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      Lewis Hamilton piles praise on Mick Schumacher for his huge role in Mercedes’ first double podium of 2023 at Spanish GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON reserved special praise for Mick Schumacher after Mercedes secured their first double podium of the season.Following upgrades brought in prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton and team-mate George Russell were able to show off what their newly-improved car can do in Barcelona yesterday.
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both secured a place on the podium in BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Mick Schumacher has drawn praise for his contributions as reserve driverCredit: Rex
      Hamilton, 38, rolled back the years to secure second place, while Russell finished third.
      After standing on the podium with Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton made sure to give Mercedes reserve driver Schumacher a mention.
      Sir Lewis said of the German: “He did a very good job in the simulator.
      “That played a part in the fact that we were able to perform like this today.”
      READ MORE ON F1
      Prior to arriving in Barcelona on Saturday, Schumacher was back at base in Brackley working in the simulator.
      According to Bild, Mercedes have been very pleased with the 24-year-old’s contributions as reserve driver this season.
      Schumacher, son of F1 icon Michael, was let go by Haas after two seasons at the end of last year but is hoping to return to the grid in 2024.
      He endured a difficult start to life In Formula 1, with Haas possessing an uncompetitive car in his first season – before a series of unfortunate incidents in his second.
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      Haas elected to replace him with veteran Nico Hulkenberg this term, with team principal Guenther Steiner complaining at the cost of damages caused by Schumacher’s crashes.
      The Italian revealed in his book that Schumacher’s various smashes had cost the team £1.7million, before adding: “We lose a car after five minutes and now have to build another.
      “I cannot have a driver who I am not confident can take a car around safely on a slow lap. It’s just f***ing ridiculous.”
      Bristling at one particular crash that cost £550k to repair, he added: “How many people could we employ with $700,000 (£550,000)?
      “And I have to now find that money.”
      There’s no love lost between Schumacher and Guenther SteinerCredit: AFP More

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      Lewis Hamilton poses with his arm around Shakira at cocktails as newly single singer cosies up to F1 legend

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      F1 star Lewis Hamilton posed up for a photo with his arm wrapped around Shakira as the duo was pictured having cocktails last night.The Colombian singer was spotted cheering on the Mercedes driver at the Spanish Grand Prix, amid rumours they are dating.
      The pair was spotted for cocktails on SundayCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      Hamilton had his arm around ShakiraCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      The pop star was seen smiling at the Barcelona circuitCredit: Getty
      Shakira dramatically returned to Barcelona for the first time since she left to start a new life in Miami.
      The pop star was seen watching the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as Hamilton scooped second place following Max Verstappen.
      Wearing a patterned shirt, neon pink sunglasses and a white skirt, Shakira was beaming as she watched her pal on the track.
      The pair headed out for dinner later with singer Mustafa sharing snaps of the group on Instagram.
      read more on shakira
      He simply wrote in the caption: “May God protect the engineers.”
      It comes as rumours about a romance between the duo have been sparked after they were spotted on several outings.
      The singer was spotted on a boat day with Hamilton and his pals in Miami after he picked her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion late last month.
      He made sure Shakira didn’t have too far to walk as she trotted down her private dock for the day out on the open-top cruiser.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The Mercedes driver, 38, quickly climbed out of the boat to lend the newly single mum a hand as she joined the group onboard.
      Lewis later ensured she made it home safe as he dropped her back off at her plush new pad, where she counts the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Matt Damon as her neighbours.
      Shakira’s repeated rendezvous with Lewis have caused a stir since they enjoyed a dinner together at the lavish Miami restaurant Cipriani.
      Smiling at each other, Shakira appeared to join 92-time race winner Lewis and pals at his table in a short video snapped by a fan.
      But sources insist the F1 star and the “Hips Don’t Lie” are just “good friends” and there is no “romantic connection”.
      Shakira appeared in high spirits when she was seen mingling with Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix in May.
      Spanish media reported that the Mission Impossible star, 60, was “absolutely mesmerised” by the singer and had even told a close circle of friends that he felt a connection with her.
      Sources claimed that Tom was “giddy” after the chat while adding that the interactions were similar to “how he acted” when he first got with his ex-wife Katie Holmes.
      An insider told Page Six that there was “chemistry” between the pair – with Tom sending her flowers after the meeting.
      Read More on The Sun
      But Shakira reportedly shot down his advances and instead begged the actor to leave her alone and stop flirting with her.
      The global superstar is reportedly “focused on her family” rather than dating anyone at the moment.
      Hamilton scooped second place on Sunday
      The F1 star picked up Shakira from her £12 million beach mansion last monthCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      F1 Canadian Grand Prix 2023: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and schedule as Verstappen eyes fourth straight win

