Carlos Sainz acknowledged he was surprised to learn that Lewis Hamilton will be taking his seat in 2025, but the Spaniard said he was aware of the move ahead of Ferrari’s announcement on Feb 1.
“Everyone was surprised in a way with what happened and from my side, I got to know the news a bit earlier than everyone else,” Sainz told reporters at Ferrari’s launch of its SF-24 car on Tuesday. “It’s true that I have had some weeks to reflect, to prepare and also get ready for the car launch and the first race of the season.
“So it gives you a bit of time to digest it, to take your own conclusions and to focus on the 2024 season and the race ahead. But the fact it was a surprise to the whole F1 world is no news and it was obviously also for me.”
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will join Charles Leclerc for Ferrari’s driver lineup next year. Leclerc, who signed a five-year extension last month, said the two have exchanged text messages.
“We’ve had discussions with Lewis, especially when everything was announced and official,” Leclerc said. “He is a great champion with so much success.
“It is always interesting to have a new teammate as you learn different ways of working and driving — even more so when my new teammate is a seven-time world champion.”
Meanwhile, Sainz said he is focused on the upcoming season and will take his time to consider with which team he wants to race in 2025. With nearly half of the Formula 1 grid on expiring contracts this year, the veteran should have several options.
“There’s plenty of options out there and there is time to take an important decision in the next few months,” he said.
The marquee opening will be the seat that the 39-year-old Hamilton is vacating at Mercedes, where he won six of his titles. Daniel Ricciardo has been one of the names linked to the seat, but insisted he is “not looking too far ahead.”
Ricciardo, 34, returned to Red Bull with the junior team last year following stints with Renault and McLaren. The Australian also has been mentioned for a possible return to the main team after Sergio Perez struggled in Max Verstappen’s shadow last year.
“At this part of my career, looking ahead feels a bit like a year closer to the end,” said Ricciardo, who is racing for the Visa Cash App RB team alongside Yuki Tsunoda. “So it’s more reason for me to be there now and really take it race by race.
“I guess in (Mercedes’) position, they are in no rush. So they will judge everyone, how they are doing, the driver market, whatever. So I think this is a good position for them.
“Part of me is also happy not to be involved in all this crazy stuff, especially this early in the season. So if the silly season happens without me, that’s fine with me at this point.”
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
