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      F1 star Lance Stroll suffers bike accident in training and OUT of pre-season

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      ASTON MARTIN driver Lance Stroll will be forced to miss this week’s pre-season testing after having an accident while riding his bicycle.The Silverstone-based team say the Canadian suffered a “minor accident and sustained injuries which will result in him sitting out the pre-season test in Bahrain”.
      Stroll is into his seventh season in F1Credit: Rex
      Aston Martin announced the unfortunate news this afternoon
      The 24-year-old, the son of the team’s owner Lawrence Stroll, is expected to be fit for the season-opener in Bahrain on March 5.
      Stroll said: “I’ve had an unfortunate accident whilst training on my bike in preparation for the season. 
      “I am determined to get back in the car and I am excited about the season ahead with the team. I am motivated to bounce back from this setback as quickly as possible.”
      Aston Martin confirmed the news on their Twitter page this afternoon.
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      They said expect Stroll to make a quick recovery and said they will issue an update ahead of the opening race of the season.
      The news means new driver Fernando Alonso, who made a dramatic switch from Alpine last year, is now set to have all three days to himself to become acquainted with the new machinery.
      While this season won’t see the sweeping rule changes of last year, each team will still be looking to make tweaks to their car to find lap time.
      Pre-season testing gives fans the first chance to see who has gained some pace relative to their rivals and who needs to go back to the drawing board.
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      While Alonso is new to the team, Stroll is now into his fifth season with Aston Martin, who were called Racing Point until 2021.
      Along with his initial years at Williams in 2017 and 2018, this is now the Canadian’s seventh consecutive season in F1.
      While he has developed a reputation for crashing, the star has also demonstrated genuine skill and pace and picked up some surprise podiums along the way.
      He is also known for his wet weather driving skills and grabbed his sole pole position in wet and slippery conditions during 2020 Turkish Grand Prix qualifying.
      After having to pit his wits against four-times World Champion Sebastian Vettel last season, Stroll will now need to show the same resolve against two-times F1 winner Alonso when the season kicks off next month.
      Max Verstappen is widely deemed to be the favourite heading into the season. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s salary dwarfed by Max Verstappen’s but Mercedes ace still second-top earner as F1 stars’ wages revealed

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN topped F1’s pay league last year with a staggering £45million.The two-time world champion maximised his contract with Red Bull in the 2022 season.
      Max Verstappen earns £16million more than Lewis Hamilton per year
      Max Verstappen earns more than any other driver in F1Credit: Getty
      Lewis Hamiltonis reportedly on £29m per yearCredit: AP
      His deal included bonuses for winning races, taking podiums and winning both the drivers’ and teams’ championship titles.
      Verstappen’s earnings dwarfed that of Lewis Hamilton, who is in the process of negotiating a new deal with his Mercedes team.
      Hamilton, who went winless for the first time in his F1 career last season, is understood to have earned around £29million, claim RacingNews365.
      He has now had first talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff over a new deal with the contract is expected to be a formality.
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      Hamilton, 38, is likely to be offered similar terms to his last contract.
      However, in the long-term he is seeking an ambassador position with Mercedes for when he eventually does call time on his racing career. 
      Both Hamilton and Verstappen have private endorsements too with the Dutchman having just signed a deal with Heineken.
      Meanwhile, Jenson Button expects Hamilton to come out of the blocks flying when the season starts next week in Bahrain. 
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      However, Button, who was Hamilton’s teammate at McLaren between 2010 and 2012, said when he struggled with an uncompetitive car, it led to him contemplating retirement.
      Button said: “It’s something we all go through in our careers. It’s a reason why a lot of people retire, they are not in a winning car anymore. That’s why I left.
      “You can deal with the pressure you put yourself under and the calendar, if you are in a winning car. When you are not, you are like ‘I’ve had enough, I want to get out’.
      “Mercedes have given him a winning car for so many years. Last year obviously they didn’t but the car did win a race last year [with George Russell], so you would say at the end of the year they were strong.
      “I think he’ll start this year flat-out. He’s going to be on it from the word go, so I look forward to seeing that.
      “It’s going to put a lot of pressure on George; it’s a good pairing. But Lewis will be on it from the word go and I look forward to that fight.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff and rival Max Verstappen slam F1’s Drive to Survive on Netflix ahead of new series

