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      F1 legend spots ‘good sign’ for Lewis Hamilton ahead of Canadian GP as Brit icon targets record eighth world title

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’s positivity about his upgraded car is a “good sign”, says F1 legend Damon Hill.The Silver Arrows demonstrated their best car performance in the Spanish Grand Prix, with both Hamilton and George Russell finishing on the podium.
      Hamilton finished second in the Spanish GPCredit: Alamy
      F1 Champion Damon Hill spotted a good sign for HamiltonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton, 38, finished second behind only Max Verstappen, as Red Bull showed there is still some way to go before they can be caught. 
      Mercedes brought its first major upgrade package of the season, including a new bodywork, revised floor and front suspension configuration.
      The seven-time world champion revealed it was the best he’d felt in the car for 15 months.
      F1 legend Damon Hill said: “it is a good sign” that Hamilton is positive about his car again after his public criticism of his Mercedes team this season.

      Hill said: “To hear Lewis say ‘I’m enjoying driving the car’. That’s a good sign.
      “They have gone and done what he has been pleading with them to do and they have seen some progress, so well done Lewis.”
      He added: “Mercedes showed in the race they’ve leapfrogged the threat from Aston Martin and Ferrari on a circuit.
      “I think there are encouraging signs there for Mercedes definitely”.
      Most read in Motorsport
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      There is renewed optimism that the Silver Arrows’ revised car design can help deliver them a much needed boost in the form of a victory.
      Both Hamilton and team-mate Russell managed to hold off Sergio Perez, who started 11th on the grid.
      Rivals Ferrari continued to struggle for pace, and Aston Martin were not as competitive as they have been at other circuits this season.
      This comes as Hamilton made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress made from last season.
      Speaking to the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast in March, he said: “Last year, I told them the issues related to the car.
      “Like, I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need.”
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year

      The double-podium finish at the Spanish GP will be encouraging for the 38-year-old.
      Mercedes can continue to improve for next season, where they hope to challenge for the title – which would be a record eighth for Hamilton.
      It comes after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confidently insisted he will keep leading the team until Hamilton gets his historic eighth championship.
      Read more on The Sun
      The British icon has achieved 2 podium finishes so far this season and is fourth in driver standings, 83 points behind leader Verstappen.
      And he will look to get on the podium again at the Canadian GP next week on June 18.
      Hamilton achieved their first double podium of the season at the Spanish GPCredit: Rex More

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      Sky Sports suspend two F1 commentators after sexism storm which saw female reporter fume at colleague on live TV

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      SKY SPORTS have suspended two Formula One commentators after sexist remarks made live on air.Matteo Bobbi, who spent three years as a Minardi test driver in F1, and Davide Valsecchi, an Italian former racing driver and the 2012 GP2 Series champion, have been temporarily stood down from their Italian channel by the broadcaster.
      Sky Sport Italy have suspended F1 commentators Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi for sexist remarks on airCredit: Sky Sport Italy
      From the studio Bobbi pointed to a woman behind Valsecchi, in the paddock, and called her an ‘upgrade package’Credit: Sky Sport Italy
      Co-host Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and looked fumingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
      She then read out a viewer’s comment that led to more jokingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
      It comes after comments they made during the post-race analysis of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.
      The former drivers were talking about the race when Bobbi, 45, began a sexist joke with his colleague.
      He was in the studio speaking to 36-year-old Valsecchi, who was in the paddock at trackside, when he pointed to a woman in the background and referred to her as an “upgrade package”.
      That led to Valsecchi responding: “I already know them but they told me I can’t test them. So I raise my hands.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      But their exchange on Sky Sport Italia went down like a lead balloon with the other broadcasters they were working with.
      Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and instantly produced a stern stare towards him before telling the pair to “be careful”.
      As the joke continued, she grew more furious, and that led to her adding: “Can we watch some interviews instead of these two?
      “Let’s hear from Carlos Sainz, please. I’m going to censure you two.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Masolin continued to read a viewer’s comment after the interview clip that said: “Fabio is concerned for your physical safety, Matteo and Davide.
      “Will they be safe and sound, after this gag, at the next Grand Prix. Appreciated by all their wives?”
      Bobbi responded with: “Well when I get home I’ll get a beating, probably. Sorry, Davide.”
      Valsecchi continued to joke, adding: “Well you know I’ve had eye surgery twice because I’ve been losing sight since I was a child, looking at those things.”
      Both individuals have now apologised over their comments with Valsecchi writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry, because on Sunday in the post-race I fell into an exchange of bad-tasteful jokes and used unsuitable and disrespectful words. And I’m not.
      “This is why I would like to apologise to those who felt offended, to women and to Sky. Really.”
      Bobbi also said: “After the race I was the protagonist of a joke that came out in a completely unhappy way, although it was not in my intentions I generated an unpleasant moment that made the sensitivity of some people suffer. I ended up in gravel.
      “Being anything but a disrespectful person I sincerely apologise to those who felt offended by reiterating my total and deep respect for everyone and towards women, particularly starting with the beautiful woman next to me.
      “For 10 years I have been commenting on F1 with the friends of Sky, a family now and in 10 years I had never found myself in such an unpleasant situation.

