Lewis Hamilton competed in his final race for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi
Sunday’s fast-paced F1 news includes more evidence on Mercedes’ treatment of Lewis Hamilton in F1 2024 and the surprise entrance of Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
Let’s take a light-speed look back at the day’s main headlines in F1…
Lewis Hamilton theory at Mercedes debunked by Nico Rosberg
Nico Rosberg believes speculation that Mercedes preferred George Russell over Lewis Hamilton for the 2024 F1 season was dashed in Abu Dhabi. Hamilton was badly beaten by Russell in qualifying during the season, leading some to suggest the youngster may have been given preferential treatment before Hamilton moved to Ferrari.
Rosberg believes a moment involving Mercedes manager Toto Wolff in Abu Dhabi proved Hamilton has not compromised his team this year. Ferrari stunned by Carlos Sainz-Charles Leclerc rivalry
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasser says the rivalry between Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc is unlike anything he has experienced in motorsport.
Despite performing well against Leclerc in his four full seasons at Ferrari, Sainz will join Williams for F1 2025 to make room for Lewis Hamilton. Thinking about partnership between Sainz and Leclerc, the Wasser was struck by how both drivers would be “intensively concerned” with each other, trying to get a competitive advantage.
Daniel Riccardo, by the visible, confirms the pension F1
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A clip appeared on the Internet, which, according to the visible, confirmed its resignation from Formula 1 after his departure from Red Bull during the F1 2024 season. Reports published on Saturday said Ricciardo had no interest in returning to the grid for the new Cadillac F1 team in 2026.
When asked about the rumors by a fan at the event, Ricciardo said: »
Williams makes ambitious offer to Fernando Alonso before he joins Aston Martin
Williams is making an ambitious attempt to sign two-time world champion Fernando Alonso before he joins Aston Martin for the 2023 season. The claim comes from Alonso’s manager, Flavio Briatore, who says Alonso was ready to sign a contract extension with Alpine for 2022 but negotiations were “suddenly” halted.
Alonso confirmed his move to Aston Martin the morning after the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix, just four days after his predecessor Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement. Will the driver’s formation be changed after Max Ferstapn punishment?
Mohammed Ben Sulay, the president of the FIA, suggested that future F1 contracts can enforce the driver to participate in public works. This comes after newly crowned world champion Max Verstappen finally served his punishment for his abusive language during the FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Verstappen was attending a major motorsport event in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, on Friday ahead of the annual FIA awards ceremony.
