SportsNews

Hamilton to get extensive Ferrari running in coming weeks

Published

1 year ago

January 6, 2025

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75 © Autosport.com

Lewis Hamilton is set to make his Ferrari on-track debut in just two weeks’ time, as the Scuderia adjusts to the new, more restrictive FIA regulations surrounding private testing with older machinery, Autosport understands.

Up to last season, there was no limit on how much running was allowed with two- to four-year-old cars, but the rules were tweaked for 2025 after Max Verstappen tested Red Bull’s 2022 challenger at Imola back in June last year, as his team strained to cure its RB20’s issues with kerb-riding.

Formula 1’s sporting regulations issued by the FIA last December read: “Each Competitor may complete a maximum of one thousand (1000) kilometres of TPC [Testing of Previous Cars] in each calendar year using drivers entered in the Championship, or which they intend to enter in the Championship, such distance being accumulated over a maximum of four (4) of the days allowed under Article 10.2f.”

As a consequence, Ferrari will use up its four days and 1000km of testing this month to help Hamilton acclimatise to his new team ahead of the 2025 campaign, with a maiden run on the Italian team’s home Fiorano track set to take place on 20 or 21 January depending on the weather.

The Scuderia will then move on to Barcelona later this month, with the Catalan circuit booked for at least four days. This will give the squad some wiggle room in case rain throws a spanner in the works, as it will be able to run on the most favourable three days – bringing the total up to the allowed four days of testing.

Another decision yet to be made is whether Hamilton will drive Ferrari’s SF-23 or its predecessor from 2022, the F1-75.

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75
© Autosport.com

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari F1-75, in Fiorano

Photo by: Ferrari

Team principal Frederic Vasseur previously stated that he was “not worried at all” about Hamilton’s adaptation to the Maranello-based outfit, pointing out that the record holder for world titles, grand prix wins, pole positions and podiums is no rookie.

“We know that we have a lot of procedures to assimilate during this couple of days, but he is experienced enough to do it,” the Frenchman added.

“We have the advantage to have the simulator and he will be able to do a race simulation and a qualifying simulation in the simulator, and to be fully prepared with the steering wheel and all the particularities of the car. But I am not worried about this, and it is not the biggest challenge.”

SportsNews

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SEATTLE SEAHAWKS’ PLAYERS OF NIGERIAN DESCENT ON SUPER BOWL WIN

Published

2 days ago

February 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

President Bola Tinubu congratulates players of Nigerian descent who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks routed the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy.

Players of Nigerian descent on the team’s lineup who helped achieve this victory include Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe, quarterback; Nick Emmanwori, a defensive standout; Uchenna Nwosu, a veteran linebacker; Boye Maye, a linebacker; and Olu Oluwatimi, an irrepressible offensive lineman.

The President also congratulates Michael Onwenu, who played for the other side, the New England Patriots, and is regarded as one of the most dominant offensive linemen.

President Tinubu commends all the players for the pride and honour that they have brought to their country of descent, especially Emmanwori, Nwosu, and Maye, who raised Nigeria’s flag after winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks.

The President states that these players and their accomplishments affirm Nigerians’ global reputation for excellence and talent.

President Tinubu wishes them continued success and more victories in their respective careers.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)

SportsNews

‘Powerful left winger’ – Eric Chelle names Super Eagles star he’s happy with

Published

3 days ago

February 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle is happy with how Moses Simon played, calling the Paris FC player a strong left winger.

Simon was placed lower than Ademola Lookman in the list of top wingers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and Simon only played in two matches during the tournament in Morocco.

The 30-year-old was included in the starting lineup for the group-stage match against Uganda and the third-place playoff against Egypt, with Chelle deciding to let several important players rest.

In an interview with RMC Sport’s After Foot last Friday, Chelle talked about Simon’s skills and how important he is tactically.

He said, “Moses Simon is a powerful left winger, and that’s the main thing he contributes to the team. He does well in one-on-one and two-on-two situations. In Nigeria, we usually play with a diamond.

“When we play deeper, we use a flat 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, and he usually helps us keep stability on the wing and add width to our play.

“When you play through the wings, the opposing team’s defense moves toward the center, and then you can spread the play back out to the sides using Simon, Chukwueze, or Ejuke.”

After six years at Nantes, Simon joined the capital club Paris FC last summer and signed a three-year contract.

The winger had a great beginning in the capital, making four goal contributions in his first seven games in Ligue 1.

Chelle thought about Simon’s time at the club and said that the winger started the season very well at Paris FC.

“I watched some Paris FC games at the start of the season. He began well when he got there. When he played in Nantes, the play usually focused on him. The plan was to move the ball to the sides and get Moses Simon into one-on-one situations.

“At a new club, the approach is different, and he needs to move more towards the center before getting the ball. It is a bit complicated. I am happy with what he is doing for the national team,” he said.

Moses Simon was used majorly as a substitute by Eric Chelle at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

SportsNews

2026 World Cup: Super Eagles waiting for FIFA’s decision – Iwobi

Published

1 week ago

February 6, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted they are waiting to see if the team would still play at the 2026 World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is optimistic of a potential lifeline from FIFA, after it submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Iwobi was asked by SuperSport if he would rather lift the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualify for the World Cup?

The 29-year-old, who played at the 2018 of the World Cup, replied: “I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.

“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.

“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”