Lewis Hamilton has not joined Ferrari to drive up the share price or bring in sponsors. He’s there to win, and suggesting otherwise is “really unfair to Lewi”. That’s the opinion of Ferrari chairman John Elkann.

Lewis Hamilton has revealed his immediate reaction to Fred Vasseur calling him about joining Ferrari – as anticipation builds towards his race debut with the team next week. The seven-time F1 world champion shocked the sporting world last year when he announced he would be leaving Mercedes – after 12 years and six world championships – at the end of the 2024 season.

The start of preseason testing in Bahrain on Wednesday was a major landmark in the lead-up to the new Formula One season, giving all 10 teams a first opportunity to complete extended running with their new cars. With the season opener in Australia just weeks away, every lap at Bahrain International Circuit across all three days is precious.