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was victorious at the Spanish Grand Prix and significantly increased his lead at the top of the F1 driver standings.The Dutchman claimed his fifth win out of a possible seven – with all of this season’s Grand Prix being won by team Red Bull.
      Max Verstappen celebrating winning the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: GETTY
      Lewis Hamilton finished runner-up in Barcelona, while teammate George Russell claimed third, securing a double podium finish for Mercedes.
      Sergio Perez will be hoping to claim a podium finish in Montreal after failing to do so in the last two Grand Prix.
      The Red Bull driver has Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso breathing down his neck in the driver standings.
      When is the Canadian Grand Prix?

      The Canadian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, June 18.
      The race is scheduled to begin at 7pm BST.
      The Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is the track.

      READ MORE IN F1
      What channel is the Canadian Grand Prix on and can it be live streamed?

      The Canadian Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream the race via the NOW app, which is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Canadian Grand Prix schedule
      Friday, June 16

      Practice 1 – 6.30pm – 7.30pm BST
      Practice 2 – 10pm – 11pm BST

      Saturday, June 17
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      Practice 3 – 5.30pm – 6.30pm BST
      Qualifying – 9pm – 10pm BST

      Sunday, June 18

      Grand Prix – 7pm BST

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Lewis Hamilton will hold showdown talks with Mercedes over new contract as he eyes staggering deal

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will meet Mercedes boss Toto Wolff tomorrow to thrash out terms over a new deal.SunSport understands that Mercedes have only offered Hamilton, 38, a one-year extension, taking him to the end of the 2024 season.
      Hamilton is set to hold contract talks with Mercedes on MondayCredit: Getty
      The Brit finished second in the Spanish GP on SundayCredit: Getty
      However, the seven-time world champion is eyeing up at least a two-year contract, worth around £100 million.
      Hamilton was quizzed about his future after he finished second in the Spanish GP and said: “I haven’t signed anything yet. But we’re meeting with Toto on Monday, so hopefully we can get something done.”
      When pressed by SunSport on the details of the meeting, Hamilton added: “It wasn’t a subtle hint, we’ve had so many meetings.
      “It’s just another one of the meetings we’ve been having. You can see today my result, my performance isn’t affected by that.”
      Read More on Lewis Hamilton
      Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 in a shock move from McLaren but he has won six of his seven titles with the Silver Arrows.
      Hamilton has struck up a solid relationship with boss Wolff, who is now one part in a three-way ownership of the Mercedes F1 team.
      The two both currently live in Monaco and have made it clear that they intend to commit to extending their partnership.
      There had been concerns about Hamilton’s desire to remain in F1 as he has been hamstrung in his fight for wins by Mercedes’ poor car.
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      However, he maintains that he has never lost his fight – but does admit that getting a deal signed will give him an added boost.
      He said: “It is always something at the back of mind, so once it [the contract] is done you can focus on the future.
      “But I am working as hard as I can with this team and I can see so much strength.
      “The podium was special to see the excitement with all the people I have worked with for such a long time.
      “There will be some great energy in the office but soon after that people will be back to the books and thinking about how to win the next race.
      “My hunger has never shifted. I am in a great place in my life and really happy with the team I have around me.
      “I have all my ducks in a row. All the guys are doing a fantastic job. I feel fit and healthy and that was a solid race.
      “I want to keep going but I want to be where Max is and I am super focused on getting to that point. There is a long way to go but there is still time.”

      SunSport asked Mercedes if the hold up on the deal was due to the length of the deal.
      A spokesperson said: “There are no stumbling blocks.” More

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      Shakira spotted at F1 Spanish Grand Prix as rumours swirl over relationship with Lewis Hamilton after split from Pique

