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      Mercedes fans convinced ‘we’re winning it all’ after Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s F1 car is finally unveiled

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      MERCEDES have launched their car for the upcoming 2023 season… with fans convinced that they’re “going to win it all”.The Silver Arrows endured a difficult campaign last time out, amid struggles with their W13 car.
      Mercedes have launched their new W14 carCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      The 2023 car sees a return to the striking black liveryCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      The Silver Arrows will be desperate to get off to a better start than last seasonCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      With optimism that they have resolved their problems in their latest W14 model, however, Lewis Hamilton fans are feeling positive about their man’s chances this year.
      Speaking ahead of the car’s launch, team principal Toto Wolff said: “Last year was difficult but it came with lots of learnings.
      “I hope 2023 will be proof that we have understood how to unravel the problems and improve the package of the car.”
      He then continued: “W13 certainly had performance which we never were able to unlock and put all its downforce on the ground.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “Our car performed very well at the end of the season.
      “However, we still had the famous bouncing at some circuits and the car never gave the drivers good feedback, which limited them in being able to really push.
      “We have tried to keep all the goodness of the W13 and address its weaknesses.”
      The W14 sees Mercedes return to their striking black livery look – previously used during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
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      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Lewis Hamilton is ready for another crack at winning his eighth world titleCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      George Russell won his first F1 race in Brazil last yearCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      An emphasis has been placed on reducing the weight of the car – with the W14 boasting a lighter chassis, as well as a “refined aerodynamic concept”.
      On his new car, Hamilton said: “I have been a part of this team for over a decade and the efforts of everyone never cease to amaze me.
      “I find it inspiring how diligently and passionately each person approaches their work.”
      Russell added: “I have been incredibly impressed with how the team developed the car throughout last season.
      “We have been building momentum throughout 2022 and we’re excited to see how that has progressed over the winter.”
      Upon seeing snaps of their new car, Mercedes fans were thrilled about their chances.
      One wrote: “We’re winning it all.”
      A second tweeted: “Black Mercedes livery is back, the Michael Schumacher championship record is actually going to be beaten.”
      And a third gushed: “omg we are so back!”
      Read More on The Sun
      Quote-tweeting Mercedes’ announcement, F1 legend Damon Hill bizarrely added: “Warning: Contains Nude Photography.”
      The new season gets underway in Bahrain on March 5, with Hamilton and Co looking to get off to a good start.
      Toto Wolff is raring to goCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      The W14 will receive its race debut in BahrainCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG More

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      Lewis Hamilton dismisses retirement talk as he vows to stay in F1 with Mercedes for LONGER with contract talks started

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is raring to go to get back behind the wheel and says he is planning to stay with Mercedes for longer.The 38-year-old helped launch Mercedes’ challenger for 2023 – the striking all-black W14.
      Lewis Hamilton can’t wait to get back behind the wheelCredit: Getty
      Hamilton is out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the upcoming seasonCredit: PA
      Mercedes have launched their new car for 2023Credit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      Team chief Toto Wolff revealed the car is mainly unpainted carbon fibre in order to save weightCredit: Mercedes-Benz AG
      This season marks his 17th in F1 and with his contract with Mercedes set to expire at the end of the season, he has again hinted that he wants to remain with the team.
      Hamilton said: “I know I’ve been here [at Mercedes] a long time. It’s the combined energy of all the individuals in the team.
      “I love being a part of a team that’s working towards a common goal. I continue to love racing, I think that’s never going to change as it is part of my DNA.
      “I always believe that I can get better. I always love that challenge of the mental and the physical element of it and having to deep dive and see how you can extract more performance.”
      Read more in F1
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed contract talks to extend Hamilton have opened – but so far they have had just one conversation.
      He said: “We have done a few of these contracts in the past and they change little from iteration to iteration, so it is not complex apart from the obvious – terms
      “We have had a first chat but I don’t want to commit to any timeline because it’s not important for him or for us. He has a full year to run and we will find the right time.”
      Speaking about Mercedes’ new car, Hamilton added: “It’s not the same car every year. You know, it’s always changing. There’s always new tools, always a new logbook they have to get used to.
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      “And I love that, so you know, I am planning to stay there longer.”
      Meanwhile Wolff has revealed the car – which is an evolution from last year’s model with no sidepods – is in black to save weight.
      The bodywork is mainly unpainted carbon fibre to save grams or excess weight.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Wolff added: “When you look at where the story of the Silver Arrows came from, it is that the Mercedes was put on track and was painted white.
      “But it was overweight and they scratched off the paint and it ended up in aluminium and the car made the weight.
      “We really tried to get the weight off the car so we committed to [reducing] the grams by leaving the car in matte carbon.
      “So history repeats itself, just in this case it is modern materials like carbon and not aluminium. It just came together and it feels right.”
      Meanwhile, George Russell says the team’s goal for this season is simply to win the championship.
      Russell, who turned 24 on the day of the launch, said: “Knowing how last season panned out and the challenges we had with the car, I think we can be pretty proud of the job we did.
      “There were a lot of positives to take away from that season. The reliability of the car was great. The strategy on many occasions was really, really strong.
      “In the personal learnings we all went through and the technical learnings, that’s all gone into [this year’s] car.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We’re all here to win. It’s as simple as that. The motivation and the fire within our factory is immense, because people don’t want a repeat of what happened in 2022.
      “So we’re ready for it and we’re motivated to go out there and fight.”
      George Russell and Hamilton are eyeing world title glory in 2023Credit: Reuters More

