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      Lewis Hamilton car problems set to continue with Mercedes improvements not coming for another MONTH

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      MERCEDES will not bring in a major package of improvements until May meaning Lewis Hamilton’s car woes look set to continue. The seven-times world champion has been vocal about issues he has with this year’s car which appear miles off Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
      Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso managed to emerge on the podium in an Australian Grand Prix full of incidentCredit: Rex
      While Mercedes have dealt with the porpoising problems that afflicted it last year, the car has still been short on pace.
      Positive signs emerged at the weekend’s Australian Grand Prix with fellow Mercedes driver George Russell able to fend off Verstappen for the lead at the beginning of the Grand Prix.
      But once the race restarted following the first of three red flags and the young Brit’s car broke down, it was left to Hamilton to keep up the fight.
      He had to watch in vain as Verstappen stormed past him and proceeded to open up another huge lead at the front.
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      Hamilton will have to wait for a major package of upgrades until May’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the Times has confirmed.
      The new cost cap means that teams have to upgrade more carefully than before, with Mercedes planning for the race on the infamous Imola circuit to bring in sweeping changes to their struggling car.
      That race and the next few after should give fans an idea of whether Hamilton and Russell can challenge Red Bull or if Verstappen might waltz to a third Driver’s Championship.
      Elsewhere, the problems seem even more stark at Ferrari who have been largely uncompetitive in the opening three races of the season.
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      While Aston Martin continue to impress with Fernando Alonso the only man apart from Verstappen to feature on the podium in all three races.
      The Spaniard, Hamilton and Verstappen had to tiptoe through a dramatic race in Australia that left many questioning decisions from race directors again.
      Two red flags came after crashes for Williams driver Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen of Haas.
      But chaos reigned on the second restart as Alonso got tagged by Carlos Sainz, Logan Sargeant hit the back of Nyck de Vries and the Alpine drivers crashed into each other.
      Following the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix, F1 now has a mini-break until the next race at the end of the month in Azerbaijan.

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

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      Ben Hunt: Cracks starting to appear between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell – they’ve just been lost in the F1 drama

