Christian Horner refutes claims that Max Verstappen influenced Johnny Herbert's dismissal.

"You must choose between being on the regulatory side of sports or being part of the media; you cannot be involved in both."

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, has rejected claims that Max Verstappen influenced the FIA's choice to remove Johnny Herbert from his position as one of their stewards before the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Earlier this week, the FIA revealed that Herbert would cease to serve in the role of a steward.

The governing body of Formula 1 mentioned that Herbert is continually involved in media activities, where he frequently provides comments and expresses his views on F1 topics on websites associated with gambling.

Herbert expressed disapproval of Verstappen's performance during the Mexico City Grand Prix the previous year, where the Dutch driver received two penalties of 10 seconds each due to incidents involving Lando Norris.

Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, was annoyed by the remarks aimed at his son and responded through the press.

Herbert argued that he could share his opinions as a pundit while also serving as a steward, but the FIA has decided to intervene before the start of the upcoming season.

Horner stated to Sky during the Autosport Awards that the decision is entirely unrelated to Max, yet it is undoubtedly the correct one.

"It's not acceptable for stewards to be employed within the media industry. You won't find this in the Premier League or any other professional sports sector. It's completely unsuitable."

"You must choose between working in sports regulation or being involved in the media; you can't simultaneously be part of both areas."

Herbert has taken on a new position in motorsport. Following the news of his exit from the FIA, it was disclosed that he will serve as the global ambassador for Lola.

Lola has made a return to international motorsport by participating in Formula E, the all-electric racing series overseen by the FIA, in 2025.

In a statement, Lola revealed that the 1991 Le Mans champion and three-time Grand Prix victor has come on board to share his knowledge with Lola Cars. The company aims to widen its influence in top-tier motorsport and advance the development of sustainable racing in the future.

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Lewis Hamilton speaks out for the first time following a crash involving a Ferrari. The driver is looking forward to the start of the 202

Lewis Hamilton has issued his initial public remarks following his accident involving a Ferrari during a test session.

He shared on social media his excitement for the F1 Australian Grand Prix, which will kick off the 2025 season and mark his first race with Ferrari.

This week, he faced a slight setback in transitioning from Mercedes to his new team, as he ended up crashing a 2023 Ferrari, cutting short his third day of testing.

This also resulted in Charles Leclerc being unable to participate in the scheduled driving session later on Wednesday.

Hamilton experienced a small accident but came out without injuries, and Ferrari remained unconcerned by the incident.

Check out this Instagram post from Lewis Hamilton, where he shares an update with his followers.

Hamilton shared a straightforward message, "I can't wait for the first race," marking his initial post following the Ferrari crash.

He additionally shared a collection of previously unreleased photographs from his time with Ferrari.

Hamilton is aiming to win an unprecedented eighth Formula 1 drivers' title this year, racing for Ferrari.

It represents the alliance between the driver with the most victories in Formula 1 and the team with the greatest achievements in the sport.

Hamilton is parting ways with Mercedes, the team that supported him in winning six out of his seven championships. However, for the past three years, they have not provided him with a car capable of securing another title.

Last year, Ferrari secured victories in five grand prix races and secured the runner-up position in the constructors' standings, providing Hamilton with optimism about competing at the forefront.

The conflict kicks off in Australia from March 14 to 16.

This is a race where Hamilton, as well as Ferrari, usually perform very well.

However, prior to participating in any races, Hamilton is set to return to driving next week.

The two Formula 1 drivers from Ferrari are set to participate in testing Pirelli tires on a 2024 version of their vehicle in Barcelona.

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Ralf Schumacher expresses his regret about being compared to his brother Michael, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.

Ralf Schumacher has shared his experiences about the challenges he faced in carving out his own successful career in Formula 1 while being Michael Schumacher's brother.

The German driver, aged 49, competed in Formula 1 over a span of 11 seasons from 1997 to 2007, participating in 180 races with the teams Jordan, Williams, and Toyota.

During that period, Schumacher secured six grand prix victories and stood on the podium 27 times, yet he never quite achieved the legendary accomplishments of his brother, who is a seven-time world champion.