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      F1 calendar 2023: Season gets underway in Bahrain as dates for British Grand Prix & new Las Vegas race CONFIRMED

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      THE Formula One season is soon ready to get underway with fans excited for what should be another stellar season.Max Verstappen is aiming to retain his trophy after winning both the 2020 and 2021 driver’s titles.
      Max Verstappen celebrating the 2022 championship.Credit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton is hoping to improve on his 2022 campaign after finishing lower than he ever has done in sixth place and going winless all season.
      Charles Leclerc will be wanting to build on last season after finishing second in the driver standings.
      The hope is that the Ferrari car will be better than last season after it let him down numerous times.
      Sergio Perez will also be keen to improve after finishing third and will want to finish above team-mate Verstappen.
      Read more F1

      F1 calendar 2022
      All session and race timings are in UK time.
      Bahrain Grand Prix
      Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, SakhirFriday, March 3: Practice One 11:30am, Practice Two 3pmSaturday, March 4: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, March 5: Bahrain Grand Prix 3pm
      Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
      Venue: Jeddah Street CircuitFriday, March 17: Practice One 1:30pm, Practice Two 5pmSaturday, March 18: Practice Three 1:30pm, Qualifying 5pmSunday, March 19:  Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 5pm
      Australian Grand Prix
      Venue: Albert Park CircuitFriday, March 31: Practice One 2:30am, Practice Two 6amSaturday, April 1: Practice Three 2:30am, Qualifying 6amSunday, April 2:  Australian Grand Prix 6am
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      Azerbaijan Grand Prix
      Venue: Baku City CircuitFriday, April 28: Practice One 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSaturday, April 29: Practice Two 10:30am, Sprint 2:30pmSunday, April 30:  Azerbaijan Grand Prix 12pm
      Miami Grand Prix
      Venue: Miami International AutodromeFriday, May 5: Practice One 7:30pm, Practice Two 11pmSaturday, May 6: Practice Three 5:30pm, Qualifying 9pmSunday, May 7:  United States Grand Prix 8:30pmItalian Grand Prix Grande Premio Del Made
      Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, ImolaFriday, May 19: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, May 20: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, May 21:  Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2pm
      Monaco Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte CarloFriday, May 26: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, May 27: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, May 28:  Monaco Grand Prix 2pm
      Spanish Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaFriday, June 2: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, June 3: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, June 4: Spanish Grand Prix 2pm
      Canadian Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, MontrealFriday, June 16: Practice One 6:30pm, Practice Two 10pmSaturday, June 17: Practice Three 5:30m, Qualifying 9pmSunday, June 18:  Canadian Grand Prix 7pm
      Austrian Grind Prix
      Venue: Red Bull Ring, SpielbergFriday, June 30: Practice One 12:30pm, Qualifying 4pmSaturday, July 1: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, July 2:  Austrian Grand Prix 2pm
      British Grand Prix
      Venue: Silverstone Circuit, NorthamptonshireFriday, July 7: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, July 8: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, July 9:  British Grand Prix 3pm
      Hungary Grand Prix
      Venue: Hungaroring, BudapestFriday, July 21: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, July 22: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, July 23:  Hungarian Grand Prix 2pm
      Belgian Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit de Spa-FrancorchampsFriday, July 28: Practice One 12:30pm, Qualifying 4pmSaturday, July 29: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, July 30:  Belgian Grand Prix 2pm
      Dutch Grand Prix
      Venue: ZandvoortFriday, August 25: Practice One 11:30am, Practice Two 3pmSaturday, August 26: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, August 27:  Dutch Grand Prix 2pm
