Lewis Hamilton's verdict on F1 rival Max Verstappen's Red Bull extension
Lewis Hamilton says Max Verstappen’s decision to extend his Red Bull contract until 2030 is “not a bad choice”, adding that his long-time rival is already in a “really amazing place” to work. Hamilton said: "I think he's with a great team. He's been with them a long, long time, and they just keep going from strength to strength. It's a really amazing place to be and to work, clearly. So, when you look at the history of drivers that do move around, there are some drivers that have moved a crazy amount, and sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. But obviously, these are things to always stay where you're comfortable, and that's his choice, and it's not a bad choice."
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Valtteri Bottas issues 'American way' response after shock Cadillac leadership change
Valtteri Bottas says Cadillac’s decision to replace Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski mid-season reflects an “American way” of making sudden leadership changes. Bottas said: "I think also the American way can be a bit more reactive and sudden than the European way when it comes to leading the team. I don't think they are afraid of changing people suddenly if they see that it could be a good thing for the future."
Lawson shares reaction to Red Bull opportunity
Liam Lawson says his surprise return to Red Bull as a substitute for injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix will be a “very challenging” but “exciting” weekend, with the Sprint format leaving little time to learn the car. Lawson said: "I feel much more comfortable racing in this sport, but it's going to be a very challenging weekend, for sure. It's a Sprint weekend, so it's going to be a quick learning process tomorrow. But that's what we're focused on, that's what we tried to do yesterday in the simulator. If we can try and speed up that learning process as much as possible, then that would help our weekend."
Mekies on Verstappen's new deal, Hadjar and Lawson
Laurent Mekies says Max Verstappen committing his future to Red Bull until at least the end of 2030 is “phenomenal news”, and that it brings added responsibility on the team to deliver a faster car and power unit. Mekies said: "It's phenomenal news, I'm not going to lie. It's phenomenal news for Oracle Red Bull Racing. It's the best driver on the grid deciding to recommit to the team, to go another four-and-a-half years with the team. We take it as an incredible demonstration of trust for our people, for our vision, for our culture. We don't take it lightly. We know it comes with a huge responsibility now on us to deliver a very, very fast package, chassis and power unit."
Everything we learned from day one at F1's Dutch GP
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Hamilton shares hopes for Ferrari's battle against Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton says he believes Ferrari can close the gap to Mercedes as the team continues its development push, with what he described as a “first little step” arriving this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton said: "Everyone is under a huge amount of pressure to bring parts, as every team is, but we are going in the right direction with the car. Obviously Mercedes are still the leaders, McLaren are now up in there and obviously Red Bull are super quick – four teams that are all very close. But we just focus on doing our job the best we can... We've just got to continue to try and close the gap, which I really do believe we can. I don't think we're too far away."
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