      “I’ve always thought that from mistakes you understand, learn and start again. What happened will lead me to try to improve further as a man and as a professional.”
      Now both men will be absent from the coverage for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. More

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      Why daredevil riders still flock to Isle of Man TT despite ‘world’s deadliest race’ claiming lives of 267 motorcyclists

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      WITH another rider perishing at the Isle of Man TT, the age-old question is being asked once again.Why do so many motorcyclists risk their lives every year in what has been dubbed the deadliest race in the world?
      The Isle of Man TT is known as the world’s deadliest raceCredit: Pacemaker
      Raul Torras Martinez, 40, became the latest victim this weekCredit: Facebook
      The answer from many of the competitors is that the danger is what makes the annual test of nerves so thrilling.
      This week Spanish motorcyclist Raul Torras Martinez, 40, became the 267th person to lose their life on the notorious 37.73-mile track since the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy began in 1907.
      Raul was clocking average speeds of 125 mph as he did the final lap this week, having taken part in 21 races over the past six years.
      Even though the TT is a time-trial, which means competitors are racing against the clock rather than overtaking each other on tight bends, it is incredibly perilous.
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      TV presenter Guy Martin was lucky to escape a fireball crash in 2010Credit: Documentaires Auto/Moto
      He returned to racing despite fracturing his spine and bruising both lungsCredit: Alamy
      The main hazards are the trees, lamp posts, stone walls and steep banks on the edge of the 200 bends.
      The late motorcycle champ Barry Sheene called it “a suicide mission” and the track requires great skill to get around in one piece.
      Thousands apply, but only 60 solo competitors and 30 sidecar pairings get to take on the most dangerous race in motorsport.
      Dicing with death
      Peter Hickman, 36, who holds the lap record, says: “The danger is what makes it exciting.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      The two men tussling to have the record for the most Isle of Man TT wins know the risk of the sport.
      Former bricklayer John McGuinness, 51, who shares 23 wins with Michael Dunlop, said:  “During my first race in ’96, I lost my best mate in practice. A lad named Micky Lofthouse.
      “I wanted to go home, but I decided to do the race and see what it was like.”
      It’s an adrenaline rush like no other that kept tempting him back.
      John said: “You race through villages, woodland, over a mountain, big open areas, tight twisty bits, unbelievably fast bits. 
      “I’ve done extreme sports but I cannot find anything that comes even close.”
      Robert Dunlop in 2006 with sons Michael and WilliamCredit: Pacemaker Press
      Flowers are laid at the spot where Robert Dunlop was killed during a practice race in Northern Ireland in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association
      Dunlop, 34, who equalled John’s record this week, had even more reason to quit the sport.
      His dad Robert, legendary uncle Joey and brother William all died racing motorcycles – although none in the Isle of Man TT.
      I’ve done extreme sports but I cannot find anything that comes even closeJohn McGuinness
      Michael said: “Nobody in my mind would have went through what I’ve been through and come back to do this if they didn’t love motorbikes.
      “I personally love motorbikes, it’s been my life. I’ve had a fantastic lifestyle out of it.
      Four years prior to his death in 2018 aged 32, William told The Sun, “I don’t care if I die racing” because it will be over in “an instant”.
      Backlash over ban calls
      There have been calls for the Isle of Man TT to be banned.
      But that is unlikely because the island in the middle of the Irish Sea has its own independent-minded government.
      There are no speed limits for the population of 85,000 people and the event brings in close to an estimated £30 million a year.
      The spots for deadly accidents, not including the latest fatal smash this week
      Even the relatives of those riders who have died do not wish to see brakes put on the TT.
      Leanne Harper, whose partner Dan Kneen died instantly after colliding with a tree in 2018, said: “With the experiences he had and the euphoria he felt, that feeling of being on the edge, Dan lived way more than the average 30-year-old. 
      “They know the risks, but the passion and joy overcomes that. 
      “If he was to have the same experiences again, knowing the outcome, he would probably have still raced the TT.”
      Last year six riders did not make it off the island alive, which equalled the previous worst year for fatalities.
      Tragically, they included Roger Stockton, 56, and son Bradley Stockton, 21, from Crewe in Cheshire, who died when their motorcycle and sidecar hit a wall.
      Mark Purslow,  29, from Llanon in west Wales, died during qualifying.
      His sister Hana said: “He always said that if he was going to go, that was the way he was going to go.”
      Mark perished on the notorious Ballagarey corner – which is nicknamed Ballascarey.
      There is no place more dangerous than the TTGuy Martin
      TV presenter Guy Martin lost control of his bike there at 170mph in 2010, escaping the fireball that engulfed his vehicle.
      Despite fracturing his spine and bruising both lungs Guy went back the next year.
      He said in 2012: “The reason I ride a motorbike is because of the danger and there is no place more dangerous than the TT. I like pushing myself.
      “I don’t like routines, I like to be challenged and nothing beats the buzz of going round there.”
      Safety measures
      This year extra safety measures have been introduced in the hope that less families will be deprived of loved ones.
      It includes GPS monitoring and a digital red flag system, so officials can react quickly to any problems.
      There is also a huge emergency team on hand, for the inevitable crashes.
      Isle of Man TT medical chief Dr Gareth Davies said: “We have a system whereby there are trackside medics that will be at the rider’s side within a matter of seconds.
      “And then we have three different helicopters to support the racing, three response cars, and then about five or six different ambulances.”
      There’s no way they’re not thinking about what can go wrong or happenJohn McGuinness
      But there is always a huge risk when a rider travelling at 180 mph can hit a wall at any time.
      Even a veteran like McGuinness admits to feeling nervous before heading out to face the demon track.

