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Mint
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Will Lewis Hamilton move out of Ferrari? Here's what report says amid rumours of team reshuffle & uncertainty
Lewis Hamilton's 2025 move to Ferrari was a big moment for Formula 1, but his first season with the iconic team has been underwhelming. The seven-time champion has failed to secure a single podium finish. This has led to fueling speculations about his future with the franchise. Rumours of a major team reshuffle, including potential exits of key figures like team principal Frederic Vasseur and technical director Loic Serra, have raised questions about whether Hamilton might leave Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton's transition from Mercedes to Ferrari was expected to spark a championship charge, but the 2025 season hasn't delivered. Despite a fourth-place finish at the British Grand Prix, Hamilton has struggled with the SF-25 car's performance, calling it the toughest he has driven at Silverstone due to issues like tire wear. He has publicly urged Ferrari to stop trying to focus on the current car and start working on their 2026 car instead, a sign of his growing impatience with the team's inability to match McLaren's pace. Italian media, including major outlets like Corriere della Sera and La Gazzetta dello Sport, have reported that Ferrari is considering a leadership change before 2026. Team principal Frederic Vasseur is under pressure for failing to deliver a car capable of fighting for wins. Technical director Loic Serra, who joined Ferrari with Hamilton from Mercedes, is also reportedly at risk due to the underwhelming results. The most surprising rumour involves former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was recently sacked by Red Bull. Italian press and F1 insiders have speculated that Horner could be brought in to lead a rebuild at Ferrari, with Ferrari chairman John Elkann reportedly a fan of the controversial figure. However, this potential move has raised concerns about its impact on Hamilton's tenure with the team. F1 insider Will Buxton, now a FOX IndyCar commentator, gave his take on the speculations during The Sports Agents podcast. 'If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don't think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer,' he said. Buxton suggested Horner might be a better fit for Alpine, but the possibility of him joining Ferrari has sparked debate about Hamilton's future. Lewis Hamilton hasn't hidden his frustrations, stating, 'There are things with this car that we absolutely cannot carry over to next year.' Yet, he's also said he is 'here for the long haul' at Ferrari. The team insisted its 2025 car was not built to favour Hamilton or teammate Charles Leclerc, focusing instead on overall performance. Still, strategic missteps and inconsistent results have kept the pressure on Vasseur's leadership.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Ferrari told Lewis Hamilton will quit immediately if rumour in Italy comes true
Lewis Hamilton has endured a torrid first season with Ferrari and speculation in the Italian media suggests team principal Frederic Vasseur and one other Scuderia leader could pay the price Ferrari have been told they could lose Lewis Hamilton if they follow through on potential plans being reported in the Italian press. The seven-time Formula 1 champion has been candid about his struggles in his first season with the team, which has yet to see him make it to a Grand Prix podium. Hamilton has urged Ferrari to halt development on their current car and focus on the next season, despite finishing fourth at the recent British Grand Prix. However, Italian media suggest there may yet be significant changes at Maranello before the 2026 season. Team principal Frederic Vasseur is feeling the heat after failing to provide Hamilton and Charles Leclerc with cars capable of challenging McLaren. Several Italian outlets, including prominent newspaper Corriere della Sera, have hinted that Vasseur's position is precarious. La Gazzetta dello Sport also reports that technical director Loic Serra, who joined Ferrari alongside Hamilton from Mercedes, has not lived up to expectations and could depart along with Vasseur. There are strong indications that both could exit in a major reshuffle, with Christian Horner potentially poised to spearhead a rebuild following his dismissal from Red Bull. Team adviser Helmut Marko once said that Horner was on the verge of joining Ferrari in late 2022 before he stepped in, with chairman John Elkann being a big fan of the ousted team boss. However, Will Buxton, former F1TV presenter and current lead FOX IndyCar commentator, thinks that a move from Horner to Ferrari could potentially force Hamilton out of the team. "If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don't think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer," he stated on The Sports Agents podcast. Buxton also suggested that Alpine might be a more likely destination for Horner, given his close ties with Flavio Briatore, who runs the team in his capacity as adviser to the Renault board. The idea of Horner moving to Ferrari has been deemed improbable, especially after Hamilton accused the ex-Red Bull chief of "stirring things" amidst speculation that Hamilton might join Max Verstappen at Milton Keynes-based outfit. "I don't really know where that story has come from. I mean, I know it's come from Christian," Hamilton told Sky Sports during his time at Mercedes. "I don't really understand what he's been talking about because no one, as far as I'm aware, from my team has spoken to him. I haven't spoken to Christian really in years. "However, he did reach out to me earlier on in the year about meeting up, but that's it. I just congratulated them on an amazing year and said, 'Hopefully soon, I'll be able to fight against you guys in the near future.' That was it. So I'm not really sure, I think he's just stirring things."
