Blog

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 World Champion, has warned Lewis Hamilton to expect “a very chaotic and political team” when he arrives at Ferrari from Mercedes in 2025.

Hamilton rocked the F1 world in February by announcing that he will join Ferrari on a multi-year contract from next season, bringing an end to his long and successful partnership with Mercedes.

The 39-year-old’s decision came just five months after he signed a new two-year deal with Mercedes, having activated a break clause to leave before the first season of his new contract had officially started.

Hamilton, who won six of his seven World Championships with Mercedes from the start of F1’s V6 hybrid era in 2014, will arrive at a Ferrari team still searching for their Drivers’ World Championship since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.

With Ferrari emerging as the biggest threat to the dominant Red Bull outfit at the start of the 2024 season, Hamilton claimed ahead of last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix that “there’s not been a moment” when he’s questioned his decision to leave Mercedes.

Follow PlanetF1.com’s WhatsApp channel for all the F1 breaking news!

Revealed: The remarkable 36-hour timeline behind Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari move

Villeneuve, whose late father Gilles represented Ferrari with distinction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reckons Hamilton must be braced for a political challenge at the famous Scuderia in 2025.

He said: “Lewis has seven Championships. He is the greatest of all time with his achievements. And he’s going to the biggest team in history that has the biggest image.

“But also a very chaotic team, a very political team, a very difficult team where the whole of Italy loves you or hates you in five seconds.”

Hamilton’s partnership with 2025 team-mate Charles Leclerc, widely regarded as the fastest driver in F1 today despite remaining on five career wins, is a mouthwatering prospect.

Villeneuve remains unconvinced by Leclerc, claiming Ferrari has tried to “build” the Monegasque into a World Champion whereas Hamilton will arrive with a proven track record.

He explained: “[Hamilton] hasn’t been built. He’s actually won his championships; he’s won his races; he’s achieved it all.

“Which is very, very different than other drivers that have been put in Ferrari without championships, without wins, but where Ferrari has tried to build their image as champions.

“For example, Charles has a built image, but he has not shown it yet. That will be interesting to see the two fight it off.

“How will the one that’s achieved it all compare to the one who’s said to be a champion but isn’t yet?”

EXCLUSIVE: King Charles ‘taking steps to stop Commonwealth inviting Meghan and Harry to visit,’ claims expert

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just finished a tour of Nigeria and the trip is said to have angered King Charles, who wants to stop them visiting other Commonwealth countries, claims a royal expert.

King Charles has got a new “priority” as he works to stop Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visiting Commonwealth countries, claims a royal expert.

 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have just wrapped up their three-day tour of Nigeria. The couple were visiting the African country to promote the Invictus Games and they met with a number of key figures during the trip.

Royal author Tom Quinn claims the monarch was angered by Harry and Meghan’s trip and is doing everything in his power to stop it happening again. He suggested to The Mirror: “King Charles is in a terrible bind – he would love to strip Meghan and Harry of their royal titles, but fears this will look vindictive.

 

On the other hand, he has to find a way to put a stop to any future trips by Harry and Meghan to other commonwealth countries. That has now become his number one priority.”

Tom suggested the King might use “back channels” in order to “try to block any further invitations to the wayward couple”. However, he admitted that will “prove very difficult”.

 

The royal expert explained why Charles might be unnerved by Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria. He said: “The ultimate fear for King Charles and William is that Meghan’s rebelliousness actually ends up making her more appealing than the understated members of official team royal.

“That’s why she always makes a point of holding Harry’s hand for the cameras, something she knows Willam and Kate would never do.” Tom suggested the monarch will now be making some changes to the Royal Family.

 

He said: “After Nigeria one thing is certain: huge efforts will go into changing the way the Royal Family deals with its role in the Commonwealth. Steps have already been taken via official channels to try to lessen the chance that other Commonwealth countries invite Meghan and Harry to visit.”

 

Meghan and Harry have had a strained relationship with the Royal Family ever since they stepped down as senior royals in 2020. It’s believed the couple will soon be leaving Nigeria and returning to America via a quick stop-over in London, however, it’s thought they won’t be meeting any members of The Firm.

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex have been sporting several of their late mother-in-law’s dazzling heirlooms through the years.

Princess Kate and Meghan Markle have acquired quite a few of Princess Diana’s jewellery (Image: Getty)

Princess Kate and Meghan Markle have been keeping Princess Diana’s memory alive in the present day with their “tasteful” jewellery selections, a jewellery expert has claimed.

