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      F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Date, UK start time, schedule, TV channel and live stream for massive race week ahead

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      THE Formula 1 season returned with Max Verstappen winning the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5.Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished in first 12 seconds in front of teammate Sergio Pérez as Red Bull look to dominate the 2023 F1 season.
      Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the 2023 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: THE MEGA AGENCY
      Sergio Perez during the 2023 F1 Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: GETTY
      Lewis Hamilton finished in 5th, and rumours surrounding him leaving Mercedes at the end of the season started as he is desperate for an eighth world championship.
      Last year’s Saudi Arabia GP was a thriller, with Verstappen just piping Charles Leclerc to the top of the podium by 0.549s.
      When is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

      F1 Saudi Arabia GP will take place on Sunday, March 19.
      The race is scheduled to begin at 5pm UK time.
      Jeddah Corniche Circut is the track.

      When is practice and qualifying for the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

      Practice 1 is on Friday, March 17, from 1:30pm UK time.
      Practice 2 is on Friday, March 17, from 5pm UK time.
      Practice 3 is on Saturday, Match 18, from 1:30pm UK time.
      Qualifying is on Saturday, March 18, from 5pm UK time.

      READ MORE IN F1
      What TV channel is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on?

      The F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
      Coverage will begin at 3pm UK time.

      Can I live stream the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

      Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app or on Sky Go.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can purchase a Sky Sports Day Pass via the NOW app for £11.99, which gives you access to all eleven Sky Sports channels for 24 hours.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s FREE live blog to stay up to day with all the action from Saudi Arabia.

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      Lewis Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff slammed as ‘disingenuous’ and ‘crass’ after criticising F1 2023 Mercedes car

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      TOTO WOLFF has been labelled “disingenuous” and “crass” for openly criticising this year’s Mercedes.Wolff took the unusual step of writing off this year’s new design after just 60 minutes of qualifying in Bahrain.
      Mercedes struggled on the opening weekend in BahrainCredit: AP
      Lewis Hamilton, left, alongside Wolff, centre, and George RussellCredit: AFP
      He claimed that the team had made an error by producing this year’s car, which lacked the pace of the Red Bulls, Ferraris and Aston Martins.
      The Austrian promised to “sit down with the engineers and be totally non-dogmatic” as they aim to get back to winning ways.
      But former F1 boss Eddie Jordan is adamant that Wolff should take the blame – not his team of designers.
      He said: “He’s the CEO, he’s the boss. The buck stops with him. This is happening under his watch.
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      “To blame or criticise anybody in his design team is actually disingenuous. It’s really crass.
      “I hate to hear that, because he must be a man, stand up and take it on the chin and say, ‘my team, my people, we have failed to get the job successfully done at this moment. However, there are times ahead that we’re looking forward to and we will be there much stronger than we were in 2022’.
      “I think that Toto is strong enough, big enough and man enough to front this up and actually sort it out.”
      Meanwhile, F1 chiefs are not in talks to hold a race in London – despite contradictory claims from a property developer.
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      Plans have been drawn up to show a vast sports, leisure and entertainment complex in the Docklands area on the east side of London.
      The developers have used F1 logos and associated brands in their images, however an F1 spokesman says they have not been sent any proposals or had any discussions with the developers who are trying to gain publicity.
      The ambitious plans suggest the proposed track had 22 corners and had floating grandstands on the Thames that could cater for 95,000 spectators.
      Silverstone is the only UK venue on the F1 calendar and has a contract in place until 2024. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes planning radical changes to 2023 F1 car after just ONE race to keep pace with Red Bull