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      ARE the cracks starting to form in the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell?I am starting to sense that there is a little bit of needle developing between the two Mercedes drivers, which has largely gone unnoticed during the FIA’s operational cock-ups in Saudi Arabia and Australia.
      Cracks are starting to form between Lewis Hamilton and George RussellCredit: Splash
      In those last two races, we have been left tucking into what has gone wrong (again) in Race Control, which has seen some of Russell’s behaviour bumped out of the spotlight.
      To re-cap. Russell snapped back at Hamilton’s claim that he’d benefited from taking a different car set-up in Bahrain, saying “I don’t think there’s any luck in it at all, I think it’s down to the preparation you put in before the event…I believed it was going to be better than the set-up that Lewis opted for.”
      And then during the race in Melbourne, Russell came on the team’s radio when leading and being followed closely by Hamilton and said: “You’re asking me to manage and I’m being attacked by my team-mate!”
      And then, after he had retired with an engine problem, it was interesting to note Russell say he felt he could have won the race, despite Max Verstappen’s pace, because “it would have been difficult to pass, especially with Lewis between the two of us”.
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      Russell is doing nothing wrong here, but it is worth noting the language he is using.
      It is evident that he is increasing in confidence to now challenge Mercedes’ decisions and speak his mind.
      It is a contrast to when he first arrived at the team last season after driving on-loan at Williams.
      There is the distinct feeling that in the shadow of Merc’s struggles, Russell, 25, was able to establish himself within the team while Hamilton played the role of the sacrificial lamb as he tested out theories on how to cure the porpoising.
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      The upshot this year is that with a season under his belt, and let’s also remember Merc’s only victory in 2022, Russell senses now is his time to stand apart from Hamilton.
      Team-mate rivalries in F1 are nothing new of course and Hamilton has a line of them – Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg being the most contentious.
      However, unlike the other two where he was the up-coming youngster at McLaren, or at least on a par with Rosberg, there is no denying that Russell is the future for Mercedes.
      Unlike Hamilton, he also has a long-term deal with the Silver Arrows. He has also out-qualified his teammate in all three races this season.
      His confidence is growing, and the longer that continues, the more problems it could cause for Hamilton.
      RACE TALKS
      Talks are set to be held over the end of the Australian GPCredit: Splash
      THE FIA and F1 are set to discuss Sunday’s ridiculous end to the Australian GP.
      The race stewards want the sport to reassess the rulebook in relation to standing starts after the chaos in Melbourne.
      There were debates over all three red flags and the subsequent start procedures and the stewards.
      The stewards are concerned about the carnage caused by the slow-moving cars making their way to the grid behind the safety car.
      As cars slowed, there was a notable traffic jam, with some drivers forced to take action to avoid clattering into the rear of other cars.
      CHANGE TRACKS
      Zak Brown challenged Toto Wolff to a boxing matchCredit: Getty
      ZAK BROWN was buzzing after McLaren scored some much-needed points – so much so that in the heat of the moment he challenged Christian Horner to a car race at Silverstone – and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to a boxing match in Las Vegas!
      He said: “When we go Vegas, what’s Vegas known for? [A] Little boxing match? I’m ready!”
      SAFETY FIRST
      A fan was hurt during the Australian GPCredit: Alamy
      A timely reminder that motorsport is dangerous – even to spectators.
      One fan suffered an injury when a piece of bodywork flew off Kevin Magnussen’s Haas and sliced his arm.
      Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott said: “Coincidentally we had one of our engineering staff there who saw it. It would appear that debris from the wheel hub has shot 20 metres in the air and landed down and lacerated a gentleman’s arm.
      “Our people were aware of the incident. It looks as if it was a freak one-off.”
      FEELING ROSS-EY
      Marco Bezzecchi won his first MotoGP in ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      MARCO BEZZECCHI thanked mentor Valentino Rossi after taking his maiden MotoGP win in Argentina.
      The Italian won in tricky conditions for his, and the Mooney VR46 Racing team’s first victory and he now tops the championship standings.
      He said: “I am happy, more for the team because without them, Vale and the Academy, it would be probably impossible to arrive here.
      “My family made sacrifices and we spent a lot of time around the world in the beginning, so they put in a lot of effort to realise my dream.
      “The same for Vale, he is my idol and still is, since when I was young, I started because of him. So to meet him, become his friend and his rider, to win a MotoGP race, it’s incredible.”
      QUICK SNIP
      British GP is keen to help charity The Lions Barber CollectiveCredit: Getty
      THE British GT series promises to be the smartest in motorsport after men’s mental health charity, The Lions Barber Collective promised free haircuts during race weekends.
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      The Lions Barber Collective are teaming up with FastR and seeking to raise awareness of male mental health at every British GT round.
      The group of barbers are trained to recognise, ask and listen for signs of depression with their clients, and will cut hair during race weekends. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s pal Jean Todt shares rare insight on F1 legend as he says ‘no one knows what he’s really like’

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s friend has insisted “no one knows” the former F1 champ’s situation even if they claim to.The racing legend has not been seen in public since suffering a near-fatal brain injury when skiing in the French Alps a decade ago.
      Jean Todt is one of the only confidants of Schumacher’s familyCredit: Reuters
      Schumacher and wife Corinna pose in winter resort of Madonna di Campiglio in Italy in 2005Credit: AFP
      Schumacher’s state of health has also been shrouded in secrecy since his horrific accident.
      His wife Corinna has overseen the effort to ensure his wish for privacy is respected as he continues to recover from the ski crash.
      Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma and since being brought out of it has been cared for at the family’s Lake Geneva home.
      One of the few people allowed to visit Schumacher is Jean Todt, who was the boss at Ferrari during Schumacher’s dominance with the team.

      Todt has now called for Schumacher’s family to be given privacy as he acknowledged the heartbreaking consequences of his accident.
      He told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera: “Let’s leave him alone.
      “We respect the privacy wishes of Corinna and her children, although we know of course that the accident had consequences.
      “But anyone who says he knows something, knows nothing. 
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      “I always go to see him. He and his family are my family.”
      It comes after ex-F1 boss Eddie Jordan said Schumacher’s beloved wife has been “like a prisoner” as she tirelessly fights to keep his health a secret.
      Eddie – who gave Schumacher his big break in F1 with Jordan Grand Prix back in 1991 – said the constant battle and pressure has left Corinna almost like a “prisoner”.
      Not long after Michael’s crash, Eddie was refused a visit by Corinna to see his friend – a move he said he fully understands and backs amid the intense interest surrounding the stricken ace.
      Eddie told The Sun: “This was the most horrific situation for Mick and Corinna.
      “It’s been nearly ten years now and Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that, she’s like a prisoner because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn’t need reminding of it every minute.”
      Corinna is understood to have imposed a “family only” rule on visits with Michael.
      And one of the only people outside their immediate circle who is allowed to visit him is F1 chief and ex-Ferrari boss Todt.
      Michael was left in a medically induced coma after his accident while skiing off piste on December 29, 2013 – spending months in hospital before being released home.
      He is reported to have suffered a traumatic injury to his brain – but little other info has been released on his health.
      The lack of official updates has left room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
      Some have claimed he was in a vegetative state while others claimed he was awake and able to talk.
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      The F1 legend was a seven-time-world champion – winning five times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton – and is regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
      He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012, winning 91 races. More

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      Who is Fernando Alonso’s ex-girlfriend Andrea Schlager?