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Ferrari Sent Lewis Hamilton Exit Warning Amid Christian Horner Rumours
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Christian Horner's potential move to Ferrari as team principal Fred Vasseur's replacement could pave the way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's departure, according to Will Buxton. Horner served as Red Bull Racing's team principal for 20 years before being ousted by the team on Wednesday. While the reason for his exit remains unknown, Ferrari's interest in Horner, which dated back to 2022, has resurfaced, especially given the rumors of Vasseur's potential exit in the recent races. Speculation is that Ferrari is unhappy with Vasseur's performance, although these rumors have been shut down by Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc. The Maranello-based outfit last won the Constructors' Championship in 2008. Kimi Räikkönen was the last Ferrari driver to have secured the 2007 Drivers' Championship. Horner's availability has led many to believe that Ferrari could approach him again. However, motorsport journalist Buxton has pointed out that Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari early this year was influenced by Vasseur. If Ferrari were to part ways with Vasseur, it could also lead to Hamilton's exit. Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, Buxton explained: Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner arrive in the paddock together during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on... Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner arrive in the paddock together during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. More"One of the key reasons that Lewis moved to Ferrari wasn't just the allure of racing for the Scuderia. It was to link up once again with Fred Vasseur, who ran Lewis to his junior series championships. "Lewis adores that man and has absolute faith in Fred Vasseur. If they replaced Fred with Christian Horner, I don't think Lewis would be a Ferrari driver for much longer." F1 journalist Joe Saward highlighted Ferrari chairman John Elkann's interest in Horner back in 2022, given rumors about Horner joining Ferrari swirled in the paddock during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. He also pointed out concerns with Vasseur but stressed that Horner would refuse the offer. He wrote in his blog: "This story was true about three years ago when Ferrari chairman John Elkann jetted over the England and dropped in to see Christian and asked him if he would like to move to Maranello. Horner said 'Thanks for the offer' and Elkann rang his pilots and told them to spool up the jets. "Horner's response is unlikely to change if Ferrari does come calling again, but he said that they had not. For many in F1 joining Ferrari is considered a career move akin to throwing oneself on a bonfire (with a flameproof wallet) because the team seems to be unfixable. It is nearly a generation since Ferrari won its last Formula 1 title. "It is probably inevitable that Vasseur's future is beginning to be questioned. He has been there for a couple of seasons and things have not gone particularly well."
