Breaking news:Carlos Sainz’s ‘hurt’ admission; Hamilton ‘won’t last’.....Read more

Carlos Sainz’s ‘hurt’ admission; Hamilton ‘won’t last’ verdict – news round-up

Carlos Sainz has revealed that he always believed Charles Leclerc would not be the driver replaced by Ferrari when the possibility of Lewis Hamilton joining the team became more realistic. Sainz, who was hoping for a contract renewal with Ferrari ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 season, was taken by surprise when the team chose to sign Hamilton instead, effectively replacing him. Hamilton, who has spent 12 seasons with Mercedes, made the bold decision to pursue a new challenge with Ferrari at the age of 40. This move comes as he aims to secure a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ World Championship, which would further solidify his legacy in the sport.

Sainz’s comments suggest that he was confident in Leclerc’s position within Ferrari, and the idea of him being replaced was never likely, especially when considering the long-standing relationship between Leclerc and the team. As a result, it was Sainz who found himself under threat of losing his seat at Ferrari, despite his own strong performances in recent seasons. The decision by Ferrari to sign Hamilton marks a significant shift for the team, which has long been a major contender in Formula 1 but has yet to secure a championship win in recent years. With Hamilton on board, Ferrari is clearly looking to boost its chances of regaining the title and challenging for further success.

In other news, Red Bull’s junior team, often referred to as Racing Bulls, has unveiled its 2025 car, the VCARB02. This car draws significant inspiration from the Red Bull RB20, with reports indicating that the VCARB02 has been homologated to feature the RB20’s “front suspension and shark-mouth sidepods.” The decision to integrate elements from the RB20 is a clear sign of Red Bull’s desire to keep improving its performance across all aspects of its cars, as well as maintain a consistent level of innovation that has brought the team such success in recent years. In fact, Red Bull’s junior team had already updated the rear of their car in the final three races of last season, incorporating components from the RB20 to enhance the car’s performance.

Lastly, the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has hinted at the possibility of a “shutdown” of team radio communications if drivers continue to use offensive language over the airwaves. The FIA has introduced a new update to the International Sporting Code for the 2025 season, which includes stricter penalties for driver misconduct. These penalties could include heavy fines, suspensions, and even points deductions for drivers who repeatedly violate the code. The introduction of these measures signals the FIA’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of professionalism in Formula 1 and its other series, ensuring that drivers are held accountable for their behavior both on and off the t

rack.