Hamilton pledges to maintain diversity push in move to Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton will continue to push for more diversity within Formula One when the seven-time champion moves to Ferrari next year.
Hamilton, the only Black driver in F1, said Friday at pre-season testing he was proud of the legacy he would leave with Mercedes after he and the team developed diversity initiatives together, and that it would be a priority in his work with Ferrari.
“I’m immensely proud of the work that we’ve done within Mercedes. Since 2020 we’ve made some really great strides in improving diversity within the team,” he said.
“I think we are ahead of every other team in that respect, and there’s still a huge amount of work within the whole sport. I’m speaking to (F1 chief executive) Stefano (Domenicali) constantly and looking to work more with F1.”
Hamilton won six of his seven world titles with the Mercedes team after joining in 2013. His decision to leave for Ferrari — a move he’s said will be a “childhood dream” come true — shocked the sport.
During his time at Mercedes, Hamilton set up a commission to investigate ways to improve diversity in the motorsports industry and in the STEM subjects — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Hamilton and Mercedes also jointly created the Ignite partnership, which provides financial grants to organizations that promote diversity and inclusivity in motorsports and STEM.
BRAZILIAN F1 PIONEER AND FORMER DRIVER DIES
Wilson Fittipaldi, a former Formula One driver credited with helping to improve the standard of the sport in Brazil, has died. He was 80.
The Brazilian auto racing confederation said Fittipaldi, who was known by fans as “Wilsinho” and was the older brother of two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, died Friday at a Sao Paulo hospital.
“Wilsinho left us calmly and surrounded by all the love he deserved throughout his life,” the confederation said in a statement. “He gathered talent, a vision for the future and boldness to take Brazil to a never before imagined standard (in the sport).”
The former Brabham and Copersucar (Fittipaldi Automotive) driver was hospitalized on Christmas Day, which was also his birthday, after choking on food at home.
His wife Rita Fittipaldi told local media earlier in February that the incident led to cardiac arrest and later to a tracheotomy. He was put in intensive care at the Sancta Maggiore hospital in Sao Paulo on Jan. 16.
Wilson Fittipaldi raced two seasons for Brabham (1972-1973) and one for Copersucar, a Brazil-based team he helped found (1975) and which made waves by signing his brother Emerson for the latter half of his career.
Christian Fittipaldi, one of Wilson’s children, also raced in F1 between 1992 and 1994, with his father often travelling with him to offer advice.
MLB PLAYERS UNHAPPY WITH NEW UNIFORMS
MLB’S new uniform reveal hasn’t gone very well. Now some of the rampant criticism has moved below the belt.
Major League Baseball Players Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer confirmed on Thursday the organization is relaying concerns from players to MLB about the new pants, which are somewhat see-through. The complaints are part of broader scorn for the new uniforms, which are designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics.
“I know everyone hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said. “We all liked what we had. We understand business, but I think everyone wanted to keep it the same way, for the most part, with some tweaks here or there.”
MLB officials say the new uniforms improve mobility by providing 25 per cent more stretch and also will dry 28 per cent faster. The lettering, sleeve emblems and numbering are less bulky in an attempt to make uniforms more breathable and comfortable.
PUJOLS RETURNING TO BASEBALL AS MANAGER
Albert Pujols has been hired as manager of Los Leones del Escogido, a club in the Dominican Republic professional league.
“We are honoured to have someone of Pujols’ stature and quality for our purpose of becoming champions,” Leones president Jose Miguel Bonetti said. “He has all our trust and support.”
The 44-year-old Pujols hit 703 homers, fourth most in history, over 22 major league seasons. He retired in 2022.
Pujols played 16 games for Los Leones in the winter of 2021-22 before his final major league season in St. Louis.
NOLA SIGNING GIVES ROYALS CATCHING DEPTH
The Kansas City Royals signed Austin Nola to a contract for the 2024 season on Friday, adding a veteran catcher to provide some insurance behind Salvador Perez alongside young backup Freddie Fermin.
The 34-year-old Nola was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday to make room for Gary Sanchez.
Nola appeared in 110 games for San Diego two years ago, hitting .251 with four homers and 40 RBI. But he hit just .146 with one homer and eight RBI while appearing in 52 games for the Padres last season.
The Royals have little depth at catcher behind Perez and Fermin, though outfielder MJ Melendez can play the position. The only other catchers in big league camp are non-roster invitees Logan Porter, Tyler Cropley, Sandy Leon and Rodolfo Duran.
In a corresponding move, the Royals put Kris Bubic on the 60day injured list. The left-hander underwent Tommy John surgery last April and threw his first session of spring training earlier this week.