F1 LIVE: Rosberg makes bold Hamilton title prediction as Horner jumps to Verstappen’s aid

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Max Verstappen needs to ‘take good care’ of Adrian Newey if he is to continue dominating the sport.

Discussing whether or not he can eclipse the likes of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton in his career, Ralf told Sky Germany: “In terms of age and talent, definitely.

“One question is, does he want to continue driving for so long? And the other: does he always have such a good car?

“Next year, I think that will be the case. He has to take good care of Adrian Newey so that it continues like this."

Mick Schumacher has been confirmed as a World Endurance Championship driver for Alpine for the 2024 season.

The German driver is one of six to have been selected for the Alpine project as the French team takes its first steps into the Hypercar class.

Discussing the opportunity, Schumacher said: "A new chapter is beginning for me with Alpine in the FIA WEC Hypercar category. The car is impressive, and I can't wait to get started.

“I've grown up with single-seaters, so driving a car with a closed cockpit and covered wheels is a great opportunity to hone my driving skills. I sorely missed racing this year; it's what I've loved to do since I was a kid, and it was sometimes difficult to watch the other drivers take to the track. Endurance racing is a new challenge for me, and I'm sure we will share great moments together next year with Alpine."

Read more about the story here…

Christian Horner has defended Max Verstappen after the reigning world champion was heavily criticised for his comments in Las Vegas.

“It was a great grand prix, and Max would have thoroughly enjoyed that race because that’s what he loves, that’s what he’s here for,” Horner explained.

“The fact he won it in an Elvis Presley suit. was singing ‘Viva Las Vegas’ on the in-lap… you have to respect the fact that some of the razzmatazz that goes around Formula One, doesn’t sit comfortably with him.

“It’s quite refreshing that he’s actually prepared to speak out and give an honest opinion. He also reflects that it’s an important event for Formula 1, and the race and the way it delivered, you could certainly see was something he enjoyed.”

Nico Rosberg has tipped for Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to bounce back and compete for the Drivers’ Championship title in 2024.

Asked by the Daily Mail whether or not he believes Mercedes and Hamilton can fight Red Bull next season, he replied: "I believe in Mercedes' ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It's always still the same people.

"So certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year."

Then asked whether or not he’d be happy to see Hamilton win his eighth title, Rosberg said: “I would be happy if Mercedes won because that's kind of my racing family from the past. But then Lewis, I'm neutral there.

"I just would like a great fight for the championship, and may the best driver win. But I'm not biased in that sense, obviously."

Good morning and welcome to Express Sport's rolling F1 live coverage.

With the season finale in Abu Dhabi fast approaching, we are on hand to keep you up to date with all of the latest build-up, as well as the final reactions from an eye-catching weekend in Las Vegas.