so who am I to tell him what to do? He can do what he wants, and I'll do what I want. As simple as this. Life is like this, and I can live with my choices."

He continued: "Hindsight is a beautiful thing, and I respect hindsight," he added. "With hindsight, obviously I could have done things differently and better.

"There is not one thing I would say was completely wrong. There were a lot of little things, knowing now how they worked out, and obviously, l would do them differently now because then I would have the outcome I really wanted.

"In general, I don't think there was any big mistake. You always can do things better, and I'm always honest. I know I could have done things better. I didn't do a fantastic job.

"But I did the right thing at the time which were possible to do because there were a lot of constraints with what we were doing."

Jordan Seward

Newey's incredible net worth

Red Bull Chief technology officer Adrian Newey has established himself as an F1 legend after years of helping to deliver some of the best cars on the grid.

He is a huge component of the winning machine that is Red Bull, who has been with since 2006.

And as such, Newey is believed to have received a massive pay packet over the years. So much so that his estimated net worth is said to be as much as Christian Horner's.

READ MORE HERE

Jordan Seward

Turkish GP return?

The Turkish Grand Prix reportedly wants to regain its place on the F1 calendar from 2026.

A tender is set to be launched for Istanbul Park by a Turkish Government institution and the winning operator will have to guarantee the return of the Turkish GP from 2026 otherwise they will have to pay financial penalties.

Jordan Seward

Perez speaks out on Horner probe

Sergio Perez has urged everyone at Red Bull to 'stick together' amid the ongoing investigation into Christian Horner.

The Mexican also underlined Horner's importance to the team at a time when the Brit's future is in doubt.

He said: “I think we just want to go racing. We are a race team and we want the whole team to stick together because we’ve been successful. It will be ideal just to keep the whole team together and just focus on racing.

“Obviously, there are some things out there but the most important is that we will stick together as a team, we will work well and the main goal is remembering that we are here for racing.

"We are racing and we all love it and we just want to go racing together. We know that Christian is a key player in our organisation.”

Jordan Seward

Geri Horner 'broken'

Christian Horner's popstar wife Geri has reportedly been left 'broken' by the ordeal surrounding her husband.

The Red Bull boss is being investigated over claims of 'inappropriate behaviour' towards a female employee and is facing the threat of being sacked.

Horner, who denies all the allegations, praised his wife and the team this week for supporting him through the situation.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Jordan Seward

Lando sends warning to Max

Lando Norris has warned Max Verstappen that he won't be as dominant in 2024 as he was last year.

The McLaren driver, who finished the second half of last season strongly with several podium finishes, believes the field will be much closer in 2024 after Red Bull's dominance.

Verstappen won an incredible 19 of the 22 Grands Prix but Norris believes things will be much closer with Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren all trying to catch up to Red Bull.

He said: "I think it was already one of the tightest years from what I remember in terms of regulation for quite a long time. Even though it was dominated probably more than ever, it was also the tightest from first to last for the majority of the year.

"Maybe at the beginning of the season, the gaps can open up. Through the year, it's going to get probably tighter again. We still have another year after this of the same regulation. So I'm sure we're in for a couple of years, which will have some very tight racing."

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (8)

Lando Norris isn't expecting Max Verstappen to be as dominant in 2024 (Image: GETTY)

Jordan Seward

Good morning...

and welcome back!

We'll be bringing you all the latest news in the F1 world right here today so make you stick around.

Charlie Malam

Fernando Alonso wants testing changes

Fernando Alonso insists it's not right that Formula One teams only have three days of pre-season testing to get to grips with their new cars.

The Spaniard, 42, entered F1 when there were no restrictions on testing. But now he only gets a day and a half behind the wheel, the same as his team-mate, before the season begins in Bahrain.

And the Aston Martin driver said: "I've been thinking all winter about this, how unfair is [it] that we have one day and a half to prepare a world championship?

"There's no other sport in the world… With all the money involved, and with all the marketing and the good things that we say aboutF1, and being closer and closer to the fans, I cannot understand why we then go toBahrainfor four days, which could be two and two for the drivers.

"If you go to three, which is not even, which is an odd number, you cannot divide [fairly] between the drivers.

"And I don't know why we don't go with two cars."

Charlie Malam

VCARB take 'big step' with new car

Yuki Tsunoda believes the VCARB 01 is a "big step" forward for Visa Cash App RB after the team's rebrand from AlphaTauri.

The new-look team are enjoying an increased collaboration with sister team Red Bull.

And Tsunoda says he can already see the benefits after a shakedown at Misano.

He said: "Feeling great on the track [during the] first run with VCARB 01. [It] went over smoothly. Already felt a couple of steps improvement compared to last year and a really big step I felt compared to the same time as last year.

