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      Lewis Hamilton snubbed as F1 team boss names predicts three-way title race next season

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      LEWIS HAMILTON won’t be part of a three-way Formula 1 title race next year, claims one team boss.The seven-time world champion slumped to sixth in the driver standings this year in Mercedes’ disappointing car, but showed encouraging signs towards the end of the campaign.
      George Russell has been backed to be in a title race ahead of Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
      Franz Tost is team principal of Red Bull affiliate AlphaTauriCredit: Getty
      Hamilton, 37, is raring to go ahead of a renewed battle with the likes of Max Verstappen next season.
      But AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost doesn’t think he stands a chance.
      And he even reckons that Hamilton’s own team-mate George Russell, in the very same car, has greater title hopes.
      Tost, 66, told Speedweek: “Such superiority as shown by Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing this year is rather rare.
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      “I expect a three-way battle between Max, Charles Leclerc and George Russell, which is already stronger than Lewis Hamilton.
      “The FIA ​​penalty will have a negative impact on Red Bull Racing, no question, even if the team has some of the best engineers.
      “But I trust Red Bull Racing to be able to fight for the world title again.”
      AlphaTauri are owned by Red Bull and are an affiliate team of Red Bull Racing.
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      Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc will be in the mix once againCredit: Reuters
      Russell, 24, earned his first race win in F1 at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after Verstappen had sent Hamilton off track earlier in the race.
      The Brit came fourth in the driver standings, 35 points and two places above his illustrious team-mate, who particularly struggled with his car’s porpoising during the first half of the season.
      Despite Russell finishing ahead of him, Hamilton recently beat his team-mate to Autosport’s British Driver of the Year award.
      Since the season finished, Hamilton has been enjoying himself on holiday in Egypt.
      The F1 superstar checked out the pyramids, while also hanging out with supermodel Naomi Campbell.
      Hamilton, 37, hung out with Naomi CampbellCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Charles Leclerc and Charlotte Sine’s relationship, from lavish Monaco lifestyle to hilarious Twitch live stream

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      IT’S a sad end of one of F1’s seemingly strongest relationships.The Ferrari driver, 25, and his longterm sweetheart Charlotte Sine have called time on their romance after three years together.
      F1 couple Charles Leclerc and Charlotte Sine have split up after three years togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/charlottesiine/
      Leclerc and Sine enjoyed a jet-set lifestyle in Monte CarloCredit: https://www.instagram.com/charlottesiine/
      The Monacan revealed he had broken up with the qualified architect on his Instagram story.
      He wrote: “Hello everyone, Charlotte and I have decided to end our relationship and we remain good friends.
      “We have shared so many great moments and she is and always will be a very special person to me.”
      He added: “She is amazing and deserves the best, please respect our decision and her privacy in a time like this.”
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      “Thank you.”
      Sine, 23, echoed Leclerc’s message in her own Instagram story.
      She wrote: “Hello, Charles and I have decided to end our relationship and stay good friends.
      “It’s been three beautiful years together with loads of memories. He is an amazing person and I wish him the best.
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      “Please respect our decision and privacy. Thank you.”
      During their time together, the pair enjoyed a lavish lifestyle together.
      From sailing on fancy yachts on the Mediterranean Sea to sharing intimate moments in the paddock, they seemed to have it all.
      And there was even a hilarious moment on Twitch that had fans in stitches.
      Leclerc announced their split on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHARLESLECLERC
      Sine released a joint statement with Leclerc about their break up on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      Monte Carlo life
      Charles and Charlotte were born in Monte Carlo, and come from wealthy stock.
      He dreamed of race car stardom, while she got her diploma in architecture.
      Her dad Emmanuel is the director of Bains de Mer, a company that operates the Casino of Monaco.
      They met when they were teenagers, with the former student’s mum living next door to the Leclerc family.
      But they wouldn’t start officially dating until 2019, when he started driving for the Ferrari team.
      As he gradually got more and more successful, Charlotte was seen supporting her man in the paddock.
      The ambitious graduate wasn’t content with being an F1 Wag, though.
      In recent years, she launched her own shoe line.
      However, his £10million-per-year salary helped finance their lavish lifestyle.
      Sine is from wealthy stock – her dad works for a company that operates the Casino of MonacoCredit: Instagram @charlottesiine
      Leclerc and Sine used to take his yacht Monza for a spin on the Mediterranean SeaCredit: Instagram @charles_leclerc
      Sine used to ride in Leclerc’s private jet – laid on by FerrariCredit: Instagram @charles_leclerc
      On Instagram, they regularly shared images on board his stunning £1.5million yacht called Monza.
      While when they flew to different circuits around the globe, Charlotte would join Charles and fellow racer Carlos Sainz on an £18,000-per-hour private jet for the jouney.
      Envious living quarters
      Like plenty of F1 stars who call tax-haven Monaco home, Charles boasts a spacious apartment in the principality.
      Last year, he gave fans a glimpse into his fabulous digs in a video he shared on social media.
      The clip shows Leclerc in his abode playing an expensive handcrafted Steinway & Sons piano – the talking point of his living room.
      In his living room Leclerc boasts an expensive Steinway & Sons grand pianoCredit: Instagram @charles_leclerc
      Leclerc and Sine lived together in Monaco in a glam apartmentCredit: Getty
      We also get a snapshot of his kitchen – complete with a white marble countertop, sleek white cabinets and a wine fridge.
      Charlotte and Charles lived together, which once got him into bother when he forgot she did.
      Getting Twitchy
      Leclerc is an avid gamer, who has a Twitch channel that’s followed by nearly 850,000 fans and shows what video games he’s playing online.
      But that once got him into hot water with his missus.
      Hilariously, when she was locked out of the home, Charlotte had to subscribe to his Twitch channel because he couldn’t hear her as he was playing a racing simulator and had a headset on.
      Charles Leclerc on TwitchCredit: twitch.tv/charlesleclerc
      Sadly, Leclerc and Sine are no longer a coupleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/charlottesiine/
      She was left hanging outside for 25 minutes, before having to subscribe to Leclerc’s channel – costing her £4.99.
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      He tweeted: “My girlfriend had to buy a subcription to my Twitch to be able to ask me in the channel chat if I could open her the front door.
      “She waited 25 mins downstairs as I couldn’t hear my phone, I had the headphones and was very focus on my rally race.” More