In a conversation with The Times, Schumacher expressed that he always struggled with feelings of inadequacy.

He says that his father advised him to choose a different career path, as he would never be able to match Michael's achievements.

"Schumacher remarked that it feels like others view you in a way where none of your actions seem satisfactory."

"My family isn't particularly interested in motor racing. My dad isn't a fan; he enjoys fishing more."

"Despite Michael's success, my father consistently advised me, 'Try pursuing a different path.'"

"He wished for me to pursue a career as a chef, considering it a respectable profession, unlike motor racing, which he believed wouldn't be financially rewarding."

"While Michael was competing in Formula 1, my dad insisted, 'No, no, don't even think about it. He was incredibly fortunate. Having one successful son is incredible, but two will never happen. You should pursue a different path.'"

In the previous year, Schumacher publicly announced that he is gay, marking him as the most prominent driver in the sport's history to make such a revelation.

Michael Schumacher's brother has remained away from public view following a serious brain injury he sustained during a skiing accident in December 2013, which led to him being placed in a medically induced coma.

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Ralf Schumacher expresses regret over living in the shadow of his brother Michael, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion. Ralf often felt he was compared to Michael.

Ralf Schumacher has shared his experiences about the challenges he faced in carving out a successful Formula 1 career while being the sibling of Michael Schumacher.

The German driver, who is 49 years old, competed in Formula 1 for 11 seasons from 1997 to 2007, participating in 180 races with the teams Jordan, Williams, and Toyota.

During that period, Schumacher achieved victory in six grand prix races and secured 27 podium finishes. However, he could not replicate the remarkable accomplishments of his brother, who is a seven-time world champion.

In an interview with The Times, Schumacher expressed that he always felt he wasn't "good enough."

He says his dad advised him to choose another profession, suggesting that he would never match Michael's level of achievement.

"Schumacher expressed that others often scrutinize you, finding fault in everything you do."

"My family isn't particularly interested in motor sports. My father isn't a fan of it; he enjoys fishing more."

"Despite Michael's success, my father constantly advised me, 'Make sure to pursue a different path.'"

"He wished for me to pursue a career as a chef, to have a stable profession, rather than getting into motor racing, which he believed wouldn't be financially rewarding."

"During Michael's time in Formula 1, my father advised against it, saying, 'No, no, forget about it. He was incredibly fortunate. Having one son succeed is already extraordinary, but having two achieve the same? It's unlikely. Consider pursuing something different.'"

In the previous year, Schumacher revealed that he is gay, marking him as the most prominent driver in the history of the sport to make such a declaration.

Michael Schumacher's brother has remained away from public view following a serious brain injury he sustained during a skiing accident in December 2013, which led to him being put into a medically induced coma.

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Worries arise about Lewis Hamilton potentially being surpassed by Charles Leclerc in a crucial aspect. "Even if Hamilton were at his best and joined Ferrari, he would likely face a strong challenge from Leclerc."

Our experts are not optimistic about Lewis Hamilton's chances of overcoming his struggles in qualifying this year.

In the last two seasons with Mercedes, George Russell has consistently outperformed Hamilton in qualifying sessions.

Currently with Ferrari, his new colleague is Charles Leclerc, who is well-known for his speed during Saturday races.

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"It's difficult to ignore Leclerc," Connor McDonagh mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast.

"In my opinion, he surpasses George Russell in overall driving skills."

Hamilton is expected to improve in a new setting with a car that offers more consistency. However, I believe that Leclerc ranks as the second-best driver on the track, right behind Max Verstappen.

"Even at his best, Hamilton would face a significant challenge competing against Leclerc if he were to join Ferrari."

"Whether Hamilton can improve his performance in the qualifying rounds remains to be seen. Leclerc is often seen as the quickest driver for a single lap, particularly when everything aligns perfectly for him."

"If Hamilton ends up in seventh or eighth position during qualifying, while Leclerc secures third or second, Hamilton won't stand a chance!"

"When considering the facts, it's difficult to overlook Leclerc. However, given we're discussing Hamilton, it's important not to discount him."

