Mercedes F1 2024 car launch LIVE: New-look W15 revealed as emotional Hamilton breaks silence of Ferrari move
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Lewis Hamilton made his first public appearance since announcing his shock move to Ferrari at the end of the season, as Mercedes launched their 2024 F1 car on Wednesday morning.
The Silver Arrows, who endured their first winless season since 2011 last year, will be hoping their W15 challenger can this season take the fight to Max Verstappen and Red Bull out in front. All eyes were on Hamilton, though, as he embarks on his 12th and final season for Mercedes. The 39-year-old appeared at the launch event at Silverstone alongside team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff, speaking of the “surreal” feeling at starting his final season with Mercedes.
McLaren also launched their 2024 car on Wednesday, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri speaking to the press this evening. Red Bull will launch their new car on Thursday, with Christian Horner set to appear despite the current investigation centred on him regarding “inappropriate behaviour.”
Follow all the latest updates with The Independent
MERCEDES 2024 CAR LAUNCH - LATEST UPDATES
Mercedes have launched their 2024 F1 car - the W15 - on Wednesday morning at Silverstone
Emotional Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on ‘surreal’ end to Mercedes career
Hamilton spoke in his first public appearance since his shock 2025 move to Ferrari was announced
McLaren claim ‘everything is in place’ after launching their own 2024 challenger
Emotional Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on ‘surreal’ end to Mercedes career
Wednesday 14 February 2024 15:27 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton admits the past few weeks have been “emotional” and “surreal” as the Mercedes driver appeared in public for the first time since his 2025 move to Ferrari was announced.
Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton is about to embark on his 12th and final season with Mercedes following the news that he will join the Scuderia next year.
Hamilton, who has won six of his seven titles with Mercedes, was present at the launch of the Silver Arrows’ 2024 F1 car – the W15 – at Silverstone on Wednesday morning and emphasised his “excitement” on the eve of another Formula 1 season.
“It’s obviously been emotional, it’s very surreal to be here,” said Hamilton, when asked about the last few weeks.
Full piece below:
Emotional Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on ‘surreal’ end to Mercedes F1 career
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Goodbye!
Wednesday 14 February 2024 19:11 , Kieran Jackson
Thank you for joining us today for coverage of Mercedes’ 2024 car launch!
Join us tomorrow for updates at Red Bull’s launch, with Christian Horner set to appear.
Fernando Alonso fires shot at Lewis Hamilton’s ‘childhood dream’ move to Ferrari
Wednesday 14 February 2024 18:38 , Kieran Jackson
Fernando Alonso fired his first shot of the season at Lewis Hamilton on Monday, saying the Brit’s “childhood dream” move to Ferrari was a “different dream two months ago.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton stunned the world of Formula 1 two weeks ago when he confirmed he would leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season after 12 years at the team, saying it was a “childhood dream of his to race in Ferrari red.”
Veteran Spaniard driver and two-time world champion Alonso, who raced for Ferrari from 2010-2014, joked that Hamilton has changed his “childhood dream” given his past loyalties to Mercedes.
“It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no?” said Alonso, at Aston Martin’s car launch on Monday.
Fernando Alonso fires shot at Lewis Hamilton’s ‘childhood dream’ move to Ferrari
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Lewis Hamilton replacement odds
Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:42 , Kieran Jackson
Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?
Fernando Alonso – 8/11
Alex Albon - 7/2
Carlos Sainz – 5/1
Mick Schumacher – 7/1
Esteban Ocon – 10/1
Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 14/1
Sebastian Vettel – 18/1
Valtteri Bottas – 25/1
Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez – 33/1
Oscar Piastri - 50/1
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Mercedes’ W15 pics
Wednesday 14 February 2024 17:11 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble makes sense – he has lost patience with Mercedes
Wednesday 14 February 2024 16:29 , Kieran Jackson
Comment by Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Picture it for a moment: Hamilton, a man who transcends Formula One and whose hunger for success is unabated, glistening in the sun of the famous scarlet red. The pure romanticism and prestige of such a partnership – between F1’s most famous driver and the sport’s most iconic team – has been mooted for years. Until now, flirtations between driver and team seemed insincere. Just fantasy. Surely, given Hamilton’s repeated commitment to Mercedes and a new two-year contract, a last dance with the prancing horse would not materialise? Surely… not?