Leader Live
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Ker says Wrexham are all set to head to 'the Wild West'
A return to the second tier seemed an impossible dream during the Reds' decade-and-a-half non-league exile, however Phil Parkinson's side will be tackling the likes of Southampton, Sheffield United and Leicester City on an equal footing during the forthcoming campaign. Since being appointed into the hotseat by co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in July 2021, Parkinson has led Wrexham to three promotions and they are now preparing for a first tilt at the second tier in more than four decades. Looking ahead to the step-up to the Championship, Reds' community director Humphrey Ker told Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on The Sports Agents podcast: "That was the Wild West for us! We always thought, League Two, League One, that's within our powers to deliver. "But, kind of, Championship... that's when you're swimming with the really big fish and Rob and Ryan - well, particularly Rob - had been going on about the Premier League. "Of course, we say... we talk about the Premier League, but really, you know, League One, let's focus on that and then, suddenly, here we are. "One promotion away from the Premier League. It's quite daunting in many respects." While the promotions have been celebrated by fans and players alike, they've also been well deserved, with plenty of hard work taking place behind the scenes. Ker added: "I think we do, collectively, pinch ourselves a lot. But then, ultimately, you find yourself going 'well yes, but of course we did work very hard' and we put the time in and we put in place our structure that we thought would get us to where we wanted to go. "Then (we) have been rewarded by, you know, you select the right people, you empower them, you support them and then, actually, it's not that surprising that they deliver in a way."
Wales Online
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Lee Mack reveals why he isn't playing at Soccer Aid this year
Lee Mack reveals why he isn't playing at Soccer Aid this year The Not Going Out star has been a mainstay at the charity event in recent years but is set to miss out this time Mack is set for a non-playing role at Soccer Aid this year Soccer Aid is back for 2026, but one of its biggest stars of recent years won't be taking to the pitch at Old Trafford on Sunday evening. Comedian and TV presenter Lee Mack has been a constant source of entertainment at the huge charity match in recent years, representing both the England and the World XI teams and proving a favourite amongst fans, fellow celebrities and professional footballers. In 2022, he even proved the hero as he scored the winning spot-kick for the World XI team in the penalty shootout. However, this year, the 56-year-old is set to miss out on playing alongside the likes of Carlos Tevez, Nemanja Vidic and Tony Bellew and has instead been lined up for an off-field role at the sold-out Theatre of Dreams. Ahead of the event - which has raised more than £100 million since its launch in 2006 - Mack has revealed that he is injured, meaning he is unlikely to pull on his boots for this year's match. Speaking to Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman on The Sports Agents podcast, the Not Going Out star said he was set to take a backseat for the event, suggesting that he could take up a punditry role instead. 'I should point out that due to injury, I may be more your role this year," he told the new Match of the Day hosts. "I may be a pundit. 'It's all TBC, he says diplomatically. So, I don't quite know when this is going out or what you've been told! Quizzed on what his injury entails, Mack replied: 'Well, I'm 57 this year. I'm always injured. "It's a default setting! You know, my injury is that I'm almost 57.' Having previously represented England at the event, Mack moved over to the World XI in 2021, based on his Irish heritage, and admitted to Logan and Chapman that he welcomed the switch. 'I thought, I quite fancy the change," he said. "I thought I'll share out the badness. Not further, I'm giving all this badness to the same team every year." That switch saw him 'sacked' by England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, with the late manager - who passed away last year after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer - making him go and play for the World XI team as part of a skit for the charity event. "Well, there's two sort of answers to that," he said as he was asked about the change on the podcast. "There's sort of the showbiz answer, which is what we put out on screen, which is that Sven-Göran Eriksson sacked me, and I had to go and play for the other team. 'In reality, it was a documentary we made that was leading up to it, about me getting ready, and we thought it would be funny.' "I will say about Sven, without any shadow of a doubt, one of the greatest England managers we ever had,' he said. 'Like, Sven-Göran Eriksson was telling me how to play football. It was like a dream come true!' "What a lovely, lovely bloke. But not the most natural comedian you ever had. 'Take 74: No, Sven. If you could just say it this way, please!' But it was a thrill to meet him and just hang around with him.' Article continues below While Mack is set to miss out on playing, the World XI boasts a stacked line-up of ex-professionals including Vidic, Tevez and Italy international Leonardo Bonucci, as well as celebrities including Martin Compston, Dermot Kennedy and Bryan Habana. Meanwhile, the England team features the likes of Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Joe Hart playing alongside Louis Tomlinson, Bear Grylls and Sir Mo Farah.
