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      Lewis Hamilton may never win another world championship because Mercedes star ‘no longer has the hunger’ says F1 legend

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      LEWIS HAMILTON “no longer has the hunger” and will probably miss out on a record eighth world title, claims F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart.Hamilton, 38, has just signed a two-year extension with Mercedes worth £50million but last won the crown in 2020.
      Scottish F1 icon Jackie Stewart believes the fire has stopped burning inside seven-time F1 world champion Lewis HamiltonCredit: Rex
      Hamilton already knows he has no chance of winning this year’s titleCredit: Reuters
      But Stewart fears “serious problems” are hampering his fellow Brit’s chances of being a serious contender again.
      Max Verstappen is heading for a third straight title with his dominant Red Bull team.
      And three-time world champ Stewart, 84, told Bild: “First of all, Lewis is one of the best to ever drive in Formula 1. 
      “But the truth is that in the last decade he competed with Mercedes for a team that was virtually out of competition. 
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      “During this time, Lewis only had one real competitor: his respective teammate. 
      “Lewis no longer has that hunger. Because of that – and because the car is no longer quite as powerful – he has serious problems.”
      Stewart reckons a better car is vital for Hamilton’s hopes of passing Michael Schumacher’s haul of seven titles with one more crown.
      He said: “That also depends on Mercedes. It’s not impossible, but I still don’t think he’ll be able to do it. 
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      “And I don’t think – despite the rumours about Ferrari – that he will change teams again.”
      Hamilton has achieved four podium finishes this season – in Australia, Spain, Canada and Britain.
      But he has yet to win a Grand Prix this year and his total of 164 points leaves him a distant fourth, with leader Verstappen on 364. More

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      Mark Flaherty dead – Four-time UK champion rally driver found dead aged 59 in ‘catastrophic’ tragedy

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      A CHAMPION rally car driver was found dead after a battle with depression, an inquest heard.Mark Flaherty, 59, a four-time British champion in the 90s, died in “catastrophic” circumstances on New Year’s Day, a coroner said.
      Rally car driver Mark Flaherty, pictured in 2020 at Lydden Hill Circuit, was found dead on New Year’s DayCredit: Rex
      The 59-year-old, seen here before a test drive in 2021, was a four-time British championCredit: Rex
      The ace had driven his black Land Rover defender to the Oracle shopping centre car park in Reading on January 1.
      Cops later found the motor “neatly and properly parked” with its interior “neat and in good condition”, the coroner said yesterday.
      Detective Constable Nicole Jury said Mr Flaherty parked up and took a lift to the seventh floor of the town centre building.
      The rally legend visited a spot but appeared to change his mind, before heading to a nearby All Bar One for a whiskey and water.
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      He then sat in the outdoor seating area to finish the drinks and smoked a few cigarettes, Reading Coroners’ Court heard.
      Mr Flaherty of Ascot, Berks., returned to the top of the car park and was later found dead by “highly distressed” members of the public.
      Ian Wade KC, Assistant Coroner for Berkshire, said: “There was, of course, nothing anyone could have done.”
      RALLY TRAGEDY
      Mr Flaherty was recorded as having depression in 2000 and diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in 2008, the court heard.
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      At a mental health assessment on January 17 last year, Mr Flaherty had “expressed regret over wrong decisions in life, described himself as being horrible and narcissistic, spoke of his plans to live in Spain, expressed desire to have therapy to address his various problems and his feelings of guilt.”
      He had a history of suicidal thoughts and alcohol problems, mental health nurse Godfrey Karambakuwa said.
      Mr Flaherty discharged himself from the Wokingham mental health services on February 2 last year.
      Mr Karambakuwa added: “At the time of discharge, he was going through a divorce that he reported finding stressful, though he decided that he no longer needed support.”
      The coroner concluded that Mr Flaherty had died from suicide and said what he did was “carefully thought out and deliberate”.
      He added: “There is evidence to suggest Mark was struggling with his mental health and had been for many years.
      “This action of projecting himself over the top floor of a very tall building, knowing that he would descend rapidly and calamitously, striking a hard, immovable object – there was only one outcome that was either likely or contemplated.”
      Mr Flaherty started rally racing at the age of 18 before moving into rallycross three years later.
      He made a name for himself in the 90s racing a rear-wheel drive, two-litre MKII Escort before stepping up to Supercar with the iconic Group B MG Metro 6R4.
      Mr Flaherty won two Lydden Hill Championships in 1991 and 1992, and a British Rallycross Driver of the Year award in the latter.
      These accolades were followed by two British Championship event wins the following year.
      Mr Flaherty went on to become British Rallycross Drivers Association (BDRA) champion twice.
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      He returned to racing in the 2010s after a hiatus.
      The racer will be remembered as a legend by fans after his passing, with one writing: “Thank you for the passion of rally.”
      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember, www.uk.movember.com
      Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm More

