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      Fernando Alonso incredibly slams Lewis Hamilton as ‘LUCKY’ despite Mercedes star winning seven F1 world titles

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been “lucky” to win seven world titles, Fernando Alonso claims.Hamilton’s long-time rival still rates the Brit as an all-time great F1 driver – thanks to having “dominant cars”.
      ‘Lucky’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates second place at the Aussie GP with Fernando Alonso, who came third and believes it’s all about the ‘best cars’Credit: Getty
      Alonso reckons Michael Schumacher in the past and reigning champ Max Verstappen now were fortunate for the same reason.
      The Spaniard himself won the 2005 and 2006 crowns with Renault.
      And his feisty relationship with Hamilton appears to have cooled in recent years.
      In fact the 41-year-old Aston Martin ace is in third place, seven points clear of Hamilton’s Mercedes, in this year’s championship.
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      Hamilton, 38, is chasing his first win of the season at Baku this Sunday – but Red Bull are in control.
      Verstappen leads the table on 69 points ahead of RB team-mate Sergio Perez on 54 and Alonso on 45. 
      But Alonso believes Hamilton’s status as a legend is secure – even if he fails to land the single title needed to go one clear of Schumacher for the most ever.
      He told Marca: “I have a lot of respect for him. 
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      ‘Maybe this year we find ourselves racing together and with similar cars, in this part of the year. 
      “In Australia we were within a two-second margin the whole race and it was a very close fight (you think about it), but yes, I still think he is one of the best in history.
      “At the same time he has been lucky or has known to be in a dominant car for many years and when that happens, Schumacher won seven titles, Lewis also seven, Verstappen is on his way to third, I won two. 
      “To be champion you need the best car.” More

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      Max Verstappen pours more fuel on F1 retirement hint as £42m a year star moans ‘is this actually a good life?’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has once again hinted at a possible retirement with his latest comments. The two-time world champion has lit the fire under retirement rumours with his critical comments regarding sprint races and the ever-increasing calendar size.
      Max Verstappen has once again hinted at a possible retirementCredit: Getty
      Before topping the only Practice session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend – which was red-flagged after a car set on fire – Verstappen questioned whether the increased amount races would actually be a good thing.
      He said: “I always said that even if there won’t be any more sprint races, if we keep expanding the calendar and the whole weekend is that long, at one point you question yourself: is it worth it?
      “I do like racing. I do like winning. I know that, of course, there is the salary and everything, and you have a good life. But is it actually a good life?
      “I think sometimes you get to a point in your career where maybe you want to do other stuff.
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      “I have the contract until the end of 2028 and then we’ll review again, but I do feel that if it’s getting at one point too much, then it’s time for a change.”
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has repeatedly hinted at the possibility of a 30-race calendar being implemented by 2030.
      The current Concorde agreement between teams and F1 limits the number of races in a season to 24.
      However, with this expiring in 2025, the calendar could see expansion once again.
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      Indeed, Domenicali previously told Sky Sports: “I would say there is potential to go to 30. In terms of the interest we see all around the world.”
      Verstappen has been an outspoken critic of the new formats and ideas being thrown around.
      He blasted: “I am not a fan of it at all. When we do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes very intense and we already do a lot of races.
      “We are heading into seasons where we could have 24 or 25 races and if you then start adding more it is not worth it for me. I will not enjoy that.”
      Verstappen reportedly earns a salary of £42million-a-year. More

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      Azerbaijan GP practice SUSPENDED as F1 star’s car catches fire and smoke engulfs city street circuit

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      PRACTICE for the Azerbaijan GP has been SUSPENDED after Pierre Gasly’s car caught fire.After a four-week break drivers were finally back behind the wheel getting some practice in ahead of the qualifying session this afternoon.

      The Azerbaijan GP was suspended after Pierre Galsy’s car caught fireCredit: AP
      Lots of smoke was coming out of the carCredit: Reuters
      Gasly was able to get out unharmedCredit: AP
      However, it was abruptly stopped after the Alpine driver’s car had to pull over as smoke started to come out of the back of it.
      A red flag was immediately brought out to stop the racing.
      Gasly was able to get out of his car and get to a safe distance.
      A response team was quick to the incident and used fire extinguishers to put out the fire.
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      The fire had started 15 minutes after the start of the first practice session in Baku.
      Despite being unhurt from the fire, Gasly appeared frustrated as he made his way from the car.
      Once the track was cleared and the driver was safe, practice was able to resume.
      Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen finished the first in the session.
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      However, Gasly remained in the Alpine garage as repairs were being made to his car.
      The Frenchman has four points from the first three races this season.
      He finished ninth back-to-back at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs. More