      He said: “We cross each other’s paths and it’s like ‘how are you doing’ but I know they’ll all be s***ing themselves.
      “We just cover it up a bit more. There’s no way they’re not thinking about what can go wrong or happen.”
      Only 60 solo competitors and 30 sidecar pairings get to take on the most dangerous race in motorsportCredit: Alamy
      Riders have to navigate a treacherous mountain course More

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      I live on the Isle of Man and saw someone die in the TT – I haven’t watched a race since, there are too many deaths

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      AN Isle of Man resident admits they haven’t watched a TT race in 45 years.That’s after witnessing a horrific death at the world-famous annual event.
      An Isle of Man resident reckons there’s too many deaths at the annual eventCredit: Pacemaker
      After witnessing a fatality on the island he’s not watched a sidecar race sinceCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      There have been 267 fatalities since the TT began in 1911Credit: Pacemaker
      There were six deaths last year aloneCredit: Pacemaker
      The Isle of Man TT draws hundreds of brave racers each year, while thousands of spectators attend to watch the action.
      However, it’s garnered a reputation as one of the most dangerous events in sport due to the amount of deaths that have occurred.
      Since the TT began in 1911, there have been 267 fatalities.
      28 of those have come since 2013’s event.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      And there were six alone last year, with Welsh rider Mark Purslow the first tragic fatality.
      Frenchman Olivier Lavorel died several months later as a sidecar passenger.
      And this year’s race has already claimed its first victim, with Spaniard Raul Torras Martinez falling off his bike on Tuesday.
      One Isle of Man resident admits people living nearby need the TT for their businesses to survive each year.
      Most read in Motorsport
      But despite organisers’ efforts, he believes the number of deaths are out of control.
      And the resident himself hasn’t watched a sidecar race after witnessing a fatal tragedy in 1978.
      Jerry Carter told The Times: “For some people it’s their make or break, especially after Covid.
      “They’ll break even for the rest of the year and then make all their profit over the TT fortnight.
      “You get to May and think, ‘Oh, the TT’s coming’. Everybody gets a buzz about it.
      “I saw a fatality in a sidecar race in 1978 and I haven’t watched a sidecar race since.
      “There are too many deaths and they need to address it. But they are addressing it.”
      DON’T CANCEL IT
      Meanwhile, another resident believes that although the TT is dangerous, it should not cancelled.
      They told Crash: “The dreadful sight of a red flag being waves makes your heart sink.
      “Although hearing of a rider’s passing never gets easier, some comfort can be given knowing that they die doing what they love.
      “The adrenaline and enjoyment of racing in the TT is addictive, and without the danger I do not believe many riders would take part.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The TT will always be a dangerous race. The riders are not forced to compete and it brings so much joy to the fans.
      “How would you feel if you were no longer able to do something you enjoyed?”
      Competitors are aware of the dangersCredit: Pacemaker
      There has already been one death this yearCredit: Pacemaker More