      Italian Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Nazionale MonzaFriday, September 1: Practice One 12:30am, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, September 2: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, September 3:  Italian Grand Prix 2pm
      Singapore Grand Prix
      Venue: Marina Bay Street CircuitFriday, September 15: Practice One 10:30am, Practice Two 2pmSaturday, September 16: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, September 17:  Singapore Grand Prix 1pm
      Japanese Grand Prix
      Venue: Suzuka CircuitFriday, September 22: Practice One 3:30am, Practice Two 7amSaturday, September 23: Practice Three 3:30am, Qualifying 7amSunday, September 24: Singapore Grand Prix 6am
      Qatar Grand Prix
      Venue: Losail International CircuitFriday, October 6: Practice One 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSaturday, October 7: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, October 8: Qatar Grand Prix 3pm
      United States Grand Prix
      Venue:  Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TexasFriday, October 20: Practice One 6:30pm, Qualifying 10pmSaturday, October 21: Practice Two 7pm, Sprint 11pmSunday, October 22: United States Grand Prix 8pm
      Mexican Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico CityFriday, October 27: Practice One 7:30pm, Practice Two 11pmSaturday, October 28: Practice Three 6:30pm, Qualifying 10pmSunday, October 29: Mexican Grand Prix 8pm
      Sao Paulo Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, InterlagosFriday, November 11: Practice One 2:30pm, Qualifying 6pmSaturday, November 12: Practice Two 2:30pm, Sprint 6:30pmSunday, November 13: Sao Paulo Grand Prix 5pm
      Read More on The Sun
      Las Vegas Grand Prix
      Venue: Temporary street Circuit including the Las Vegas stripFriday, November 17: Practice One 4:30am, Practice Two 8amSaturday, November 18: Practice Three 4:30am, Qualifying 8amSunday, November 19: Las Vegas Grand Prix 6am
      Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
      Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas IslandFriday, November 24: Practice One 9:30am, Practice Two 1pmSaturday, November 25: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, November 26: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 1pm More

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      Ferrari reveal new F1 car as Leclerc hails ‘special’ team and talks up championship chances

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      CHARLES LECLERC has hailed his Ferrari team as special after the Italian outfit launched their car for the 2023 Formula one season. The Scuderia will be desperately hoping this is the car to end their championship drought in 2023.
      Ferrari’s car for the 2023 Formula one season.Credit: EPA
      Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz alongside team principal Fred Vasseur.Credit: AFP
      The most iconic team on the grid haven’t won a championship since 2007.
      A failure to claim either the drivers or constructors championship would make it the longest drought in the team’s history.
      Ferrari launched the SF-23 from their Maranello base with Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz present alongside new team principal Fred Vasseur and other members of senior management.
      Both drivers took to the teams Fiorano track following the launch to do the cars first laps in front of the teams fans on a special demo day.
      Leclerc said: ” It felt good. The first kilometres of this new project, after doing so many kilometres on the simulator, it feels special.”
      He added: ” Everything went smoothly.
      “Obviously, with two laps it’s difficult to go into details but I already gave my feedback to the engineers once I was in the car to get the first feeling.”
      The Italian team will be hoping to go one better after finishing second to Red Bull in the constructors championship last season.
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      Leclerc taking the SF-23 for its first laps on Ferrari’s Fiorano track.Credit: Rex
      Leclerc added: “The goal is to win. The feeling of winning is what motivates me and motivates all the team, too.
      “So I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car and trying to win that championship.”