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      F1 star Charles Leclerc reveals he has split from stunning girlfriend Charlotte Sine and asks for privacy

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      F1 superstar Charles Leclerc has announced his split from girlfriend Charlotte Sine.The Ferrari star and Sine began dating three years ago and proved to be an inseparable duo.
      Charles Leclerc and Charlotte Sin began dating three years agoCredit: Instagram
      The pair were inseparable, with Sine following the Ferrari ace across the worldCredit: Getty
      But Sine is no longer Leclercs’s girfriendCredit: Instagram
      Leclerc announced their split on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@CHARLESLECLERC
      But the pair have called time on their relationship, a split Leclerc announced on social media.
      The 25-year-old wrote on his Instagram story: “Hello everyone, Charlotte and I have decided to end our relationship and we remain good friends.
      “We have shared so many great moments and she is and always will be a very special person to me.”
      The Monegasque racer urged his 9.5million Instagram followers and F1 fans to leave his former beloved alone following their split.
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      He continued: “She is amazing and deserves the best, please respect our decision and her privacy in a time like this.
      “Thank you.”
      Sine, 23, echoed Leclerc’s message in her own Instagram story.
      She wrote: “Hello, Charles and I have decided to end our relationship and stay good friends.
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      “It’s been three beautiful years together with loads of memories. He is an amazing person and I wish him the best.
      “Please respect our decision and privacy. Thank you.”
      Leclerc endured a frustrating season with Ferrari, finishing second to champion Max Verstappen.
      But he’s confident the Italians will be able to break Red Bull’s stranglehold on the title next year.
      He said: “We just need to take all the mistakes we’ve done this year and try to improve for next year.
      “I think we really did some steps forward in terms of strategy and the way we have been taking decisions recently, in the last few races.
      Max Verstappen believes Ferrari can dethorne Red Bull next yearCredit: REX
      “Unfortunately, it was a bit more difficult to show it because the pace is not as good as at the beginning of the season.
      “But I’m confident, in terms of pace, we will manage to catch Red Bull back next year.” More

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      F1 fans all say same thing as Lewis Hamilton beats Mercedes team-mate George Russell to prestigious end-of-year award