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      Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez and how did he die?

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      MOTORBIKE racer Raul Torras Martinez was killed in the first Supertwin race of 2023.The race has now claimed the lives of 267 people, including passengers and spectators.
      Raul Torras Martinez is the fastest ever Spaniard to lap the Supertwin TT courseCredit: Facebook
      Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez?
      Raul Torras Martinez was from Sant Hilari Sacalm in Spain.
      He was an experienced motorsport athlete, having competed in 21 races since his debut in 2017.
      Supertwin Race organisers said: “Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race.”
      At the Supertwin Race on June 6, 2023, the racer recorded his fastest ever lap of the TT course at an average speed of 125.470mph.
      Read more on motorsport
      Organisers said: “Raul was the fastest Spaniard ever to have lapped the TT course.”
      Mr Martinez had earned a total of 18 bronze replica trophies throughout his appearances at the races.
      When asked what his ambitions in road racing were, Mr Martinez said: “To have fun with the bike, and to be able to fight for a top-20 finish at the TT in a 1000cc class.”
      What happened to Raul Torras Martinez?
      Martinez was competing in the first Supertwin Race of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The TT takes place over two weeks, bringing motorcycle road racers from all around the world.
      On his final lap of the three-lap race, Martinez had an accident at the Alpine between the 16th and 17th mile markers.
      How did Raul Torras Martinez die?
      He was riding for the Optimark Racing Team when he tragically lost his life.
      Martinez fell off his bike in a horrifying crash on his final lap of the first Supertwin Race.
      His death is the first fatality at the 2023 event.
      The TT races have been running since 1907 and even rank as one of the most dangerous in motorsport.
      TT boss Gary Thompson told Sky News that riders accept the risks of the course and that more is being done to improve the safety of the course.
      He said in May 2023: “We try to manage risk much better than was done in the past.”
      Was Raul Torras Martinez married and did he have any children?
      Not much is known about Martinez’s life outside of his motorsport racing.
      However, the organisers have released a statement sending their condolences to his family and friends.

      They paid tribute to the “experienced TT competitor”, and said: “The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul’s family, friends, and loved ones.” More

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      Major Grand Prix ABANDONED after F1 U-turn in blow to Lewis Hamilton’s ‘huge dream’

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      SOUTH AFRICA’S hopes of returning to the F1 calendar have been dealt a blow due to the country’s links to Russia.Bosses at the Kyalami circuit just north of Johannesburg had hoped to take a spot on the 2024 calendar – possibly in place of the Belgian GP, which is in the final year of its contract.
      Lewis Hamilton’s ‘dream’ of racing in South Africa has suffered a blowCredit: Reuters
      However, after meeting F1 chiefs in London there is a fear from inside the sport that South Africa’s political links to Russia could see them hit with sanctions due to the country’s war with Ukraine.
      In February, a Russian flagship frigate equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles arrived in the South African port of Richards Bay.
      And last month a Russian cargo ship also arrived in the country, with questions over the consignment, with US reports alleging it collected weapons heading for Moscow.
      South Africa last held an F1 race in 1993 and the Kyalami circuit has undergone substantial investment and redevelopment but the political situation has caused F1 some concerns.
      READ MORE ON F1
      South African GP bosses are now believed to be concentrating on 2025, which could again come at the expense of the Belgian GP.
      Lewis Hamilton said ahead of the Miami GP this year that it would be a “huge dream” for him to race in Africa.
      He said: “I’ve been chatting about having a race in Miami and the next one I’ve been talking about is South Africa, that’s what I’m pushing for in the background.
      “Hopefully you’ll see that come to light soon as well. It’s a really big dream for me to race in South Africa.
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      “To race in Africa in my career is a huge, huge dream for me. I know I have a big following out there.
      “I know a lot of people are into Formula One now, so I’m pushing as hard as I can in the background and I’m going high up to make sure we have that race happen.”
      When asked by SunSport, an F1 spokesperson declined to comment on the 2024 F1 calendar.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      I’m an F1 world champion watched by millions – yet many people don’t know who I am, says Lucas Blakeley

