Former W Series driver Naomi Schiff has likened Lewis Hamilton’s current situation at Mercedes to a “divorce,” given the challenging start to the 2024 F1 season, which is one of the biggest in Formula One history with seven world titles. considerable difficulty compared to his teammate, George Russell. Russell leads 8-1 in qualifying and leads the drivers’ championship after the Montreal race. Hamilton’s problems, particularly on Saturdays, have been evident, resulting in cryptic messages from the veteran driver. After the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton suggested that he would not be able to overtake Russell in qualifying for the rest of the year. However, after the race in Canada, he took more personal responsibility for the disappointing qualifying performance. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Schiff analysed Hamilton’s performance, pointing out that an opportunity can wake up a driver and make him more alert. “If we go back to what happened in Abu Dhabi in 2021, coming back in 2022 with a car unable to seek revenge was probably very disappointing for Lewis,” commented Schiff. The lack of a competitive car after the controversial 2021 final appears to have had a profound psychological effect on Hamilton. During the 2023 season, Hamilton seemed to have regained some of his confidence and happiness, but this trend has not continued in 2024. Schiff believes that the deterioration of relations between Hamilton and Mercedes was inevitable. “That in itself will not be comfortable for Lewis. In Monaco, there was already strange body language, and Lewis was saying he was going to pass George in qualifying for the rest of the season,” Schiff noted. The divorce analogy reflects the growing distance between Hamilton and the team. As the season progresses, Schiff predicts Hamilton will be left out of key meetings, with the team’s preference shifting to Russell. “All these things are going to plant a bit of doubt in the minds of the team and Lewis. What game are they playing? Has Lewis given up yet? Is he still on board?” Shifi asks. Despite the mutual respect between Hamilton and Mercedes, the suspicions that arise could make it difficult to maintain a positive relationship. Schiff concludes that both the team and Hamilton are trying to end this phase in a positive way, but the reality is that, when in doubt, maintaining this relationship is a big challenge. Hamilton, aged 39, is facing one of the toughest seasons of his career, and the uncertainty over his future at Mercedes grows with each race. The question that remains is whether he will be able to regain the form that established him as one of the greatest drivers of all time or whether this will be the beginning of a bitter end to his historic partnership with Mercedes.
Jonathan Rea update on familiarity with Yamaha after Misano test
Six-time Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea said recent testing at Misano was crucial to increasing his familiarity with the Yamaha R1. After a long career with Kawasaki, Rea is still adapting to the new team and bike in this WorldSBK season. “I’m excited to go to Misano, especially after a few days of testing where I was able to become more familiar with the Yamaha R1 and work with the team to feel more comfortable on the bike,” said Rea. He highlighted that adjustments to the bike’s balance since the first laps brought an immediate improvement in comfort and performance. Rea’s season at Yamaha has yet to take off, and he sits 15th in the championship standings three rounds into it. This weekend, the fourth round at Misano, where WSBK riders recently tested, offers a new chance for Rea to take a big step forward. “We made some positive adjustments, and I really felt like I made progress as well,” he added. Tom O’Kane, Andrea Locatelli’s team principal, explained how to maximise the Yamaha’s performance at Misano. “You tend to spend a lot of time looking for grip at Misano. The track temperature can be very high, and with the nature of the asphalt, grip becomes exponentially difficult to manage,” explained O’Kane. He highlighted the importance of a strong balance between braking, cornering, and acceleration. The Misano circuit has distinct characteristics: from the last corners to Turn 6, it is very stop-and-go. From Turn 10 until the end of the lap, it’s about maintaining speed through fluid curves. “The bike also needs to brake really well, and, especially in Turn 8, where you’re braking at an angle, there’s extra centrifugal force, so you need a very stable front end,” said O’Kane. Rea also shared his enthusiasm for Misano, a circuit where he has fond memories. “I really like the circuit, and I have good memories of Misano. I won my first race here in 2009, so I always have a good feeling when I walk in the gate,” commented Rea, also mentioning his frequent family holidays in the region. Andrea Locatelli, currently fifth in the championship, also expressed optimism for the weekend at Misano. “Finally, we’re back for another weekend of racing, and we can enjoy competition again and battle it out with the other drivers during the sessions and races—I love it, honestly!” Locatelli said. He highlighted the improvements made during the winter and recent testing, believing the team is well prepared for the challenge. Misano can be a difficult circuit due to the conditions and grip, especially in the heat. However, the positive atmosphere and support from fans, including their fan club in Selvino and the large Yamaha Italia crowd, increase the team’s motivation. “We need to continue in the same positive way we started this season,” concluded Locatelli. With these updates, both Rea and Locatelli are ready to face the challenges of Misano, looking to improve their performances and climb the championship standings.
