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      Lewis Hamilton reveals how his Mercedes compares to rivals Red Bull ahead of F1 opener after being dominated last year

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      FRUSTRATED   Lewis   Hamilton admits his Mercedes F1 car is lagging even further behind Max Verstappen’s  all-conquering Red Bull than it was last year.And he fears his machine’s controversial slim design — without the sidepods designed to channel the airflow — means he might NOT be able to close  the gap.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton admits his Mercedes car is lagging even more this seasonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton failed to win a single Grand Prix in 2022 — the first winless season in his illustrious career.
      And Britain’s seven-time world champion was again left for dust in the desert.
      After finishing a lowly eighth in practice for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “The gap wasn’t as big last season as it is now.
      “We found out we’re a long way off. We knew that a little bit in the test but it’s a big gap.
      Read More on F1
      “Do I believe we can close the gap at some stage? Yes. But it’s quite hard with the concept we have.
      “It’s going to be milliseconds, not ­closing the gap of a second.”
      Hamilton, 38, had hoped his Merc ­engineers had designed a better 2023 car that would put him back into contention for a record-breaking eighth world title.
      But while last year’s “undriveable” bouncing issues have been cured, his car is much slower than his main rivals’.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The Brit continued: “We’ll continue to tweak little bits here and there but it’ll be small bits.
      “It’s difficult for everybody, and not where anyone at the team wants to be, or where everyone at the team deserves to be, but we’re just on the wrong track.
      “There was good progress through last year but the gap wasn’t as big as it is now.”
       Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell was even further adrift in 13th spot while Fernando Alonso rolled back the years and was quickest in his Aston Martin.
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      Red Bull star Max Verstappen dominated Formula One last seasonCredit: Reuters
      Alonso, 41, has joined the team for this season and set a faster time than world champion Verstappen, who was second-quickest.
      Alonso, who last won a race at the 2013 Spanish GP when he was driving for  Ferrari, continued the hype surrounding Aston’s car for this season.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton had earlier escaped punishment for another piercing and was granted special permission to race on medical grounds.
      Last year he had fallen foul of an FIA ruling that outlaws  drivers from wearing jewellery under their race suits before being granted an exemption for a nose stud.
      But he now has a second piercing, in his left nostril, and that triggered another breach of the rules.
      However, he successfully argued that by removing the offending stud, he would be at risk of “disfigurement”.
      Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton didn’t win a single Grand Prix last seasonCredit: Getty
      A statement from the FIA said: “The stewards ­consulted the FIA medical delegate, who viewed the report, examined the driver and concurred with the ­opinion.
      “We have determined to take no further action as there are concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device.”
      His Mercedes team have also snapped up a former Red Bull employee to become their team’s new special adviser.
      Red Bull’s ex-HR director Jayne Poole had been Christian Horner’s confidante for years but has been signed to work with ­Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and oversee team infrastructure.
      Read More on The Sun
      She could fill a similar role held by Shaila-Ann Rao, the  lawyer who left Mercedes to join the governing body last year.
      Rao has since left the FIA but was a central figure in the cost-cap ruling that saw Red Bull punished for breaching the spend limit. More

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      Formula One drivers rich list revealed ahead of Bahrain GP – including racer linked to eye-watering £2.4billion fortune