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      Lando Norris was born into wealth with dad worth £205m, is an F1 star, but split with model Luisinha Oliveira

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      LANDO NORRIS is fast-becoming the poster boy of F1.The British-born driver, 23, was in the points at the Melbourne Grand Prix, and will be looking to add to his tally in the Drivers Championship in Azerbaijan this Sunday.
      Lando Norris was shot by Vanity Fair for a fashion magazine spreadCredit: Nick Riley Bentham/Vanity Fair
      Norris is the rising star of F1 and is tipped for more successCredit: Rex
      His talents, and boyish good looks, were recognised by fashion bible Vanity Fair, who had him front and centre of a glossy photoshoot with fellow drivers, Daniel Ricciardo, George Russell, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
      He was born in Bristol to wealthy dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca from Belgium.
      His professional life seemingly knows no bounds, although his love life suffered a set back when it was announced he had split with stunning Luisinha Oliveira – a Portuguese model who accompanied him to the Brit Awards last year.
      Idolised Valentino Rossi
      Norris was raised in South-West England, attending school in Somerset.
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      However, he left without sitting his GCSEs and later studied physics and maths with the help of a personal tutor.
      His burning desire was to follow in the footsteps of Valentino Rossi, as he developed a love of motorsport.
      But when his father took him to watch a round of the Super 1 National Kart Championships, he was hooked on four wheel racing.
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      Like many F1 drivers, a sport for the rich and famous, Norris grew up affluently.
      Dad Adam amassed a personal wealth of £205million after selling his successful pensions advising company.
      Today, he continues to build on his success with his investment group, Horatio Investments Ltd and in 2016 was 18th in the Bristol Rich List.
      Big break
      Karting was the making of Norris. In 2013, he won the CIK-FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series in the KFJ class, while, in 2014, he gained the most prestigious title, the CIK-FIA Karting World Championship in the main KF category.
      With a natural flair for winning, he followed up that success in more powerful vehicles – landing the MSA Formula championship in 2015, and the Toyota Racing Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup in 2016.
      It made McLaren take note. He signed a junior driver contract in 2017, and could scarcely believe his achievement.
      “I never knew (I could make it),” he told Autocar.
      “Even in F2, I never went ‘I’ve got this, 100 per cent, I can do this’. You always have a bit of doubt. But the biggest thing was joining McLaren, and my first test in Hungary.”
      He set the second fastest lap in the second day of testing at the Hungaroring.
      Adam Norris is Lando’s dad, who has amassed a £205million fortuneCredit: Alamy
      Like many F1 stars, Norris got his grounding in go kartingCredit: Alamy
      In 2019 Norris made his F1 debut at the Australian GP and became youngest ever British driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Two years later, he would partner Carlos Sainz Jr as a McLaren driver in the World Championship.
      Making his debut in the Australian Grand Prix, he would become Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver at 19 years, four months and four days old.
      His debut campaign, finishing eleventh, was enough to convince McLaren Norris was their future.
      Success story
      It was in 2021 where Norris really kicked on.
      At one point, it appeared he would challenge for the title after finishing fourth in the British Grand Prix.
      It moved him into third place in the drivers’ championship.
      Although he faded away in the remaining eight races, he did record four podium finishes in his first 14.
      His highest position – second at the Italian Grand Prix secured the top two positions for McLaren with Daniel Ricciardo eventually winning the race.
      Norris finished sixth in the drivers’ championship in the end, which convinced McLaren to offer him another deal.
      Last season, Norris earned four podium finishesCredit: Rex
      Norris signed a four-year contract worth £80m with McLarenCredit: Splash
      Interestingly, only Max Verstappen has a longer contract in the sport at the moment – with Norris inking a four-year contract worth a staggering £80million.
      But still, he lives frivolously.
      Free ride
      Astonishingly, for someone so wealthy Norris doesn’t actually own a car.
      As is one of the perks of the job, McLaren has loaned him several over the years.
      Speaking to Scott Mills and Chris Stark on their BBC Sounds podcast, however, he confessed his not materialistic.
      Lando said: “I don’t own many things. I’ve not really treated myself.”
      Famously, Norris lived modestly in Woking before moving in the winter to the millionaire’s playground Monte Carlo.
      “It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do, and especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill,” he revealed.
      “I still have to look after my life and things for my future so that’s why I had to make the decision.
      In 2021 Norris moved to Monte Carlo’s Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty
      Norris doesn’t own a car but is loaned his motors by McLaren
      “I went with my managers and my trainer and we had a little look around a few different apartments and stuff.
      “I was like ‘I don’t want to be in the same place as Max!’. I don’t know where Lewis is? He’s on the opposite side… I don’t know anybody else over there.
      “But I’m around that area in Fontvieille, which is a nice, quiet place.”
      Model Ex
      Norris cemented his status as F1’s rising star on the showbiz circuit – where he took the red carpet for the Brit Awards.
      Later, he would join Jamie Winstone on stage to hand out an award to pop superstar Dua Lipa.
      As he rubbed shoulders with music glitterati, alongside him stood his beautiful former girlfriend, Luisinha.
      A month earlier, he confirmed his romance with the fashion model on social media during a trip to Dubai.
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      Portuguese model Luisinha Oliveira used to date Norris
      Norris and Oliveira shared an intimate moment together on social media in 2022
      Norris and Oliveira attended the Brit Awards together – but their romance didn’t lastCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Sharing a photo of them kissing in the desert, he captioned the post “my sunshine”.
      Sadly, the pair called time on their romance at the tail-end of last year, and he is officially single. As F1’s most eligible bachelor, expect there to be plenty of takers. More

