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Renault, a French automobile manufacturer, has announced its decision to cease production of Formula One engines from 2026. This marks the end of nearly half a century of Renault's involvement in the pinnacle of motorsport. The announcement was made by Renault's Alpine team on Monday.Renault's departure from Formula One engine manufacturing had been hinted at earlier this year by Alpine's former team boss, Bruno Famin. The team is expected to switch to Mercedes power units from 2026.Renault's entry into Formula One in 1977 revolutionized the sport. The French manufacturer introduced the turbo engine to Formula One, which quickly became the dominant engine type. Renault's turbocharged engines powered drivers to five drivers' titles and six constructors' crowns.The decision to end engine production is part of Renault's broader strategy to focus on sustainable mobility. The company's F1 engine factory at Viry-Chatillon, near Paris, will be transformed into an engineering center for future Renault and Alpine cars."Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season," Alpine's statement announced.Renault's exit from Formula One engine manufacturing is a significant moment in the history of the sport. The French manufacturer has been a major player in Formula One for decades, and its departure will leave a void in the paddock.

Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to make history as he joins Mercedes in Formula One next season, replacing the legendary Lewis Hamilton. The 18-year-old from Bologna has had a remarkable youth career, winning multiple championships and showcasing exceptional talent.Antonelli's journey to Formula One began in 2022, when he dominated the Italian and German Formula 4 championships. He continued his winning streak in 2023, claiming the Middle East and European regional Formula championships. This season, he skipped Formula 3 and jumped straight into Formula 2, where he has impressed despite a slow start.Antonelli's breakthrough came at the Silverstone sprint race in July, where he secured his first victory. He followed this up with a win in the main race in Budapest two weeks later. Currently, he sits seventh in the championship with four rounds remaining.Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff expressed his excitement about the partnership between Antonelli and George Russell, another product of the team's junior program. "Our 2025 driver line-up combines experience, talent, youth, and raw speed," Wolff said. "We are confident that George and Kimi will bring a winning combination to the team."Antonelli's move to Mercedes is a testament to his exceptional talent and the team's belief in his potential. He will replace Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari after this season. The young Italian will have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history and contribute to Mercedes' continued success.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his journey in Monaco ahead of this weekend's 81st Monaco Grand Prix. Recalling his first visit to the principality as a 13-year-old, Hamilton was struck by the event's history and grandeur."I really felt the place and its history," Hamilton said. "As I came through the tunnel, I remembered Ayrton (Senna) from watching it on TV as a kid. It felt surreal to think that I am now one of the 22 to do it - and that I have been doing it for so long."Hamilton's dream of racing in Monaco became a reality when he won the Grand Prix three times - in 2008, 2016, and 2019. He also purchased an apartment and now resides in the Mediterranean principality."I raced here the first time when I was 18 or 19," Hamilton added. "In Formula Three, it was epic. I had a rented scooter and was running around town. It was really epic for me. And then, I got to go on the grid, and it was crazy because I had only ever seen Martin Brundle there."Despite the recent struggles of his Mercedes team, Hamilton remains enthusiastic about driving and is eager to perform well in Monaco."We don't have any upgrades this weekend," Hamilton said. "The package was spread over the last two races. We have our highest downforce package and an evolved wing, but otherwise, I don't know where we'll be.""But I am more excited than I have been with the previous two cars. They were not so great. This one is a real work in progress and it's much better than last year."Hamilton emphasized the complexities of racing in Monaco, including the need to consider factors such as ride height, balance, weight distribution, cambers, and tows. He expressed optimism about the potential of his car and his team's ability to improve."I hope we just hit the ground running and we don't look back," Hamilton said. "But this car is more predictable and it is nice to drive. It's not perfect, but we are going in the right direction."

Toto Wolff and Christian Horner's verbal sparring over Max Verstappen has reignited following Wolff's latest comments hinting at a potential move for the three-time world champion.Verstappen's future at Red Bull has been the subject of speculation after his father, Jos, expressed concerns about the team's stability under Horner's leadership. Horner has denied any wrongdoing and an internal investigation cleared him of misconduct.Despite Verstappen's public commitment to Red Bull, Wolff's remarks after the Chinese Grand Prix have stirred the pot. Wolff suggested that Verstappen's future is uncertain and that Mercedes would be interested in acquiring his services."Everyone is waiting to see what he (Verstappen) is going to do," Wolff said. "There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining."Wolff's comments drew a sharp response from Horner, who questioned Wolff's focus and suggested that Mercedes should prioritize their own team's performance."Why would you want to leave this team?" Horner said. "Mercedes are third behind their customers (McLaren and Aston Martin). His time would be better spent perhaps focusing on the team rather than the driver market."Horner emphasized that Verstappen's future with Red Bull is secure. "I can assure you that there is no ambiguity about where Max Verstappen will be next year," he said.Wolff's interest in Verstappen stems from the impending departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari next year. Verstappen's dominance in recent seasons has made him an attractive target for Mercedes, who are eager to maintain their competitive edge.However, Horner's confidence in Verstappen's loyalty to Red Bull suggests that Wolff's pursuit of the Dutchman may be futile. The ongoing verbal jousting between the two team principals adds another layer of intrigue to the Formula 1 season.

Carlos Sainz, the resilient Formula 1 driver, has faced numerous setbacks throughout his career. Despite being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari for 2025, Sainz remains a highly sought-after driver due to his consistent performances and unwavering determination.Sainz's journey in F1 has been marked by both highs and lows. At Toro Rosso, he witnessed Max Verstappen's rapid rise, while at Renault, he was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo. However, Sainz's resilience has allowed him to overcome these disappointments.Since joining Ferrari in 2021, Sainz has consistently outperformed teammate Charles Leclerc, despite not being the team's designated No. 1 driver. His ability to deliver quick laps and maintain a consistent pace has made him a valuable asset to the team.In 2023, Sainz has emerged as a title contender, winning two races and finishing on the podium in every Grand Prix he has participated in. His victory in Melbourne, where he overtook reigning world champion Max Verstappen, showcased his determination and skill.Sainz's consistent performances have made him a hot property in the driver market. With his contract expiring in 2024, he is expected to move to a team with a car capable of challenging for the championship. Red Bull and Mercedes are the most likely destinations, with Sainz potentially replacing Hamilton at the latter.Sainz's journey in F1 is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing setbacks, he has consistently delivered strong performances, proving himself to be a valuable asset to any team. As the 2024 season approaches, Sainz is poised to make a significant impact on the championship race.