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      Ford confirms return to F1 in 2026 after 22-year absence as motorsport giants prepare for new era of engines

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      FORD have confirmed their intentions to return to Formula One. The American Car manufacturer has been absent from the motorsport since 2004, but have now reignited their interest to be a part of F1 from 2026.
      Ford has confirmed its intention to return to Formula OneCredit: Ford
      The grid is set to be boosted by two new teams by 2026Credit: Splash
      Company chief Bill Ford said: “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company.
      “Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”
      The move comes just one day after governing body, the FIA, announced plans to allow would-be newcomers to launch applications to join.
      The FIA’s declaration came with stipulations on meeting F1’s sustainability target of Net Zero Carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, which also referred to any newcomers needing to be “competitive” throughout.
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       F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also welcomed the news, saying: “The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1.
      “Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world.
      “Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1.
      “We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”
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      Ford’s announcement just one day after shows there is a genuine interest in joining F1 going into the new engine era of 2026.
      There will be a maximum of two new teams who can join in 2026, with the grid capped at 12 teams, consequently also raising the driver limit to 24 rather than the 20 currently involved.
      F1 has grown massively in recent years, with owners Liberty Media rejecting an astronomical Saudi Arabian bid of £16BILLION to buy the rights.
      Ford’s history with F1 stretches back to the 1960s with the Double Four Valve engine, which was built alongside British engineering firm Cosworth.
      That engine was one of the most successful of its era, winning 155 races from a possible 262 from 1967 to 1985.

      They later powered Michael Schumacher and Benetton to a championship in 1994, and have played a part in 23 drivers and constructors titles in total to make them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history.
      Ford ended their last stint in F1 in 2004 when it pulled the plug on Jaguar and its badging of Cosworth engines.
      Ford’s motorsport presence has also been seen in the big screen with the 2019 movie Ford vs Ferrari, which depicts Ford rivalling Enzo Ferrari at the famous Le Mans 24-hour endurance race.
      While Ford’s intentions to return are now clear, the capacity of the venture remains shrouded in doubt.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ahead of their 2023 season car launch Red Bull have been linked with becoming engine partners with Ford.
      Other major manufacturers have also expressed interest in joining F1, including Porsche and Audi. More

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      Red Bull boss Christian Horner reveals dream of NEW YORK Grand Prix as F1 takes off in USA after Las Vegas & Miami races

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      RED BULL boss Christian Horner admits he is dreaming of another Grand Prix in America… this time in New York City.Formula One has taken off across the States in recent years, with the nation becoming obsessed with smash Netflix hit Drive to Survive.
      Christian Horner hopes to see the US host another Grand PrixCredit: Reuters
      The Red Bull boss dreams of seeing F1 cars whipping around New York cityCredit: Getty
      Fans tuned in to May’s Miami GP as Max Verstappen sealed victory while surrounded by celebs including Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and Matt Damon.
      And supporters were on tenterhooks as Lewis Hamilton dramatically missed out at October’s USA GP in Austin, Texas.
      F1 continues to be a smash hit across the border too, with Montreal playing host to a thrilling Canadian GP last summer.
      But the best is yet to come for those across the Atlantic.
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      That’s because Las Vegas will host a stunning race later this year, with drivers zooming past iconic gambling establishments like the Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace.
      However, Red Bull chief Horner is eager to continue F1’s relentless march across America.
      He hopes to see more big cities play host to the likes of Verstappen, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
      And Horner admits he dreams of cars doing laps of the Big Apple itself, New York City.
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      Horner told the Mail: “It would be amazing. Racing in big cities in the US is really exciting.
      “A race here in the Big Apple, for example, what a spectacle that would be.
      “You can never say never. We’ve got other North American races as well with Montreal, and there’s certainly demand for it, so why not?
      “It’s great that there’s that much interest in Formula One in the US.
      “We’re fortunate to race in great venues, whether it’s the street circuit of Miami or the track in Austin.
      “Vegas this year is going to be an absolutely insane event too.” More