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      F1 star Fernando Alonso breaks silence on rumours he’s dating Taylor Swift ahead of Azerbaijan GP

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has avoided answering a question about whether or not he is dating Taylor Swift.The F1 driver has been linked to a romantic relationship with the popular musician following their respective splits from partners.
      Fernando Alonso is rumoured to be dating Taylor SwiftCredit: Splash
      The singer is currently on tourCredit: PA
      Alonso gave off a cheeky smile when asked about the rumoured relationshipCredit: TIKTOK – @f1
      Alonso, 41, announced his split from girlfriend Andrea Schlager earlier this month at a similar time that Swift, 33, separated from long-term partner Joe Alwyn.
      There have seen been rumours that the two are seeing each other, with Alonso fuelling the gossip with a post on TikTok.
      He also commented on the video “Feeling 33”, which is thought to be a reference to the singer’s song “22”.
      In the viral video is listening to the singer’s hit song ‘Karma’ before winking at the camera.
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      And now he has refused to comment on the rumours during an interview ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.
      A reporter said to Alonso during an interview, “I have to ask this one or I would be leaving a Blank Space but and I know it is potentially your Love Story and nobody else’s..”

      But before he could finish his question, Alonso deflected in his reply to the Grand Prix: “Obviously, no I have nothing to say. I answered already.
      “I have nothing to say. It is so complicated, the Baku format already, I am sure you have a lot of questions.”
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      He had more candidly addressed the rumours to Marca as he said: “I usually keep my personal and professional life apart.
      “I prefer not to comment on it.”
      The Aston Martin driver has earned a reputation as a bit of a playboy over the years after a number of high profile relationships.
      He has had a good start to the current F1 season as he has finished third in each of the three races so far.
      Alonso is third in the driver’s championship heading into the race in Baku this weekend. More

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      Lando Norris’ ex-girlfriend Luisinha Oliveira sizzles in lingerie as model shows F1 star what he’s missing

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      LANDO NORRIS’ ex-girlfriend Luisinha Oliveira wowed fans as she posed in lingerie on social media.The Portuguese model, 23, uploaded the snaps to her 364,000 Instagram followers.
      Luisinha Oliveira sizzled in nude lingerieCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrjIl7nufQu/
      The 23-year-old Portuguese model split from F1 star Lando Norris last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrjIl7nufQu/
      Luisinha and Norris went public with their relationship in January 2022Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrjIl7nufQu/
      Luisinha sizzled in nude coloured lingerie, promoting Italian brand Intimissimi.
      And she sent her followers wild with the snaps.
      One commented on Luisinha’s post: “Wow.”
      A second said: “You’re so beautiful.”
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      Part of another comment read: “Gorgeous always.”
      And a fourth gushed: “Inspiration for millions.”
      Luisinha and F1 driver Norris, 23, announced they were an item in January 2022 after months of speculation.
      McLaren star Norris then confirmed the pair had gone their separate ways last September.
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      Norris wrote on his Instagram story at the time: “Hello everyone.
      “After time and consideration, Luisa and myself have mutually decided to end our relationship but remain good friends.
      “I wish her the world and have so much respect for her and all she does as an amazing and strong woman with nothing but kindness.
      “Please respect our decision and respect our – but more importantly and especially her privacy moving forward.
      “Thank you for your endless support.”
      Norris announced in September that the pair had gone their separate waysCredit: Getty
      Luisinha has 364,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      She models for Portuguese modelling agency Central ModelsCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Luisinha regularly wows fans with her social media uploadsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/luisinhaoliveira99/?hl=en
      The model posts snaps of her travels from around the globeCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99 More