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      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world – so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast an eye-watering bank balance.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez certainly enjoy life in the fast lane – with supercar collections, huge mansions and luxury holidays.
      Forumula 1 returns this weekend with 20 drivers vying for supremacy on the gridCredit: Getty
      This weekend sees the 2023 Formula 1 rev into gear, with 20 drivers set to battle it out for supremacy on the grid.
      Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, we reveal the 10 drivers at the top of the rich list.
      Lewis Hamilton – £270.9m
      Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lewis is currently F1’s highest-paid driver – his contract with Mercedes nets him £41.6million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9m.
      Lewis Hamilton is the richest F1 racer on the grid right nowCredit: PA
      The seven-time champion is worth £270.9m and owns several propertiesCredit: Instagram
      The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.
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      Hertfordshire-born Lewis is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.
      Planet F1 reports he has an impressive private collection of supercars worth over £13million, including a Pagani Zonda, a Mercedes-AMG Project One, and a Ferrari LaFerrari, among others.
      Lewis also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.
      Fernando Alonso – £216m
      Fernando Alonso has competing since 2001 and shows no signs of slowing downCredit: EPA
      The 41-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram
      Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 41, has shown no signs of slowing down since his debut back in 2001.
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      This season the Spanish star has signed a new deal with Aston Martin believed to be worth around £17.8million.
      He also has several sponsorship deals and owns the clothing brand Kimoa.
      Savvy Alonso has also invested in private companies, said to reap him incredible rewards.
      Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 that have been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain, reports the Express.
      The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.
      Max Verstappen – £75m
      Max signed a new deal with Red Bull last year, bringing his salary up to $50m a yearCredit: Reuters
      He is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard BransonCredit: Instagram
      Reigning champion Max Verstappen has been competing in Formula 1 since 2015 and signed a new five-year contract with Red Bull last year, reportedly worth £41.6million.
      This makes him the joint-highest paid racer on the grid alongside Hamilton.
      Max also benefits from lucrative deals from the likes of G-Star RAW, Red Bull, and EA Sports.
      As he’s only 25, industry experts predict his estimated £75m fortune will soar in the coming years.
      Max is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard Branson worth £11million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.
      Sergio Perez – £62.4m
      Sergio is worth over £62.4 and owns a huge property in MexicoCredit: Getty
      He lives a luxurious lifestyle of private jets and lavish holidaysCredit: Instagram
      Sergio, 33, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.
      His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £8.3million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.
      The Mexican also has investments and an incredible list of endorsement deals, including Ticel, Telmox, and Claro.
      Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.
      Daniel Ricciardo – £41.6m
      In 2020, Daniel was among the world’s highest-paid athletes, according to ForbesCredit: REUTERS
      He has no problem showing off his impressive wealth on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      He may only be a reserve driver for Red Bull this year, but Australian Daniel has eight Grand Prix wins and 32 podiums under his belt, and an estimated £41.6m fortune.
      After being tied to Red Bull for five years, he signed a lucrative deal with Renault in 2020, which bagged him a mention on Forbes’ top 50 highest sports people that year.
      This season he’s been replaced at McLaren by Oscar Piastri.
      The 33-year-old doesn’t shy away from showing off his incredible wealth – he reportedly owns three properties across three continents.
      Daniel also owns supercars including a Porsche 918 Spyder and an Aston Martin Valkyrie, said to have cost a staggering £3million.
      Lance Stroll – £41.6m
      Lance’s career in F1 has netted him a fortune of £41.6mCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Canadian’s father is worth a whopping £2.4billionCredit: Instagram
      Lance, 24 would sit at the top of the list if his family’s wealth was taken into consideration – his dad Lawrence, who owns Aston Martin, has an estimated net worth of over £2.4billion.
      The driver isn’t doing too badly for himself either, as he takes home a whopping £8.3million each year from the team.
      When he’s not busy racing, Lance enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and surfing. He is dating Italian model Sara Pagliaroli.
      Pierre Gasly – £27.4m
      Pierre Gasly races for AlpineCredit: Getty
      Pierre, 27, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.
      His salary is reported to be £1.6million, which excludes performance bonuses and sponsorship deals that bring his estimated net worth up to £27.4m.
      Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming. He also features on the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive.
      He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.
      Valtteri Bottas – £25m
      Valtteri takes home £8.6m a year from his deal with Alfa RomeoCredit: Getty
      He was previously Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes and took home a quarter of his salaryCredit: Instagram
      Although he spent much of his career as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas, 33, was only making a quarter of the English driver’s salary.
      He now races for Alfa Romeo, making up to £8.6million a year, and is one of the competition’s most popular stars.
      He recently announced his partnership with Finnish sporting company Polar, and is sponsored by locking solutions company Abloy and a private jet company called Insijets.
      Valtteri is currently dating Australian road cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, and has an estimated net worth of £25m.
      Kevin Magnussen – £20.8m
      Kevin returned to Haas last season when Russian driver Nikita Mazepin was dropped
      K-Mag made his return to Formula 1 last year after Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s contract was terminated by Haas just a few days before the 2022 season.
      Although he impressed with his debut in 2014, his form dipped in subsequent years – though he put in a solid performance for Haas last season.
      The 30-year-old will be keen to prove why he’s been able to amass a reported net worth of £20.8million.
      His £5million salary at Haas is topped up by endorsement deals believed to be worth over £800,000.
      Esteban Ocon – £14.9m
      Ocon has been racing at F1 since 2016 and takes home £4.1m from Alpine
      Despite being only 26, Esteban Ocon has impressed fans since his debut in 2016.
      He has raced for Force India, Racing Point, Alpine, and was a test driver for Mercedes back in 2019.
      Read More on The Sun
      Although he earns a £4.1million salary at Alpine, his long tenure in Formula One and endorsement deals with the likes of Microsoft, Bell and Castrol have given him a hefty estimated net worth of £14.9millon.
      The Frenchman reportedly owns a Mercedes AMG GTR, a Mercedes AMG C63 Edition 1, and an Alpine A110S. More