"So it was good and super enjoyed with also new car with the new livery, new team.

"Overall it was a positive day. I will say overall, [it is a] easier handling car. Just didn't feel any outstanding issue, any outstanding strong characteristic movements. So far, pretty positive."

Sam Smith

Mercedes 'contacted' by star's manager

Mercedes have reportedly been contacted by the manager of Pierre Gasly, F1.com report.

Gasly reportely fancies his chances of replacing Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.

Hamilton will move to Ferrari in 12 months' time.

Frenchman Gasly, 28, drove for Alpine in 2023.

Sam Smith

Every driver disqualified in bizarre race

The entire grid was disqualified during a remarkable race in the Formula Winter Series (FWS).

Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia hosted the new FWS season’s second round at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia.

But not a single driver set a legal qualifying time.

Every driver was found to have breached track limits at Turns 1 and 6, which led to the bizarre scenario in which nobody was awarded pole position.

Instead, organisers turned to the practice session to determine where each driver would start the main race.

Sam Smith

Max Verstappen thinks Mercedes will ban Lewis Hamilton from meetings

Max Verstappen has suggested that Lewis Hamilton could be kicked out of Mercedes team meetings.

Hamilton will join Ferrari at the start of 2025.

And Verstappen says there will come a point towards the end of this year when the Silver Arrows will not want the seven-time world champion privy to their plans for the 2025 campaign.

“For sure he [Hamilton] has a great relationship with everyone, especially Toto, but at one point Toto for sure will tell him, ‘Look, I know we’ve had all this success. But you can’t be part of certain meetings any more,'" Verstappen said at Red Bull’s launch.

"That is normal in F1. It’s probably a bit weird. But you are professional enough to deal with that.

“It’s not like they are suddenly enemies. He has achieved so many great things with them. They are still behind him. It’s just you know at one point you can’t share certain stuff. But once he’s sitting in the car they will of course go flat out for him.”

Sam Smith

Martin Brundle 'doesn't buy' Lewis Hamilton claim

Martin Brundle insists Lewis Hamilton will not be emotional leaving Mercedes.

Hamilton will leave the Silver Arrows next year to join Ferrari.

The 38-year-old insists he will be emotional departing after 11 years.

However, Brundle thinks Hamilton will instead be delighted at a change of scenery in a move that will benefit everyone.

"I don't buy all of this, 'It's going to be emotional leaving'," the Sky Sports pundit said.

"Lewis is a winning machine and that's what he wants to do. It's a good contract, he'll be paid a lot of money, get a lot of love, and it will be one of global sport's biggest stories in 2025."

He added: "The teams are slightly disingenuous when they tell you about new contract signings, because they only tell you edited highlights that suit them. Clearly, they forgot to mention that Hamilton had an exit clause, which he has chosen to take very early indeed.

"I see everybody's got an opportunity here. George Russell has got the shiny confidence, the talent, confidence and speed, to pick up the mantle and be the number one driver. I have no doubt about that at all.

"I think it will energise Mercedes, losing Lewis, and it will be an opportunity for them to act in haste, repent at leisure. They can wait and see [on Hamilton's replacement]. Why do they need to jump now?

"It will energise Ferrari, Charles Leclerc as well, and certainly us watching it. I don't really see any downside there."

Sam Smith

Nico Rosberg responds to wild Mercedes return rumours

Nico Rosberg has dismissed speculation that he could replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Rosberg retired shortly after winning the World Championship in 2016.

He says he would need to train for over a year just to prepare himself for stepping back into a Formula One car, ruling him out of a shock return to the grid.

“That’s over, I’m not planning a comeback,” Rosberg confirmed to Suddeutsche Zeitung.

“I would have to prepare intensively for a whole year, if only to train the synapses in my brain.”

Sam Smith

Fred Vasseur opens up on Lewis Hamilton phone call with Carlos Sainz

Fred Vasseur says the phone call made to Carlos Sainz to tell the Spaniard that Ferrari were signing Lewis Hamilton was the hardest of his life.

Sainz will be replaced by Hamilton at the start of 2025.

“As you can imagine, it was not the easiest call of my life,” the Frenchman said.

“One of the most difficult, [along] with the one with Toto [Wolff]! But I’m fully convinced that he is a very professional driver, that he understands that we have a long season in front of us, [that it’s] a huge opportunity.

“In this situation [he has] the team behind him. We had a long discussion, as you can imagine, [and] I will be fully supportive with Carlos.

"He’s fully committed and we know that we are to do the job together. We are professional.”