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      LUCAS Blakeley is a Formula 1 world champion watched by millions – yet many people don’t know who he is.The Scottish-born competitor races for McLaren’s F1 Esports team and was crowned world champion last year.
      Lucas Blakeley races for McLaren’s F1 Esports team and was crowned world champion last yearCredit: Twitter
      Lucas, now in his twenties, started go-karting at seven years oldCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      He finished third in the 2021 season with Aston Martin and beat four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel in the Race of Nations Cup in 2022.
      The racing superstar most recently knocked out Mika Hakkinen and Valtteri Bottas at the 2023 Race of Champions.
      Lucas, now in his twenties, started go-karting at seven years old and was inspired by Lewis Hamilton winning the championship in 2008.
      His dream was to become an F1 driver, but he had to stop for financial reasons.
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      “That’s the harsh reality for many racing families out there,” he told the BBC.
      More than 45 million people watched at least one Esport race in 2022, according to Gfinity.
      With fans watching major competitions on Twitch, Lucas said the ‘the pressure is immense’.
      He continued: “Mentally that’s the hardest part, the results in F1 esports can change in a literal flash of an eye.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “You also learn about yourself. How do you react to pressure? How does your body respond? How does your mind respond?”
      Lucas also previously described his racing style as ‘calculated’ and commented on the rigorous training regime in Esports.
      “It’s a lot of dedication. You’ve got to be prepared to put in the hours because you can’t leave any stone unturned. The training needs to be in-depth and unrelenting,” he told McLaren.
      “The second complacency seeps in is when things start to go wrong. During the day, it involves a lot of driving.
      “You’re driving for eight, nine, 10 hours a day, sometimes more when you’re gathering data, going through video footage, or looking at telemetry. If you want to get to that point, you need to really work hard for it.”
      His dream was to become an F1 driver, but he had to stop for financial reasonsCredit: Twitter More

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      Max Verstappen laughs at George Russell blunder during chat with Lewis Hamilton after Spanish GP podium finish

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was left in stitches after hearing of George Russell’s bizarre Spanish Grand Prix blunder.The Dutchman cruised to his fifth win of the season on Sunday, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second and Russell crossing the line in third.
      Russell admitted a mid-race blunder to Verstappen in the cooldown roomCredit: Getty
      Verstappen found it hilarious
      After the race, the trio took to the cooldown room to discuss some key moments.
      And one particular comment from Russell appeared to give Verstappen the giggles.
      While most weather forecasts had threatened rain for the race, the circuit stayed dry throughout – much to the relief of all 20 drivers.
      However, at around lap 30 Russell began to worry about the weather.
      Read More on F1
      The 25-year-old informed his team that it had started to rain, but nobody else on the grid had reported it.
      A few laps later, he then admitted that it was actually SWEAT from the inside of his helmet.
      Over the Mercedes team radio, he said: “Is anyone else reporting rain? I think it’s sweat from the inside of my helmet.”
      To which somebody responded: “Sounds like it’s just you that’s reporting rain. I suspect it might be the sweat.”
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      Russell referenced the blunder in his cooldown room conversation with Verstappen.
      He admitted: “I thought it was raining at one point but it was sweat under my visor!”
      Verstappen appeared to find it hilarious as he let out a bark of laughter.
      When speaking to the press after the race, Russell explained how he got mixed-up.
      He revealed: “I had my hair dangling down in the first stint. I didn’t quite get it in my balaclava and that was sort of annoying me because it was sort of in my peripheral vision.
      “And then as I was sweating, because it wasn’t in my balaclava, it was sort of dripping down onto my face.
      “And then when I was braking, it was coming onto my visor. So with the grey clouds, and then the sort of spots of water on the visor I thought it was rain so that was a bit of an embarrassing one, but moving on…”
      Verstappen won the Spanish GP to extend his lead at the top of the championshipCredit: Getty More