But now we know: both parties simply could not resist.
On football’s transfer deadline day, Formula One ruffled the most shocking of feathers with the news that Hamilton – Mercedes’ star man for 11 years, world champion in six of those – will join the legendary Scuderia next year on a multi-year contract. A source told The Independent that Hamilton informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday night of his decision to move, simply insisting he wishes to try something new. The 39-year-old has a one-year break clause in his new deal, which he has chosen to exercise in search of this “new challenge.” And, out of nothing, the 2024 season which looked so stale (no new drivers, no new races), and with a runaway favourite in Red Bull, has been sparked into life. A firework F1 badly needed.
Full piece below:
How Lewis Hamilton lost patience with Mercedes – and why Ferrari gamble makes sense
Lando Norris given target by McLaren boss for 2024 after unveiling new car
Wednesday 14 February 2024 15:55 , Kieran Jackson
McLaren‘s new MCL38 Formula 1 car made its track debut at a soggy Silverstone on Wednesday with team chief executive Zak Brown setting out a target of wins as well as podiums this season.
The former champions finished fourth overall in 2023 with Britain’s Lando Norris and Australian rookie Oscar Piastri.
Norris finished on the podium seven times, including six second places, while Piastri was second in Qatar and third in Japan.
“We feel good, it’s been a good winter. We’re happy with the development,” Brown told Sky Sports television. “It feels like we’ve continued on our development pace from where we were in the second half of last year.”
Full piece below:
Lando Norris given target by McLaren boss for 2024 season
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Technical director James Allison on the W15
Wednesday 14 February 2024 14:55 , Kieran Jackson
“A big focus has been on improving the previous car’s unpredictable rear axle, which the drivers often referred to as spiteful. We have worked on that to try and create a car that is reassuring to the drivers. At the beginning of a corner when you’re hard on the brakes and turning in, the rear needs to feel rock solid. And then as you get towards the apex, the car needs to feel progressively more nimble, and eager, to turn. We have been trying to build that into the car.
“We’ve also worked hard to create a less draggy car, and to add performance in the corners. There’s also been some housekeeping on areas in which we had room for improvement, including the DRS effect, and pit stop performance.
“We were always very good at delivering a pit stop in a repeatable time, which is the key thing for a pit stop. The repeatable time that we could do our pit stops in was still three to four tenths slower than the best teams, though. So hopefully we will have moved in the right direction there.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Toto Wolff on Lewis Hamilton’s departure at the end of the season
Wednesday 14 February 2024 14:20 , Kieran Jackson
“We knew our partnership with Lewis would come to an end one day. We thought maybe at the end of 2025, so the timing came as a surprise, but I respect the decision he was faced with and the one he made.
“Nothing has changed for us this year, our focus remains the same. We have two excellent drivers. In George, we have a quick, talented, and intelligent driver behind the wheel. A strong foundation for the future. In Lewis, we have a motivated multiple world champion, and we want to make his final year with us as successful as we can. Both drivers have gone through the same learnings and important lessons as the team in the past years. They both know what they need to do and that is really positive for us.
“It is also an exciting opportunity for the years ahead now. We have the chance to set the future direction and stability of our driver line-up heading into the next era of F1. That will be critical in the team’s continued journey to the front, and we will take our time to get it right.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: George Russell hits the track in the W15
Wednesday 14 February 2024 13:27 , Kieran Jackson
Russell takes to the Silverstone circuit in the new Mercedes W15.
Lewis Hamilton said he knew after his first shakedown laps last year that the 2023 car would not be up to scratch - what will the two drivers be able to learn today?
Hitting the track for our first run with W15 😍 pic.twitter.com/6SLK7EOR9y
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) February 14, 2024
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Lewis Hamilton replacement odds
Wednesday 14 February 2024 12:53 , Kieran Jackson
Who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes?
Fernando Alonso – 8/11
Alex Albon - 7/2
Carlos Sainz – 5/1
Mick Schumacher – 7/1
Esteban Ocon – 10/1
Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 14/1
Sebastian Vettel – 18/1
Valtteri Bottas – 25/1
Pierre Gasly, Sergio Perez – 33/1
Oscar Piastri - 50/1
Emotional Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on ‘surreal’ end to Mercedes career
Wednesday 14 February 2024 11:35 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton admits the past few weeks have been “emotional” and “surreal” as the Mercedes driver appeared in public for the first time since his 2025 move to Ferrari was announced.
Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton is about to embark on his 12th and final season with Mercedes following the news that he will join the Scuderia next year.
Hamilton, who has won six of his seven titles with Mercedes, was present at the launch of the Silver Arrows’ 2024 F1 car – the W15 – at Silverstone on Wednesday morning and emphasised his “excitement” on the eve of another Formula 1 season.
“It’s obviously been emotional, it’s very surreal to be here,” said Hamilton, when asked about the last few weeks.
Full piece below:
Emotional Lewis Hamilton breaks silence on ‘surreal’ end to Mercedes career
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Drivers and Toto Wolff alongside the car
Wednesday 14 February 2024 11:02 , Kieran Jackson
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: The W15
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:46 , Kieran Jackson
And here is the W15!
Mercedes have decided to combine their traditional black and silver colours this year!
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Toto Wolff...
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:43 , Kieran Jackson
What’s the target for this year?
“To do the best job. Look inwards. Try and have a car on track which is predictable, lots of downforce, storng engine. Do a solid job. Give a car to Lewis and George that they enjoy driving, not as difficult as the previous years.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: George Russell
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:42 , Kieran Jackson
“We’ve learnt so much as a team... so many people are winners and champions. Everybody is so excited and motivated, working so so hard.
“We’ve seen all the drawings, the windtunnel, the simulator, the design on the computers. Bringing the silver back to the racecar. Seeing it here as one is an exciting moment - none of that matters until we hit the track.
“I couldn’t sleep last night - there’s an element of anticipation. You have no idea how this car is going to perform. Have the rivals made a step forward? This is the time of the year where everyone is sat in anticipation. I’ve got faith it will come.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Lewis Hamilton
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:40 , Kieran Jackson
“The focus through winter training is first. It’s getting the team back to where we once were. We’ve had a difficult couple of years which has grounded us.
“It’s being diligent with our work, understanding our data and practice. Even one lap in the rain today, might give George and I a bit of a feeling of what’s to come.
“I’ve always loved working with the team, particularly when there’s so many people, it’s a huge human element. Without those people working so incredibly hard, we wouldn’t get where we want to be. It’s great when we have a common goal - and we focus on that the whole year, it’s a real privilege.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Toto Wolff
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:37 , Kieran Jackson
“We got it wrong with the new regulations but we finished first eight times in a row, third and second in the constructors’, it looks a respectable result.
“Our aim is to consolidate our position to Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin. At the same time, race at the very front.
“What is it we got wrong? Why did the virtual world not correlate with the real world? The buzz in the company is something I haven’t seen in years. We know it’s a big mountain to climb. We have the best driver combination, hopefully the best car.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Toto Wolff
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:35 , Kieran Jackson
“I can’t remember all of us being so interested in finally starting the car. It’s a complete relaunch of the car, it’s very different. Mainly underneath, so many mechanical changes we’ve done which we hope will translate into more performance, predictability.
“A car the drivers can really push.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: George Russell
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:33 , Kieran Jackson
“It really is an exciting part of the year, you’re going into the unknown. Everyone bringing this car to life, we now just want to get behind the wheel and see how it performs.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Lewis Hamilton
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:33 , Kieran Jackson
“It’s obviously been emotional, it’s very surreal to be here. I came here in 2013, 11 years with the team, starting my 12th. It is such a privilege to work with a group of people where you see the work they’re doing over the winter. You see a car coming together at the beginning of the year.
“This is the most exciting part of the season really. You’re seeing everyone’s launches, this is the first time I’ve seen the car come together as a whole. To know everything underneath the hood, which people won’t get to see, but George and I will be able to experience on the track. It’s exciting.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: And we’re live!
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:15 , Kieran Jackson
The Mercedes launch event begins via their live stream on YouTube!
Toto Wolff: “Very busy winter, our last season with Lewis. We’re keen to bring a quick car!”
What can we expect from Mercedes today?
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:12 , Kieran Jackson
Mercedes’ 2024 F1 car, known as the W15, will be unveiled at Silverstone today.
The launch will be digital-only and streamed on the team’s YouTube channel with the event kicking off at 10:15am.
