F1 LIVE – Brundle ‘certain’ on Hamilton future, Ronaldo rumours denied

Lewis Hamilton on difficult season for Mercedes in November

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

Red Bull and Ferrari dominated last year’s edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen clinching top spot ahead of Charles Leclerc. The latter will hope to be in the mix again after a disappointing curtain-raiser in Bahrain that saw him fail to finish.

Verstappen came into this season off the back of two consecutive world titles, and with one Grand Prix win under his belt already, the Dutchman has shown that he will take some beating. Team-mate Sergio Perez could also come into the equation after his P2 in Bahrain.

It remains to be seen whether rumours of discontent behind the scenes at Ferrari impact their ability to challenge Red Bull this coming weekend. The mood at Mercedes, meanwhile, is bleak after a disappointing showing in Sakhir.

Lewis Hamilton’s future also remains a topic of hot debate as the Brit continues to stall over signing a new contract. With all this to dive into and more, follow Express Sport’s live F1 updates below…

Don’t miss…
Mercedes boss Wolff stung by Eddie Jordan after Bahrain GP comments [REACTION]

Ronaldo rumours denied

Cristiano Ronaldo is not contractually obliged to attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend, according to Formula1News.

There had been rumours that the Portuguese would be pressured to show up in Jeddah as part of his mega-money deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr.

However, his representatives have supposedly relayed that the former Manchester United man will not be in attendance, and does not have any contractual obligation to do so.

Haas address Russia allegations

Haas have issued a statement in response to reports claiming that they violated US export regulations by providing machines and parts for Russia.

“As per Haas Automation’s company statement – that story is simply false, both in its overall impression and in many of its particular statements,” the team stated on their official website.

“On March 3, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Haas Automation terminated, in its entirety, its relationship with its sole existing independent distributor for Russia and Belarus, Abamet Management. Since that date, Haas has not sold or shipped any machines, parts, or software to Abamet or anyone else in Russia.”

Brundle ‘certain’ on Hamilton future

Former F1 star Martin Brundle is ‘100 per cent certain’ that Lewis Hamilton will choose performance over money when assessing his next move.

The veteran Brit is rumoured to be weighing up his options after Mercedes’ disappointing start to the season, which saw him finish fifth in Bahrain.

Hamilton’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is yet to sign on renewed terms.

“I’m 100 percent certain Lewis would always follow the performance and not the money, but who’s going to turn down a big pay cheque if you can get it as well,” he explained.

“And there might be some pressure at Mercedes-Benz to reduce his current pay as it were. So there’s a bit of negotiation and, a bit of gameplay in this as well.”

Good morning!

Hello and welcome to today’s edition of F1 LIVE!

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is closing in as the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will each get the chance to gain a greater understanding of where they stand for the season ahead.

With the build-up accelerating, stay tuned right here for live updates throughout the day…

Source: Read Full Article