The late Princess of Wales died in August 1997 but her legacy continues to shine through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

The princes inherited their mother’s enviable jewellery collection, which included bracelets, watches, earrings and many more.

Thus the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex have in turn been gifted a wide range of dazzling heirlooms from their late mother-in-law.

Now Blake Asaad, the founder of jewellers Goodstone, takes a look at their most precious pieces.

Princess Kate’s engagement ring features a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, originating from Sri Lanka (Image: Getty)

The blue sapphire engagement ring

Probably one of Diana’s most famous pieces of jewellery, the engagement ring features a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, originating from Sri Lanka which is framed by 14 round-cut diamonds

The sapphire is said to be a deep, royal blue, of AAAA quality, making it amongst the most valuable of its kind.

Mr Asaad said: “Its design resembles Queen Victoria’s sapphire brooch, creating a sense of historical continuity.”

Princess Kate wearing Princess Diana’s double-drop sapphire earrings (Image: Getty)

Earring sets

Both Meghan and Kate have worn various sets of earrings previously worn by the late Princess of Wales.

These include the sapphire and diamond double-drop earrings, the sapphire and diamond single-stud earrings and the Collingwood pearl and diamond earrings

According to the experts, the double-drop sapphire earrings were a wedding gift to Diana from the Crown Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia.

Kate has worn them many times, including during a Christmas walkabout in 2023.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leaving their wedding reception (Image: Getty)

The aquamarine ring

Meghan Markle famously wore two rings on her wedding day. The first was a wedding band made of Welsh gold, and the second was Diana’s aquamarine ring.

The duchess was snapped wearing the dazzling piece of jewellery during the wedding reception at Frogmore House, and later during a royal tour of Tonga.

Mr Asaad added: “Diana also owned a matching bracelet, but it’s not known who inherited it.”

 

Meghan Markle attends Salute to Freedom Gala in 2021 (Image: Getty)

The diamond bracelet

Diana’s diamond bracelet was worn by Meghan when she and Harry spoke to Oprah in 2021.

Some of its stones were used in the creation of Meghan’s engagement ring.

According to the jewellery expert, Meghan also wore the bracelet when she attended the Salute to Freedom Gala in New York City.

Special occasions

There were many other occasions when the two royal women donned Diana’s jewellery.

The Princess of Wales wore Diana’s pearl necklace for the late Queen’s funeral, whereas at King Charles’s Scottish Coronation, she wore Diana’s Japanese four-chain pearl necklace and the Collingwood pearl earrings.

Meghan wore Diana’s gold butterfly earrings in Australia, for her first public appearance after announcing her pregnancy.

Mr Asaad concluded: “These stunning accessories have enhanced the natural beauty of these three women during significant occasions while allowing Kate and Meghan to honour the memory of their husbands’ mother. They evoke a sense of history, majesty, and precious memories.”

 

He always stays up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.

And Lewis Hamilton, 36, stood out from the crowd in a purple outfit on Friday and rocked pigtails as she stepped out in Austria ahead of the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix.

The Formula One driver was experimenting with a new do – having previously just pulled his hair back – as he strolled through Spielberg in his colourful look.

Trendy: Lewis Hamilton , 36, stood out from the crowd in a purple outfit on Friday and rocked pigtails as she stepped out in Austria ahead of the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix

His longline shirt featured a neon orange badge above his left cuff and complemented his baggy shorts.

Lewis proved he has expensive taste as he sported Dior trainers which he teamed with spotless white socks.

The racing car driver shielded his eyes from the glorious sun with stylish shades and protected himself from the novel coronavirus with a face mask.

The Formula One campaign continues this weekend as the Styrian Grand Prix takes centre stage in the first of a double-header at the Red Bull Ring circuit in Austria.

Hairdo: The Formula One driver was experimenting with a new do – having previously just pulled his hair back – as he strolled through Spielberg in his colourful look

It comes just a week after the French Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen extended his lead to 12 points over Lewis in what was a thrilling race from start to finish.

Max started the race on pole but immediately handed Lewis the initiative with an uncharacteristic error.

Red Bull outfoxed their Mercedes counterpart with a brilliant two-stop strategy however, which saw the Dutchman overtake a helpless Lewis at the death to claim his third victory of the campaign.

With Red Bull winning three races in a row, they are creeping ahead in both the driver and constructor championships after seven races.

Streetstyle: His longline shirt featured a neon orange badge above his left cuff and complemented his baggy shorts

Nonetheless, the campaign goes on, and it was Mercedes who won both of the two races in Austria last year, an outcome which is less expected this time round.