Expect the car to be shaken down with footage on the circuit and driven by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with clips likely to be pushed out throughout the day.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble makes sense – he has lost patience with Mercedes
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:08 , Kieran Jackson
Comment by Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Picture it for a moment: Hamilton, a man who transcends Formula One and whose hunger for success is unabated, glistening in the sun of the famous scarlet red. The pure romanticism and prestige of such a partnership – between F1’s most famous driver and the sport’s most iconic team – has been mooted for years. Until now, flirtations between driver and team seemed insincere. Just fantasy. Surely, given Hamilton’s repeated commitment to Mercedes and a new two-year contract, a last dance with the prancing horse would not materialise? Surely… not?
But now we know: both parties simply could not resist.
On football’s transfer deadline day, Formula One ruffled the most shocking of feathers with the news that Hamilton – Mercedes’ star man for 11 years, world champion in six of those – will join the legendary Scuderia next year on a multi-year contract. A source told The Independent that Hamilton informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday night of his decision to move, simply insisting he wishes to try something new. The 39-year-old has a one-year break clause in his new deal, which he has chosen to exercise in search of this “new challenge.” And, out of nothing, the 2024 season which looked so stale (no new drivers, no new races), and with a runaway favourite in Red Bull, has been sparked into life. A firework F1 badly needed.
Full piece below:
How Lewis Hamilton lost patience with Mercedes – and why Ferrari gamble makes sense
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Start time and how to watch
Wednesday 14 February 2024 10:00 , Kieran Jackson
The launch event is scheduled to start at 10:15am (GMT) - that’s in just 15 minutes!
It will be live streamed from Silverstone on Mercedes’ YouTube and social media channels and we will hear from Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell.
Stay right here for all the latest updates as they come in!
McLaren unveil MCL38 for 2024 F1 season
Wednesday 14 February 2024 09:56 , Kieran Jackson
Oscar Piastri:
“It’s great to be able to drive the MCL38 on track for the first time today [at shakedown at Silverstone]. It’s an important milestone in our development for the year and I’m excited to see it on track in its new livery.
“We won’t know where we stand in terms of competitiveness until we go racing in Bahrain, but we’ve been preparing as best as we possibly can by spending time in the simulator, working closely with everyone who’s designed, built and will run the car to ensure we’re ready to start strongly.
“I’m looking forward to the next few weeks leading into a busy year. A massive thank you to the team for everything they’ve done so far to prepare us for 2024. I’m really excited to properly kick off my second season in F1.”
Toto Wolff hints at Mercedes direction in replacing Lewis Hamilton
Wednesday 14 February 2024 09:45 , Kieran Jackson
Wolff spoke to the media a day after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was announced:
“In the same way we embraced the Nico [Rosberg, retiring suddenly in 2016] situation, I’m looking forward to taking on his challenge with my colleagues. Maybe it’s a chance to do something bold.
“If you’d told me two days ago that Lewis would go to Ferrari I wouldn’t have believed you.
“Things can change quickly. Contracts can change. Who knows what might happen in the driver market.”
McLaren unveil MCL38 for 2024 F1 season
Wednesday 14 February 2024 09:35 , Kieran Jackson
Lando Norris on new car:
“I’m excited to get behind the wheel of the MCL38 and see how it runs. The livery looks great on the new car, so it’s fun to be able to get out on track today.
“I’m looking forward to shaking the car down in Bahrain. I have full confidence in the team that we’ll continue pushing forward off the back of the turnaround last season. However, the true test of our progress is coming up when we put the car through its paces in testing, ahead of then qualifying and racing for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
“Over the past few weeks I’ve been back at the MTC putting a lot of work in on the simulator with my engineering team to ensure that we’re fully prepared ahead of next week. Thank you to everyone trackside and at the factory for their work to get us to this point. I’m excited to get to Bahrain and go racing again.”
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: What time does launch event start?
Wednesday 14 February 2024 09:26 , Kieran Jackson
The launch event is scheduled to start at 10:15am (GMT).
It will be live streamed from Silverstone on Mercedes’ YouTube and social media channels.
We will hear from Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell.
McLaren unveil MCL38 for 2024 F1 season
Wednesday 14 February 2024 09:20 , Jack Rathborn
Elsewhere, McLaren has introduced its new car: the MCL38.
Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1, on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s new wheels: “The team are excited to present the MCL38 today and to see it on track for the first time. Going into this year, we look to build on the momentum of last season but are realistic in the knowledge that every team will have made progress and found competitiveness for their 2024 cars. We now have everything in place from an infrastructure, people and culture perspective so we continue to push forward and build on the work done to get us back to front of the grid.
“Before we hit the track for competitive sessions, we have a lot of work to do, including putting the MCL38 through its paces during the Bahrain pre-season test. The team has done a good job over the winter, and we are confident we can hit the ground running, but we know we have important tasks at hand before the season starts. There are a number of innovations on the car, but not all the areas we want to address have been completed for our launch-spec car. Those areas now become the focus of our in-season development, which is already in progress.
“My thanks go to the entire team, both trackside and at MTC and MRC for their great efforts in ensuring the car was ready to hit the track today, as well as our colleagues at Mercedes HPP for their continued collaboration. We now turn our attention to the long season ahead as we look forward to Bahrain Testing next week.”
The #MCL38 is HERE. 😍 pic.twitter.com/Janx25uIcf
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 14, 2024
Mercedes technical director on W15’s innovation
Wednesday 14 February 2024 09:10 , Jack Rathborn
James Allison, Mercedes’ technical director, who recently signed a multi-year extension with the team, is confident the W15 will produce significant improvements on the two previous versions.
The ‘zeropod’ concept has been dropped, with Mercedes not set on following Red Bull’s design.
“I think most people will be iterating down a similar sort of avenue,” he told Motorsport.com last month.
“But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for innovation at all.
“These cars, and it is no secret, run super-near the ground and that’s where they get their best performance.
“But there is also the ground there, so it is just trying to figure out how you can reliably, precisely, and in an informed way, place the car at a point above the ground that you know will be survivable from a skid legality point of view, but will also give you every bit of downforce that the car is capable of offering. There is plenty of action there still.”
What can we expect from Mercedes today?
Wednesday 14 February 2024 09:00 , Jack Rathborn
Mercedes’ 2024 F1 car, known as the W15, will be unveiled at Silverstone today.
The launch will be digital-only and streamed on the team’s YouTube channel with the event kicking off at 10:15am.
Expect the car to be shaken down with footage on the circuit and driven by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, with clips likely to be pushed out throughout the day.
Lewis Hamilton already in contact with Charles Leclerc ahead of Ferrari switch
Wednesday 14 February 2024 08:50 , Jack Rathborn
Lewis Hamilton has already been in contact with soon-to-be Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc – as Carlos Sainz, the driver forced to make way for the seven-time world champion, revealed the shock switch came out of the blue.
Hamilton, 39, will leave Mercedes at the end of this year after agreeing a blockbuster move to Ferrari in 2025 – the biggest transfer in Formula One history.
Hamilton is set to make his first public appearance since news broke of his decision to quit Mercedes when the Silver Arrows unveil their new car at Silverstone on Wednesday.
Lewis Hamilton already in contact with Charles Leclerc ahead of Ferrari switch
Can Mercedes return to F1 contention in 2024?
Wednesday 14 February 2024 08:35 , Jack Rathborn
Mercedes will unveil the new W15 at Silverstone this morning with hopes that the Silver Arrows can bounce back from their first winless season since 2011.
The W15 shifts the design path with the concept used for the W13 and W14 now discarded.
Can James Allison, now back in the role of technical director since midway through last season in place of the now-departed Mike Elliott, play a pivotal role in inspiring Lewis Hamilton and George Russell back to the top of the grid and competing for victories with Max Verstappen and Red Bull? It all starts with the car.
Our F1 Correspondent Kieran Jackson will be on hand today to bring you all the updates and analysis from both Mercedes and McLaren’s car launches.
Fernando Alonso fires shot at Lewis Hamilton’s ‘childhood dream’ move to Ferrari
Wednesday 14 February 2024 08:24 , Jack Rathborn
Fernando Alonso fired his first shot of the season at Lewis Hamilton on Monday, saying the Brit’s “childhood dream” move to Ferrari was a “different dream two months ago.”
Seven-time world champion Hamilton stunned the world of Formula 1 two weeks ago when he confirmed he would leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season after 12 years at the team, saying it was a “childhood dream of his to race in Ferrari red.”
Veteran Spaniard driver and two-time world champion Alonso, who raced for Ferrari from 2010-2014, joked that Hamilton has changed his “childhood dream” given his past loyalties to Mercedes.