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      SHAKIRA was seen beaming at the Spanish Grand Prix today as rumours swirl over her relationship with Lewis Hamilton. The popstar was among spectators cheering on her close pal Hamilton as he roared around the track.
      Shakira was spotted looking stunning as she watched the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      She showed her support for rumoured beau Lewis Hamilton on SundayCredit: Splash
      The songstress sported a huge grin as she enjoyed the racing in BarcelonaCredit: Twitter
      She stayed on the sidelines to watch him scoop second place after Max Verstappen triumphed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
      Although she didn’t don overalls and join the Mercedes pit crew, Shakira’s presence alone was enough to set tongues wagging.
      The Colombian songstress wore a funky patterned shirt, neon pink sunglasses and a white skirt, ensuring she was a glam addition to the audience at the Grand Prix.
      She has dramatically returned to Barcelona for the first time since she ditched Spain to start a new life in Miami.
      READ MORE ON SHAKIRA
      Her sons Milan, 10, and Sasha, 8, joined her for the gruelling journey before she was set to hand them over to her footballer ex Gerard Pique.
      But it seems Shakira may have killed two birds with one stone by scheduling the trip to coincide with Lewis’ F1 race.
      The alleged couple have been seen enjoying a string of cosy outings together in the wake of her messy split from Pique.
      Lewis legend showed off his chivalry when he whisked her off for a boat day with pals in Miami – by picking her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion late last month.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He made sure Shakira didn’t have too far to walk as she trotted down her private dock for the day out on the open-top cruiser.
      The Mercedes driver, 38, quickly climbed out of the boat to lend the newly single mum a hand as she joined the group onboard.
      Lewis later ensured she made it home safe as he dropped her back off at her plush new pad, where she counts the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Matt Damon as her neighbours.
      Shakira’s repeated rendezvous with Lewis have caused a stir since they enjoyed a dinner together at the lavish Miami restaurant Cipriani.
      Smiling at each other, Shakira appeared to join 92-time race winner Lewis and pals at his table in a short video snapped by a fan.
      But despite being seen hanging out with the most successful F1 driver of all time, The Sun Online understands the duo are just friends.
      Her attendance at the international racing event in recent weeks has invited a host of speculation surrounding her love life.
      Shakira appeared in high spirits when she was seen mingling with Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix in May.
      Spanish media reported that the Mission Impossible star, 60, was “absolutely mesmerised” by the singer and had even told a close circle of friends that he felt a connection with her.
      Sources claimed that Tom was “giddy” after the chat while adding that the interactions were similar to “how he acted” when he first got with his ex-wife Katie Holmes.
      An insider told Page Six that there was “chemistry” between the pair – with Tom sending her flowers after the meeting.

      But Shakira reportedly shot down his advances and instead begged the actor to leave her alone and stop flirting with her.
      The global superstar is reportedly “focused on her family” rather than dating anyone at the moment.
      Lewis picked Shakira up from the back of her Miami mansion for a boat dayCredit: RM/MEGA
      Shakira has enjoyed several outings with the F1 legend since her split from PiqueCredit: Splash
      Max Verstappen triumphed in Sunday’s Grand PrixCredit: AFP More

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      Fans love Sky Sports presenter Naomi Schiff’s ‘gorgeous’ outfit for Spanish GP as they say ‘she’s the reason I watch F1’

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      SKY SPORTS presenter Naomi Schiff was praised on social media by Formula One fans during the coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix.Schiff is a former racing driver who began her career at the young age of 16 and raced across multiple formats, including the W Series.
      Naomi Schiff earned a raft of compliments on social media
      Schiff was praised while covering the Spanish Grand Prix with Sky Sports
      Schiff was applauded for her insight as well as her outfit during the event
      Schiff appears regularly as a presenter covering the biggest events in Formula One
      Following her retirement, the 29-year-old veteran now appears as a TV presenter and has amassed more fans thanks to her motorsport knowledge.
      The Belgium-born driver also attracts a raft of compliments on a regular basis thanks to her style.
      This time Schiff appeared in a beautiful white outfit alongside her co-hosts.
      And her fans flooded social media praising her choice of outfit, and more importantly her insight.
      Read More on F1
      One fan tweeted: “Whoever decides on @NaomiSchiff’s outfits deserves a raise bcuz she always looks so good.”
      Another commented: “Naomi Schiff is probably the leading reason I watch F1 nowadays.”
      A third posted: “Can we please just take a second to appreciate @NaomiSchiff.
      “Absolutely gorgeous, knows her stuff, great role model for girls out there and a genuine nice lady!!”
      Most read in Motorsport
      This fan said: “Man, Naomi Schiff is so pretty.”
      And that one stated: “Divine as always!!”
      Schiff has also proven to be a very inspiring figure within the world of motorsport.
      Since retiring from racing, she was appointed as the diversity and inclusion ambassador for the W Series.
      Schiff has repeatedly been complimented for her styleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Schiff is a former racing driver that started competing at the age of 16Credit: Instagram / @naomischiff
      Schiff mainly competed in W Series events before her retirementCredit: Instagram / @naomischiff More

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      F1 Spanish Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Full driver standings as Max Verstappen wins GP with Lewis Hamilton finishing second

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has won the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix and extended his lead at the top of the F1 driver standings.Lewis Hamilton finishes runner-up, with teammate George Russell coming third, completing a double podium finish for Mercedes in Barcelona.