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S Mercedes are planning radical changes to their car after just ONE race in the Formula One season.Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton started the campaign in disappointing fashion nine days ago.
      Mercedes are planning changes to their car after just one F1 raceCredit: AP
      Lewis Hamilton started the season in disappointing fashion in Bahrain for MercCredit: PA
      The 38-year-old could only finish sixth in Bahrain as rival Max Verstappen romped to victory for Red Bull.
      Mercedes already had concerns about their W14 design, which is an evolved version of their “no-sidepod” one from last season which caused numerous issues as the team missed out on an eighth-consecutive constructors’ championships. 
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff wants his development team to reproduce a “radical” new design following the “worst weekend of racing” at the Sakhir Circuit.
      And he added that they needed to be bold with future updates, amid questions over their “zero sidepod” design.
      READ MORE ON F1
      Now Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin opened up about what’s next during an interview Formula1.com.
      He said: “People have tended to use the word ‘concept’ when they mean the sidepod design, and Toto had said recently that we are looking at a revision that is going to come along in the next few races anyway.
      “Given the gap to the front, of course we are going to look at bigger departures and more radical changes. But those changes take time to turn into a faster solution in the wind tunnel – you can’t do them overnight.
      “There is quite a lot of development that you’ve got to do around any sort of big change in geometry in that area.
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      “Of course, we are looking at where we can improve the car, we are looking for potential to develop and you will see visible changes coming on the car over the next few races.”
      Shovlin also highlighted significant tyre degradation as a major concern after Bahrain as well as the car’s general lack pace.
      He added: “Ultimately, we’ve got a lot of work to do. That gap in qualifying was quite large; we were over half a second to the front. In the race that was even bigger.
      “That was compounded by the fact that when you get the tyre degradation, you get a bit more sliding, the tyres run hotter, and you end up finding it very difficult to keep them under any kind of control.
      “There is a lot that we need to understand but the key things are really getting on top of that long run degradation, which last year was a strong point for us.
      “Clearly, we’ve got something that’s not in the right place that we need to work on, but ultimately the other thing is that performance gap to the front. The raw pace of the car is not good enough.
      “We are working very hard at the moment to understand what we can do in the short-term future and in the mid-term future to try and get ourselves in a better place.” More

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      F1 returns to Saudi Arabia with ‘iron shield’ around Jeddah track to keep nervous drivers safe after 2022 missile strike

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      FORMULA ONE returns to Saudi Arabia this week.It was the scene of one of its most difficult political struggles in decades – but there is unlikely to be a repeat this time around.
      Last year a missile strike hit a fuel depot located near the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix trackCredit: Splash
      Security has been beefed up after a Yemini terrorst group took responsibility for the attackCredit: The Mega Agency
      The issue was not with F1 or the rulers of the Kingdom and their controversial regime but in fact the drivers, who you may remember had threatened to strike on the eve of last year’s GP.
      It followed a missile strike on a nearby fuel depot that sent black smoke into the skies near the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and subsequently clouded the race’s future on the F1 schedule.
      After over four hours of talks, the drivers were persuaded to race after being assured of their safety, but the security – plus Saudi’s questionable human rights record – had unified the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association like never before.
      They left Jeddah last March seeking further discussions with F1 but that is where the trail went cold – only it didn’t.
      READ MORE IN F1
      The organisers of the Saudi GP have since made considerable efforts to speak to the drivers to address the issues they had raised.
      Away from the cameras, there were meetings in Austria, plus a follow up discussion in Singapore. In fact, the dialogue still continues.
      Of course, the situation is different this time around. There is a truce between the Saudis and Yemen, whose Houthis group had claimed responsibility for the drone attack on the fuel depot.
      Last month, Saudi Arabia transferred $1billion into the central bank of Yemen’s internationally recognised government in a bid to bolster the country’s ailing economy.
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      But that has not stopped organisers from upping security for this weekend’s race. As you would expect from any event, security has been upscaled.
      There will be an increased visible presence – more guards, security sweeps and CCTV.
      And then there are the measures that aren’t visible. The embarrassment of last year’s attack is likely to see the full focus of the county’s “iron shield” protection system drawn to Jeddah.
      That’s the anti-missile defence system responsible for shooting down unmanned drones, which are used in attacks or to cause significant disruption.
      Then there are the social issues that have been raised. They too are likely to be addressed.
      I expect to see boys and girls on the grid. Like in previous races, the grandstands will not be segregated.
      Schoolchildren have all been given the day off school in the hope they attend or watch the race.
      From my understanding, their decision to meet with the drivers – plus their explanations – have been well received.
      Whether you like it or not, the Saudis are serious about their involvement in F1 and the race will be remaining on the calendar for some time.
      Ron way or another
      Cristiano Ronaldo attended Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia and could be at the Grand Prix nextCredit: AP
      I AM not too sure if Cristiano Ronaldo is an F1 fan or not.
      But I have been told that he is likely to be at the Saudi GP this Sunday.
      Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi side Al Nassr, is likely to be requested to attend with one paddock source saying it is within his £170million-a-year contract to attend.
      Hungarian GP future
      COULD the Hungarian F1 GP find a new home in the future?
      A new FIA Grade One track is being built near Lake Balaton, a one-hour drive from Budapest.
      The Hungaroring has held the F1 GP since 1986.
      Brazil welcomes Formula E
      FORMULA E is gearing up for its first race in Brazil, with the race set in Sao Paulo around the wonderfully-named Sambadrome.
      A crowd of 35,000 is expected as the all-electric series returns to South America on March 25.
      Vill yer boots
      VILLA PARK will host the opening round of this year’s World Supercross Championship on July 1.
      Aston Villa’s pitch will be turned into a “dirt bike battlefield” with jumps and bumps.
      Last year, 35,000 watched the event, which was held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium and bosses are hoping for similar figures in Birmingham.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ready to rumble
      THIS year’s MotoGP championship is shaping up to be a close-fought contest if pre-season testing is anything to go by.
      Incredibly, 12 riders broke the track record of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve with reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia setting the pace. More