“It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no?” said Alonso, at Aston Martin’s car launch on Monday.
Fernando Alonso fires shot at Lewis Hamilton’s ‘childhood dream’ move to Ferrari
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: Lewis Hamilton set to make first public appearance since Ferrari move
Wednesday 14 February 2024 07:59 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton makes his first public appearance since his shock move to Ferrari as Mercedes launch their 2024 F1 car on Wednesday morning.
The Silver Arrows, who endured their first winless season since 2011 last year, will be hoping their W15 challenger can this season take the fight to Max Verstappen and Red Bull out in front.
All eyes will be on Hamilton, though, as he embarks on his 12th and final season for Mercedes. The 39-year-old will appear at the launch event at Silverstone alongside team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff.
McLaren also launch their 2024 car on Wednesday, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri speaking to the press. Red Bull will launch their new car on Thursday, with Christian Horner set to appear despite the current investigation centred on him regarding “inappropriate behaviour.”
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble makes sense – he has lost patience with Mercedes
Wednesday 14 February 2024 07:45 , Kieran Jackson
Comment by Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Picture it for a moment: Hamilton, a man who transcends Formula One and whose hunger for success is unabated, glistening in the sun of the famous scarlet red. The pure romanticism and prestige of such a partnership – between F1’s most famous driver and the sport’s most iconic team – has been mooted for years. Until now, flirtations between driver and team seemed insincere. Just fantasy. Surely, given Hamilton’s repeated commitment to Mercedes and a new two-year contract, a last dance with the prancing horse would not materialise? Surely… not?
But now we know: both parties simply could not resist.
On football’s transfer deadline day, Formula One ruffled the most shocking of feathers with the news that Hamilton – Mercedes’ star man for 11 years, world champion in six of those – will join the legendary Scuderia next year on a multi-year contract. A source told The Independent that Hamilton informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday night of his decision to move, simply insisting he wishes to try something new. The 39-year-old has a one-year break clause in his new deal, which he has chosen to exercise in search of this “new challenge.” And, out of nothing, the 2024 season which looked so stale (no new drivers, no new races), and with a runaway favourite in Red Bull, has been sparked into life. A firework F1 badly needed.
Full piece below:
How Lewis Hamilton lost patience with Mercedes – and why Ferrari gamble makes sense
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: What time does launch event start?
Wednesday 14 February 2024 07:15 , Kieran Jackson
The launch event is scheduled to start at 10:15am (GMT).
It will be live streamed from Silverstone on Mercedes’ YouTube and social media channels.
We will hear from Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell.
The winners and losers from Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari move
Wednesday 14 February 2024 06:55 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari in 2025, less than a month until the start of the 2024 season. Let the chaos begin.
A season ahead which was looking so stale, with no new drivers and no new races, has now burst into life with the news that the seven-time F1 world champion is leaving Mercedes for the aura and romance of a tilt in scarlet red.
The impact for some is obvious. Carlos Sainz has been hard done by and now needs to find a seat on the grid for 2025, while Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and CEO John Elkann have pulled off a coup in landing Hamilton’s signature.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insists he was not shocked when Hamilton told him of his decision on Wednesday, though the timing was a surprise.
But who else benefits and loses out from Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year?
The winners and losers from Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari move
Toto Wolff hints at Mercedes direction in replacing Lewis Hamilton
Wednesday 14 February 2024 06:15 , Kieran Jackson
Wolff spoke to the media a day after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was announced:
“In the same way we embraced the Nico [Rosberg, retiring suddenly in 2016] situation, I’m looking forward to taking on his challenge with my colleagues. Maybe it’s a chance to do something bold.
“If you’d told me two days ago that Lewis would go to Ferrari I wouldn’t have believed you.
“Things can change quickly. Contracts can change. Who knows what might happen in the driver market.”
Silverstone signs new deal with F1 to host British Grand Prix
Wednesday 14 February 2024 05:15 , Kieran Jackson
Silverstone will play host to the British Grand Prix until 2034 after signing a new long-term deal with Formula 1.
The Silverstone circuit played host to the first ever F1 race back in 1950 and has hosted the British GP since 1987. Previous to that, the track alternated with Brands Hatch.
