Speaking up

Lewis Hamilton will keep speaking out on issues that are close to his heart.

Governing body the FIA in December updated its International Sporting Code to require prior written permission for drivers to make or display "political, religious and personal statements or comments" during race weekends.

The crackdown was condemned by most drivers. It led to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali saying drivers won't be gagged and prompted the FIA to backtrack somewhat by saying drivers are free to express themselves outside of competition on their own platforms or in media interviews, and when directly asked questions in news conferences.

But the FIA insists the sport must remain neutral, and potential sanctions range from fines, a grid drop, time penalty or — worst-case scenario — suspension.

Hamilton is confident Mercedes and F1 won't let him and other drivers down.

"I know the team is in constant communication with the FIA and it's been really positive to see Stefano (Domenicali) and Formula 1 stepping up and supporting us," said Hamilton, the only black driver in F1.

Alonso bullish

Fernando Alonso is still confident in his ability to win a third world title even though he's 41 years old. He joined Aston Martin after an acrimonious split with Alpine and the Spaniard likes what he's seen so far.

"At Aston Martin for sure there is this energy and trying to become a contender for the future," he said. "New factory coming together will be ready, new wind tunnel, a lot of investment. They look pretty good."

New faces

The 21-year-old Australian Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 22-year-old American Logan Sargeant and Nyck De Vries (AlphaTauri) are the new faces.

De Vries raced once last season and impressed with ninth place at the Italian Grand Prix when he stepped in for Alex Albon when he had appendicitis.

"I'm getting the opportunity to live my dream," the 28-year-old De Vries said.

F2 champion Felipe Drugovich could replace Lance Stroll for Aston Martin in Bahrain if Stroll fails to recover from a wrist injury sustained in a bicycle accident.

There's also a rumor that Aston Martin could recall Sebastian Vettel as a one-off. The four-time F1 champion retired last season.

Alonso and Vettel — former title rivals in the same team — would add spice, even for only one race.

Agencies Via Xinhua