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      Jean-Pierre Jabouille dead aged 80: First Renault driver ever to win an F1 Grand Prix passes away

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      FORMULA ONE legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille has died aged 80.The Frenchman played a key role in Renault’s entry into F1 back in 1977.
      F1 legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille has died aged 80Credit: Getty
      The Frenchman took Renault’s first F1 victory in his homeland back in 1979Credit: AFP
      And he celebrated that by taking Renault’s maiden win in the 1979 French Grand Prix.
      The Alpine team, who are owned by Renault, said it was “incredibly saddened” by Jabouille’s death.
      A statement read: “A humble racing driver, brilliant engineer and a pioneer of our sport. Jean-Pierre was a true racer.
      “He spearheaded Renault’s journey into F1 in 1977 with his resilient and dare-to-do attitude.
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      “He was Renault’s first Grand Prix winner in 1979, a landmark moment in Renault’s journey in Formula 1.
      “His determination and dedication to succeed inspired many, and these values remain central to the current team in its now blue colours of Alpine.
      “We are where we are today because of Jean-Pierre and his legacy lives on.”
      Jabouille, who was an engineer by trade, was part of the Renault F1 project from its beginning and helped to develop its new turbo engine.
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      And his and the team’s maiden victory could not have been more ordeal as it came on home soil for both the icon and France’s national car company.
      Jabouille would win his final Grand Prix at Austria in 1980.
      However, he was forced to retire from racing that same year when he broke a leg in a crash in Canada.
      The star was already due to leave Renault as he was being replaced by Alain Prost for the 1981 season.
      Jabouille did attempt to make a comeback with the Talbot Ligier team, but he was deemed unfit and retired after failing to qualify for two of his four attempts.
      He also raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans from the late 1960s to the early 1990s for the likes of Alpine, Matra, Sauber and Peugeot.
      He had four third overall finishes in 1973, 1974, 1992 and 1993.
      Following retirement from F1, Jabouille briefly managed at the Ligier team and was then head of Peugeot’s engine programme in the 1990s.
      After news of his death emerged, one fan tweeted: “One of the giants of the early turbo era and that fantastic French partnership with Rene Arnoux at Renault. RIP.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Another wrote: “The first win for a Turbo F1 car in that magical Dijon race, my deepest sympathy and condolences to all his family and friends, RIP Mr Jabouille.”
      While a fellow fan added: “RiP Jean Pierre Jabouille… You remain the first and only one Jean Pierre.” More

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      Six F1 records Lewis Hamilton can break in 2023 as Mercedes star looks to battle back to fighting for world title again

