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      F1 fans celebrate as racing chiefs agree to bring back one of Lewis Hamilton’s favourite features after 12 years

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      FORMULA ONE CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed that all F1 engines will get louder again with new regulations in 2026.The 58-year-old believes the returning feature will add more emotion to the sport.
      F1 cars will be louder from 2026Credit: Getty
      Hamilton admitted he misses the loud enginesCredit: Getty
      He told Australian radio station 3AW: “The intention is to make sure in the new regulation the engine [noise] itself will be higher because that’s part of our emotion.
      “It is really what our fans want to hear and that’s the duty for us to commit to that.”
      The sound of F1 engines significantly decreased when new hybrid fuel systems were introduced in 2014.
      The current V6 models only generate 134 decibels of sound, while the old V8’s made 145.
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      The new rules for 2026 will see the V6 turbos remain in the sport, the recovery of kinetic energy will be increased, but thermal energy recovery system is expected to be removed.
      Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton previously admitted that he misses the loud engines in F1 cars.
      He said: “Do I miss the noise of the old cars? Yes.
      “If we can have clean efficient cars that make lots of noise like the old ones, then that would be pretty cool.”
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      F1 fans are thrilled about the returning feature.
      One person tweeted: “Yes please, bring it on!”
      Another added: “Please make this happen!!!”
      A third wrote: “This should be priority number one.”
      While a fourth added: “Make them super loud… the V6 is perfect for F1!” More

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      Ex-Formula 1 champ looks unrecognisable in operating theatre as he considers ‘exciting’ new career as brain surgeon

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      A FORMER Formula One world champion has set himself on the path of a stunning career change. The retired driver looked unrecognisable in medical scrubs as he joined surgeons at the Municipal Clinic in Karlsruhe, Germany.
      The former F1 world champion donned doctor’s overall’s
      The 35-year-old accepted an invitation from Head of Neurosurgery Uwe Spetzger to become a “brain surgeon for a day”.
      Special guests can be part of a once-a-month opportunity to be given an insight into the work of surgeons at the clinic.
      “I’m just looking anyway,” joked the Red Bull legend to German outlet Neueste Nachrichten during his visit.
      But Spetzger insisted “Anyone who can see Grey’s Anatomy can stand it”, before the trainees headed in to view the procedures.
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      Donning his blue overalls, the F1 icon can be revealed as Sebastian Vettel.
      For his day as a trainee, the four-time world champion was privy to two operations.
      The first was to remove a cyst caused by a brain tumour on a patient, while the second was for a broken disc from the cervical spine to be replaced with a small titanium cage.
      Vettel retired from the sport last season to spend more time with his family.
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      They can be revealed as Sebastian VettelCredit: AFP
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      However, after spending three hours in the operating room, he noticed the similarities between the work of a surgeon and a racing driver.
      He said: “You need to have confidence in yourself and your craft and enjoy your job. With that comes the accuracy and the will to get better.
      “Unfortunately, this is often underestimated. In sport, as in life, it always takes more than one person.”
      Asked whether he could take up the gig full-time, he laughed: “Of course, the craft is very, very exciting. But I would have to sit on the bench for too long and learn.”
      Despite leaving the sport behind, Vettel remains one of the most accomplished drivers to get behind the wheel in the modern era.
      And it has been announced he will soon be back in familiar territory when he gets behind the wheel of his 2011 title winning RB7 at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in a special event later this year.
      Daniel Ricciardo will also partner up with Vettel for the special event.
      The last driver to run an F1 car around the circuit, dubbed “the world’s most dangerous racetrack”, was seven-time F1 champ Michael Schumacher in 2013.
      Schumacher’s son and current Mercedes reserve driver Mick will be driving another of his father’s old cars – the Mercedes W02 – at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month.
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      F1 legend strips naked in lake to celebrate summer as fans tell Lewis Hamilton’s old team-mate ‘please stop’