      Despite a strong start to the 2022 season winning two of the first three races of last season Leclerc came up short to run away championship winner Max Verstappen.
      He said: “We’ve done a great job working it and trying to address the weaknesses that there were on this car, so hopefully it will be better.”
      Leclerc concluded : “We finished second in the constructors championship and the drivers’ championship, so I’m really looking forward to this new car.
      Pre season testing takes place in Bahrain from February 23-25 with the first race of the Formula One season taking place at the same venue on March 5. More

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      F1 calendar 2023: Season gets underway in Bahrain followed by Saudi Arabia but testing is first

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      THE Formula One season is soon ready to get underway with fans excited for what should be another stellar season.Max Verstappen is aiming to retain his trophy after winning both the 2020 and 2021 driver’s titles.
      Max Verstappen celebrating the 2022 championship.Credit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton is hoping to improve on his 2022 campaign after finishing lower than he ever has done in sixth place and going winless all season.
      Charles Leclerc will be wanting to build on last season after finishing second in the driver standings.
      The hope is that the Ferrari car will be better than last season after it let him down numerous times.
      Sergio Perez will also be keen to improve after finishing third and will want to finish above team-mate Verstappen.
      Read more F1
      F1 calendar 2022
      All session and race timings are in UK time.
      Bahrain Grand Prix
      Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, SakhirFriday, March 3: Practice One 11:30am, Practice Two 3pmSaturday, March 4: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, March 5: Bahrain Grand Prix 3pm
      Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
      Venue: Jeddah Street CircuitFriday, March 17: Practice One 1:30pm, Practice Two 5pmSaturday, March 18: Practice Three 1:30pm, Qualifying 5pmSunday, March 19:  Saudi Arabia Grand Prix 5pm
      Australian Grand Prix
      Venue: Albert Park CircuitFriday, March 31: Practice One 2:30am, Practice Two 6amSaturday, April 1: Practice Three 2:30am, Qualifying 6amSunday, April 2:  Australian Grand Prix 6am
      Most read in Motorsport
      Azerbaijan Grand Prix
      Venue: Baku City CircuitFriday, April 28: Practice One 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSaturday, April 29: Practice Two 10:30am, Sprint 2:30pmSunday, April 30:  Azerbaijan Grand Prix 12pm
      Miami Grand Prix
      Venue: Miami International AutodromeFriday, May 5: Practice One 7:30pm, Practice Two 11pmSaturday, May 6: Practice Three 5:30pm, Qualifying 9pmSunday, May 7:  United States Grand Prix 8:30pmItalian Grand Prix Grande Premio Del Made
      Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, ImolaFriday, May 19: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, May 20: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, May 21:  Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 2pm
      Monaco Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte CarloFriday, May 26: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, May 27: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, May 28:  Monaco Grand Prix 2pm
      Spanish Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaFriday, June 2: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, June 3: Practice Three 11:30m, Qualifying 3pmSunday, June 4: Spanish Grand Prix 2pm
      Canadian Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, MontrealFriday, June 16: Practice One 6:30pm, Practice Two 10pmSaturday, June 17: Practice Three 5:30m, Qualifying 9pmSunday, June 18:  Canadian Grand Prix 7pm
      Austrian Grind Prix
      Venue: Red Bull Ring, SpielbergFriday, June 30: Practice One 12:30pm, Qualifying 4pmSaturday, July 1: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, July 2:  Austrian Grand Prix 2pm
      British Grand Prix
      Venue: Silverstone Circuit, NorthamptonshireFriday, July 7: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, July 8: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, July 9:  British Grand Prix 3pm
      Hungary Grand Prix
      Venue: Hungaroring, BudapestFriday, July 21: Practice One 12:30pm, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, July 22: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, July 23:  Hungarian Grand Prix 2pm
      Belgian Grand Prix
      Venue: Circuit de Spa-FrancorchampsFriday, July 28: Practice One 12:30pm, Qualifying 4pmSaturday, July 29: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, July 30:  Belgian Grand Prix 2pm
      Dutch Grand Prix
      Venue: ZandvoortFriday, August 25: Practice One 11:30am, Practice Two 3pmSaturday, August 26: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, August 27:  Dutch Grand Prix 2pm
      Italian Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Nazionale MonzaFriday, September 1: Practice One 12:30am, Practice Two 4pmSaturday, September 2: Practice Three 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSunday, September 3:  Italian Grand Prix 2pm
      Singapore Grand Prix
      Venue: Marina Bay Street CircuitFriday, September 15: Practice One 10:30am, Practice Two 2pmSaturday, September 16: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, September 17:  Singapore Grand Prix 1pm
      Japanese Grand Prix
      Venue: Suzuka CircuitFriday, September 22: Practice One 3:30am, Practice Two 7amSaturday, September 23: Practice Three 3:30am, Qualifying 7amSunday, September 24: Singapore Grand Prix 6am
      Qatar Grand Prix
      Venue: Losail International CircuitFriday, October 6: Practice One 11:30am, Qualifying 3pmSaturday, October 7: Practice Two 11:30am, Sprint 3:30pmSunday, October 8: Qatar Grand Prix 3pm
      United States Grand Prix
      Venue:  Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TexasFriday, October 20: Practice One 6:30pm, Qualifying 10pmSaturday, October 21: Practice Two 7pm, Sprint 11pmSunday, October 22: United States Grand Prix 8pm
      Mexican Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico CityFriday, October 27: Practice One 7:30pm, Practice Two 11pmSaturday, October 28: Practice Three 6:30pm, Qualifying 10pmSunday, October 29: Mexican Grand Prix 8pm
      Sao Paulo Grand Prix
      Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, InterlagosFriday, November 11: Practice One 2:30pm, Qualifying 6pmSaturday, November 12: Practice Two 2:30pm, Sprint 6:30pmSunday, November 13: Sao Paulo Grand Prix 5pm
      Read More on The Sun
      Las Vegas Grand Prix
      Venue: Temporary street Circuit including the Las Vegas stripFriday, November 17: Practice One 4:30am, Practice Two 8amSaturday, November 18: Practice Three 4:30am, Qualifying 8amSunday, November 19: Las Vegas Grand Prix 6am
      Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
      Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas IslandFriday, November 24: Practice One 9:30am, Practice Two 1pmSaturday, November 25: Practice Three 10:30am, Qualifying 2pmSunday, November 26: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 1pm More