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      FORMULA ONE fans have been left baffled after Sir Lewis Hamilton scooped up a prestigious end-of-year award.The Mercedes star endured a difficult campaign and finished sixth in the F1 championship standings.
      F1 fans cannot understand why Lewis Hamilton was named Autosport’s British Competition Driver of the YearCredit: Getty
      Many fans felt George Russell deserved to win the awardCredit: Alamy
      He failed to win a single race or even pole as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dominated on his way to a second world title.
      Yet Hamilton, 37, has still be named Autosport’s British Competition Driver of the Year after topping a reader’s poll.
      He beat his Mercedes team-mate Russell to top spot, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and IMSA SportsCar champion Tom Blomqvist also nominated.
      But fans cannot understand why given Russell finished two places and 35 points ahead of Hamilton in F1.
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      The 24-year-old also won a race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after taking pole.
      Reacting to the news, one fan said: “I’m a Lewis fan but not sure how he got this. George was better this year and probably Lando too.”
      Another added: “Um, what? George Russell would be ahead of Lewis for this award in any sane scoring.”
      And a third commented: “Should be Lando Norris or George Russell and I’m a Hamilton fan.”
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      Another confused fan wrote: “He wasn’t even the best British driver on his team??”
      Hamilton was unable to attend the award ceremony but thanked those who voted for him.
      He said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Autosport readers. There are some amazingly talented British drivers.
      “I don’t know how we continue to produce such great drivers in the UK but I’m really proud to be a part of it. I want to congratulate all the nominees.” More

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      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s F1 off-season as Mercedes star heads to Egypt to see Pyramids and party with Naomi Campbell

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has shared photos of his trip to Egypt following the end of the Formula 1 season.The seven-time champion finished off a disappointing campaign in Abu Dhabi last month by retiring on the 55th lap as he ended the year without a win for the first time in his F1 career.
      Lewis Hamilton visited the Pyramids while in EgyptCredit: Instagram
      He also met up with Naomi CampbellCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton also posed in front of a Dior backdropCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton is enjoying some downtime after the end of the F1 seasonCredit: Instagram
      He has been exploring the African country and shared pictures on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      The incredible shots encapsulated Hamilton’s breathtaking tripCredit: Instagram
      The Brit, 37, came sixth in the drivers’ standings, 214 points behind champion Max Verstappen and 35 adrift of Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
      But he remained composed and positive throughout what was a difficult year for the team and has gone into the off-season filled with optimism about what could be achieved in 2023.
      And he is now enjoying some well-earned downtime in Egypt, exploring the Pyramids and partying with model Naomi Campbell.
      Hamilton spent the summer break tracing his roots in Africa, visiting countries such as Namibia and Rwanda.
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      Now he is exploring another and took to social media to post about the incredible trip.
      Speaking on Instagram, he said: “First time in Egypt!!
      “I’ve wanted to come here for the longest time, and I’ve been wanting to see more of Africa after my trip this summer.
      “Got to do both in one trip. Thank you @mrkimjones and the @dior team for inviting me along, these two beautiful days in Cairo were incredible 🇪🇬♥️.”
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      On track, Hamilton remains committed to trying to win a record-breaking eighth world title.
      He is currently level with Michael Schumacher on seven and came incredibly close to eclipsing the German in 2021 – only for Verstappen to overtake him on the last lap of the final race.
      But Hamilton, who turns 38 in January, is determined to keep fighting.
      Speaking at the end of the season, he said: “These next couple of weeks, we’ll be back at the factory, we’ll get to see everybody, and while we’re not celebrating a world championship, we’ll be celebrating them still for their hard work and efforts.
      “I hope that the struggles this year really provide us with the tools and the strengths to fight for many more championships moving forward.” More

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      Patrick Tambay dead at 73: Former F1 driver who starred for McLaren and Ferrari dies after long battle with illness

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      FORMER Formula One driver Patrick Tambay has died aged 73.His family announced his sad passing today after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
      Patrick Tambay has passed away aged 73 after a long battle with illnessCredit: AFP
      Tambay raced in the iconic red of Ferarri in 1982 and 1983Credit: Getty
      The French star featured in nine F1 seasons between 1977 and 1986.
      He started 114 races and secured two victories.
      Both of his chequered flags were claimed while racing for Ferrari in 1982 and 1983, finishing seventh and fourth respectively in the world championships.
      Tambay, born in Paris in 1949, also raced for McLaren, Renault and Team Haas – and competed in two 24-hour Le Mans races.
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      Tambay also loved skiing and was a junior champion before focusing fully on racing.
      In the sport, his wins at Germany and Saint-Marin were two of 11 podium finishes.
      His fourth place in the 1983 championship standings saw him finish behind Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost and Rene Arnoux.
      He returned to the cockpit in 2005 and 2006 as part of a Grand Prix Masters series for retired F1 drivers.
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      Tambay’s son Adrien also became a racing driver – as did his godson Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 world champion.
      Tributes poured in on social media for Tambay.
      Rolland Courbis tweeted: “He was a very nice guy. I had the chance to have known his son. I send my condolences and I embrace his whole family.”
      Alexandre Delperier said: “You are gone my dear friend Patrick Tambay! So much memories! What a passion for #F1 shared together on @RMCsport.
      “Rest in peace! I mourn the marvellous man that you were! Sincere thoughts to your family and especially to @TambayRacing.”
      David Lisnard added: “I learned with great sadness of the death of Patrick Tambay.
      “I had admired him as a top athlete, in particular a talented Formula 1 driver, and known as a local elected official in Le Cannet. Always dignified and positive, including in illness, Patrick Tambay was a beautiful person.”
      And Eric Ciotti wrote: “Very sad to learn of the death of Patrick Tambay. A great champion, he was also a devoted elected official.
      “I will never forget his emotion at the inauguration of the gymnasium of the Department which bears his name in his city of Le Cannet.”
      Tambay also raced for Renault as well as Haas and McLarenCredit: AFP
      He was also a keen skier, especially as a youngsterCredit: Getty More