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS gave Formula One fans an eyeful after stripping naked to celebrate summer. The Alfa Romeo driver took to Instagram to share how he was relaxing following the Canadian Grand Prix.
      Valtteri Bottas stripped naked as he dipped into a lakeCredit: Instagram @valtteribottas
      Bottas now drives for Alfa RomeoCredit: Getty
      However, the Finn proceeded go full monty with his look as he went for a skinny dip in a lake wearing nothing but a swimming cap.
      Reacting to the pic on Twitter, the official Mercedes account responded cheekily by saying: “Cracking shot, VB.”
      IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward remarked: “I can tell you’re a skinny dipping fan.”
      On Instagram one fan begged: “Valtteri please stop my mom uses this app.”
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      A second wrote: “Some people are going to wake up to this image 😭.”
      While a third joked: “He’s back at it again 😭.”
      Indeed, Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes team-mate has a history of shedding his clothes.
      Last year Bottas shared a post of him preparing for the Singapore Grand Prix with nothing but a reindeer hat on while sitting in a sauna.
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      Bottas also gifted Hamilton a NUDE picture of himself when they reunited at the Monaco Grand Prix last season.
      That pic, which saw Bottas bearing all in a riverbed, raised over £50,000 for charity within the first 24 hours of it being on sale.
      Bottas is no stranger to making fans do a double-take on his looks, revealing a new mullet and moustache combo in February which left fans comparing him to a “porn star”.
      He picked up a point at last weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix after a 10th place finish, but he has found points finishes more difficult to come by this season due to Alfa’s performance issues.
      He currently ranks 15th in the driver standings having scored just five points so far.

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      Lewis Hamilton parties with Kim Kardashian and Pharrell at star-studded Louis Vuitton show

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      LEWIS HAMILTON enjoyed a break from the chaos of Formula One in style.That’s by partying with Kim Kardashian and Pharrell at a star-studded Louis Vuitton show.
      Lewis Hamilton partied with Pharrell and Kim Kardashian at Paris Fashion WeekCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton looked sharp as he rocked up to the Louis Vuitton showCredit: Getty
      Pharrell wore a camouflage outfit at the eventCredit: AFP
      Kim was also wearing a camo-print outfitCredit: Getty
      Hamilton secured his second straight podium finish by coming third in Sunday’s Canadian GP.
      The Brit is starting to get the best out of his troublesome Mercedes.
      And Hamilton celebrated his success by jetting to France for Paris Fashion Week.
      England stars Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold were spotted at the A-List event yesterday.
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      But Hamilton decided to rock up with musician Pharrell and influencer Kim as they turned heads at the Louis Vuitton show.
      The F1 star looked sharp in an all-black outfit with a lighter checked jacket on top.
      Hamilton completed the look with a stunning gold chain around his neck, as well as a pair of nifty sunglasses.
      And it was surprising that anyone could even see his pals, with Pharrell and Kim both wearing camouflage outfits.
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      Rihanna turned up with partner ASAP RockyCredit: Splash
      The pregnant singer was flanked by securityCredit: Splash
      The trio weren’t the only big names at the event though.
      A pregnant Rihanna and partner ASAP Rocky looked cool as cucumbers as they strolled into the event flanked by security.
      Supermodel Naomi Campbell oozed class as she posed for snaps in a snazzy outfit.
      And Hollywood movie star Zendaya was on trend with her apparel.
      Hamilton’s appearance in Paris comes as he’s romantically linked with pop star Shakira.
      Supermodel Naomi Campbell sizzled in front of camerasCredit: Getty
      Hollywood star Zendaya was on point with her fashionCredit: Getty
      The pair were reportedly seen together at the Spanish Grand Prix.
      And they are now ready to jet off for a romantic holiday to the Caribbean.
      Shakira was married to former Spain and Barcelona star Gerard Pique.
      While Hamilton’s love life has seen him date stunners like Rita Ora and Nicole Scherzinger.
      Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham sat with NBA star Jaylen BrownCredit: Getty
      Trent Alexander-Arnold was also in attendanceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtwpyYOqJH7/ More

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      We live by former Formula 1 headquarters – now it’s turning into a holiday park, it’ll revitalise our area