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      Lewis Hamilton teases 2023 F1 helmet design as Mercedes get set to unveil new car with Brit chasing eighth world title

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has teased his 2023 Formula One helmet design as the excitement builds before the new season.And the Mercedes car he will be driving throughout this year is set to be unveiled imminently.
      Lewis Hamilton is preparing for the 2023 Formula One seasonCredit: Reuters
      Hamilton, 38, is eyeing a record-breaking eighth world drivers’ championship.
      And the F1 superstar took to Instagram to give his 31.4million followers a glimpse of his outfit.
      The British legend posted a close-up snap of a yellow-and-purple helmet with trim in blue and red.
      The colour scheme appears to be a blend of the last two seasons.
      READ MORE ON F1
      In 2021, he had a mainly-purple helmet while last year’s model was predominantly yellow.
      Hamilton simply added “23” – in a nod to the upcoming season which kicks off in Bahrain on March 5.
      The seven-time world champ has a staggering SIX records in his sight this year to cement his status as F1’s GOAT.
      That includes taking the outright lead for world championships, most wins at the same Grand Prix, most poles at the same Grand Prix and first driver to win a race after his 300th start.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      And Hamilton has clearly been working hard in the gym to get himself in the best possible condition to rival Max Verstappen once again.
      The Stevenage star – who did not win a single race last season – posted selfies showing off his ripped abs following his off-season exploring Antarctica.
      While fans wait in eager expectation for the Mercedes car design for 2023, others have already taken a pop at Red Bull for their ‘new’ livery.
      Specsavers were among the many to pile in on the reigning constructors’ champions with their RB19 car for this year virtually identical to the RB18 paintjob from 2022.
      Hamilton gave fans a glimpse of his 2023 helmetCredit: Instagram
      His helmet last year was a striking yellow colourCredit: AFP / Getty More

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      F1 stars should not be treated like school kids and FIA need to rethink controversial new rules, says Lando Norris