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      Romantic story of how Michael Schumacher played cupid with ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt and Oscar winner wife Michelle Yeoh

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      FORMULA ONE legend Michael Schumacher blessed fans with some incredible on-track moments throughout his racing career.But for ex-Ferrari Principal Jean Todt, his most memorable act was helping him land the love of his life – and it came at a Scuderia event in Shanghai almost 20 years ago.
      Schumacher and Todt became great friends during their time at FerrariCredit: AFP
      The German played cupid to help Todt in his relationship with Michelle YeohCredit: Alamy
      In 2004, Todt set his eyes on now-Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh for the first time and instantly fell in love.
      But the relationship did not blossom until Schumacher stepped in.
      The German played cupid for the pair and offered Todt some important relationship advice.
      It’s understood Schumacher offered his pal tips on how better to communicate with Yeoh.
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      It clearly worked as the happy couple got engaged one year later and have been going strong for almost two decades.
      As quoted by German outlet BILD, the former Ferarri boss recently said: “I knew immediately that she was my dream woman, even before I met her.
      “It was destiny. She was the woman I had been waiting for.”
      Todt’s relationship with Yeoh led to Schumacher becoming close friends with the Malaysian actress.
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      The trio have been pictured together at events in the past.
      And according to BILD, Todt and Yeoh are among the few people who are aware of the full details of Schumacher’s health following his horrific skiing accident in 2013.
      Yeoh made history on Sunday by becoming the first Asian woman to win the award for best actress at the Oscars.
      Following his partner’s historic Academy Award win, Todt tweeted: “Moment of pure grace and immense happiness! What a journey! So proud of Michelle who received the Oscar Academy Award of the best actress.”
      Yeoh won the award for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. More

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      Who is Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham?

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      NATALIE Pinkham has been a stalwart of Sky Sports’ F1 coverage for over 10 years.Here, we take a look at her career, and how she got into working on F1.
      Natalie Pinkham has been part of Sky Sports F1 coverage for over 10 years
      Who is Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham?
      Natalie Pinkham is a television presenter, originally from Buckinghamshire, England.
      She was born on September 20, 1977, and is a pit lane reporter at grand prix races for Sky Sports F1.
      As well as this, Pinkham has presented coverage on a number of different sports.
      This includes The Isle of Man TT and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
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      She also presented the segment Blues News for Chelsea FC, and has hosted over 200 episodes of her podcast titled In The Pink.
      In the podcast, she interviews a range of different people, looking at their lives and careers, including Damon Hill and Sir Chris Hoy.
      Pinkham studied politics at the University of Nottingham before moving into television.
      Is Natalie Pinkham married and does she have any children?
      Pinkham is married to Owain Walbyoff, who is Managing Director at Endemol Games.
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      The pair were engaged in November 2010, and married in July 2012.
      Together, they have two children, a son named Otto, born in January 2015, and a daughter named Willow, born in June 2016.
      How did Natalie Pinkham get into F1?
      In December 2011, it was confirmed that Pinkham would begin working with Sky Sports for the 2012 F1 season.
      She had previously covered the sport for BBC Radio 5 Live’s commentary team as a pit lane reporter for the 2011 season.
      In 2013, she replaced close friend Georgie Thompson as host of The F1 Show, and in the following years has established herself as a vital part of their coverage.
      In 2021, Pinkham became the first woman to commentate on a Formula One session on British television when she led Sky’s commentary of first practice at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix, working alongside Karun Chandhok and Jenson Button.
      She also conducts interviews in the pit lane with drivers and others involved in the teams.
      What is Natalie Pinkham’s net worth?
      While it cannot be confirmed exactly, Pinkham’s net worth is estimated to be over £1million.
      Pinkham is believed to have a salary of over £100,000 a year. More