Zhou Guanyu’s $30 million backing makes him surprise Haas F1 contender
Current Sauber F1 driver Zhou Guanyu has emerged as a surprising option to join the Haas team for the 2025 season, prompted by significant financial backing. According to German newspaper AMuS, Zhou is one of several candidates being considered by the American team. While Oliver Bearman has only been confirmed at Haas for next year, the identity of his teammate still remains a mystery. Zhou, with an estimated $35–40 million in sponsorship from Chinese backers, has become an attractive choice for the team. This significant financial contribution would not only ease Haas’ economic pressures but also open new doors to the lucrative Chinese market. Despite Zhou’s on-track struggles, Sauber’s overall performance has also fallen short of expectations, with teammate Valtteri Bottas similarly unable to score points in the first nine races of the year. Zhou’s arrival at Haas could bring not only a financial injection but also significant commercial and marketing opportunities. However, the competition for the place at Haas is intense. Esteban Ocon is being considered even after announcing his departure from Alpine. Ocon is a strong candidate due to his experience and ability and is being considered by Haas and Audi, depending on the moves of other drivers such as Carlos Sainz. For Zhou, a return to Alpine is also on the cards. He spent several years in the French team’s driver academy before joining Sauber in 2022. His links to the Chinese market would be very attractive to a manufacturer like Alpine/Renault looking to expand its global presence. Alpine is currently considering other options, such as Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher, to form its team. Competition for places in Formula 1 is more intense than ever, and Zhou Guanyu, with his considerable financial backing, finds himself in a unique position. His ability to attract investment and expand his fan base in China could be the difference that guarantees his stay in Formula 1, whether with Haas or another team. With teams looking to balance performance and financial sustainability, Zhou’s situation illustrates the complexity of decisions in the world of Formula 1. Strong financial backing combined with potential market expansion puts Zhou in a strategic position that could redefine the future of Formula 1. The final decision by Haas and other interested teams will be crucial not only for Zhou but also for the commercial and competitive dynamics of Formula 1 in the coming years. While Zhou faces stiff competition to secure his place on the grid, his considerable financial backing and market potential make him an intriguing and valuable candidate for Haas and other Formula 1 teams.