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      Lewis Hamilton makes political statement on day one of new season as he wastes no time in taking advantage of F1 U-turn

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has made a political statement on day one of the new F1 season.The Brit is ready to roar into action on Sunday at the Bahrain GP.
      Lewis Hamilton made a political statement ahead of the Bahrain GPCredit: AFP
      The Mercedes ace wore a helmet with a rainbow flag for the LGBTQ+ communityCredit: AFP
      And Hamilton hopes he can finally close down Red Bull star Max Verstappen.
      But the Mercedes ace turned heads for a different reason on Friday.
      As Hamilton prepared for practice, he emerged wearing a driver’s helmet decorated with a rainbow.
      The symbol is globally acknowledged as the flag for the LGBTQ+ community.
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      Bahrain has been criticised for its stance on homosexuality, which is criminalised.
      While homosexual activity is not specifically a criminal activity in private in Bahrain, there are several laws that are used to target homosexuals.
      Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa recently stressed the kingdom’s rejection of homosexual practices.
      He said: “We assure everyone that we will not allow it in any way to prejudice our system of values and traditions.”
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      And Hamilton made his feelings known after the FIA vowed drivers would be able to freely “express their views.”
      Last season they had looked to ban stars from “political, religious or personal statements.”
      But a U-turn was performed following a backlash.
      And Hamilton looked to take advantage immediately.
      The seven-time world champ wore the same helmet in Bahrain last season, drawing praise from fans.
      And supporters were equally thrilled this time too, with one saying: “Love Hamilton’s LGBT helmet.”
      Another declared: “Hamilton’s helmet is everything. My king.”
      One noted: “Hamilton running the rainbow, love it.”
      Another added: “Lewis’ helmet never misses.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton has also been boosted after being given a medical exemption to wear his nose studs.
      F1 chiefs banned drivers from wearing jewellery last season, but no action will be taken against Hamilton for his nose piercings.
      He is now looking forward to starting his season with a big display.
      And Hamilton admits he is also ready to commit his future to Mercedes despite concerns over his car.
      He said: “[Mercedes] are not where we wanted to start the season. I knew from the moment I drove the car where we were and the challenges we are facing.
      Whether or not we have a difficult year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a teamLewis Hamilton
      “On a positive note, not having bouncing is a huge plus and trying to understand what the problems were while having bouncing made it difficult to work out what those are.
      “We don’t have that now and we can focus on pure performance. This still is a multi-championship-winning team and group of people.
      “Ultimately people are creating rumours without facts. It’s never helpful. And you would have thought they would have both known by now.
      “I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. Having a difficult year; whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a team.
      “I love the challenge of finding solutions. I still believe I’m able to put the car in places that others are perhaps not able to, and I love that challenge.
      “Of course I wish that we start the season with a great car. But it’s the journey that really counts.
      “So there is no hold up with our contract. I’ve always been very, very relaxed. I don’t feel like I’ve got to get it done right this second. I’m in a very fortunate position.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’ll get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes, and we fully support each other.
      “I’m really excited about the future together. I’m really proud of the work that we’re doing on and off the track, and the potential things we can do going forward. We’ll get there.” More

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      Christian Horner names Red Bull’s direct rivals for 2023 and makes prediction for the F1 season ahead

