Irvine expects Hamilton will not capture record eighth title
In the round-up: Grand Prix winner Eddie Irvine says he does not expect Lewis Hamilton will manage to win another world champion
Irvine unsure Hamilton will win eighth title
Former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine says he does not expect Lewis Hamilton to break Irvine’s former team mate Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championship titles.
“The era of the triumphs of Hamilton and Mercedes is now over, but Lewis is still a very good driver, very focused on objectives and eager to obtain results,” Irvine told La Gazzetta dello Sport
“He is still doing a great job behind the wheel of an F1 car. Also the comparison with Verstappen is very tough, because Max is younger, has a bit more speed and enormous belief in his abilities. Hamilton’s prospects will depend on how competitive Mercedes will be in 2024. With his experience he has shown that he knows how to seize every opportunity that presents itself both in qualifying and in the race. However, I doubt he will be able to win the championship again, realizing his dream of winning his eighth title.”
Hughes goes quickest, then crashes
McLaren Formula E driver Jake Hughes set the quickest time in the opening practice session for the Mexico City Eprix before bringing out the red flags by crashing at turn one.
The McLaren driver posted a 1’14.364, three tenths of a second quicker than Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, before running off track and into the barriers at the first corner.
The opening round of the Formula E season takes place today at 8pm UK time.
Being Verstappen’s team mate would be “amazing” – Goethe
Red Bull junior driver Oliver Goethe says it would be “amazing” to race alongside world champion Max Verstappen one day.
The Formula 3 racer, who will compete in the series again this year with Campos, joined Red Bull’s programme late last year.
“I have always liked Sebastian Vettel, who also comes from the Red Bull youth team,” Goethe told Speedweek. ” He had humor and attitude. I would like to follow in his footsteps.
“But I also look up to Max Verstappen, who dominates Formula 1. To be his teammate one day would be amazing.”
Motor racing links of interest:
McLaren Racing announces return of Estrella Galicia 0,0 (McLaren)
‘The multi-year partnership sees the return of Estrella Galicia 0,0 to McLaren, with the brands originally collaborating in 2019 and scoring their first Formula 1 podium together at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix. The partnership reunites two brands with a shared passion for meticulous craft and a drive for innovation.’
FIA boss comments on F1 South Africa Grand Prix proposal (Independent)
”We have very good contacts in Africa, more attention should be focused on Africa. We have a good vice president in Africa, we are strengthening the clubs there.In South Africa, they have a lot of history in motorsport. Since last year, there has been a lot of talk about Formula 1 coming back to Kyalami. That would be a big thing for Africa. We are also thinking about an electric championship that would like to have Africa involved. That would be good too.”
2024 IndyCar full-time entry options down to one team (Racer)
‘It’s the second week of January and nine out of the IndyCar Series’ 10 full-time teams have their drivers signed and ready to go for the March 10 season opener on the Floridian streets of St. Petersburg. That’s a testament to the stability of the paddock as the majority of the teams — all privately-owned businesses — have secured the budgets, personnel, and driving talent to have their programs locked in at a comparatively early point in the year. It’s a notable change from how the process usually works.’
Piastri offers advice to F1’s next generation (Speedcafe)
”Never give up. There are always hurdles and challenges along the way, but they can shape you and make you better. You must always maintain that inner belief in yourself that has got you to where you are. Another thing is to enjoy it. Motorsport is obviously a tough business at times, but never lose that passion that made you pursue it.”
Go inside 2024 IndyCar Content Day with Chip Ganassi Racing driver Marcus Armstrong (IndyCar via YouTube)
‘Get a behind-the-scenes look at the annual IndyCar content day with 2023 Rookie of the Year Marcus Armstrong as the Chip Ganassi Racing driver gets ready for the new season.
Forza Motorsport is in trouble (HokiHoshi via YouTube)
YouTuber HokiHoshi explores the problems with Forza Motorsport that have led many organised leagues to suspend events.