The modern Silverstone has undergone numerous renovations and is now one of the most popular races on the calendar, with 480,000 fans attending last year’s event which includes a music festival alongside the racing on-track.
Their contract with F1 was due to expire after this year’s race but a 10-year extension means Silverstone will continue as a mainstay on the calendar.
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble makes sense – he has lost patience with Mercedes
Wednesday 14 February 2024 04:00 , Kieran Jackson
Comment by Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Picture it for a moment: Hamilton, a man who transcends Formula One and whose hunger for success is unabated, glistening in the sun of the famous scarlet red. The pure romanticism and prestige of such a partnership – between F1’s most famous driver and the sport’s most iconic team – has been mooted for years. Until now, flirtations between driver and team seemed insincere. Just fantasy. Surely, given Hamilton’s repeated commitment to Mercedes and a new two-year contract, a last dance with the prancing horse would not materialise? Surely… not?
But now we know: both parties simply could not resist.
On football’s transfer deadline day, Formula One ruffled the most shocking of feathers with the news that Hamilton – Mercedes’ star man for 11 years, world champion in six of those – will join the legendary Scuderia next year on a multi-year contract. A source told The Independent that Hamilton informed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on Wednesday night of his decision to move, simply insisting he wishes to try something new. The 39-year-old has a one-year break clause in his new deal, which he has chosen to exercise in search of this “new challenge.” And, out of nothing, the 2024 season which looked so stale (no new drivers, no new races), and with a runaway favourite in Red Bull, has been sparked into life. A firework F1 badly needed.
Full piece below:
How Lewis Hamilton lost patience with Mercedes – and why Ferrari gamble makes sense
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: What time does launch event start?
Wednesday 14 February 2024 03:02 , Kieran Jackson
The launch event is scheduled to start at 10:15am (GMT).
It will be live streamed from Silverstone on Mercedes’ YouTube and social media channels.
We will hear from Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell.
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch - latest: Lewis Hamilton set to make first public appearance since Ferrari move
Wednesday 14 February 2024 02:00 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton makes his first public appearance since his shock move to Ferrari as Mercedes launch their 2024 F1 car on Wednesday morning.
The Silver Arrows, who endured their first winless season since 2011 last year, will be hoping their W15 challenger can this season take the fight to Max Verstappen and Red Bull out in front.
All eyes will be on Hamilton, though, as he embarks on his 12th and final season for Mercedes. The 39-year-old will appear at the launch event at Silverstone alongside team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff.
McLaren also launch their 2024 car on Wednesday, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri speaking to the press. Red Bull will launch their new car on Thursday, with Christian Horner set to appear despite the current investigation centred on him regarding “inappropriate behaviour.”
F1 Drive to Survive: Season 6 release date and everything you need to know
Wednesday 14 February 2024 00:54 , Kieran Jackson
For the sixth year running, Drive to Survive will air on Netflix as the cameras show behind-the-scenes access following the Formula 1 circus around the world.
Season six will follow the trials and tribulations of the 2023 F1 season, with another 10 episodes focusing on the 10 teams and 20 drivers.
The 2023 season was a year dominated by Max Verstappen, with the Red Bull driver winning 19 out of 22 races. The Dutchman – who refused to appear in series four at protest over the various narratives the series produces – is set to feature, alongside team-mate Sergio Perez and boss Christian Horner.
When does Drive to Survive season 6 come out on Netflix? Release date and more
Fernando Alonso fires shot at Lewis Hamilton’s ‘childhood dream’ move to Ferrari
Tuesday 13 February 2024 23:45 , Kieran Jackson
Fernando Alonso fired his first shot of the season at Lewis Hamilton on Monday, saying the Brit’s “childhood dream” move to Ferrari was a “different dream two months ago.”
“It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no?” said Alonso, at Aston Martin’s car launch on Monday.
“Or two months ago, I guess, it was a different dream.
“I hope he enjoys the experience. I think it’s a very special team. But it’s more special when you win – it’s a few years already [since] they have a very fast car and they were fighting for big things.
“Maybe Lewis can bring that extra to fight for the championship because the car is there. At the end of last year, even with a very dominant Red Bull car, Ferrari [was] still able to match the lap time and to be faster than them in most of the qualifying. So I think the car should be fast enough.”