Zhou Guanyu’s $30 million backing makes him surprise Haas F1 contender
Current Sauber F1 driver Zhou Guanyu has emerged as a surprising option to join the Haas team for the 2025 season, prompted by significant financial backing. According to German newspaper AMuS, Zhou is one of several candidates being considered by the American team. While Oliver Bearman has only been confirmed at Haas for next year, the identity of his teammate still remains a mystery. Zhou, with an estimated $35–40 million in sponsorship from Chinese backers, has become an attractive choice for the team. This significant financial contribution would not only ease Haas’ economic pressures but also open new doors to the lucrative Chinese market. Despite Zhou’s on-track struggles, Sauber’s overall performance has also fallen short of expectations, with teammate Valtteri Bottas similarly unable to score points in the first nine races of the year. Zhou’s arrival at Haas could bring not only a financial injection but also significant commercial and marketing opportunities. However, the competition for the place at Haas is intense. Esteban Ocon is being considered even after announcing his departure from Alpine. Ocon is a strong candidate due to his experience and ability and is being considered by Haas and Audi, depending on the moves of other drivers such as Carlos Sainz. For Zhou, a return to Alpine is also on the cards. He spent several years in the French team’s driver academy before joining Sauber in 2022. His links to the Chinese market would be very attractive to a manufacturer like Alpine/Renault looking to expand its global presence. Alpine is currently considering other options, such as Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher, to form its team. Competition for places in Formula 1 is more intense than ever, and Zhou Guanyu, with his considerable financial backing, finds himself in a unique position. His ability to attract investment and expand his fan base in China could be the difference that guarantees his stay in Formula 1, whether with Haas or another team. With teams looking to balance performance and financial sustainability, Zhou’s situation illustrates the complexity of decisions in the world of Formula 1. Strong financial backing combined with potential market expansion puts Zhou in a strategic position that could redefine the future of Formula 1. The final decision by Haas and other interested teams will be crucial not only for Zhou but also for the commercial and competitive dynamics of Formula 1 in the coming years. While Zhou faces stiff competition to secure his place on the grid, his considerable financial backing and market potential make him an intriguing and valuable candidate for Haas and other Formula 1 teams.
Mercedes told to “back” George Russell as Toto Wolff accused of “undermining him”
1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill advised Mercedes to “support” George Russell after the Canadian Grand Prix. Hill commented on Russell’s mistakes during the race, especially given Mercedes’ impressive performance in the dry conditions. Although Russell took Mercedes’ first podium of the year, it was a missed opportunity in terms of victory. Russell ran off the track several times, most notably when second ahead of Lando Norris, costing him the challenge of Max Verstappen for the win. Midway through the race, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was heard communicating with Russell over the team radio, saying: Speaking on the latest episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Hill felt Wolff’s intervention had dented Russell’s confidence. “I think the problem with George is that he started from a high position before he came to Mercedes,” Hill said. “He didn’t make many mistakes. When you reach the top, everyone watches everything you do, criticizing every flaw. I don’t know. I think it can be a bit disruptive if you’re coached by the team manager during the race, told to focus. I think he knows what he’s doing, to quote a famous racer.” Russell has made some notable mistakes since the start of last year. He abandoned the Canadian and Singapore races through his own fault and crashed in Australia, despite being overtaken by a slower Fernando Alonso. Hill believes Russell is trying too hard to prove himself in the absence of support from Mercedes, given the team’s interest in Verstappen and obsession with Kimi Antonelli. “I think it’s a problem for George,” Hill added. “He’s been at Mercedes for a while, they haven’t had great performances, but he’s definitely getting the job done. Lewis will leave for Ferrari next year. He’s trying to establish himself as the best driver and he hasn’t got there yet, I think, because instead of talking about George, they’re always talking about who’s going to be his teammate next year. I think Mercedes should support him a bit more, give him a bit more confidence and maybe he doesn’t have to try so hard to prove himself in the race because it looks like he’s trying to compensate a bit.” Hill concluded by saying that Russell needs to rest. “He’s got speed, he’s got skill, he’s very smart. I’m sure he can deliver good results for them if they comfort him a little more.”