      Result: 1 Verstappen, 2 Hamilton, 3 Russell, 4 Perez, 5 Sainz, 6 Stroll, 7 Alonso, 8 Ocon, 9 Zhou, 10 Gasly, 11 Leclerc, 12 Tsunoda, 13 Piastri, 14 De Vries, 15 Hulkenberg, 16 Albon, 17 Norris, 18 Magnussen, 19 Bottas, 20 Sargeant.
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: NOW

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      Stay up to date with all the latest in our live blog…
      Red Bull gives you wins
      Max Verstappen will look to continue his world tour of Formula One wins as the calendar moves on to Canada.
      Last year he had a titanic battle with Carlos Sainz, winning the race just 0.9 seconds ahead of the Spaniard.
      The Dutchman will be looking for another win in Canada this season.
      Credit: Reuters
      Nightmare for Norris in Spain
      Lando Norris went into today’s race full of optimism following his third place on the starting grid.
      When he came together with Lewis Hamilton, they day turned into a living hell for the McLaren driver.
      Having to pit so early, Norris found himself in last position only four laps into the grand prix.
      Credit: AFP
      Dutch driver claims clean sweep in Spain
      Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix and also claimed the extra points for the fastest lap.
      The Dutchman seemed to enjoy today’s victory.
      He is now 53 points clear in the 2023 driver’s championship.
      Credit: AFP
      Credit: AP
      Spanish Grand Prix ‘driver of the day’
      Lewis Hamilton was awarded the driver of the day award.
      After starting the race fourth on the grid, Hamilton was able to improve upon it, finishing second.
      Although he would have liked to be closer to Verstappen, Hamilton put in a great shift in Spain.
      Credit: @F1
      Spanish Grand Prix top ten
      Here are the full list of drivers who got amongst the points today at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya:
      Credit: @F1
      Verstappen continues F1 dominance
      It seems his competitors have given up on catching the Dutch driver as he clocks up his 40th Formula One victory.
      He controlled the race today and was never under any pressure.
      We hear the Dutch and Austrian national anthems which are becoming a regular fixture at the podium now.
      Credit: AFP
      Mercedes step up to the plate
      It was a good day for Mercedes at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
      With Hamilton finishing second and Russell third, Mercedes pick up some much needed points.
      This is what they were aiming for, to put some pressure on the Red Bulls.
      Spanish Grand Prix results
      As Max Verstappen wins the race some 24 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second place.

      Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
      Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
      George Russell (Mercedes)
      Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
      Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

      Max Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix
      Lap 65/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      This has been another quiet day at the office for Verstappen.
      No one has really challenged him at all today.
      All of the top four drivers are on soft tyres for this final push.
      Lap 63/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Max Verstappen puts in the fastest lap of the day.
      The Red Bull is now 19 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.
      Sergio Perez is given the order to go all out in his pursuit of George Russell.
      Lap 61/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Fernando Alonso is in seventh place, only 1.1 seconds behind his teammate Lance Stroll.
      He tells his team on the comms that he is not going to overtake Stroll.
      Verstappen is shown a chequered flag for breaching track limits.
      Lap 59/66 – Verstappen leads, Russell third
      George Russell can feel Sergio Perez breathing down his neck now.
      He is only five seconds behind the Mercedes now.
      Lando Norris, who started in third position, is currently in eighteenth place.
      Not a good day for him.
      Credit: Splash
      Lap 57/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      The only thing that could throw the cat amongst the pigeons now would be some rain before the end of the race.
      Sergio Perez puts in a fastest lap as he looks to try and put pressure on George Russell.
      With under ten laps to go it seems Max Verstappen is assured another grand prix victory.
      Lap 55/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell is now 5 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton.
      Sergio Perez has clocked the fastest lap in fourth place.
      Carlos Sainz is two seconds behind the Red Bull now.
      Lap 53/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell has gone from the hunter to the hunted now.
      He holds third position with both Sainz and Perez looking to hunt him down.
      Max Verstappen takes the opportunity to pit again.
      As he re-enters the race, he still has a 16.2 second lead over Lewis Hamilton.
      Lap 51/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell is gaining a second per lap on Sergio Perez.
      He tells his team via the comms that he feels he can catch him.
      Lewis Hamilton heads into the pits as does Sergio Perez.
      Perez comes back out of the pits in fifth place.
      Lap 49/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      George Russell clocks the fastest lap once again.
      Perez, Russell and Sainz have their own mini grand prix as they battle for the final podium place.
      As it stands, Perez has a 11.2 second lead on Russell.
      Credit: EPA
      Lap 47/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Kevin Magnussen clocks the fastest lap of the day.
      Sergio Perez now moves into third as he takes George Russell.
      Only Verstappen, Hamilton and Perez have pitted only once now.
      Lap 45/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Lewis Hamilton now has a 10.2 second lead over George Russell.
      Max Verstappen keeps improving his times and extending his lead over the Mercedes cars.
      Fernando Alonso takes the chance to pit once again and comes out in ninth position.
      Lap 43/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Carlos Sainz enters the pits and comes back out in sixth.
      Charles Leclerc follows suit but re-enters the race in fourteenth place.
      Fernando Alonso now moves into fifth position.
      Lap 41/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Charles Leclerc has worked hard to move into seventh place.
      Fernando Alonso is in sixth position.
      George Russell still holds the fastest lap of the day.
      Lap 39/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Verstappen has opened up a 15.4 second lead over Hamilton.
      Russell is 9 seconds behind his Mercedes teammate.
      Sergio Perez has moved into fifth position and looking to close in on Carlos Sainz.
      Credit: Reuters
      Lap 37/66 – Verstappen leads, Russell third
      Russell is putting in some fast laps as he looks to close in on teammate Hamilton.
      His team tell him on the comms that his taking of Sainz was ‘solid work’.
      Russell cheekily replies ‘just solid work?’
      Lap 35/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
      Russell is putting some pressure on as he overtakes Sainz on the bend.
      Mercedes occupy second and third place now.
      Verstappen continues to open up his lead and having pitted can more than likely continue until the end of the race without having to pit again.
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      Max Verstappen WINS Spanish GP as Lewis Hamilton comes second in new Mercedes car in promising sign