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Toto Wolff have expressed concerns over Drive to Survive with the hit series days away from its fifth season release. The fly-on-the-wall documentary series follows all 10 teams and provides fans with an insight to the drama that is missed by standard TV coverage.
      Drive to Survive is widely believed to have boosted F1’s popularity among younger audiences
      It has proven to be a huge hit and is often cited as a factor in F1’s popularity boom in recent years.
      But the series is not everyone’s cup of tea, including those at the centre of the drama.
      Verstappen, 25, initially refused to do any talking head interviews despite his boss, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, being one of the series’ main protagonists.
      But the Dutchman has dropped his boycott this year despite the unflattering review he provided ahead of the fourth season’s release previously.
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      He said: “They faked a few rivalries which don’t really exist. So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show.
      “I am not really a dramatic show kind of person, I just want facts and real things to happen.
      “The problem is they will always position you in a way they want, so whatever you say, they will try to make you look reckless or trying to make you… whatever fits the story of the series.
      “So I never really liked that. I prefer to just have a one-on-one interview with the person who would like to know me.”
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      Lewis Hamilton’s boss Wolff revealed similar misgivings last year.
      He said: “It’s scary how much we let them in. You hate to see yourself in there. They create a spin to the narrative – they put scenes together that didn’t happen.
      “I guess you’d say as an insider, ‘well that’s different than how it was’. But we’re creating entertainment, and that is a new dimension of entertainment.”
      The most recent series of Drive to Survive followed F1’s most dramatic and explosive title race ever with Hamilton and Verstappen’s rivalry resulting in huge crashes and unprecedented last-lap drama.
      The upcoming series – which is released on February 24 – will review the 2022 season which saw Verstappen dominate, Mercedes struggle and Ferrari unravel. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell ready to take on Max Verstappen for F1 title in 2023 season

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      GEORGE RUSSELL is ready to take the fight to Max Verstappen this season.The Brit won his first Grand Prix last year in Brazil as he finished fourth in the drivers’ championship behind champ Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
      Mercedes’ George Russell is up to take on Red Bull superstar Max VerstappenCredit: PA
      However, after coming to terms with racing for a top team — and beating his Mercedes team-mate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton — Russell says his goal this season is to battle Verstappen for the title.
      Speaking at the launch of this season’s predominantly black Formula One car, 25-year-old Russell was in a bullish mood.
      He said: “I’m going into my fifth year of Formula One.
      “I have had three difficult years at the back of the grid and I feel like last year was a good taste but I feel absolutely ready within myself and the team I’ve got around me to fight.
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      “We want to put that fight against Max. I’m sure Ferrari are going to come out the blocks fast too, so we want to fight against those guys and go for it.
      “This is why I had the dream of being an F 1 driver and what I’m working towards every single day, so we are going to be doing our best to achieve that.
      “We need to see what the car feels like. I was happy with how we maximised last year, in terms of getting the most out of a difficult package.
      “The great thing with this sport is it’s constantly evolving and it’s a new challenge every single year, because of the challenges you face, with the new tyres and the new car.
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      “I definitely feel I still have room to improve and that fills me with confidence because I still felt like I was performing at a very high level ,even though I know that I’ve got a lot more in my pocket.
      “I was on quite a steep learning curve but I feel like we’ve got a lot to come.”
      Russell made a stunning start to his Mercedes career with nine consecutive top-five finishes, including three podiums.
      But he admits he learned more from his poor races than he did his successful ones and that sometimes he was simply trying too hard.
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      He added: “That was a big lesson I learned is that sometimes the harder you try, the more you push, sometimes the result isn’t better.
      “You’ve got to be very disciplined with yourself sometimes in your approach for knowing how hard to push.”
      Both Russell and Hamilton have got in some crucial running ahead of this week’s pre-season testing in Bahrain.
      The pair took part in a tyre test for Pirelli in Spain at the start of this month and drove during a filming day at Silverstone this week, which was  limited to 60 miles.
      Hamilton, 38, said: “I got in the car, I did 160 something laps in Jerez and I felt good.
      “As always, after the first day of running the back of your neck is always a sore part.
      “I’m sure, still, after the first days that we’re running, your body is still getting accustomed to the forces, as the car should hopefully be quicker this year.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard.
      “I’m incredibly grateful for all the effort.”
      Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell is confident ahead of next seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s intense six-hour a day training sessions and unique diet to get ready for F1 title battle