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could break a staggering SIX records in the 2023 Formula One season.The Mercedes man, 38, endured heartbreak at the end of the 2021 campaign when he was denied the world championship in ridiculous fashion.
      Lewis Hamilton is eyeing up a number of records in 2023Credit: Getty
      And then he suffered last year with an underperforming car as he failed to win a single race and watched on helplessly as Max Verstappen claimed back-to-back crowns.
      But with the new 24-race season starting next month – the first race is in Bahrain on March 5 – Hamilton is gearing up to wrestle back the top gong in F1.
      The Stevenage star already has a whole host of records in the sport, including the most race wins (103), most podiums (191) as well as the most points, consecutive race starts, consecutive points finishes and pole positions in history.
      However, the Mirror report there are six more records Hamilton could claim in 2023 to cement his status as the F1 GOAT.
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      Firstly, and most obviously, he could take the outright lead for the most drivers’ championships.
      Hamilton currently shares the lead on seven with Michael Schumacher, but world title No8 would see him clear at the top.
      Hamilton can also claim the record for the most wins at the same Grand Prix.
      Schumacher won the French GP eight times – the same number of times Hamilton has won the British and Hungarian GPs.
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      So claiming the chequered flag at Silverstone or the Hungaroring would take him on to nine.
      Similarly, the Hungarian GP could be the scene of another new record for Hamilton if he claims pole.
      The Brit has eight poles in Hungary – and also in Australia – which is tied with Schumacher in Japan and Ayrton Senna in San Marino.
      The last of the Brazilian’s poles at Imola was claimed the day before he tragically died in 1994.
      Hamilton could also become the very first F1 driver ever to win a race after their 300th race start.
      No one has managed this feat yet and with 310 starts already under his belt, a win in 2023 would secure that for the Merc driver.
      However, he is not the only man who can achieve this one in the upcoming season, with Fernando Alonso in the same position as he prepares for his debut season at Aston Martin.
      Hamilton already holds the record for the most podiums shared with 56 alongside Sebastian Vettel.
      That figure won’t be added to following the German’s retirement but it could be surpassed by Hamilton and Bottas (53) but far more likely Hamilton and Verstappen (52).
      Lastly, and arguably the most difficult to achieve, is the number of F1 ‘grand slam’ weekends – defined as qualifying on pole, winning the race by leading every lap and recording the fastest lap.
      Read More on The Sun
      Hamilton has managed this six times in his incredible career, more than anyone else in the current F1 field.
      However, it is still two shy of the all-time record of eight set by Jim Clark so might be a stretch too far for Sir Lewis to level or even overtake that tally in 2023.
      The Mercedes man will de desperate to claim victory at the British GPCredit: Reuters
      Hamilton and Max Verstappen look set to resume their rivalryCredit: AFP More

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      F1 bosses accused of trying to gag drivers with rule to stop them airing political views after Lewis Hamilton protests

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      FORMULA One bosses have been accused of trying to gag drivers with a rule to stop them airing political or personal views.World champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are among competitors who have used their platforms at races to highlight issues.
      Lewis Hamilton is a global advocate for anti-racism and diversityCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton was praised by fans for wearing a rainbow helmet at the Qatar GPCredit: AFP
      But governing body the FIA amended its rules this season to forbid any display of “political, religious and personal statements” that are made “without prior approval”.
      Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas says the crackdown is wrong.
      He said: “Personally, I don’t like politics. I like to do what I love, which is racing, but politics is at the same time part of today’s society.
      “I think Formula 1 has done a good job of paying attention to some of these kinds of issues and many drivers have raised their voices, including Sebastian.”
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      “I do not understand why they want to control us. I think we should have the right to talk about what we want. That is how I see it, but we will see what happens.”
      A human rights group has called the new rule “seriously disturbing”.
      The FIA says the move is in line with the International Olympic Committee’s Code of Ethics. More

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      Federico Gutierrez dead at 17: Nascar driver killed in tragic car crash and brother, 20, airlifted to hospital

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      A 17-YEAR-OLD NASCAR driver has been killed after a car crash.Federico Gutierrez and his older brother – fellow driver Max – were both involved in a collision on Sunday.
      NASCAR driver Federico Gutierrez has passed away after being involved in a crash
      Max, 20, was airlifted to Mexico City hospital but his younger brother tragically lost his life.
      Teenager Federico – nicknamed “Fico” – was pronounced dead at the scene.
      Max was hospitalised with injuries but they are not thought to be life-threatening.
      Federico was a star in the Mexican Truck Series and was named as the 2022 Nascar Mexico Challenge Series Rookie of The Year.
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      Brother Max competes in the premiere Mexico Nascar Series and has also driven in events in the US.
      Max’s Truck Series team AM Racing released their own statement mourning the loss.
      It read: “AM Racing extends our sincerest condolences to the Gutierrez family on their loss of their son, Federico.
      “Fico was an extended member of the AM Racing family, often joining his brother Max trackside last season and we will forever cherish those memories.
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      “Our thoughts and prayers are not only with the family, but also with Max during his recovery and grieving process.”
      NASCAR said: “We are devastated by the loss of our friend and driver Federico Gutierrez Hoppe.
      “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gutiérrez family during this difficult time.”
      Max Gutierrez, left, and his late brother Federico More

