Mercedes: What’s gone wrong at the F1 and can they recover?

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Lewis Hamilton has admitted to having secret talks with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The seven-time champion said he spoke to Ben Sulayem ahead of the race despite the new FIA boss’ criticism of the Mercedes star.

It comes just weeks after he called out Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel for their campaigning on human rights issues. He claimed drivers should not be able to force their opinions on others and claimed stars from older eras just drove their cars.

Ben Sulayem was forced to later backtrack on his comments after he was slammed for the remarks. Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has warned Hamilton may not participate in this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix after suffering from severe back pain.

When asked if Hamiton may not be able to compete in Montreal, Wolff simply responded ‘Yeah, definitely’. Mclaren are also embroiled in a team orders row after Lando Norris was refused the chance to race Daniel Ricciardo for position.

The youngster claimed taking orders from engineers was ‘tough’ and added drivers ‘need to race’.

KEY EVENTS

Lewis Hamilton secret FIA talks

Lewis Hamilton admitted he held secret talks with FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. 

When asked on the nature of the talks, the seven-time champion said: “I don’t really remember that far back really. I think he said.

‘Just don’t lose hope.’ I think that’s what he was saying, ‘Don’t give up.’ Or something like that.”

It comes after Ben Sulayem called out Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel for their campaigning on human rights issues. 

READ MORE

Lewis may miss Canadian GP

Lewis Hamilton may miss the Canadian Grand Prix after suffering from back pain in Baku. 

When asked if Hamilton could skip Montreal, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claimed it was a possibility. 

He said:”Yeah, definitely.

“You can see that this isn’t muscular anymore. This goes properly into the spine and can have some consequences.”

READ MORE

Lando Norris questions team orders

Lando Norris has hit out at McLaren for imposing team orders on the final lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. 

Norris was asked to not challenge Danierl Ricciardo at the end of the race, prompting Norris to call for an explanation

He said: “It’s tough. The end is just racing for pure position.

“It’s not like he had let me go or whatever. One lap before I boxed, he would have passed me so I understand that but at the same time, we need to race.”

Source: Read Full Article