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      ‘I wouldn’t rule it out’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped to make sensational F1 transfer to Mercedes’ rivals

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      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON could move to a rival Formula One team at the end of the 2022-23 season, according to Sky Sports presenter Simon Lazenby.The seven-time world champion is currently enjoying his 10th year with Mercedes.
      Hamilton could join Ferrari at the end of the season, according to LazenbyCredit: Getty
      But it could be his last with the Brackley-based team as his contract expires at the end of the season.
      While Mercedes principal Toto Wolff remains optimistic that an extension agreement will be made, F1 expert Lazenby has suggested that Hamilton could decide to seek a new challenge – especially if he fails to compete for the title again this year.
      The Sky Sports presenter even hinted that he could switch to Ferrari.
      He told Express Sport: “It’s the desire of all drivers to drive for Ferrari.
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      “In the past, Lewis has been quoted as saying he would like to drive for Ferrari.
      “If Ferrari moves comfortably ahead of Mercedes I wouldn’t rule it out.”
      Ferrari and Red Bull have dominated F1 for the past year while Mercedes have struggled to get up to speed – literally.
      Hamilton, who finished fifth at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this month, has grown increasingly frustrated as a result.
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      He recently told the BBC: “Last year, I told them the issues that are with 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.
      “And I think it’s really about accountability, it’s about owning up and saying ‘yeah, you know what, we didn’t listen to you, it’s not where it needs to be and we’ve got to work’.
      “We’ve got to look into the balance through the corners, look at all the weak points and just huddle up as a team, that’s what we do.”
      If Hamilton were to make the switch to Ferarri, Charles Leclerc could move the other way.
      The Monaco-born driver reportedly wrote to the team’s chief executive, John Elkann, last week to request an emergency meeting following his disastrous start to the season. More

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      I didn’t marry Geri because she’s a Spice Girl… she’s a force of nature who calls me out, says Christian Horner

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      CHRISITAN HORNER has revealed he did not marry Geri Halliwell because she was a Spice Girl.The Red Bull team principal insisted that he married the singer because he “loved her”.
      Christian Horner says he did not marry Geri Halliwell because she was a Spice GirlCredit: PA
      He insists they ‘complement’ each otherCredit: AFP
      The F1 team got off to the perfect start to the season as team drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez took 1st and 2nd place at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      However his life is just as hectic at home as he doubles up as Red Bulls’ chief executive of Red Bull Racing, Red Bull Powertrains and Red Bull Advanced Technologies at the factory in Milton Keynes.
      While his wife, Geri, has just finished writing a book for children titled Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen.
      They got together in 2014 and married in 2015, however, some thought that the relationship would not last, but Horner insists that they “complement each other well”.
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      He told The Telegraph: “You know, life works in mysterious ways.
      “I didn’t marry Geri because she’s a Spice Girl.
      “I married her because I fell in love with her.
      “It will be 10 years this time next year and we’ve been happily married for seven.
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      “We’re very different characters but we complement each other well.
      “Geri is a force of nature.”
      Horner is used to being in the limelight with the success on the track of F1, but was shocked when the Spice Girls announced their reunion tour in 2019.
      He added: “Wow, it blew my mind.
      “Suddenly you realise the power of that brand.
      “They sold out 13 stadiums in five minutes, and that included three nights at Wembley – they could have done another two nights, easy.”
      Horner also admitted that he was left embarrassed the first time he tried to kiss Geri. More