Lewis Larkam noted that the main uncertainty lies in Lewis's performance during qualifying sessions. The key issues are whether he can overcome the challenges he faced against Russell in the last couple of years and if Ferrari's vehicle could be an advantage.

"It will be a significant challenge for Hamilton, as Charles is considered the quickest over a single lap."

Considering the challenges Lewis faced last year when competing against Russell, who is exceptionally fast in single-lap scenarios, this year will present his most formidable challenge yet.

"At this point, I anticipate Charles will qualify ahead of Hamilton, possibly throughout the entire season, but definitely at the beginning while Hamilton is still getting settled."

The difficulty Hamilton faces, given how closely matched the competitors are, is to avoid the positional disparities with Russell that occurred last season.

"If Charles starts the race in pole position with Hamilton right behind, I believe Hamilton would end up in front by the race's conclusion. Up until now, Hamilton's greatest asset has been his race-day performances, even though he might not be as fast in qualifying as he once was."

"When racing, if Hamilton is near his competitors, with only one or two spots separating them, he might have the advantage."

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Worry surrounds Lewis Hamilton as Charles Leclerc might surpass him in an important aspect. Experts believe that even if Hamilton were at his best and raced for Ferrari, he would face significant challenges competing against Leclerc.

Experts remain doubtful about Lewis Hamilton's chances of overcoming his struggles in qualifying this year.

In the last two seasons with Mercedes, George Russell has consistently outperformed Hamilton in qualifying sessions.

Currently at Ferrari, his new partner on the team is Charles Leclerc, who is renowned for his speed during Saturday sessions.

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"Leclerc is difficult to ignore," Connor McDonagh mentioned on the Crash F1 podcast.

"In my opinion, he is a more complete driver compared to George Russell."

In a new setting with a car that's more consistent, Hamilton is expected to make progress. However, I believe Leclerc ranks as the second-best driver on the circuit, just behind Max Verstappen.

"Even if Hamilton, at the height of his career, were to join Ferrari, he would face strong competition from Leclerc."

"The situation hinges on whether Hamilton can improve his performance during the qualifying rounds. Leclerc is often seen as the quickest driver for a single lap, particularly when he manages to perform at his best."

"If Hamilton starts in seventh or eighth place and Leclerc is in second or third, Hamilton has no opportunity to win!"

"When considering the evidence, Leclerc stands out. However, Hamilton should not be discounted."

Lewis Larkam stated, "The main uncertainty revolves around how Lewis will fare during the qualifying sessions, and if he can overcome the downturn he has experienced over the last two years when competing with Russell. Additionally, there is curiosity about whether the Ferrari vehicle could be beneficial."

"Hamilton will face a significant challenge since Charles is considered the quickest for a single lap."

"Considering the challenges Lewis faced against Russell last year, who is exceptionally fast in single-lap scenarios, this year is likely to be his most difficult challenge."

At this point, I anticipate that Charles will qualify ahead of Hamilton. This might happen throughout the season, but it's more likely to occur at the beginning as Hamilton is getting settled.

The difficulty facing Hamilton, given how closely matched the competitors are, is to avoid the positional disparities he experienced compared to Russell in the previous season.

"If Charles starts at the front with Hamilton right behind him, I believe that Hamilton would end up ahead by the end of the race. It’s clear that Hamilton’s greatest asset remains his race-day performances, despite any drop in his qualifying pace."

"When Hamilton and his competitors are near each other on the track, with just one or two places separating them, Hamilton has the potential to take the lead in the races."

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Headline: Carlos Sainz Sr Alters the Story of Hamilton's Possible Move to Ferrari

Carlos Sainz Sr asserts that it was Lewis Hamilton who reached out to Ferrari, rather than Ferrari pursuing him.

Carlos Sainz Sr has stated that it was Lewis Hamilton who first reached out to Ferrari regarding his major move to the F1 team.

In February, Hamilton surprised the Formula 1 community by revealing his decision to depart from Mercedes, where he spent 12 years, to join Ferrari, their competitors, in 2025.