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      Michael Schumacher update as F1 pal reveals his heartbreak over legend’s health – and says ‘we lost a mega star’

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      FORMULA 1 legend Johnny Herbert said everyone has “lost out” on the absence of “mega star” Michael Schumacher since his tragic skiing accident 10 years ago.The seven-time world champion has been hidden away from the public eye ever since, as his family maintains strict privacy around his condition.
      Michael Schumacher has not been seen since his tragic accident 10 years agoCredit: AP
      Johnny Herbert says F1 lost a “mega star” in Michael Schumacher following his 2013 accidentCredit: Getty
      The 54-year-old was airlifted to hospital during a skiing trip with his son, Mick, to the French Alps in December 2013.
      But very rare updates on his health have been given in the nearly ten years that have followed.
      Speaking to CasinoSite.nl, Herbert explained the impacts of Schumacher’s absence around the track.
      He said: “We have lost a mega star of our sport who gave so much enjoyment to a lot of people.
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      “It was very sad that Mick couldn’t have his Dad around and it is sad that we as an F1 community don’t have him around the paddock.
      “It is a shame. Everyone loses out on learning about the Michael Schumacher we never saw when he was in the cockpit.”
      It is understood that even Schumacher’s close friends and family have often been left in the dark about his condition.
      But his wife, Corinna, did at least offer a rare update during his Netflix documentary in 2021.
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      As he continues to undergo rehabilitation for his life-changing injuries, Corinna revealed that Schumacher is “different, but here”.
      His son, Mick, has helped to take some of the spotlight away from his father since making his F1 World Championship debut in 2021.
      Driving for the Haas F1 Team, the then 22-year-old finished 19th overall after 22 races.
      The following year, he secured an improved 16th place finish, picking up 12 points, but is yet to compete since.
      When asked whether Mick could drive again, Herbert said: “I think Mick Schumacher is in one of those horrible F1 situations that he probably did not impress enough when he was at Haas.
      “And because of that he is damaged. And no-one is going to talk about him.”
      However, alongside his mother in the family’s Netflix documentary, an emotional Mick gave an insight into his relationship with Michael.
      He said: “I think dad and me, we would understand each other in a different way now.
      “Simply because we speak a similar language – the language of motorsport.
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      “We would have had much more to talk about and that is where my head is most of the time, thinking that would be so cool.
      “That would be it. I would give up everything just for that. Yes.”
      Very few updates have been given on Michael’s health over the past decadeCredit: Getty
      Schumacher celebrates with the trophy after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2004Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      MotoGP champ’s girlfriend breaks down in tears and is consoled after boyfriend is run over by TWO rivals in horror crash

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      THE girlfriend of a MotoGP rider who was run over by two rivals was left in tears.Reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia was leading the Catalan GP before being thrown from his bike.
      Domizia Castagnini was consoled by a member DucatiCredit: Twitter
      Francesco Bagnaia’s long-term girlfriend was in tearsCredit: Twitter
      Bagnaia was thrown from his bike at the Catalan GP
      The 26-year-old was inadvertently run over
      In frightening scenes, Bagnaia was then inadvertently run over by two of his rivals while lying on the track.
      The 26-year-old initially tried to get to his feet, before collapsing to the ground as medics rushed on to help him.
      As the scary scene unfolded, Bagnaia’s girlfriend Domizia Castagnini was in floods of tears.
      The fashion buyer and social media star was consoled by a member of Bagnaia’s team, Ducati.
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      Bagnaia and Domizia are claimed to have been together for around seven years.
      After initially receiving treatment on site, Bagnaia was taken to hospital.
      On Bagnaia’s condition, MotoGP Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte told DAZN: “Pecco has had severe polytrauma, a motorbike ran over him in the femoral and tibial area.
      “We have taken x-rays of this area and have detected a small injury that we don’t know if it is current or old.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “We need to do an urgent CAT scan and that is why we have sent him to the general hospital.
      “At cranial, thoracic and abdominal levels, he has been normal at all times. He was conscious and oriented.
      “The image we have seen is from conventional radiology, so it is difficult to be sure that there is no fracture. It is necessary to do a CAT scan.”
      Bagnaia yesterday shared a picture of himself from hospital, sat on a bed with a thumb up.
      He captioned it: “Today I can only say thanks.”
      The Moto GP star received plenty of nice comments.
      Fabio Quartararo wrote: “Forzaaaa.”
      And Luca Salvadori commented: “Now we have doubts that you have the bones of Adamantio like Wolverine!”
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      Moto GP themselves responded: “So glad to you’re relatively OK, Pecco! Get well soon, Champ!”
      Marc Marquez added prayer and bicep emojis.
      Bagnaia received treatment before being rushed to hospitalCredit: Getty
      Bagnaia thanked fans from hospital for their supportCredit: INSTAGRAM / @pecco63 More

