Lewis Hamilton said he was ‘mega-motivated’ as Mercedes presented a heavily-revised car for the seven-times world champion’s last season before he moves to Ferrari.
Mercedes finished second overall in 2023 but the former champions failed to win a race for the first time in 11 years, with Red Bull winning 21 of 22 and Max Verstappen taking his third title in a row.
Hamilton, 39, announced this month that he would be leaving at the end of the season after signing a multi-year deal.
The Briton said, in an online launch before the first laps at Silverstone circuit on Wednesday, that it had been an emotional time and it felt surreal to be starting his 12th season with the team.
“We are all mega-motivated for the year ahead and will be giving it everything we’ve got on the journey ahead,” he declared.
Team boss Toto Wolff said once-dominant Mercedes faced a big challenge to get back to the top.
“We know it’s difficult, we know it’s a big mountain to climb because if a team is far ahead like the Red Bull was last year, that’s not easy,” he explained.
“But we have a superb driver combination, hopefully a fast car, the best people in the factory that are giving it all in order to succeed and I think there are some very good ingredients to be back in the front again.”
The W15 car has a silver nose, marking the 90th anniversary of Mercedes’ famed ‘Silver Arrows’, plus the familiar red, green and black of recent seasons.
Hamilton’s team mate George Russell said he just wanted to get behind the wheel to see how it performed.
“We’ve learnt and grown as a team over the past two seasons,” he said. “It’s not been plain sailing, but I truly believe the journey we’ve been on will make us stronger in the long run.”
Technical director James Allison said last year’s weaknesses had been addressed with a big focus on improving the unpredictable and ‘spiteful’ rear axle and making it more reassuring for drivers.
“At the beginning of a corner when you’re hard on the brakes and turning in, the rear needs to feel rock solid,” he explained.
“And then as you get towards the apex, the car needs to feel progressively more nimble, and eager, to turn. We have been trying to build that into the car.
“I feel like we have delivered on all the things we said we wanted to do,” added Allison. “We will not know until we run the car truly. But I think we can say that we feel like we have worked well.”
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.
