The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Hamilton

  • Hamilton begins ‘new chapter’ at Ferrari

    Hamilton begins ‘new chapter’ at Ferrari

    Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton took his first steps as a Ferrari driver and expressed his delight at joining the iconic team.

    The 40-year-old shocked the paddock last February when he announced that after 12 successful years with Mercedes, he was departing for Ferrari.

    “Today we start a new chapter in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together,” he said in a press release as he appeared yesterday for the first time in Maranello, the headquarters of the Scuderia.

    Wearing a long overcoat, dark suit and tie with a white shirt, Hamilton presented a chic look as he posed in front of the former home of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the famous Prancing Horse marque, according to photos released by his new team.

    Read Also: Dele Alli set to sign for Como

    Hamilton then went to the Fiorano circuit to meet team boss Frederic Vasseur, and Ferrari’s managing director Benedetto Vigna.

    At Maranello, he was also able to talk to several members of the team with whom he will be working over the coming weeks, including Riccardo Adami, who will be his track engineer.

    “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a driver, is one of those days,” said Hamilton, who will partner Charles Leclerc as they bid to deliver a first Ferrari world champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.

    “I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red.

    “I’m dedicated to bringing everything I have to deliver for the team, the wider organisation and the fans.”

    Hamilton will step inside a Ferrari F1 car for the first time tomorrow at the Fiorano circuit where he will be allowed a maximum of 1,000 kilometres with the 2022 model.

  • Cranes won’t trouble Eagles, says Hamilton

    Cranes won’t trouble Eagles, says Hamilton

    Former Nigerian manager, Paul Hamilton has said the Cranes of  Uganda do not look like a side that will trouble the Super Eagles.

    The Eagles will confront the East Africans in a friendly clash today at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.

    Hamilton said though Ugandans are expected to offer stiff challenge to the Nigerians but will not create any upset for their auspicious hosts.

    “Ugandan sides have never troubled any Nigerian side in the past and I don’t see the present crop of players posing any difficulty for the Super Eagles. Although I expect a quality challenge and a good match as well, they won’t stop Eagles from winning the friendly match.

    “The Ugandans are an unknown quantity in the continent but they’ll be helpful for the rebuilding process of the Super Eagles. The Ugandans will be too excited playing at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium than actually challenging us.

    “I think the difficult game will be the encounter against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa. Of late, South Africa have become a huge mountain to climb as well as a disturbing phenomenon. We need to put on our whole armoury to ensure we win the encounter even though it’s a friendly match.

    “The Eagles should use the clash against Uganda to express themselves as well as gain confidence to confront the South Africans,” said the former Nigerian star to supersport.com.

    The Super Eagles will be the guests of Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Sunday in an international friendly clash at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

  • Hamilton commends Eaglets over 6-1 routing of Mexico

    Hamilton commends Eaglets over 6-1 routing of Mexico

    Paul Hamilton, a former Super Falcons Head Coach, on Sunday commended the Golden Eaglets for the 6-1 humiliation of Mexico in the ongoing U-17 World Cup.

    This edition of the World Cup is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    Hamilton told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Saturday’s match witnessed a brilliant performance by the Eaglets.

    “That was a great result and a very good beginning for the U-17 team in their quest to win the cup,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Nigeria marked their 50th game at the U-17 World Cup in grand style.

    With the victory of the Golden Eaglets in the match opener, they are now on top of their group F, ahead of Sweden on goal difference.

    The former coach said that the result was expected considering the level of preparation they had been put through.

    “I believe they prepared very well and their coach is highly experienced. This is what we expect from him,’’ he said.

    “They should just keep it up so that they will go far in the competition, I have no fears, I’m impressed,’’ Hamilton added. The Golden Eaglets will face group F strong contender, Sweden, on Tuesday in Dubai.

  • Hamilton gives Eagles thumbs up

    Hamilton gives Eagles thumbs up

    Former Nigerian manager, Paul Hamilton has applauded Super Eagles for the emphatic 2-0 win against the Flames of Malawi in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Saturday.

    One goal in each half of the crucial encounter off the foot of forwards,

    Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses proved decisive to secure the 2013 AFcon winners the group ticket on 12 points as well as passage to the playoff. The Southern Africans finished the encounter with 10-man.

    Hamilton, who observed some lapses in the Eagles, said he hopes the coaches will move in quickly to correct the shortcomings prior to the final draw for the playoff.

    “It was a good game for us based on our situation prior to the game. We needed a draw to proceed to the final playoff that may have explained the cautious approach to the game as the players seem to be saving their best for the playoff as well as to avoid injury which will hamper their career at their respective clubs.

    Hamilton is still worried that the side have not been able to up the goalscoring ability insisting that goals may count in the last lap of the Brazil 2014 World Cup campaign.

    “In the playoff goals may be decisive of the side that head to Brazil 2014 World Cup.

    “It’s worrisome that we’re not scoring goals instead we are missing begging chances at goal.In the other games, Keshi must work on goalscoring.

    “Goalscoring gives teams confidence, our players must learn to continue scoring goals in every other match,” said the former Super Falcons coach.