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      Max Verstappen hits back at ‘jealous’ F1 rival Lewis Hamilton after Brit legend’s latest barb at Italian GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has suggested that Lewis Hamilton is “jealous” of his current success.The reigning Formula 1 world champion has also called Mercedes sore losers.
      Max Verstappen hit back at Lewis Hamilton’s commentsCredit: Rex
      Hamilton was accused of being ‘jealous’Credit: Alamy
      Verstappen sealed his tenth Grand Prix win in a row at Monza yesterday.
      Going into the weekend, Hamilton, 38, raised eyebrows by playing down his rival’s success.
      The seven-time world champion said: “I’m no more impressed than when Michael [Schumacher] was leading, when Sebastian [Vettel] was leading when Kimi [Raikkonen] was driving, when Fernando [Alonso] was winning – it’s just the same.
      “In my personal opinion, all my team-mates have been stronger than the team-mates Max has had – Jenson [Button], Fernando, George [Russell], Valtteri [Bottas], Nico [Rosberg].
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      “I’ve had so many. These guys have all been very, very strong, very consistent – and Max has not raced against anyone like that.”
      Since Verstappen joined Red Bull in 2016, he has been joined by Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and current team-mate Sergio Perez.
      Hamilton, meanwhile, has had to contend with world championship pedigree in Button, Alonso and Rosberg.
      The Mexican is second to Verstappen in the driver standings, but trails the Dutchman by a staggering 145 points.
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      Asked about Hamilton’s comments, Verstappen threw a verbal jab at his former title rival.
      He said: “Maybe he’s a little jealous of my current success.
      “This kind of statement… he possibly thinks he’s winning something with that, but it makes no difference to me.
      “I think Mercedes have a very hard time dealing with losing, after all these years of winning so much.
      “At some point, you have to be realistic and then you have to be able to appreciate what other teams are doing.
      You can keep shouting and screaming that what we do is not that special… you just have to deal with yourselfMax Verstappen
      “We did the same when they were dominant and we also said, ‘We have to work harder because we are not good enough’.
      “You can keep shouting and screaming that what we do is not that special… you just have to deal with yourself.”
      Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle admitted to being “surprised” by Hamilton’s comments – but reckons he was merely trying not to give Verstappen any gratification.
      Brundle, 64, said: “That’s Lewis’ opinion and he very firmly put it out there.
      “He’s not going to give Max an ounce of oxygen, or anything, to pick him up. I’m surprised just how hard he was.
      “Of course, Lewis has had strong team-mates but I wouldn’t write off the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez, who Max has had alongside him.
      “They are world-class racing drivers. Lewis just doesn’t want to give anything away, does he?”
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      “To win at the rate Lewis has done, 103 victories, and the rate Max is, and to keep the mental aspect going every week in different tracks and weather conditions, is extraordinary.
      “You can’t be anything other than incredibly impressed by what Verstappen is doing. How many points has Perez scored in that time?”
      Sergio Perez has been unable to seriously challenge Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Hamilton has had plenty of world champion team-matesCredit: Bongarts – Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton admits he was ‘totally at fault’ for Piastri crash and reveals what he said to rookie after Italian GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON apologised to Oscar Piastri for their collision during the Italian Grand Prix, insisting it was “totally my fault”.The seven-time F1 world champion, 38, clipped the Australian, 22, and forced them both off the track while trying to defend his position on lap 41 in Monza.
      Lewis Hamilton caused a crash with Oscar Piastri during the Italian Grand PrixCredit: Alamy

      Hamilton admitted the collision was his faultCredit: Getty
      Hamilton subsequently received a five-second penalty for the incident, although this did not impact his sixth-place finish.
      But Piastri, who came home 12th, suffered front-wing damage and was forced to pit for repairs.
      After the collision, he told race radio: “He [Hamilton] just turned across me under braking.”
      Following the race, Hamilton approached Piastri while the McLaren was still in his car and the pair shook hands.
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      The Brit, who finished one place behind Mercedes team-mate George Russell, then took full responsibility when addressing the media.
      He said: “It was totally my fault. It wasn’t intentional. I went over and apologised to him straight afterwards.
      “I got up alongside him and just misjudged the gap I had to the right and clipped him. It could happen at any time.
      ‘I knew shortly afterwards it must have been my fault and I wanted to make sure he knew it wasn’t intentional.
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      The crash saw Piastri pit as he fell out of the pointsCredit: Getty