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      RESIDENTS living next to a former Formula 1 headquarters have claimed plans to turn it into a holiday park will revitalise the area.Developers are bidding to construct a luxury holiday park at the deserted Leafield Technical Centre in Langley, Oxfordshire.
      The Leafield Technical Centre in Oxfordshire could be redevelopedCredit: West Oxfordshire District Council
      Caterham driver Kamui Kobayashi of Japan driving in 2014Credit: AP:Associated Press
      The former headquarters of the Caterham Formula 1 team – which raced from 2012 to 2014 – has now been targeted by developers.
      Its eerie halls have been abandoned since the Caterham team went into administration nine years ago.
      Some 51 holiday homes and eight barn-style cabins will be built on the site.
      And two loft houses will be converted from an existing building.
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      There’ll also be an indoor swimming pool, spa, outdoor hot tubs, a bar, restaurants and studio space, according to developer Cabu.
      But the application has had a mixed response, drawing 19 objection comments and 11 in support.
      Concerned locals are worried about increased traffic because of the lack of public transport.
      One neighbour said: “If this were a greenfield site, no one would believe that a sustainable development of it was possible, given its lack of sustainable connectivity.
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      “There is no reason to believe the development would be sustainable just because it is on a brownfield site.” 
      But the holiday park will be “highly attractive” and could generate millions in revenue, according to agent Clerkenwell Estates (Cotswolds) Ltd.
      It added that the park would “result in a significant betterment compared to the existing industrial built form”.
      And it’ll create 116 jobs on site once it’s open.
      “It will generate at least £2million for the local economy directly through visitor, staff and resident expenditure,” the statement added.
      If the development is given the go-ahead site preparation work could start as early as September 2023.
      It’ll take around 24 months to build and the park is expected to open from September 2025.
      The area was originally built as a radio transmission station.
      But it was redeveloped in the late 1980s and then used by British Telecom as a residential training centre for 15 years.
      From 1993 the renamed Leafield Technical Centre was expanded into an iconic specialist motorsport facility.
      Before that the site also provided the base for the also defunct Arrow and Super Aguri Formula 1 teams.
      It comes as another set of residents are furious at plans to build 100 new homes on their doorstep, saying: “It will be just horrible.”
      Fed-up locals fear they will be bombarded with deafening noise, and insisted they cannot take on anymore people.
      Meanwhile, Wales could become home to a £250m holiday resort featuring forest lodges, zip wires, and canyoning experiences.
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      Work is underway to build a lavish holiday park in the Afan Valley in Wales.
      The holiday park will sprawl across the former headquartersCredit: CABU/ West Oxfordshire District Council
      Some 51 holiday cabins could be built on the siteCredit: CABU/ West Oxfordshire District Council More

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      Mick Schumacher to drive dad Michael’s Mercedes in emotional event as F1 star looks forward to ‘spectacular’ ride

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      THE Schumacher name will return to the seat of a Mercedes after it was announced Mick Schumacher will drive his father’s old Formula One car.Michael Schumacher made a U-turn on his retirement by joining the Silver Arrows from 2010 until 2012.
      Mick Schumacher will drive his father’s old F1 car at the Goodwood Festival of SpeedCredit: Rex
      Michael Schumacher drove the W02 in 2011Credit: PA:Press Association
      Schumacher raced against Lewis Hamilton, left, in the W02Credit: PA:Press Association
      The car he drove in 2011 – the W02 – is set to return to the track at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
      And it has now been announced by Mercedes that reserve driver Mick will be in attendance at the event for the first time.
      On the chance to drive the car once raced in by his father, he said: “It’s going to be spectacular to run in my dad’s 2011 car, the W02, even if it is only a short run.
      “Just experiencing this generation of cars will be mega. Knowing that he raced this car makes it extra special, and there will be many emotions coming with it.
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      “I have been lucky enough to drive one of his Benetton cars and some of the Ferraris he raced.
      “But this will be the first time behind the wheel of a Mercedes he drove. I am sure I will get out of it with a big smile on my face.”
      Schumacher, 24, lost his place with Haas on the F1 grid last season after scoring just 12 points.
      He drew praise from Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for his work in helping to prepare Mercedes before their first double-podium of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix.
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      And he will likely be in the simulator a lot in coming weeks as Mercedes prepare to bring two new upgrades, including a “big one” at Silverstone.
      The W02 was the second car designed and built by the Brackley-based constructor following their buyout of Brawn – who won the Constructors’ title in 2009 with Jenson Button winning the drivers’ title.
      It was a regular points scorer en route to a fourth-placed finish in the constructors’ standings that season, with Schumacher scoring 76 points and 2016 champion Nico Rosberg 89.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Inside Christian Horner’s country pile that Red Bull F1 boss shares with Spice Girl Geri and three miniature donkeys

