In the round-up: Lewis Hamilton admits it has been hard to put thoughts of the conflict in Gaza from his mind as F1 returns to the Middle East.
In brief
Difficult to know children are dying in Gaza – Hamilton
Following speculation this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could be affected by the conflict in Gaza, Hamilton says he is acutely aware of how much of a “bubble” Formula 1’s paddock is.
The multiple world champion has previously expressed his sadness at the deaths of civilians in Israel and Gaza since the latest increase in violence in the region. Asked about racing just hours away from the conflict, Hamilton admitted it has been on his mind.
“I think it’s been a very strange period for us, because we are in such a bubble here,” he said. “We arrived in all these different places and there’s so much positivity in our little bubble and I think it’s difficult to wake up each day knowing that there are thousands of kids dying and there’s nothing you can do about it. And the rest of the world just goes on as it is and it’s massively disappointing to see how countries and governments are handling it.
“Just to think where we are in 2023 with everything through history – it doesn’t look like we’ve learned anything. So to be able to compartmentalise that and just go ahead with your job I think is difficult. I mean, it’s all over social [media]. There’s not a moment, there’s not a day that you don’t see something pop up on the news. You’re just trying to remain positive through the darkest time.”
O’Ward named McLaren reserve for 2024
IndyCar racer Pato O’Ward has been named as one of McLaren’s reserve drivers in Formula 1 next season.
The McLaren IndyCar driver will share reserve driver duties for the F1 team with Ryo Hirakawa in 2024. The 24-year-old will also run in today’s first practice session in Lando Norris’ car.
Rain light test
A test of a new rain light system will be run immediately at the end of today’s opening practice session. Following the session after all cars have taken the chequered flag, the ‘low grip’ track condition setting will be activated for 20 seconds to allow for a test of the cars’ rear lights used in wet conditions.
Hausmann named Aston Martin’s F1 Academy driver
Aston Martin have revealed Tina Hausmann will race in their colours during next year’s F1 Academy championship. The 17-year-old will run in the team’s British…
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