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (9)

Fred Vasseur has opened up on his call with Carlos Sainz (Image: Getty)

Sam Smith

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez 'supporting Christian Horner, Red Bull chief insists

Christian Horner insists he has the support of Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

An investigation into allegation of inappropriate behaviour made against Horner continues.

The team principal was present at Red Bull's launch of their RB20 car on Thursday.

Asked by the Independent if Verstappen and Perez are supporting him, Horner said they are.

Sam Smith

Christian Horner admits 'overwhelming support' from Red Bull

Christian Horner says the support he has received over a Red Bull investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour has been ‘overwhelming’.

Horner was quizzed by an independent lawyer last week and Red Bull are keen to bring forward a conclusion to the probe.

“The support from within the business, partners within the industry, has been overwhelming,” Horner said at Red Bull’s car launch on Thursday.

“Obviously there’s a process that’s ongoing at the moment, some allegations have been made which I fully deny and I’m complying obviously with that process and will continue to do so until its conclusion.”

Jordan Seward

Brown doubles down on Red Bull complaint

McLaren chief Zak Brown has doubled down on his complaint over the dual-ownership situation between Red Bull and the newly rebranded VCARB team. Brown had already insisted that having two teams under one company umbrella does not align with the idea of a 'level playing field' in F1.

And he reiterated his stance on the matter and once again called on the FIA to take action by changing the rules.

Speaking to Sky Sports News about his concern with Red Bull’s two-team ownership structure, Brown said: “Actually I’m speaking in the wider interest of the sport. If you look at every other major sport, you’re not allowed to own two teams.

“And I’d even go further, you know there’s A-B team relationships. And when they started 15 years ago it was because there was a huge gap between the top teams and the bottom teams. Now that there is this great budget cap in place, all ten teams are pretty much running to the cap, so we all kind of… it’s an equal playing field.

“So to have two ownerships, I can tell you from sitting in the FIA… F1 Commission meetings, the voting is always the same even when, in theory, it shouldn’t be in one of the teams’ best interests. We’ve seen it on track, some collaborations going on.

“And then technically, they’ve been very forthright in ‘we’re going to take the suspension’, etcetera and a definition of a constructor is a team who develops their own IP.

“I just think the sport has now moved on to an equal playing field, so to have A-B relationships, to have co-ownership of two teams I think isn’t a level playing field. It’s not what the fans expect and so the FIA really needs to do something about it.”

Jordan Seward

Wolff told to take 'a risk' with Hamilton replacement

Toto Wolff has been urged to take a risk with his Lewis Hamilton replacement.

Wolff refused to rule out any options open to him, including potentially nabbing a big-name driver to replace the outgoing Hamilton.

Ex-F1 star Giancarlo Fisichella, however, wants Wolff to be brave as he suggested Daniel Ricciardo and Mercedes prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the two drivers to consider.

Fisichella told OLBG: "Daniel has spent time as Red Bull's third driver, where he did well until his accident and wrist injury. It's difficult to predict what his future holds. It will be nice for him to have a good car this year, and how good he is because he has a lot of experience, and it will be good for a top team to have him. It's difficult to say. Daniel Ricciardo could be a good replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes because Mercedes need a driver with his experience.

"I think Mercedes should push for Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He's a young driver who will race in F2 this year. He's so quick and he's already very good. I'd like to see him there."

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (10)

Toto Wolff has the uneviable task of finding a driver to replace Lewis Hamilton (Image: GETTY)

Jordan Seward

Stroll makes Alonso confession

Lance Stroll has admitted Aston Martin team-mate Fernando Alonso was the superior and quicker driver last season.

The Canadian star came off second best against his team-mate as Alonso rolled back the years to put in some highly impressive performances.

The Spaniard ended the campaign miles ahead of Stroll with 206 points to his name. His younger counterpart accumulated just 74 in comparison.

Stroll is eager to improve on this in 2024 and has held his hands up that Alonso was simply the better driver last time around.

Discussing what was missing in the fight against Alonso, Stroll confessed: “Some speed last year, for sure. He was just quicker. So I have some ideas on where to work on, some things that I want to improve on, for sure, in that regard.

"And also, I don't like to use the word luck, but I think we had a lot of misfortune last year and I think that kind of made things more challenging. When we were fighting for good positions last year, there were a lot of races where we had technical issues. We had things just didn't go our way. So we want to just build on last year."

Jordan Seward

Red Bull's Horner investigation now being 'accelerated'

Red Bull are reportedly likely to reach a conclusion in their investigation into allegations against Christian Horner by next week.

It was previously felt that the saga could rumble on for some time after Horner was grilled by an independent lawyer last week.

However, The Times claim Red Bull are now keen to accelerate the process in effort to end the disruption and uncertainty ahead of the new F1 season.