    The Eagles will now wait for the playoff draws to be made to ascertain the side to face in the two-leg final duel en route to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

  • CHAN RETURN LEG No cause for worry – Hamilton

    CHAN RETURN LEG No cause for worry – Hamilton

    •Hails Kaduna state for massive support 

    FORMER Super Eagles handler Paul Hamilton, has described 4-1 demolition of Elephants of Cote’d Ivoire Saturday in Kaduna, as an impressive outing and an indication that the home based Eagles will do well in this year’s African Championship (CHAN)

    The Stephen Keshi tutored side according to the former Super Falcons coach did not only take the encounter seriously but also proved that they have what it takes checkmate anything on a good day.

    “They played very well and the result is good ahead of the return leg in Abidjan. The blend in the team is a good omen and it also shows that the more exposure the local players get the better for the national team,” he said

    He ruled out the possibility of turning the table in Abidjan, adding “It is only if a miracle happens, if not I don’t see the Ivoirians cancelling the result at home, no, I don’t think so”

    Kaduna state governor Alhaji Ramalan Yero ordered that the gates be thrown open to enable Nigerians cheer the Eagles to victory, a decision which Hamilton said had a good impact.

    “The decision to throw the gates open was a good idea and I commend the Kaduna state government for doing that. There is no doubt that it had a positive effect,” he submitted

    The return leg of the showdown takes place in two weeks time in Abidjan.

  • Goal scoring failed Eagles-Hamilton

    Goal scoring failed Eagles-Hamilton

     •Canvases friendly before Malawi clash

    Former Nigerian manager, Paul Hamilton has said the art of goal scoring was Super Eagles greatest undoing in Brazil.

    “The art of goal scoring failed Super Eagles against their opponents at the FIFA Confederations Cup. Unlike their Uruguayan and Spanish sides that derived pleasure in scoring goals Eagles lacked attackers who love to score.

    “We must love goal scoring so that it’ll be part and parcel of us, it’s only the side that score that eventually win an encounter at the end of the day.

    “They did their best as African champions. Of course, they’re not disgraced instead they’re the biggest gainers competing at the championship.

    “I’ll confidently rate the side very high, if I were to award marks I’ll gladly score them eight out of ten. That’s A grade, I think they deservedly earn the marks.

    “The FIFA Confederations Cup must have afforded the side lots of exposure not only to the domestic players but the entire team.

    “How I wish we would’ve two or three high grade friendly matches for the side to keep them in good shape before their last group Fifa World Cup qualifier against the Flames of Malawi,” said the former Nigerian star to supersport.com.

    The former Super Falcons manager said Stephen keshi should be encouraged to continue on the good work he is doing .

    “The positive from the Confederations Cup is evidence that we’re still learning and learning very fast, the team is taking good shape just a little touch here and there it’ll become a world beaters.

    “We’ve seen the good work of Keshi, I think it behooves on us to continue to lend our supports to him at all times,” he said.

    Eagles ended their campaign in the fiesta following two successive defeats to group opponents, Uruguay and Spain which rubbished the side’s good start against the Oceania champions, Tahiti.

  • Hamilton warns against complacency

    Ahead of Super Eagles showdown against Harambee Stars of Kenya in the World Cup qualifier, former Super Eagles and Falcons coach

    Paul Hamilton has warned the team against complacency, insisting that everything must be down to clinch the ticket to Brazil 2014.

    Hamilton, who bared his mind in a telephone chat with Sportinglife Sunday, predicted that the battle of Nairobi will not be a tea party as every team is fighting to get the much needed slot to the world Cup.

    Although Eagles are reigning champions of Africa that achievement according to Wonder Bee, should not over shadow the need to remain focused in search of more laurels.

    “This is World Cup qualifier, it neither a friendly nor an inconsequential match so there is no room for mistakes. Every team desires to be at the world cup so no team will allow you have a tea party, you just have to fight to the finish to earn the desired result,” he said adding however that the Eagles as professional led by equally experienced hand should be able to rise to the occasion.

    On whether hectic travel plans after the Mexico friendly in Houston will not affect the team, Hamilton submitted. “The coach knows what is at stake, so he should know what is good for his boys and how best to get the desired result”

  • Hamilton expecting better weekend

    Lewis Hamilton is excited at the prospect of competing in India due to the challenges drivers face at the Buddh International Circuit.

    This weekend’s Indian Grand Prix will only be the second time the Formula 1 roadshow has travelled to the Buddh International Circuit, but the track has already found its way in the Hamiton’s heart with the McLaren driver likening it to Spa-Francorchamps.

    “The circuit, is something of a revelation. Most modern tracks have a very similar feel; you find that the same driving style and rhythm suits them all. But the Buddh International Circuit is different: it has more in common with a great track like Spa than it does with any number of the more modern places we visit,” Hamilton said in a team preview.

    “And that’s because it’s got an incredible flow – basically, from Turn Four, a wide-apex right-hander that sweeps downhill, the track is just a series of fast, rolling curves which really allow you to put the car absolutely on the limit.”

    Sebastian Vettel took the race victory 12 months ago with Hamilton only seventh, but the former world champion is confident he can improve this time.

    “I didn’t have a particularly tidy weekend there last year: but I feel I’ve been driving better than ever recently – even if the results haven’t quite shown it – so I’m headed to India determined for another good result.