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      F1 champ Max Verstappen shows love for Ferrari with Red Bull star set to buy £375,000 SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano

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      FORMULA ONE superstar Max Verstappen appears set to buy a Ferrari car.Verstappen has been on fire after winning two consecutive F1 titles with Red Bull.
      Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen appears set to buy a FerrariCredit: TikTok / @andrea_masina
      Max Verstappen was keen to buy a red SF90 Stradale Assetto FioranoCredit: TikTok / @andrea_masina
      Formula One champion Max Verstappen already has a Ferrari in his garageCredit: TikTok / @andrea_masina
      The 25-year-old has done his team proud, but also seems to have a lot of love for Ferrari.
      Viral TikTok clips have shown the Dutch star in a Ferrari garage in Monte Carlo trying out one of their cars.
      Verstappen is reportedly set to buy a red SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano.
      That could set the two-time world champion back a whopping £375,000.
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      The Dutchman already has a Ferrari in his garage, and that is the Monza SP2 which cost about £1.42million.
      Fans were left in awe by those clips as they took to social media to share their two cents.
      One F1 enthusiast tweeted: “I wonder if Max got a friends and family discount.”
      Another commented: “It’s hard to find a Red Bull to ride on, and it is hard to say no to a red Ferrari car.”
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      A third wrote: “So he owns a Ferrari on and off the track.”
      This fan posted: “He just wants to look at the engine ahead of next season.”
      And that one tweeted: “Everyone is a Ferrari fan.” More

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      BBC broadcaster Jennie Gow gives health update after suffering stroke and says without husband ‘I might not be here now’

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      BBC broadcaster Jennie Gow has provided an update on her health after she suffered a stroke.And the much-loved star revealed “I might not be here now” if it was not for her husband.
      Jennie Gow has provided an update on her health after suffering a strokeCredit: Getty
      Her husband, Jamie Coley, has helped her provide a health update on TwitterCredit: Twitter
      The 45-year-old has become a huge favourite after playing prominent roles in both Netflix’s F1 series Drive to Survive and her commentaries on Extreme E.
      But her career was cast in doubt after she revealed the medical emergency has affected her communication skills when revealing she had suffered a stroke this month.
      Releasing a statement on social media, Gow wrote earlier:””Hi everyone, been quiet the last few weeks, this is because I suffered a serious stroke two weeks ago.
      “My husband is helping me type this, as I’m finding it hard to write and my speech is most affected. I’m desperate to make a full recovery and return to work but it might take some time.
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      “Thank you to the medical teams at Frimley and St George’s and my family and friends who’ve got me through the last fortnight X.”
      Gow continued: “A month ago today I collapsed with a stroke.
      “With a lot of help from the NHS, friends and family we are finding our feet in this post Stroke world.
      “I am having rehab every day (with lots of homework) and we are seeing progress but I can’t tell you how exhausting it is!”
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      Gow then paid tribute to her husband Jamie Coley and her daughter, adding: “A final mention to my daughter and most importantly the husband, @jamiecoley396.
      “Without him, I might not be here now. (Excuse any mistakes – learning the write again is tough) Thanks for your support!!”
      A host of well-wishes quickly arrived in the replies to her update.
      Fellow BBC broadcaster Sonali Shah wrote: “Oh Jenny – sending you love and strength for your recovery.”
      Presenter Nicola Hume: “One day at a time. Sending you lots of love xx.”
      While racing driver Alice Powell wrote: “Keep strong hun, you can do this.”
      Many stroke victims suffer from Aphasia and it affects their ability to speak and sometimes their ability to understand what others are saying.
      However, it is possible to recover through the help of speech and language therapy.
      Read More on The Sun
      Gow, who celebrated a decade of working in F1 last year, has become one of the most popular voices over recent years.
      Prior to her exploits covering F1, she led BBC’s MotoGP coverage and filled in for Natalie Pinkham on Radio 5 Live. More