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      RED BULL team principal Christian Horner is expecting a fierce tussle with Mercedes and Ferrari this season.After romping to the F1 constructors’ championship last year, all points return to zero ahead of this weekend’s opening Grand Prix in Bahrain.
      Christian Horner expects a fight from Ferrari and Mercedes
      Red Bull go into 2023 as the strong favouritesCredit: Getty
      Red Bull are favourites again, but Horner knows “our opponents are fiercely competitive and they won’t be standing still”.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Horner said: “Our biggest threats this year would have to be both Ferrari and Mercedes. They are going to be fiercely competitive.
      “With the quality of their drivers, both of those teams are always dangerous.”
      Ferrari finished second last year, with Mercedes’ run as eight-time consecutive constructors’ champs crashing to an end with Toto Wolff’s team in third.
      READ MORE F1
      Both teams were over 200 points behind Red Bull in the standings as Max Verstappen won the drivers’ title with four races to spare.
      Red Bull looked most impressive during testing last week but it’s hoped 2023 could prove more competitive than last year.
      On the final day of testing in Bahrain, Sergio Perez topped the time-sheets with Lewis Hamilton in second and Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz fourth and fifth.
      Horner also predicted that those outside the top three teams could be more of a threat.
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      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      He said: “The competition will be very stiff from the front running teams.
      “I think the grid as a whole, in this second year of these new regulations, will start to converge and I’m expecting some really competitive racing.”
      The issue of porpoising, where cars would bump up and down, was a major issue for teams last season and updates to resolve the issue are sure to have an impact on the order according to Horner.
      He said: “The core specifications will inevitably have an effect (on results) and of course it is whichever team manages to deal with those regulation changes. The best will prevail.”
      Horner admits that topping last year in which Verstappen won his second consecutive drivers’ championship will be a tough ask.
      Speaking as PokerStars launch their 2023 partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, Horner said: “2022 was the most incredible year for us and the most successful season in our history. To retain the drivers’ championship and to reclaim the constructor’s championship after an eight-year absence was a monumental performance by the whole team.
      “I think it will be very difficult to beat the season we had in 2022 but of course you must always try to do better.
      “You’re always learning in this business, applying the lessons that you learnt from last year and implementing them into the following year.”
      The 2023 season will see 23 Grand Prix across the globe, with the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar which is something Horner is looking forward to.
      He said: “The race that will generate the most interest in 2023 is unquestionably Las Vegas.
      “The introduction of Vegas to the calendar made a lot of noise, it is a big venue and everyone has immense expectations.”
      The team principal cut a relaxed and confident figure during testing but if Mercedes and Ferrari can show they’re in the fight it will be a different story come lights out on Sunday.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “5 minutes to 2pm is when I feel most anxious!”
      PokerStars’ partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing will see even more community rewards and epic experiences during the 2023 F1 season. For details visit: PokerStars.com
      Red Bull get their season under way on Sunday More

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      Why do F1 drivers get weighed and what is the requirement?

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      FORMULA ONE is arguably the most technical sport in the sporting industry – even what drivers weigh matters.Fans are gearing up for what is expected to be a sensational 2023 F1 season.
      Max Verstappen won the 2022 F1 championshipCredit: AFP
      And Lewis Hamilton in particular will be determined to dethrone reigning champion Max Verstappen having failed to win a single race in 2022.
      But the racers are obliged to be weighed before they get behind the wheel.
      SunSport has the reasons why.
      Why do F1 drivers get weighed?
      Formula One drivers are weighed to see how much weight the racer has lost during the race.
      Read more on F1
      And drivers tip the scales to make sure that themselves and the car surpass the minimum weight requirement as the lighter the car, the faster it will go.
      F1 racers are weighed immediately after the race with all of their gear on which includes their helmet, gloves and full race suit as it contributes to their ‘seat weight’.
      Furthermore, drivers are prohibited from eating or drinking until their weight measurements have been recorded.
      The FIA implemented the rule in 2019 and the racers believe that it makes the circuit fair.
      Most read in Motorsport
      What is the minimum weight requirement?
      All drivers must weigh a minimum of 80kg which includes their drivers seat.
      There are usually no exceptions for this requirement and consequences come for those who fail to meet the minimum weight.
      Max Verstappen being weighed before the first race of the season in BahrainCredit: Getty
      What happens if drivers do not meet the weight requirement?
      Drivers who are found to be under the weight limit after the race receive an automatic disqualification.
      The rule is in place to make it fair for everybody to compete and it also forces drivers to maintain a healthy weight. More

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      I fought back from 171mph horror crash and 11-hour operation to become the only woman in Formula 3