The Styrian Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday, June 27, with the race getting underway at 2pm BST.

The first and second practice sessions will take place on Friday, June 25, with each session lasting an hour.

The final practice session starts at 11am on Saturday morning, before qualifying gets underway on the same day at 2pm.

Back on the track: The Styrian Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday, June 27, with the race getting underway at 2pm BST

Lewis Hamilton has been offered the chance to finish his career at Ferrari with the greatest car designer in history, after Adrian Newey plunged Red Bull into further chaos by apparently leaving the scandal-stricken team.

It remains unclear whether Newey, 65, will join Ferrari, the team Hamilton will move to from Mercedes next year.

But despite desperate moves at Red Bull as dusk fell to keep hold of Newey, the game there appears to be up — a massive blow to team principal Christian Horner as he clings to his job after accusations of sending 𝑠e𝑥ually explicit messages to a female member of staff.

Mail Sport understands Newey is disillusioned with the political upheaval at Red Bull. There is a power-play taking place behind the scandal that has convulsed the team in recent months.

It is also believed, though unconfirmed, that Newey and his wife Amanda have been looking to move to Italy.

Red Bull’s chief technical officer Adrian Newey has reportedly told the team that he wants to leave

It comes with the team’s season overshadowed by allegations made towards Christian Horner

If Newey jumped ship to Ferrari, he would link up with Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season

Red Bull insist Newey is ‘under contract to the end of 2025’.

Newey is known as one of the greatest designers in Formula 1 history and holds the brains behind 13 World Championship titles – six constructors’ crowns and seven for drivers.

Horner was accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a female employee ahead of the 2024 season.

An internal investigation cleared him of ‘coercive behaviour’ but a bombshell email the next day purported to throw fresh light on the situation.

A day after the internal investigation cleared him, hundreds of messages allegedly from Horner – some 𝑠e𝑥ual – were spilled to the media and F1 powerhouses, but Red Bull affirmed he would not be sacked and his accuser was suspended.

The bombshell email contained 79 documents, including hundreds of messages, many of them of a 𝑠e𝑥ual nature.

The anonymous sender copied in leading people in the sport, such as FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, as well as accredited media gathered in Bahrain for the scandal-ridden opening race of the season.

His accuser has since appealed the verdict of the investigation which exonerated him.

Newey has been with Red Bull since 2006 and helped them to win 13 titles with his expert designing skills

Horner – pictured with his wife, Geri Halliwell, a former Spice Girl – was accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a female employee but cleared by an internal investigation

As of March, Newey was reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to join Ferrari. He is also understood to have an offer from Aston Martin, the team of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

Before joining Red Bull, he had success with both Williams and McLaren.

In total, Newey-designed cars have won twelve constructors’ and thirteen drivers’ championships.

Meghan is carefully rebranding as a stateswoman – but where’s the substance? What differentiates her from any other well-educated, well-meaning, left-leaning woman?

 

There have long been rumours that Meghan Markle harbours political ambitions.

From the very early days of her relationship with Prince Harry, royal watchers questioned whether a woman who had called Donald Trump “divisive” and “misogynistic”, before discouraging Americans from voting for him ahead of the 2016 US election, could ever be comfortable as a royal – infamously a position that forbids revealing even the slightest political leaning, let alone actual intervention.

 

For a time, she appeared to accept that royals and politics do not mix but when she and Prince Harry stepped back from their roles and set up home in California, rumours were rife that she was ready to flex her political muscles.

Yet while there have been murmurings and even speculation that a run for the Senate was in the offing, Meghan’s most direct political intervention was a 1,030-word letter she penned to senior Democrats in 2021 where she advocated for parental leave as a “national right”, drawing on her own experience as a mother of two small children, while reportedly cold-calling senators seeking their support on the issue.

 

Those political aspirations seemed to be put on hold while she embraced other enterprises – hosting podcasts, appearing in a Netflix documentary, and most recently, launching a fledgling lifestyle brand. But there are now whispers that a political rebrand of the Duchess of Sussex is afoot.

 

The couple’s recent visit to Nigeria, initially assumed by many (myself included) to be a kind of faux-royal tour, looks like it may have had a very different intent.

 

The three-day, highly publicised trip, which has been described as a “presidential” tour, was stage-managed by Miranda Barbot, a slick PR guru who helped get Barack Obama re-elected, and was on hand to ensure the visit went without a hitch.