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      RED BULL chief Christian Horner is used to living life in the fast lane working in F1.But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner lives a life of luxury in the countryCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      He shares TWO stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
      The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
      For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of the F1 circuit.
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      Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
      “Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.
      “The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”
      Certainly, it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
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      Horner, who last year celebrated Max Verstappen regaining the F1 Championship, is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 6.
      He also has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Christian has been spied alongside his boy riding matching John Deere tractors.
      He’s also been seen standing with his vintage Aston Martin DB5, which was Sean Connery’s car of choice as James Bond in Goldfinger.
      F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Son Montague and dad have matching John Deere tractorsCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      An Aston Martin DB5 sits proudly in Horner’s garage
      Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri shows off the home’s swimming poolCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri appears happy to play the role of housewife, often sharing photos in the kitchen rustling up treats.
      A budding chef, she has shown off her baking skills by crafting cakes using a customised Ginger Spice KitchenAid mixer, which Christian had specially designed for her.
      And with four separate ovens to choose from with the AGA range the kitchen boasts, she has plenty of space for her other favourite pastime – making bread.
      You can bet, Christian, who also loves using the outdoor barbecue, and the kids are well fed in the Horner household with Geri’s production line of cakes and bread.
      Geri is often spied in the kitchen and loves bakingCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Christian shows off his grilling skills with the outdoor barbecueCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
      Christian and Geri have a number of reception rooms to entertain from.
      However, the most popular one appears to be where a £16,000 original Wurlitzer can be found.
      When she celebrated her 45th birthday, Geri posted a video online singing along to Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean while thanking Christian for the music, which suggested it was a gift for her.
      Another living room shows off a stunning chandelier, as well as a marble fireplace.
      A £16,000 vintage Wurlitzer can be seen in a reception room, which was a gift from Christian for Geri’s 45th birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The Oxfordshire property boasts several reception roomsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      A spacious dining room was seen when Montague celebrated his birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The glam couple also have a bar space in their propertyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The family love taking advantage of the huge grounds on offer at their farmhouse.
      And why not when you’ve got an incredible duck pond so big you can go boating on it.
      Horner and Geri can even take their dogs for a walk around the expansive gardens.
      The pair have even been seen zooming around on a quad bike, as well as picking raspberries in the garden with Montague.
      Miniature donkeys live in the stables
      The grounds are vast on the Horner’s Oxfordshire plot
      The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Geri picks raspberries with Montague in their lush gardenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The duck pond on the property has its own boat
      Christian and Geri live the country life away from the racing circuitCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Of course, no farm would be complete without animals either.
      And Christian and Geri boast three miniature donkeys that are housed in the stables, as well as some goats.
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      The singer often shares videos online when it’s feeding time.
      Clearly, you can forget the fancy racing circuit of heading to places like Dubai or Monte Carlo. A farmhouse is where it’s at. More

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      People are just noticing Lewis Hamilton’s bizarre steering wheel technique as F1 mechanic gives explanation

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      FORMULA ONE fans have just noticed Lewis Hamilton’s bizarre steering wheel technique.And a Mercedes mechanic even felt the need to give an explanation.
      Hamilton has a unique technique at the start of racesCredit: Getty
      Mercedes mechanics have explained why Lewis Hamilton holds the steering wheel the way he does at the start of every raceCredit: https://twitter.com/ahmed_baokbah/status/1671788678056751104?s=20
      Most drivers grip their steering wheels with one hand either side, holding onto the handles.
      But eagle-eyed fans on Twitter have noticed that Hamilton does thing differently.
      In a clip, seven-time World Champion Lewis is seen with his left hand OVER the wheel.
      An F1 enthusiast on Twitter said: “I don’t think much has been said about this, but Hamilton’s first lap gear shift holding arrangements are unique.
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      “No other driver adopts this position – not even his team-mate.”
      In response to the tweet, fans who were given a tour of the Mercedes pit showed a video where his unconventional grip is explained.
      The mechanic says: “Do you know why Lewis starts like that?
      “Why? What do you think?
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      “Is he showing you something? Or is he holding [the lower gear paddle] so he can’t go down a gear.
      “If you put your hand there, you can’t go down a gear.”
      Hamilton uses this grip only at the start of races, where shifting up the gears is vital – he then returns to a conventional set-up.
      Hamilton is the only driver currently using this grip, and it is apparently because he favours a much thinner shift paddle compared to other drivers.
      It is a recent change in technique for Hamilton, with the driver only adopting the grip during the 2020/21 season.
      Hamilton placed third in Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix behind Fernando Alonso in second and Max Verstappen in first.
      Verstappen is running away with the drivers championship, sitting 69 points ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez.
      His win in Canada saw him match Ayrton Senna’s 41 race wins. More