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is in incredible shape as he prepares to hunt a record-breaking eighth F1 world championship.The Mercedes star trains up to six hours a day, five times a week to get in such amazing physical condition.
      Lewis Hamilton shows off his amazing physique
      Lewis’ dog Roscoe helps him in the gym
      The Mercedes star also loves being active even on holiday
      He is never afraid to try his hand at other sports
      Hamilton, 38, is seemingly getting in even better shape with age, recently showing off his abs in a photo posted by the Silver Arrows.
      He hasn’t just had it gifted to him, however – Hamilton works extremely hard on his body.
      The Formula 1 superstar often works out in his home gym, assisted by trainer Angela Cullen and kept company by dog Roscoe.
      Lifting the lid on his workout priorities, he told Men’s Health: “I like lifting weights, but I have to make sure that I don’t overdo it.
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      “Formula One drivers can’t be too heavy: more muscle means more kilos.
      “It’s also disadvantageous to put too much muscle on your shoulders and arms, because you need to have a low centre of gravity in the car.”
      On another area of focus that the layman might miss, Hamilton revealed: “Your neck is where– is probably the one that fatigues the most.
      “Your helmet and your head weigh a lot.
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      Hamilton poses alongside Roscoe
      Hamilton glides across the water
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      Sir Lewis loves to ski
      “It’s about 22 pounds, and obviously, six times that weight through a corner for a sustained period of time is heavy.”
      The seven-time world champion is also a champion of plant-based diets – having adopted one during his time in New York.
      Explaining a key food that even petrolheads may miss, he gushed to Vanity Fair: “I used to look at hummus and I was like, ‘No way would I ever eat hummus!’
      “And I love it now. It’s my go-to thing every day.”
      In a 2020 Instagram post, Hamilton showed off his ripped abs in a mirror selfie, while also diving into how he keeps his body and mind in pristine shape.
      He wrote: “Every year I try to find the right balance between being the fittest athlete I can be, a good businessman and deliver on all platforms.
      “It is far from easy but I give it my all. I listen to my body, fuel it to the best of my knowledge. This year, I’ve managed to push further and be fitter and stronger than the years before which I’m so happy about.
      ‘HEALTH IS WEALTH’
      “I feel more ready than ever as I embark on my journey to the first race of the season. I just want to encourage you all out there, your body and mind are one.
      “Take care of it, feed your body and your mind with the right ingredients. Health is wealth! If you believe you can’t do something that is just the wrong attitude because you can do anything you put your mind to.
      “You need to develop a positive frame of mind and working out will help you do that and feel better about yourself. I know you can do it, now you need to know it too!!”
      Hamilton also enjoys taking part in other sports.
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      He has been spotted surfing and skiing during his down time.
      While the adrenaline junkie also jumped out of a plane in 2021. More

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      Zinedine Zidane takes surprising job in new sport despite link to PSG manager’s job

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE has taken a shock pit-stop from football – switching to another sport despite being linked to PSG.French F1 team Alpine announced the former Real Madrid manager as their ambassador at the same time they unveiled their new car for 2023.
      Zinedine Zidane has joined home-country F1 team Alpine as an ambassador but confirmed he aims to be a manager once again at some stageCredit: AFP
      Zidane insists he still wants to return to football management but was attracted by Alpine’s “vision” for fulfilling childhood dreams.
      The World Cup winner’s appointment comes just as it’s claimed PSG are monitoring him in case Christophe Galtier is sacked.
      Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League home loss to Bayern Munich was the Ligue 1 leaders’ third defeat in a row.
      And Galtier reportedly only has until the last-16 return leg on March 8 to convince club chiefs he remains the right man.
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      Fellow Frenchman Zidane, 50, confirmed his “desire” to manage again when he was quizzed at Alpine’s presentation for the 2023 race campaign.
      The two-time Real chief helped the Spanish giants win the Champions League three times in a row from 2016 to 2018.
      But Zidane explained why he’s happy to change track for now – at least until the summer.
      He said: “I liked the vision and the concrete approach of the Alpine teams, especially in the implementation of their equal opportunities programmes, especially since I have a particular affection for Alpine as a Frenchman and Formula 1 fan.
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      “I think it’s important to tell children that, wherever they come from, they can one day become the champions of tomorrow in whatever walk of life they choose and that they should always believe in their dreams.
      “This Alpine project is here to help make that possible. 
      “Change takes time, so if I can contribute and help speed things up, it’s with great satisfaction for me.”
      But he admitted his managerial ambitions as he added: “Now I have time… but I don’t know for how long. I know I want to coach again.
      “Maybe I will have time until June, but things can go very fast — for sure, to resume coaching remains my desire.” More