 

Royal watchers have speculated that certain events – for example a panel discussion on Saturday when Meghan spoke in front of 50 of Nigeria’s top female leaders from the the worlds of politics, media and business – were designed to show the Duchess of Sussex, not as a “part-time royal” fitting in tours in between commercial commitments, but as a sure-footed stateswoman on the global stage.

 

There’s no doubting that the tour was successful – it was certainly far smoother and better managed than the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Jamaica tour where gaffes included the infamous photograph of the couple interacting with local children through a chain-link fence. Meghan definitely looked the part but – as I come back to again and again with the Duchess of Sussex’s projects – where is the actual substance? What do we know of her political vision? Or her political ability?

 

Success in the world of politics surely depends on the skill with which you can work the system. Meghan’s attempts to infiltrate that sphere have been by no means wholly successful. It was reported that she and Prince Harry requested a ride back to the US on board Air Force One alongside President Joe Biden and the First Lady after the Queen’s memorial service – a request which received an immediate no from the White House.

 

We do know that Meghan is a politically engaged woman. She wrote a letter to Procter & Gamble as a child to complain about a sexist advertising campaign for dish soap which apparently succeeded in getting said advertisement changed. We know that she cares about women’s empowerment and, pre-Harry, she was named a UN Women’s Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership. Do I know exactly what that title entails? No, but it sounds impressive.

 

And here – in my opinion – is the crux of the issue. Meghan certainly can look the part and she has the kind of name recognition and contacts that would be the envy of any would-be politician, but what differentiates her political beliefs and action from those of any other well-educated, well-meaning, left-leaning woman of her age and background?

 

Surely it takes more than looking stateswoman-like on a slick foreign visit to make it in the slippery world of Washington, DC?

Queen Camilla looked stunning during a recent appearance with King Charles and fans gave her the royal seal of approval.

Queen Camilla attended the races on Friday (Image: Getty)

Queen Camilla turned heads during a recent appearance at the races with King Charles.

Charles and Camilla spent Friday at Epsom racecourse where, despite the blustery and cold conditions, thousands of racegoers turned out for Ladies’ Day.

The Queen looked every inch the royal she is in a duck egg blue skirt suit by Bruce Oldfield which she paired with Charlotte Elizabeth’s Mayflower crossbody handbag in taupe (£375) and a pair of low heels by Eliot Zed in textured sand (£295).

She accessorised the look with a pair of golden hoop pearl earrings, a statement pearl necklace and the Minoru brooch.

To complete her ensemble, the Queen donned Cornelia James’s leather gloves in biscuit and a Philip Treacy hat.

Queen Camilla wore a duck egg blue skirt suit by Bruce Oldfield (Image: Getty)

Queen Camilla was joined by King Charles (Image: Getty)

Royal fans could not get enough of Camilla’s latest appearance, praising the royal for her style choice.

One user wrote on Instagram: “Camila has the perfect style for her age and standing, also always appropriate for the event and engagement.

“She is also not carelessly spending money on new dresses, shoes, coats or jewellery – she is re-wearing many peaces(sic), however styled differently and with a different twist and accent every time which is really smart and shows elegance, class and sustainable thinking! Well done to her and her team of stylists!”

A second one added: “Sassy hat! Always impeccable!”

Another person commented: “She looks great in the suit. The color(sic) and detailing is perfect.”

King Charles watched part of the race through binoculars from the royal box (Image: Getty)
 

Lastly, a fourth chimed: “That’s a beautiful colour on her. Camilla looks fab”.

The royal couple walked into the parade ring in the final moments before the classic was run, to see their horse and chat to its jockey James Doyle and their racing manager John Warren.

The King watched part of the race through binoculars from the royal box, but the Queen was left puffing out her cheeks when their horse, Treasure, finished second from last.

 

“Breaking: King Charles III’s Fatal Mistake – Underestimating Harry and Meghan’s Power Unravels His Kingship!”

 

In a saga that sent shockwaves through royal circles, King Charles III’s ill-fated clash with Harry and Meghan, once dismissed as a minor nuisance, unraveled the very fabric of his kingship. Ignoring warning signs and brushing aside the couple’s concerns, the King failed to recognize the shifting dynamics of power in the modern world.

The first tremors of discord emerged when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, seeking greater autonomy, voiced their intentions to step back from their senior royal roles. Initially seen as a minor blip in the monarchy’s trajectory, Charles III viewed the move as a simple matter of family dynamics, underestimating the significance of their departure. However, as Harry and Meghan transitioned to their independent lives, their influence only grew stronger.