Joan Mir repeats: ‘Nobody goes out of Honda in a better way than they went in’
Joan Mir, the 2000 MotoGP world champion, finds himself at a crossroads as he considers his future in the category. After joining Repsol Honda following Suzuki’s exit from the championship, Mir has faced continued challenges with the RC213V, which remains at the at the bottom of the constructors’ standings for the third consecutive year. Mir managed to improve his performance slightly, scoring half of the 26 points he achieved in the entire 2023 season; however, he openly admits his doubts about continuing with Honda, especially in light of his former teammate’s successes with the team, Marc Márquez, who revitalised his . career by joining Gresini Ducati. In his latest statements, Mir was categorical, saying that no one leaves Honda in a better situation than when they entered. “When I arrived at Honda, I had a lot of offers… And now that’s not the case,” revealed Mir. “I have to wait for others who have priority at the moment. This is the reality. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past. There are already others who are doing the results, maybe 4-5 pilots, who have priority.”. Mir is waiting for the Dutch TT in Assen to make a clearer decision on his future. He wants to evaluate all available options before making a decision. “I have to have all the options on the table to decide, instead of saying I know exactly where I want to go. That’s not the case for me right now. I don’t know where I want to go. I will wait until I have all the offers on the table, and then I will choose,” he explained. Despite being Honda’s best driver, Mir knows that his current position (18th overall) and best result in a race (12th) are not enough to attract the attention of the main teams. Honda’s difficult situation has been a determining factor in its uncertainty. “People consider the bike you ride, of course, but the reality is that no one leaves a Honda in better condition than when they came into it,” he reiterated. Mir also looks at the example of Márquez, who moved to Gresini Ducati and, in a short time, showed an impressive performance. Márquez is on track to join the Ducati factory team in 2025, a decision that has forced the Italian manufacturer to sacrifice championship leader Jorge Martin. “I have spoken to Marc many times. How did you feel last year, and how do you feel now? I have an example of a line that I can follow, or another that is to stay in this situation [at Honda],” said Mir. At the age of 26, Mir is not ready to retire, despite the difficulties he faces. He believes that if he can get out of his difficult situation at Honda and become competitive again, his mentality will change completely. “I don’t think I’m going home. “If you start being competitive again, your mindset changes completely, and you might want to stay another ten years,” he said. Mir needs to see concrete signs of progress from Honda to consider continuing with the team in 2025. With vacancies at the top teams filling up fast, he must make a crucial decision about his future in the coming weeks.
Aprilia plays down ‘American rider in an American team’ for MotoGP
In the MotoGP scene, the expectation of an American rider on an American team is being weakened by Aprilia management. During MotoGP testing, Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, addressed the issue, throwing cold water on hopes of seeing a US rider on the new Trackhouse satellite team in 2025. Joe Roberts, the talented Californian, recently took his first victory of the Moto2 season at Mugello, closing in on world championship leader Sergio Garcia by just seven points. However, Rivola was clear in stating that the current market offers very good MotoGP riders and that the priority is to choose the best available. “I don’t think that will be the case, as the market can offer us very good drivers,” said Rivola. Rivola reiterated team principal Davide Brivio’s position that Trackhouse’s priority for 2025 is to achieve the best possible results rather than serving as a junior team for Aprilia. “I think Davide said in an interview that it is not a case of Trackhouse getting a junior rider to grow at Aprilia Racing. And I agree,” said Rivola. “We must now enter the market, which is moving quickly, and choose the best riders for the four bikes.” The speculation surrounding the available riders is intense, with several MotoGP race winners yet to be confirmed for 2025. Among them is former world champion Joan Mir, currently with Repsol Honda. The possibility of Roberts continuing to perform well in Moto2 could strengthen his candidacy, but the competition for a place in the trackhouse is fierce. Currently, the only rider confirmed by Aprilia for 2025 is Jorge Martin, the championship leader with Ducati Pramac. Maverick Vinales, the race winner for the factory team, and the Trackhouse duo, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, have not yet had their futures decided. Rivola expressed optimism about Trackhouse’s future, highlighting that the team is also moving into the technical market for next year. “Trackhouse has a bright future because they are also moving into the technical market for next year. Then they will choose the pilots. Obviously, I will say what I think. Furthermore, they currently have good drivers who have not yet shown their full potential. So let’s see,” he concluded. In short, despite American hopes, Aprilia is focused on ensuring the Trackhouse has the best possible riders to achieve success in MotoGP, regardless of their nationality. Competition in the driver market is fierce, and the pursuit of excellence continues to be Aprilia Racing’s main objective.