The choice made by the seven-time world champion led to Carlos Sainz being replaced, allowing Hamilton to join forces with Charles Leclerc.

At the end of January, Hamilton visited Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff at his home to let him know he intended to use a break clause in his contract.

Wolff disclosed that he received an advance warning from Sainz Sr., who contacted the Austrian prior to his meeting with Hamilton.

There were speculations that Ferrari's chairman, John Elkann, suggested the idea of the switch to Hamilton, but Carlos Sainz Sr clarified that it was actually Hamilton who first reached out.

Sainz Sr explained to El Cafelito that he wouldn't say the Scuderia acted improperly. Instead, he suggested that a perfect storm of circumstances had come together.

Ferrari was pleased with Carlos, but the opportunity came about because Hamilton initiated it. He reached out to Ferrari, and then the situation developed.

"The procedure might have been more transparent, but Ferrari was concerned about leaks, so they opted against it."

Father Sainz applauds Ferrari's management of his son's departure

Carlos Sainz Sr expressed admiration for how Ferrari managed the process of his son's departure from the team.

Ferrari bid an emotional farewell to Sainz by arranging a last drive at their Fiorano test circuit.

In a unique farewell event, Sainz Sr had the chance to drive the F1-75 car next to his son.

He mentioned to The Sun that he had almost no background in any formula racing series, which made it a significant experience for him.

"I had a great time with it. The power, how it handles, and its braking capabilities are incredible."

"Having the opportunity to be present with my son, thanks to Ferrari's gesture towards him, and being invited to drive alongside him was truly amazing."

"The day was truly remarkable and unforgettable. We had an incredible amount of fun, and getting the chance to drive a current Formula 1 car was an extraordinary experience."

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Adrian Newey elaborates on his choice to depart from Red Bull, emphasizing the importance of staying authentic to himself.

Adrian Newey, known for his exceptional talent in F1 design, has shared that his choice to depart from Red Bull last year was due to a moment of self-reflection and honesty.

Last year, Newey surprised many by deciding to leave Red Bull.

The 66-year-old has held the position of chief technical officer at Red Bull since 2006.

Adrian Newey played a crucial role in Red Bull's success during the years 2010 to 2013 with Sebastian Vettel, and more recently, with Max Verstappen.

The specific reasons for Newey's exit remain uncertain, but it's likely that the chaos off the track at Red Bull influenced his decision.

In the beginning of 2024, there was an inquiry into Christian Horner over accusations of misconduct.

This sparked widespread rumors concerning Verstappen's future, suggesting he might switch to Mercedes.

In a conversation with the German outlet AMuS, Newey explained his choice to depart from Red Bull while deciding to remain active in the world of Formula 1.

Adrian Newey expressed his disbelief about the situation by stating, "If you had told me a year ago that I would part ways with Red Bull and be embarking on a new beginning, I would have thought you were out of your mind."

"For a number of reasons, I believed that remaining with Red Bull wouldn’t align with my true self. The initial tough choice was whether to continue with Red Bull or not. Ultimately, after some honest reflection, I realized I couldn’t stay."

Once I made that decision, the next step was figuring out what to do. My wife Mandy and I talked over several possibilities. I'm fortunate to be in a situation where I don't have to work for financial reasons.

"There was the option to just retire and relax by the seaside, or to pursue something entirely new, like getting involved in the America’s Cup, joining one of the original equipment manufacturers in the automotive industry, or continuing a career in motorsports."

"If I decided to remain in motorsports, it would make sense for me to continue in Formula 1, provided there was interest in having me there."

Adrian Newey is set to begin his new position as managing technical partner at Aston Martin, with his official start date being March 3.

He is set to be a key figure in shaping the design of Aston Martin's Formula 1 car for 2026, aligning with the introduction of new regulations.

Aston Martin is optimistic that Newey will be the key factor they need to consistently compete for race wins and world championship titles.

As they prepare for the 2025 season, Aston Martin has revealed several alterations to their leadership group, naming Andy Cowell as the new team principal.

Mike Krack has been assigned a position at the racetrack.