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      FERNANDO ALONSO was previously in a relationship with Austrian TV personality Andrea Schlager.Alonso is a two-time F1 world champion, winning the campaign in both 2005 and 2006.
      Fernando Alonso celebrating during his time at Renault.Credit: Getty
      He won both of his championships with Renault before joining Mclaren and Ferrari in unsuccessful stints.
      Alonso had a break from F1 for two years after he “didn’t feel supported,” however, the superstar is now back in the driving seat with Aston Martin.
      Who is Fernando Alonso’s ex-girlfriend Andrea Schlager?
      Andrea Schlager is a journalist and TV presenter. She is also the brand ambassador of a sports car brand called Cupra.
      She mainly focuses on F1, MotoGP, and tennis.

      Alonso met Schlager in the F1 sports paddock.
      “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended,” Alonso said in a statement.
      “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
      “As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
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      “We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea.”
      Who has Fernando Alonso previously dated?

      Fernando Alonso was previously married to Raquel del Rosario (2006 – 2011).
      Fernando Alonso was also engaged to Lara Alvarez (2015-2016).
      Fernando Alonso has also previously been in relationships with Carolina Costa (2004 – 2005), Dasha Kapustina (2012 – 2014), and most recently Linda Morselli (2016 – 2021).

      Does Fernando Alonso have any kids?
      Despite Fernando Alonso’s collection of relationships, the Spaniard does not have any children.
      He said in 2018 that his dedication to the sport left him with “no friends, no family, no free time, no privacy, no wife and no kids.” More

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      F1 star Fernando Alonso splits from long-term partner Andrea Schlager as he gives heartbreaking Instagram update

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      FORMULA ONE icon Fernando Alonso has announced his split from long-term partner Andrea Schlager.The Spaniard shared the news on Instagram just hours after his podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
      Alonso has announced his split from long-term partner Schlager
      The couple had met through F1Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cizao8EAP7M/
      In a statement, he wrote: “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended. 
      “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
      “As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
      “We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea.”
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      Schlager, a sports commentator known for her work in F1 and MotoGP, met Alonso through her F1 commitments.
      The couple enjoyed a private relationship for the most part before going their separate ways.
      Alonso is currently enjoying a very successful season in F1 with new team Aston Martin.
      Following Sunday’s chaotic Australian GP – where he finish third – the Spaniard now sits third in the Drivers Championship standings behind Red Bull duo Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
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      Alonso finished third in the Australian GPCredit: Getty
      After the race – which saw just 12 drivers finish – Alonso made a tongue-in-cheek joke at Perez’s expense as it was the first time this year that a car other than a Red Bull had finished ahead of him.
      That car was Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.
      Alonso said: “No more three Red Bulls on the podium, if Checo was here.
      “But no, I think Mercedes were also strong in Jeddah, to be honest. I think all race on Sunday, I was within one-tenth of George [Russell], you know, fighting to get this extra five seconds or whatever at the end. So it was very, very close.”
      He added: “It seems that qualifying is quite important now, because the race pace is very similar.
      “I think now we enter a part of the season that is going to be very interesting, which team is developing their car faster.
      “In the first three races away from Europe, it is difficult to bring upgrades and things like that.
      “But, from now on, maybe we’ll see the level of the teams changing a little bit race by race, depending on who brings an upgrade that is good enough.” More

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      Carlos Sainz channels his inner-Jose Mourinho as he vents ‘I prefer not to speak’ after F1 star’s Australian GP penalty

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      CARLOS SAINZ kept his lips sealed as he raged over a controversial penalty at the Australian GP.The Ferrari driver was handed a five second sanction for causing a collision with with Fernando Alonso.
      Carlos Sainz finished this weekends action in fifth place in the 2023 standings
      Sainz caught the right-rear tyre of the Aston Martin driver, causing him to spin out and end up at the back of the field.
      Sainz crossed the line in 4th place, but his penalty pushed him out of the points.
      The Spaniard wasn’t happy with the decision, but took a familiar approach to discussing it with the media, drawing inspiration from Jose Mourinho.
      The former Chelsea boss was famed for saying “I prefer not to speak” in a post match interview when asked about a decision that went against the Blues.
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      Sainz’s post-race interview echoed the Portuguese football manager’s as he didn’t want to comment on the decision.
      “I prefer not to talk right now…I’m going to say bad things”Carlos Sainz says he received the ‘most unfair penalty’ he has ever seen pic.twitter.com/K6GNOFEV97— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) April 2, 2023