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      SOPHIA FLOERSCH could have been forgiven for thinking her time in F3 was up.Back in 2018, when she was just 17, the German driver was involved in a horror crash at the Macau Grand Prix that left five people seriously injured and saw her rushed to hospital.
      Sophia Floersch returns to F3 on Friday five years after her horror crashCredit: Getty
      Glam Floersch almost lost her life on the race track
      Floersch’s car was catapulted in the air at the Macau Grand Prix in a 171mph crashCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A shattered spine, the result of a 171mph smash which saw her catapulted off a bend and into a cabin, meant she had to undergo an 11-hour operation.
      Surgeons worked tirelessly over half a day to ensure her fractured vertebra was stabilised.
      But on Friday, beautiful Sophia will return to F3 for the first time in nearly three years.
      This season, she is signed to PHM Racing by Charouz – and is the ONLY woman on the grid.
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      Better still, her dream of competing in Formula 1 has been reignited after Alpine added her to their Driver Academy.
      Inspired by Vettel and dad
      Ever since she was four, Sophia dreamed of being a racing driver.
      Her dad drove karts, which encouraged her to do the same when she was a child growing up in Bavaria.
      The success of four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel, also inspired her to follow in his footsteps.
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      “I always watched his races and I was always like: ‘I want to be there’,” she told CNN.
      “So of course, you dream of it. But you’re small and so, so far away, especially when you’re in karting.”
      Sophia soon became a trailblazer in her sport – setting records for being the fastest, youngest and the only woman, as she rose through the ranks of various racing formats.
      Although being female had its challenges.
      She continued: “There are people who say: ‘You’re a woman, you’re not going to make it.
      “But in the end, this just motivates myself even more.
      “I think as a woman, a struggle you have is to find people to give you money for it. Everyone knows that the sport is really expensive and you can spend a lot of money just for going testing during [the] winter period or so.
      “And that’s kind of the struggle you have as a woman, to find companies who believe in you, who trust you to beat the man and to get the same chances and possibilities.”
      When Floersch was a child she raced karts
      Soon, Floersch became a trailblazer in her motorsport
      This season Floersch will be driving with PHM Racing by CharouzCredit: Getty
      This season, that support has come from Formula 3 promoter Bruno Michel.
      Michel recently revealed that the series is helping Floersch with her budget this season to encourage more women to take part in motorsport.
      That fateful day
      But there might not have been another campaign for Sophia, after miraculously surviving her Macau accident.
      Following a collision with Japan’s Sho Tsuboi, her car went airborne over the safety barriers – drawing gasps from an anxious crowd.
      Incredibly, Sophia survived the accident. Her fractured spine, though, required an intricate, pain-staking operation.
      Surgeons worked meticulously to remove a bone splinter that was just inches away from her spinal cord.
      After returning home to recover, incredibly she was back behind the wheel four months later.
      Remembering the incident, Floersch felt like it happened to someone else.
      “If I watched the video, I still don’t believe it’s me flying there just because it didn’t feel like this when I was in a car,” she confessed.
      Floersch’s car flew over the safety barriers
      German Floersch was left with a fractured spine and lucky not to be paralysedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Fighting for equality
      When it comes to gender equality, motorsport is lacking in female role models.
      An advocate for change, Sophia understands that being the fastest driver isn’t about being a man or a woman.
      “It’s not about having more muscles. There’s more factors which are playing in,” she explained.
      “I think women can do the same and women can drive a car as quickly as a man and drive it on the limit the same.
      “There was never a really successful woman in the class of motorsport, but it is for sure possible.
      “A lot of things have changed during the past years. I think for sure change is going on in the business.
      Floersch dreams of driving in F1
      Alpine recently signed Floersch up to their Driver AcademyCredit: Getty
      “But in the end, I think women still have to prove ourselves; we still have to prove it and win championships and against men and not against other women.”
      Which takes her to her next goal.
      Floersch is now a step closer to racing in F1, after Alpine confirmed they had added her to its Driving Academy last month.
      “Joining the Alpine Academy is an honour and a major opportunity in my career,” Floersch said.
      “I have great ambitions and I am sure by applying the knowledge and expertise from Alpine, it will only help me grow.
      “I can’t wait to start this new chapter and represent the Alpine brand on the global stage.”
      The F1 constructors are pushing for more female drivers with their ‘Race(H)er’ programme launched last summer.
      Last year, Floersch stated: “I’m 21 years old and I think I can and should pursue this goal,” when asked if she believes she has a future in F1.
      Read More on The Sun
      Judging by her courage and resilience, that goal
      Since she began in motorsport, Floersch has pushed for equality in racing
      Floersch’s goal is to compete in F1 More