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Kevin Magnussen's hopes for a podium finish with BMW in the Daytona 24 Hours were dashed at the last moment. The #24 BMW sustained damage in the final stages, eliminating it from contention for a top

Kevin Magnussen missed out on a podium finish during his first race with BMW at the 2025 Daytona 24 Hours. This unfortunate outcome occurred after the #24 car incurred damage in the final stages of the suspenseful endurance race.

Dries Vanthoor secured the pole position for the Daytona 24-hour race driving the Team RLL's M Hybrid V8 LMDh vehicle. The #24 car consistently competed for the brand's first win at this event since 1976 during the qualifying sessions.

A loose nosecone on the vehicle worsened when Vanthoor lightly bumped into the back of the #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport car, which was being driven by Matt Campbell, during the last hour of the race after the competition resumed with a green flag.

The incident caused the #24 car to fall out of contention for a podium finish, resulting in Vanthoor, Magnussen, Phillip Eng, and Raffaele Marciello securing a fourth-place position.

Vanthoor expressed his deep disappointment regarding the outcome.

"Our performance demonstrated impressive speed, proving the car's capabilities. While securing fourth place in a 24-hour race isn't a disaster, it's disheartening to compete intensely for 22 hours and ultimately miss out on a podium finish that we undoubtedly earned."

"I sympathize with the men who have been putting in a lot of effort, as well as with my fellow teammates."

"I really wanted to give them a gift, but what truly matters is that we demonstrated our strength and ability to persevere."

"We are determined to return and secure victory in this race."

At the 20-hour point of the race, Magnussen made a significant effort to propel the #24 BMW into contention for a win against the official Porsche team.

In its 63rd running, the Daytona 24 Hours saw victory claimed by the #7 Porsche Penske Motorsport team, featuring former F1 driver Felipe Nasr, along with teammates Nick Tandy and Laurens Vanthoor.

The vehicle successfully resisted a last-minute push from the Meyer Shank Racing #60 Acura, which surged past the #6 PPM car to secure a second-place finish.

Although the outcome was not as hoped, BMW emerged as Porsche's main competitor during the Daytona 24.

Magnussen is set to return to racing in the M Hybrid V8 at the end of February, competing in the initial race of the World Endurance Championship in Qatar, as he becomes part of WRT’s team roster.

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Mercedes sets date to reveal F1 W16 vehicle

Mercedes officially announces the unveiling date for the W16 model

Mercedes has announced the date for the global unveiling of the W16.

The unveiling of their 2025 Formula 1 car is set for February 24, following the reveal of its paint scheme during the official F1 75 event at The O2 in London.

The car's debut has not yet been confirmed in terms of additional details or a specific location.

The official name of the team's vehicle for the next Formula 1 season is the Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E Performance.

The F1 W16 is on the horizon. Keep an eye out for it! 👀 pic.twitter.com/GuZ8HUrzi4— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 27, 2025

The F1 W16 is on the horizon. Keep an eye out for it! 👀 pic.twitter.com/GuZ8HUrzi4

It has been confirmed by Toto Wolff that the car will maintain its black design, a choice originally introduced by Lewis Hamilton, even though he is no longer part of the team.

This year is set to be an intriguing period in the history of Mercedes due to Hamilton leaving the team.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a remarkably talented young driver, will take the wheel of the W16 following his transition to Ferrari.

George Russell is set to take on the position of the lead driver for the team.

The year 2025 marks a period of transition, as the regulations for F1 engines are set to be modified the following year.

Mercedes is expected to have a highly desirable engine for the upcoming set of regulations.

However, over the next twelve months, their primary goal should be to address the decline in their competitiveness, which resulted in the team securing only four grand prix victories in 2024.

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Ferrari makes changes to an important part of their F1 vehicle after input from Lewis Hamilton. Initial demands from Hamilton to Ferrari have come to light.

According to reports, after his initial Formula 1 test with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton made numerous requests for changes to be implemented by his new team.

Reports indicated that the seven-time world champion faced difficulties with the pedals of Ferrari's 2023 SF-23 vehicle during his first drive at Fiorano, leading to errors as he attempted to increase his speed.