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      FIA U-turns in Lewis Hamilton battle as it agrees F1 drivers CAN make political statements… with one catch

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      FORMULA ONE’S governing body have backed down in their row over banning drivers from making political statements.The FIA angered F1 drivers by changing the International Sporting Code in December to stop them from making political, religious or personal statements or comments without written authorisation.
      The FIA have softened their stance on political statements in a boost to Lewis Hamilton and CoCredit: AP
      Like Hamilton, McLaren’s Lando Norris blasted the FIA’s initial moveCredit: AFP
      Lando Norris claimed it made drivers feel like school children while Lewis Hamilton was defiant and said he would continue to make personal protests and comments that were relevant to him.
      The growing pressure has now forced the FIA to act and they have backtracked in a note to drivers that has allowed them to continue to make protests – but not at certain times during a race weekend.
      An FIA Spokesperson said: “A guidance note has been issued to participants that sets out the scope of the updates made to the FIA International Sporting Code in December.
      “The updates cement the FIA’s longstanding commitment to protecting motor sport’s neutrality, and will particularly ensure neutrality during key moments across all motorsport competitions, such as podiums, national anthems and official activities ‘on the field of play’.
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      “It does not impose any additional restrictions on individuals expressing their views outside of these times.”
      The change to the rules now reads that drivers “can express their views on any political, religious or personal matter before, during and after” the race and in “their own space” such as social media.
      However, it adds that drivers are not allowed to air their views “during FIA press conferences (except in response to direct questions from accredited journalists) or during events such as the drivers’ parade, national anthem or podium ceremony.
      The FIA maintain that by changing the rules they want to ensure the sport remains politically neutral.
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      The new F1 season gets underway at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5, with this year set to have a record-breaking 23 races on its calendar.
      A supercomputer has given its verdict on how the season will go including who will win the championship.

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

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      Supercomputer predicts 2023 F1 season but will Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes close gap on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull?

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the outcome of the new Formula One season as Lewis Hamilton looks to end Max Verstappen’s winning run. The Dutchman has claimed the last two Drivers’ Championship crowns with no one getting even close to the dominant Red Bull driver this season.
      Max Verstappen is the reigning World Champion after a dominant 2022 campaignCredit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton is suited and booted as he looks to claim a record-breaking eighth titleCredit: PA
      With all ten teams hard at work improving their cars over the winter, it can be difficult to judge the strengths and weakness of the field ahead of next month’s opening race in Bahrain.
      But a supercomputer from BonusCodeBets has chewed up all the available information ahead of the new season and expects Verstappen to triumph again.
      The 25-year-old was in the form of his life in 2022 and won 15 of the 22 Grand Prix last season.
      He wrapped up the title with four races to go and left all of his rivals in his dust.
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      Hamilton has been tipped to finish second in this year’s table.
      The supercomputer believes the Mercedes man will miss out on a record-breaking eighth world title but improve on his sixth-place from last season.
      Meanwhile, the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are predicted to finish 3rd and 5th with Hamilton’s teammate George Russell sandwiched in between them.
      Brit racer Lando Norris is expected to be the best of the rest behind the dominant Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari teams.
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      While his new teammate Oscar Piastri has been tipped to have the best season out of all the rookies with a 11th-place finish.
      Also new to the grid is Alpha Tauri’s Nyck de Vries, who is expected to come 14th, while fellow newbie Logan Sargeant has been predicted to finish bottom in his Williams.
      Pre-season testing gets underway next week before the first race in Bahrain on March 5. More