George Russell reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s shock Mercedes departure
Tuesday 13 February 2024 22:41 , Kieran Jackson
George Russell is already reflecting upon his ‘special’ time racing alongside Lewis Hamilton, as the pair prepare for a final season together at Mercedes.
Thursday (1 February) brought the dramatic news that Hamilton will join Ferrari at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, ending a 12-year stint with Mercedes in which he has won six drivers’ titles so far – with the chance to add one more in 2024.
Russell, 25, joined Mercedes from Williams in 2022, and his sole F1 win came in his first season with the Silver Arrows.
Reacting to the news of Hamilton’s eventual departure, Russell tweeted of his fellow Briton on Friday: “It’s been special racing alongside you, @lewishamilton.”
Full piece below:
George Russell reacts to Lewis Hamilton’s shock Mercedes departure
Carlos Sainz admits shock at Lewis Hamilton replacing him at Ferrari
Tuesday 13 February 2024 21:55 , Kieran Jackson
Carlos Sainz admits he was shocked by news of Lewis Hamilton’s future transfer to Ferrari.
Hamilton, 39, will depart Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and replace the Spaniard in 2025.
Sainz, speaking for the first time since the blockbuster move was announced, said: “I was a bit surprised, like everyone in the Formula 1 world.
“From my side you can understand I got to know the news a bit earlier than anyone else and I had some weeks to reflect and prepare and some weeks to also get ready for the car launch and the first race of the season.
“That gave me a bit of time to digest it and to draw my own conclusions and to focus on the 2024 season.”
Full piece below:
Carlos Sainz admits shock at Lewis Hamilton replacing him at Ferrari
Toto Wolff hints at Mercedes direction in replacing Lewis Hamilton
Tuesday 13 February 2024 20:59 , Kieran Jackson
Wolff spoke to the media a day after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was announced:
“In the same way we embraced the Nico [Rosberg, retiring suddenly in 2016] situation, I’m looking forward to taking on his challenge with my colleagues. Maybe it’s a chance to do something bold.
“If you’d told me two days ago that Lewis would go to Ferrari I wouldn’t have believed you.
“Things can change quickly. Contracts can change. Who knows what might happen in the driver market.”
Lewis Hamilton already in contact with Charles Leclerc ahead of Ferrari switch
Tuesday 13 February 2024 19:57 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton has already been in contact with soon-to-be Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc – as Carlos Sainz, the driver forced to make way for the seven-time world champion, revealed the shock switch came out of the blue.
Hamilton, 39, will leave Mercedes at the end of this year after agreeing a blockbuster move to Ferrari in 2025 – the biggest transfer in Formula One history.
Hamilton is set to make his first public appearance since news broke of his decision to quit Mercedes when the Silver Arrows unveil their new car at Silverstone on Wednesday.
Hamilton will appear alongside team principal Toto Wolff and fellow Brit George Russell. On Tuesday, Ferrari took the wraps off the contender they hope will allow them to challenge Red Bull and Max Verstappen when the new season starts in Bahrain next month.
Lewis Hamilton already in contact with Charles Leclerc ahead of Ferrari switch
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: How to watch
Tuesday 13 February 2024 18:59 , Kieran Jackson
The launch event will be live streamed on Mercedes’ YouTube channel, via this link.
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch: What time does launch event start?
Tuesday 13 February 2024 18:22 , Kieran Jackson
The launch event is scheduled to start at 10:15am (GMT).
It will be live streamed from Silverstone on Mercedes’ YouTube and social media channels.
We will hear from Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff and George Russell.
Mercedes F1 2024 car launch - latest: Lewis Hamilton set to make first public appearance since Ferrari move
Tuesday 13 February 2024 18:17 , Kieran Jackson
Lewis Hamilton makes his first public appearance since his shock move to Ferrari as Mercedes launch their 2024 F1 car on Wednesday morning.
The Silver Arrows, who endured their first winless season since 2011 last year, will be hoping their W15 challenger can this season take the fight to Max Verstappen and Red Bull out in front.
All eyes will be on Hamilton, though, as he embarks on his 12th and final season for Mercedes. The 39-year-old will appear at the launch event at Silverstone alongside team-mate George Russell and team boss Toto Wolff.
McLaren also launch their 2024 car on Wednesday, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri speaking to the press. Red Bull will launch their new car on Thursday, with Christian Horner set to appear despite the current investigation centred on him regarding “inappropriate behaviour.”