It is thought that Hamilton tried different modifications to the pedals but could not discover a comfortable setup during his first test run.

The British driver, aged 40, utilized the steering wheel of his teammate, Charles Leclerc, as a foundation to shape his own desired settings.

As reported by the Italian outlet AutoRacer, Ferrari has quickly responded to Hamilton's demands.

According to AutoRacer, Hamilton's requested modifications to the pedals have been implemented, a task that involved significant effort.

Additional tests have been completed for Hamilton.

Hamilton is scheduled to receive the solution in his second round of tests with Ferrari this week.

Ferrari has reserved the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain for three additional days of private testing, scheduled from January 28 to 30.

Both Hamilton and Leclerc are set to participate in testing sessions in Barcelona, where they will drive an older Ferrari model in accordance with F1's Testing of Previous Car (TPC) rules.

These regulations restrict active race drivers to a maximum of 1000 kilometers in previous F1 cars over the course of a year.

Last Wednesday, Hamilton covered a distance of 89 kilometers, equivalent to 30 laps at Fiorano. Meanwhile, Leclerc drove roughly half that distance before worsening weather conditions in the afternoon hampered further progress.

The upcoming series of TPC evaluations will be crucial for Hamilton as he becomes more familiar with Ferrari in preparation for his debut season with the team.

Hamilton is set to have additional track time with an updated SF-24 as part of a Pirelli tyre test scheduled for early February 2026. Following this, he will have the opportunity to quickly test Ferrari's 2025 car during a shakedown session shortly after its debut on February 19.

Lewis Hamilton will participate in only three days of shared official pre-season testing at the end of February before he races for the first time as a Ferrari driver on March 16th at the season-opening event in Australia.

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Lewis Hamilton is scheduled to drive a Ferrari F1 car again this week as he intensifies his efforts in getting ready.

This week, Lewis Hamilton will keep getting ready for his first Formula 1 season with Ferrari.

The driver, who has won the world championship seven times, plans to drive an older Ferrari Formula 1 car in Barcelona, Spain, this week to assist with his adjustment process.

Ferrari has reserved the Spanish Grand Prix location for a three-day exclusive test session from January 28 to 30, during which Hamilton and his new partner, Charles Leclerc, will participate.

The forecast for Barcelona this week predicts that temperatures will be mild, with dry conditions and plenty of sunshine.

It remains uncertain which vehicle Ferrari will opt for. The team might stick with the 2023 SF-23, which is the newest model allowed under Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Car (TPC) rules, or they might decide to utilize the 2022 F1-75 model instead.

According to TPC regulations, active race drivers can only drive up to 1000 kilometers in older Formula 1 cars annually.

Last Wednesday, Hamilton took to the Fiorano test circuit, owned by Ferrari, where he drove 30 laps, covering a distance of 89 kilometers, marking his first on-track appearance with the renowned Italian team in their 2023 vehicle.

Ferrari is scheduled to head back to Barcelona on February 4th and 5th to conduct Pirelli tyre tests for the 2026 season.

A specially altered version of Ferrari's 2024 vehicle, referred to as a 'mule,' is set to be utilized, with both Hamilton and Leclerc anticipated to take the wheel.

Hamilton expressed that his initial test was "awe-inspiring" and ranked among "the most incredible experiences" he has ever had.

"When I turned on the engine and drove out of the garage, I couldn't help but grin widely," Hamilton remarked.

The experience brought back memories of the initial occasion when I drove a Formula 1 car. It was an exhilarating and unique moment, and nearly two decades later, those feelings have resurfaced.

"From my previous observations, it was clear how deeply passionate the Ferrari family is, encompassing everyone from the team members to the dedicated fans, known as tifosi."

Experiencing it directly as a Ferrari driver has been truly inspiring. Their passion is deeply ingrained, and it’s impossible not to feel invigorated by it.

"I deeply appreciate the affection I've received from everyone in Maranello this week. There's plenty of work ahead, but I'm eager to begin."

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Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grands Prix events for Crash.net. He is often on-site to report on the events, sharing the narratives of key figures in the sport.

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