      “That’s what gentlemen do.”
      Along with the five-second penalty, Hamilton also received two penalty points on his racing license.
      This takes him to four for the season – with 12 triggering a ban.
      Meanwhile, Max Verstappen sealed a record-breaking 10TH Grand Prix victory in a row in Italy.
      The Dutchman, 25, breezed to yet another win as he extended his lead in the drivers’ standings to a mammoth 145 points.
      Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez picked up second place, with Carlos Sainz third. More

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      F1 star Carlos Sainz robbed of £500k watch before he chases attackers down street and gets precious timepiece back

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      CARLOS SAINZ was robbed of his £500,000 watch just hours after his third-place finish in the Italian GP.According to reports in Italy, the Ferrari driver was targeted by thieves near the Armani hotel in Milan around 8:30pm.
      Carlos Sainz was robbed of his £500,000 watch just hours after his third-place finish in the Italian GPCredit: Rex
      However, Sainz, who was still in his Ferrari kit, chased them with members of the public, who saw the robbery take place.
      The Spanish driver managed to catch the robbers and recover the precious Richard Mille watch while police have now arrested two suspects.
      Britain’s Lando Norris had his £144,000 Richard Mille robbed from him after England’s Euro finals loss to Italy.
      But the young racer never got the watch back and a man was found not guilty of robbery.
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      Sainz’s robbery attempt came after Max Verstappen made it ten wins in a row to set a new F1 record.
      Verstappen was held up for 15 laps by Sainz, who had taken pole the previous day for the Italian team in their home race.
      At first the Dutchman locked up as he tried to squeeze past the Spaniard’s Ferrari into turn one.
      But he got the move done four corners later to move into the lead and was untroubled to the end to open up a 145-point advantage in the championship over his teammate Sergio Perez.
      Most read in Motorsport
      It was so comfortable, his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase labelled it “a stroll in the park” over the team’s radio.
      When quizzed about his landmark victory, Verstappen said: “I never would have believed that it was possible but we had to work for it today and that made it a lot more fun.
      “I was just trying to stay patient. I could see they [Ferrari] were struggling with rear tyres and I had to pick my moment.”
      Max Verstappen celebrates his winCredit: Rex More

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      Horrifying moment Moto GP world champion thrown from bike then run over by TWO rivals before he’s rushed to hospital

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      MOTO GP champion Francesco Bagnaia was rushed to hospital after being run over by TWO rivals.Bagnaia was thrown from his bike in the first lap of the Catalan GP as he led the race.
      Francesco Bagnaia was thrown from his bike in the first lap
      A rival accidentally ran over the Italian
      Bagnaia was leading the race at the time of the crash
      The defending champion received medical attention on the trackCredit: Getty
      He was taken to hospital after sustaining leg injuriesCredit: AFP
      The racer received plastering on his left hand and ankle
      Bagnaia is leading the Moto GP standingsCredit: Getty
      Within seconds he was hit by two rivals as his competitors raced past, despite their best efforts to dodge him.
      Bagnaia, 26, initially attempted to get to his feet before collapsing to the ground as medics rushed onto the track to provide assistance.
      Seconds earlier at the previous corner a collision wiped out four drivers, who seemed unharmed.
      But Bagnaia was raced to hospital after sustaining injuries to his legs.
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      MotoGP Medical Director Dr. Angel Charte provided an update on his condition.
      He told DAZN: “Pecco has had severe polytrauma, a motorbike ran over him in the femoral and tibial area. We have taken x-rays of this area and have detected a small injury that we don’t know if it is current or old.
      “We need to do an urgent CAT scan and that is why we have sent him to the general hospital.
      “At cranial, thoracic and abdominal levels, he has been normal at all times. He was conscious and oriented. The image we have seen is from conventional radiology, so it is difficult to be sure that there is no fracture. It is necessary to do a CAT scan.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Bagnaia received plastering on his left hand and left ankle following the crash.
      But he was all smiles as he sat in a wheelchair in hospital, and he is set to travel to his home in Italy.
      Bagnaia is leading the Moto GP standings by 50 points to team-mate Jorge Martin.
      He has five wins this season and will hope his injuries do not prevent him from continuing the defence of his 2022 title.
      The Italian is engaged to Domizia Castagnini after proposing to his fiancee on Christmas Eve last year. More