Jordan Seward

Red Bull row over Horner

Christian Horner is reportedly causing a divide at Red Bull.

The Red Bull boss is facing the threat of being sacked after an investigation was launched into allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour' were made against him.

Horner has denied all the allegations and is refusing to step down from his position.

A fresh report has now explained who at Red Bull want him to resign and who is keen for him to carry on in the job with the team said to be split in two.

READ MORE HERE

Jordan Seward

Red Bull to unleash Mercedes-style tactic

Red Bull will reportedly move to a more extreme Mercedes-style F1 sidepod design.

The new RB20 has earned comparisons with Mercedes' W14 due to the new enginer cover bodywork and the fact they have moved away from an underbite-lookalike sidepod inlet to an overbite style.

Autosport claim this design will be changed and will only be in place for the hot conditions of pre-season testing and the opening Grand Prixs in Bahrain, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

They claim that in the early stages of the season that Red Bull will upgrade their car to a design remiiscent of the Mercedes zero sidepod - depsite the Silver Arrows strugglign with that concept in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (11)

The new Red Bull RB20 car that Max Verstappen will be driving in 2024 (Image: GETTY)

Jordan Seward

Red Bull pay for their own success

Red Bull have been made victims of their own success after being hit with a massive F1 bill.

The reigning constructors' champions will have to pay a staggering £5.91million entry fee to take part in the 2024 season.

That is more than double what Mercedes and Ferrari will have to fork out. A £2.66m fee awaits the Silver Arrows while Ferrari will have to hand over slightly less at a total of £2.64m.

The FIA’s fee is calculated relative to the total number of points attained in the previous campaign. With Red Bull far and away the best team on the grid - winning 21 of the 22 races last term - the team were always going to be facing a hefty bill.

Jordan Seward

Mercedes warned they face 'illegal' accusations

Mercedes have been told that there will be conspiracy theories that their new W15 car is 'illegal'.

F1 technical expert Craig Scarborough believes their innovative new front-wing design is 'cheeky' but on the right side of the law.

He believes the new design could make Lewis Hamilton and George Russell trickier for rivals to follow by reintroducing the 'outwash', which the latest regulations were brought in to stamp out.

And Scarborough is predicting that the FIA and F1 may have some 'discussions' with Mercedes about it - and that some people will accuse Mercedes of creating an 'illegal' car.

READ MORE HERE

Jordan Seward

Ford release statement on Horner

Red Bull's new partner, Ford, have broken their silence and released a statement amid the ongoing investigation into Christian Horner.

The American company will replace Honda at the end of the 2025 F1 season and will part-fund Red Bull Powertrains 2026 engine when the new regulations come into effect.

As a partner of Red Bull, Ford have now addressed the investigation into Horner. Mark Rushbrook, global head of Ford Performance Motorsport, told Association Press: “As a family company, and a company that holds itself to very high standards of behaviour and integrity, we do expect the same from our partners.

“It appears to us, and what we’ve been told, was that Red Bull is taking the situation very seriously. And of course, they’re worried about their brand, as well.

“And that’s why they’ve got an independent investigation and until we see what truth comes out of that, it’s too early for us to comment on it all.”

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (12)

Christian Horner (far right) speaking at Red Bull's car launch earlier this week (Image: GETTY)

Jordan Seward

Hamilton blocked from 'what he wants at Ferrari'

Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton's dream of taking Mercedes engineers with him to Ferrari will be hampered by contract clauses.

There had been rumours that Mercedes could lose more key personnel and see several staff members walk out with Hamilton.

However, Sky Sports pundit Brundle doesn't think it'll be so simple for Hamilton to cherry-pick Mercedes' staff.

"It's hard because I don't think [Hamilton] will speak the language, he certainly won't know the team like Charles does," Brundle told the Sky Sports F1 podcast.

"That's why I think Lewis will want to try and take a few people with him, but there will be non-compete clauses that prevent him doing that. You really want to take some of your own gang with you so you can hit the ground running.

"But I think he'll have such respect there that if Lewis said 'I want the back wheels put on the front', they'll do it straight away. He could do a Michael Schumacher and turn them into champions again.

"Or he could do a [Sebastian] Vettel or [Fernando] Alonso where it was a near-miss. If Lewis really wants to get a fast start in a completely different team, he'll have to go and embed himself in it."

Jordan Seward

Good morning F1 fans!

And welcome to today's live blog. Boy have we got plenty of news for you to get your teeth into with Christian Horner and Lewis Hamilton dominating the agenda once again...

Make sure you stick as we'll be bringing you all the latest in Horner's investigation and more!

F1 RECAP - Hamilton blocked from Ferrari dream as Ford release Horner statement (2024)

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