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      Lewis Hamilton gives fans major update on F1 future after retirement rumours

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he’s “a fighter” and will not walk away from F1 – even if he’s not winning races.Hamilton will kick off his 17th year in the sport on Friday at the season-opening Bahrain GP.
      Lewis Hamilton addressed rumours regarding a retirement from Formula OneCredit: Getty
      Last year he went winless for the first time in his career.
      And former world champions Jenson Button and Damon Hill have questioned whether he will lose the desire if that poor run goes on.
      But Hamilton, 38, who has made no secret of the fact he wants to extend his Mercedes deal beyond this season, is confident he will agree new terms with boss Toto Wolff.
      He said: “Ultimately people are creating rumours without facts. It’s never helpful. And you would have thought they would have both known by now.
      Read More on F1
      “I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. Having a difficult year; whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a team.
      “I love the challenge of finding solutions. I still believe I’m able to put the car in places that others are perhaps not able to, and I love that challenge.
      “Of course I wish that we start the season with a great car. But it’s the journey that really counts.
      “So there is no hold up with our contract. I’ve always been very, very relaxed. I don’t feel like I’ve got to get it done right this second. I’m in a very fortunate position.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “It’ll get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes, and we fully support each other.
      “I’m really excited about the future together. I’m really proud of the work that we’re doing on and off the track, and the potential things we can do going forward. We’ll get there.”
      There were mixed messages from Mercedes after last week’s three days of testing but Hamilton says that from the very first lap at a shakedown at Silverstone that he knew of the challenges he would be facing this season.
      While the bouncing has been cured, there is still some way to go before he feels he can catch up to Red Bull and Ferrari.
      He added: “We arrive here with a much better understanding of the challenges that are ahead.
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      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton insists he will not retire from Formula OneCredit: Getty
      “We’ve had a few really good days of digesting the data and I’ve been on calls every day with the team.
      “Everyone’s been working so hard to make sure we arrive here as best prepared we can with the information we have.
      “I knew from the moment I first drove the car where we were and the challenges that we would be facing.
      “On a positive note, not having the bouncing this year is a huge plus and now we can focus on just pure performance.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m encouraged to see the focus and courage of everyone with the team on getting us back to the top.
      “We’re not where we wanted to start a season but this still is a multi-world championship-winning team and group of people I believe in.” More

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      Who is Michael Schumacher’s nephew David?

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      MICHEAL SCHUMACHER holds the second most F1 wins of all time behind Lewis Hamilton.His nephew David Schumacher will be hoping to make his way onto the F1 grid in the future.
      Ralf Schumacher with son David Schumacher
      There have been plenty of motorsport drivers within the Schumacher family.
      Ralph Schumacher, brother to Micheal and father to David, was also an F1 racing driver.
      He drove for teams such as Jordan, Williams-BWM and Toyota.
      The German driver won all six of his F1 Grand Prix wins with Williams-BMW.
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      His first win came in 2001 at the San Marino Grand Prix, with the last win of his career coming at the France GP in 2003.
      Who is David Schumacher?
      David Schumacher is a 22-year-old aspiring Formula 1 driver.
      His most recent race was in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters at Hockenheimring.
      Unfortunately, during this race, the German was involved in a crazy crash with Thomas Preining.
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      He subsequently suffered a broken spine but didn’t require an operation.
      David Schumacher is also a former Formula 3 racer. His best year came in 2021, with an eleventh-placed finish.
      Who is David Schumacher’s cousin?
      Mick Schumacher, son of Micheal, is a former F1 racing driver.
      He was recently released by Haas at the end of the last F1 season, in which he finished in 16th place.
      Mick Schumacher at Bahrain Grand Prix
      Although Schumacher was dropped by Haas in 2022, he will still be on the grid as a third driver for Mercedes.
      The 23-year-old’s best finish in a race was 6th place in the 2022 Australian Grand Prix.
      When does the 2023 F1 season start?
      The new Formula 1 season is almost upon us, with the Bahrain Grand Prix kicking off the campaign on Sunday, March 5th. More