 

Internationally, the couple’s star power shone brightly, with their philanthropic endeavors capturing headlines and hearts around the globe. From their advocacy for mental health awareness to their groundbreaking Netflix and Spotify deals, Harry and Meghan leveraged their platform to effect real change on a global scale. The King, accustomed to the traditional confines of royal duty, failed to grasp the magnitude of their impact beyond palace walls.

 

Domestically, the couple’s popularity soared, especially among younger generations who viewed them as relatable and progressive. As the King grappled with outdated notions of royal protocol, Harry and Meghan effortlessly connected with the public through their candid interviews and authentic approach to their roles as parents and advocates.

VICTORIA Beckham embraced a more relaxed look as she spent the day on her yacht in Miami.

The 48-year-old was spotted looking amazing in a black unitard while joined by husband David, children Harper and Cruise and some pals.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

5

Victoria Beckham was dressed down on the family yachtCredit: Backgrid/MEGA

5

The star went barefootCredit: Backgrid/MEGA
The trim fashion designer went barefoot and wore her long hair loose down her back as she strolled around their  £5million family yacht.

The family are currently enjoying an Easter break in Miami, spending time with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola to mark their one year wedding anniversary.

The family quashed rumours of a rift for good as they posed for a photo together to mark the special occasion.

The 24-year-old son of footie star David, 47, and ex-Spice Girl Victoria, wed Transformers actress Nicola, 28, in a lavish ceremony in Florida last year.

Victoria shared the sweet snap with her 30.8 million Instagram followers, writing: “So special to be together to celebrate your 1st wedding anniversary…we love you.”

Nicola replied to her: “Today was so fun! We love you so much.”

The Beckham’s were  hosted by Nicola’s billionaire businessman dad Nelson Peltz and mum Claudia for a special dinner at their £76million Palm Beach mansion.

An insider said: “The couple have spent the last few days in Tokyo but wanted to gather both families in Palm Beach for a low-key Easter Sunday dinner to commemorate their first year as a married couple.”

5

Victoria wore her hair downCredit: Backgrid/MEGA

5

Harper was seen on the boatCredit: Backgrid/MEGA

5

Cruise chatted to his mum

POSH Spice’s niece is following in her footsteps by bagging her own Becks.

Just as Victoria started dating David aged 21, Tallulah-May Flood has been swept off her feet by a footballer at the same age.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

3

Tallulah-May Flood has been swept off her feet by footballer Edon Pruti

3

Posh first met Becks in her early twenties in 1997 in the player’s lounge at Man UtdCredit: Getty

3

Pruti started off at Burnley academy and signed to Brentford’s B Team last AugustCredit: Rex
Tallulah-May, who is the daughter of Victoria’s sister Louise Adams, is dating Hartlepool Town’s Edon Pruti.

A source said: “Tallulah-May is following in Victoria’s footsteps and has found herself a handsome footballer.

“She is head-over-heels with Edon and he helped her celebrate her 21st birthday last week.

“He has met the Beckhams and has been given the family’s seal of approval – especially Romeo who already knows him well through mutual friends.

“They seem to make each other very happy and Tallulah-May is smitten.”

Pruti, 21, started off at Burnley academy and signed to Brentford’s B Team last August on a one year deal.

As Tallulah-May’s cousin Romeo, 20, signed for the club’s first team, in January, Pruti signed to Hartlepool.

Pruti was born in London but has played for Albania’s youth team.

Tallulah-May’s romance with Pruti mirrors that of her aunt’s relationship.

Posh, 48, first met Becks, 47, in her early twenties in 1997 in the player’s lounge at Manchester United where he was a player.

The pair went on to marry in July 1999 and will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary this year.

Tallulah shared a handful of photographs with Pruti on her Instagram page last week.

She is close with the Beckhams and last year Victoria helped throw her a lavish birthday party in Miami with all of their family.

The bash, held at Southeast Asian restaurant Komodo, came shortly before Brooklyn and his new wife Nicola Peltz tied the knot.

Sharing a photograph with Tallulah-May and her sister Louise on Instagram, Victoria wrote: “We love you so much.”

Louise, 39, also has daughter Libby, 24, who is also close with Victoria, David and their children.

Unlike her Spice Girls star sister, Louise lives a more down-to-earth lifestyle.

During the pandemic she worked as a £13-an-hour job supervising cars at a covid testing centre.

Victoria on the other hand is a multi-millionaire and is reported to be worth a shared £400million with David.