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      F1 star Charles Leclerc begins shock new career in music – and gets off to roaring start

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      CHARLES LECLERC has kickstarted a shock new career in music.The Ferrari F1 driver released his debut single on Tuesday titled AUS23 (1:1).
      Charles Leclerc has released a debut singleCredit: Getty
      [embedded content]
      The four-minute classical song features Leclerc, 25, playing the piano.
      And the Monegasque driver has enjoyed a fast start after venturing into the world of music.
      According to ESPN, Leclerc spent time inside the Top 10 of the Worldwide iTunes song chart following the release of his song.
      The title of the track, AUS23 (1:1) is a tribute to the Australian Grand Prix, where the song was born.
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      Leclerc did not start playing the piano until the Covid-19 pandemic, but has “fallen in love with the instrument” after spending time playing it.
      The Ferrari star said on his Spotify page: “I’m excited to share with you a piano song that I’ve been working on, born out of my passion for music and created as a way to disconnect from racing and relax in between races.
      “I’ve created this song around the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix which is why I called it AUS23 (1:1). This is the way we call the Australian Grand Prix in my Formula One team and thought it would be a nice connection to the racing world.
      “After posting a story on Instagram of me playing that piano piece I had composed, I had a lot of positive feedback from the fans that inspired me to record it, making it easier for fans to enjoy my music.
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      “My love for music has always been there, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I started playing the piano.
      “With more time at home, I decided to buy a piano and learn to play. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the instrument and find myself playing it whenever I’m at home.”
      Leclerc’s piece has earned raved reviews from fans on social media.
      One gushed on Twitter: “Tbh it’s a beautiful song.”
      Another added: “What a beautiful song. @Charles_Leclerc You should be so proud, what a masterpiece.”
      A third wrote: “This new Charles Leclerc song is fire.”
      And a fourth said: “Magic is what this song is. Thank you @Charles_Leclerc.”
      Leclerc retired from the Australian GP at the start of the month after spinning out on the very first lap on the race.
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      He has completed just one race out of three so far this season, finishing P7 in Saudi Arabia last month.
      And Leclerc will be hoping for better luck when he returns to the wheel at the Azerbaijan GP this weekend. More

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      F1 boss says he would NOT sign Lewis Hamilton for bizarre reason – before immediately contradicting himself

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      F1 BOSS Guenther Steiner has claimed he would not sign Lewis Hamilton – because the star is too old. The seven-times world champion turned 38 in January but continues to race at a high level for Mercedes.
      Popular Haas boss Guenther Steiner picked which drivers he would hypothetically want to join his teamCredit: Splash
      Haas team principal Steiner, who has became popular for his starring role in Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, was asked the hypothetical question of which driver he would take for his team.
      He rejected Hamilton for age-related reasons but appeared to contradict himself straight away as he weighed up Fernando Alonso, who is the oldest driver on the grid at 41.
      Steiner told Sky Sports: “I wouldn’t say Lewis. Because he’s getting on with age but there is another one which he is very good. 
      “This is Fernando. I mean, the guy is over 40 and, man, he knows how to drive.”
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      The Haas boss instead considered some of the younger drivers on the grid for his hypothetical choice, including Hamilton’s teammate.
      He said: “I think it will be controversial, but I can be open about it because they are not coming to drive for me anyway! That’s solved that problem of the controversy.
      “I think it would be Max [Verstappen] for sure. And either Charles [Leclerc] or George Russell.
      “I think [Verstappen], in the moment, is just a driver, which talent wise and mentally wise, is just on a peak. He’s just on top of the wave, he can do anything with a car in the moment.
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      “Everything seems to be going right for him.”
      Haas’ current line up is Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.
      The former pulled off one of the stories of last season when he took a shock pole position in Brazil while Hulkenberg has returned to a full-time drive after years on the sidelines. More