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      LANDO NORRIS says F1 stars should not be made to feel like school kids as he calls on the FIA to rethink plans to punish drivers who make social and political comments.Norris has added his weight to a growing list of drivers and team bosses who want the FIA to overturn their controversial new rules.
      Brit Lando Norris fears the rule change will impede drivers giving adviceCredit: AFP
      F1’s governing body rewrote the rulebook to give them permission to impose penalties on drivers who make gestures without prior approval.
      It has led drivers to claim the FIA are trying to control them and Norris wants them to rethink their barmy plan.
      Speaking at the launch of this season’s car at McLaren’s HQ in Woking, he said: “It is very important that it is made clear that as drivers, we can still voice our opinions.
      “F1 should go in the direction of limiting what we can do and say and influence the drivers because we’re only wanting to do things for the best.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “We’re doing it because we have millions of fans and viewers who we want to influence and guide or to help them personally.
      “We should have freedom of speech. We should be able to say and do what we want. That’s what defines us as people is what makes us human.
      If we find things being blocked off and we cannot talk, then nobody will want to do media [interviews] because we might as well be turned into a robot and just say the same things over and over again.
      “We are only trying to help people in the world and give advice and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to do that.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Norris agreed with Williams’ Alex Albon that the threat needs looking at.
      He added: “There’s been quite a bit of pressure and enough said to maybe make a U-turn.
      “We should be able to say what we want and what we believe in. We are not in school and reaching up to ask about everything and say, ‘can we do this? Can we do that?’
      “We are grown up enough to try and make smart decisions. I think there’s enough drivers who have said things now to push back a little bit.”
      Williams’ Alex Albon has also urged F1 bosses to think againCredit: Reuters
      Norris is now going in for his fifth season in F1 and has another new teammate as Australian Oscar Piastri replaces countryman Daniel Ricciardo.
      It means Norris will become the team’s leader, a position he is excited to be stepping into.
      However, he knows he may not yet be in position to fight for regular wins as the team continues to develop.
      He said: “I definitely have more responsibility simply because I’m the one with more experience, both in Formula One but also with McLaren as a team.
      “I can use that a lot more than what Oscar would be able to and therefore my responsibility is to use that to our advantage.
      “I have the understanding that we don’t have everything we need at this current time to win races or to compete against the best teams in the world.
      “But if we can build a team over the last few years and do what we can this year to perform in every area, when we have those extra few things coming our way, then we can take that step with absolute performance.
      “I’m probably not the most patient guy in life, but it’s something you need to learn to have when you get to Formula One.
      “Until then, I’m just doing my job of trying to achieve everything I can one weekend at a time.”
      McLaren boss Zak Brown was also cautious about the team’s chances this season as they have set the goal of being the fourth-quickest team behind Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “Lando signed up for the long term because he knows the journey we’re on and this feels like family to him.
      “So long as we continue to progress, but we’re all we’re all impatient and there with him in our desire but we have to recognise it’s going to take a little bit more time.” More

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      Ex-F1 star Pascal Wehrlein taken to hospital after suffering horror crash in Formula E practice

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      PASCAL WEHRLEIN has been taken to hospital after being involved in a terrifying crash.The former Formula 1 driver now competes for Porsche in Formula E.
      Pascal Wehrlein lost control of his Porsche
      The car terrifyingly collided with the wall
      Wehrlein clambers out of his carCredit: Splash
      The scary incident occurred during a practice session ahead of the Hyderabad E-Prix.
      Wehrlein, 28, went into the weekend top of the leaderboard after the first three races of the season.
      But he suffered a huge blow earlier today, when he lost control of his Porsche on the track’s final corner.
      Wehrlein’s car spun out of control before producing a major thud as it hit the wall.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      The horrendous smash caused huge damage to the car, and also prompted audible gasps from commentators Jack Nicholls and Karun Chandhok.
      Wehrlein thankfully came out of the crash unharmed, radioing his team to tell them that his car’s throttle had “got stuck” – causing the smash.
      He climbed out of his car without requiring assistance, but was taken to hospital anyway for precautionary checks.
      Examining how the crash came about, Chandhok said: “That doesn’t seem like driver error.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Nicholls then added: “He said the throttle got stuck and, yeah, you can see the wheels are still spinning as he is having the rotation.”
      In order to further investigate the cause of the crash without putting their other drivers at risk, Porsche opted not to send them out until more tests were run.
      Wehrlein competed for Manor and Sauber in Formula 1 during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
      He entered 40 races, picking up six points.
      Wehrlein’s car took huge damageCredit: Rex
      The German competes for Porsche in Formula ECredit: Rex More