      Speaking to Sky Sports he said: “I prefer not to talk right now honestly. I am too disappointed, I am going to say bad things and it is the most unfair penalty I have seen in my life.
      “I’d prefer to go to the stewards now, have a conversation with them and then come back and talk to you guys because right now I cannot do it.”
      The 28-year-old was furious when he found out about the penalty in his cockpit and could be heard venting his frustrations.
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      He said: “No, it cannot be. Do I deserve to be out of the points? No.”
      The race saw Max Verstappen finish first extending his lead in the 2023 standings to 15 points.
      Lewis Hamilton finished just behind the Dutchman, taking second, with Fernando Alonso in third. More

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      McLaren F1 chief Zak Brown calls out Mercedes boss Toto Wolff for Las Vegas BOXING MATCH at Australian GP

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      MCLAREN chief Zak Brown has sensationally challenged Toto Wolff to a BOXING MATCH in Las Vegas. Following the chaotic Australian Grand Prix, Brown was in a jubilant mood as Lando Norris and homeboy Oscar Piastri scored their first points of the season.
      Zak Brown has challenged Toto Wolff to a Las Vegas boxing matchCredit: Rex
      Wolff would certainly be a tough opponentCredit: Getty
      And while speaking to Sky Sports, the McLaren CEO issued a challenge towards Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes chief Wolff.
      He said: “We were talking about racing Christian in Silverstone, because I used to race against Christian.
      “And I’ve talked to Toto about it, we’ll see if he’s up for it.
      “When we go Vegas, what’s Vegas known for? [A] Little boxing match? I’m ready.”
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      After some laughter from the Sky crew, their boxing nicknames were also formed with Brown being dubbed “Slugger Brown” and Wolff being dubbed “Terminator”.
      Unfortunately, fans would need to wait until November for such an event to take place, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix not until November 18.
      In the meantime, there are more pressing matters at hand for both.
      Mercedes remain some way short of Red Bull’s pace despite a P2 finish from Lewis Hamilton today.
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      Hamilton himself cast a surprised figure post-race, declaring there was still a long way to go before they would catch Red Bull.
      Meanwhile, McLaren will want to make sure their Australia form carries on for the foreseeable future and that they do not return to their woeful results in the opening two races. More

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      Max Verstappen accuses Lewis Hamilton of breaking F1 rules despite beating his rival to win Australian GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has sensationally accused Lewis Hamilton of breaking F1 rules during the Australian Grand Prix. The Dutchman, who won the chaotic Australian Grand Prix under a safety car, went wheel-to-wheel with Hamilton on lap one.
      Max Verstappen accused Lewis Hamilton of breaking F1 rulesCredit: AP
      It was because of an overtake on lap oneCredit: Getty
      Verstappen went on to win while Hamilton finished on the podiumCredit: Getty

      The Brit dived up the inside of Verstappen at turn three, putting him in position to overtake as the Red Bull was forced deep into the corner.
      However, a furious Verstappen believed the move was not legal due to him being forced off track.
      Over the team radio he fumed: “He pushed me off the track. I was ahead at the apex, he pushed me off.”
      When overtaking in F1 a reasonable space needs to left to ensure the other driver does not go off track.
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      However, the race stewards deemed the incident not to be worthy of a penalty.
      After the race Verstappen doubled down, saying: “From my side, I just tried to avoid contact.
      “It’s quite clear in the rules what you’re allowed to do on the outside, but clearly it’s not followed.
      “It’s okay, we had good pace and we passed them anyway, but it’s something for the next race to take into account.”
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      Hamilton would go on to finish second, revealing he was “so happy” to be back on the podium.
      But this did not stop him from lambasting his car while describing Red Bull as in “another league”.
      Verstappen claimed his first-ever victory in Australia with today’s win, also seeing him pick up his second win of the season.
      On the win, the two-time champion said: “It’s great to win here – my first win, it’s been a while for the team as well so very very happy.”
      Drama had unfolded throughout the race, with THREE red flag incidents and George Russell’s car setting ON FIRE mid-race. More