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      Valtteri Bottas looks unrecognisable as F1 star unveils dramatic new mullet haircut to ‘fit in’ in Australia

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS looks unrecognisable as he embraced a new haircut as he enjoys a break after the F1 season.The Finnish racing driver is now sporting a mullet after switching from his usual long hairstyle.
      Valtteri Bottas has embraced the Australian style with his new haircutCredit: Twitter
      He shared his new style with his fans on TwitterCredit: Twitter

      Paired with his moustache, Bottas has a striking look with his new style as he shared a video of the transformation on Twitter.
      He is currently in Melbourne, Australia, relaxing after the F1 season finished in Abu Dhabi on November 20.
      Bottas is with his partner Tiffany Cromwell as she is from the country.
      Being in the country must have given him the inspiration to go for the mullet, as it is a common style there.
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      In the video he shared on Twitter titled #offseason, it starts with him having a coffee with Cromwell and her suggesting that he does not fit in the couple’s surroundings.
      She asked him: “Well how are you going to do that (fit in)?”
      To which Bottas replied: “I think I’m going to need to change my style.”
      Cromwell then responded by asking: “What do you mean?'”, before Bottas answered: “You’ll see.”
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      The video then cuts to him in the barbershop as he is transformed with the mullet haircut and new outfit.
      He is wearing a Victoria Bitter lager vest and matching shorts with a bottle of the traditional Australian drink in hand.
      The Alfa Romeo driver finished 10th in the Drivers Championship last season.
      The next F1 campaign is due to begin on March 5 next year with the Bahrain GP. More

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      Chinese GP CANCELLED again for fourth straight year as F1 confirm race called off due to ‘Covid difficulties’

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      FORMULA ONE have cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row due to “Covid difficulties”.The circuit was set to return to Shanghai for the fourth race of the 2023 season on April 16.
      The Chinese Grand Prix for 2023 has been cancelledCredit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton won the last edition of the race in 2019Credit: AFP
      But with coronavirus still an ongoing issue in the Asian country and restrictions remaining in place, F1 confirmed the Grand Prix will not go ahead as planned.
      China’s covid policies mean that all F1 staff and drivers would be required to quarantine.
      There is the added risk that if team members tested positive for Covid they would be detained while they recover.
      A short statement from F1 said: “Formula One can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the Covid-19 situation.
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      “Formula One is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.”
      The Chinese GP was axed when the pandemic broke out in early 2020.
      The 2021 and 2022 races were also wiped off the F1 calendar as the problems continued.
      Lewis Hamilton won the last edition of the Chinese GP in 2019.
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      That was the Brit’s sixth victory at the Shanghai circuit in his illustrious career, claiming his first chequered flag in 2008.
      One possible solution is a return to Portimao, which would make up a record 24-race calendar.
      The cancelled race will otherwise mean there will be a four-week gap between the Australian GP and the Azerbaijan GP which run at the start and the end of April respectively.
      Another option would see the Azerbaijan GP move forward to close up the gap, meaning the total GPs is reduced to 23.
      Max Verstappen will begin his campaign for a hat-trick of drivers’ world championships in Bahrain on March 5 – after pre-season testing at the same venue.
      F1 had pieced together the whopping 24-race season for 2023, with a new Las Vegas Grand Prix on the penultimate weekend.
      As usual, the season will come to an end at Abu Dhabi on the last weekend of November.
      But a handful of drivers could be at risk of facing bans next year if they hit the 12-point penalty limit threshold on their licences within a rolling 12 months.
      Pierre Gasly (ten), Lance Stroll (eight), Verstappen and Alex Albon (both seven) are closest to triggering an automatic one-race ban. More