Max Verstappen forces FIA rule change as Alonso discusses Red Bull rumour
Lewis Hamilton commits to Mercedes until 2025
Today (Friday) sees the action get underway ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, as the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will be going head-to-head in qualification as they battle for pole position in Sao Paolo. Mercedes will be feeling motivated after matching Red Bull for pace in Mexico last time out, but this time they will be looking to usurp the 2023 champions.
The Silver Arrows had a perfect performance in Brazil last year, as George Russell claimed his first and only race win while team-mate Hamilton took second place.
While the FIA has introduced a new rule stating that drivers are now prohibited from stopping in the fast lane in the pits during qualifying sessions. This will hopefully put an end to the antics that led to incidents in the pit lane in Singapore and Mexico.
Sergio Perez is one driver that especially will be desperate for a positive race, having been forced to retire at his home event last time out on the first corner and the pressure remains on the Red Bull man, with Fernando Alonso the latest star linked with his under-pressure seat.
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JUST IN Max Verstappen’s Brazilian GP comments will be music to Lewis Hamilton’s ears[LATEST]
Hamilton makes Brazil vow
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he is desperate to win a race this season, starting in Brazil in a message to his rivals.
The Brit is staring at the possibility of going two seasons without a victory, as Red Bull and Max Verstappen have dominated.
“I came away empty-handed last year so I don’t plan on that this year,” Hamilton said. “I anticipate Red Bill will blitz it because their car is great, but I will be ready to take the fight to them.
“I have been getting messages saying it is looking good. I say, ‘Well, it was looking good at the end of last year, too, but we started the season 1.5 seconds behind’. I am not dazzled by where we are.”
Alonso fumes at Red Bull rumour
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso was clearly angered by the recent rumours linking him with replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull.
There had been talk of a potential swap to send Perez in the opposite direction, but Alonso has hit out at the suggestion and even claimed that there would be “consequences”.
“Just rumours, normal paddock rumours from people that just try to make fun of it and gain some followers and these kinds of things,” Alonso said. “But I’m not into that game.”
Verstappen forces rule change
Recent investigations into Max Verstappen and George Russell have forced the FIA into a rule change at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Drivers will not be able to stop at the end of the ‘fast lane’ in the pit lane during this evening’s qualifying session.
Verstappen and Russell were both guilty of such offences in Mexico last time out, in what has become a more frequent problem in Formula 1.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s live F1 blog, where we will be looking ahead and covering the action in Brazil.
You can check out yesterday’s blog to keep updated from the driver’s press conferences in Sao Paolo.
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