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      MERCEDES enjoyed their best result of the season to give some hope of breaking Max Verstappen’s F1 stranglehold.The Red Bull man romped to his fifth win in the opening seven races – with all of this season’s grands prix being won by the Milton-Keynes based team.
      Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Spanish GPCredit: Reuters
      The Red Bull star cruised to a serene victory to continue his team’s dominanceCredit: AP
      But 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.
      While Verstappen was comfortably quickest here in Barcelona, Lewis Hamilton was second and George Russell was third.
      Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez was fourth, despite having started in 11th place, one spot ahead of Russell, who had clashed with Hamilton during qualifying.
      Verstappen got a good start as did Hamilton, who moved up a place when he passed Lando Norris into the first corner.
      READ MORE IN F1
      But as they squeezed into Turn Two, Norris went into the back of Hamilton’s Mercedes causing damage to his own car.
      Norris was forced to pit while the contact shuffled Hamilton out of place and allowed Lance Stroll to move into third place.
      The kerfuffle behind him was of no interest to Verstappen, who had opened up a two-second lead after only four laps.
      Despite his first-lap set back, Hamilton pulled back into third place as he went around Stroll into turn one on lap eight.
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      Lewis Hamilton’s new Mercedes showed signs of lifeCredit: AFP
      It was an encouraging weekend for Hamilton and the Silver ArrowsCredit: Getty
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year

      Russell was also making in-roads and he passed Esteban Ocon to move into fifth on lap 11.
      Early pitstops for Carlos Sainz and Stroll moved Hamilton and Russell into second and third place respectively.
      Hamilton made his pitstop at the end of lap 24 while Russell made his stop a lap later.
      Verstappen was the second to last driver to pit on lap 27, but he had built up such an advantage that when he returned to the track, he was still leading the race.
      Hamilton powered his way into second with a straight-forward overtake on Sainz into Turn One on lap 35.
      And it was not long before Russell was back into third place when he passed the Spaniard who was beginning to drop like a stone.
      It was encouraging for the Mercedes duo, although Hamilton was still 16 seconds adrift of runaway leader Verstappen while Russell was a further 10 seconds behind.
      Mercedes pitted both drivers for fresh tyres leaving them free to hunt down Verstappen, who was on the hard tyre.
      But the Red Bull man had such a lead he was again able to make his own pitstop to preserve his lead.
      In the final few laps, he came close to earning a five-second time penalty for running wide and exceeding track limits.

      Despite warnings from his race engineer to slow down and avoid a penalty, he ignored the instructions to set the fastest lap to earn the bonus point.
      He then coasted home to a comfortable 24 second lead over Hamilton and opened up a whopping 53 point lead in the championship over Perez.
      Neymar poses with singer Rosalia at the Spanish GPCredit: Getty
      Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix and Mason Mount pose with F1 chief Stefano DomenicaliCredit: Getty More