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    Max Verstappen slams ‘very, very dangerous’ Saudi Arabia track hours before GP after Mick Schumacher’s terrifying smash

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed the Saudi Arabia’s Grand Prix’s “very, very dangerous” track.The whole paddock was given a scare on Saturday when Mick Schumacher was involved in a terrifying 170mph crash during Q2.
    Max Verstappen has slammed the ‘very dangerous’ Saudi Arabia GP trackCredit: Splash
    Schumacher, 23, was thankfully cleared by doctors after being airlifted to hospital for precautionary tests.
    The German wasn’t the only man to crash during qualifying, with Nicholas Latifi prompting a red flag early in Q1.
    Following the incidents a number of drivers have slammed the Jeddah Corniche Circuit – including reigning world champion Verstappen.
    Speaking ahead of Sunday’s GP, the Red Bull star said: “Last year for me, personally, I was happy with how we went through the weekend in terms of crashes.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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F1.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MICK OF TIME .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Schumacher returns after horror smash, says ‘serious safety discussion’ needed
    “In some places, if you lose the car like today with Mick and you go flat out into the wall it is extremely painful and very, very dangerous.
    “Not only that, the straights are not entirely straight because they’re all a bit blind.
    “I don’t understand why you need to design the track [like this].
    “If it’s going to be flat out just design it straight. It’s just safer for everyone.”
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    Verstappen, 24, qualified in P4, with team-mate Sergio Perez sensationally claiming his first ever pole.
    Explaining his troubles after the event, the Dutchman revealed: “It felt like I was driving on a different tyre.
    “Every corner I was losing one or two tenths while doing the same preparation, so I don’t understand what went wrong there.
    “After such a long break because of the red flag everything cools down, ambient track so there is a big track progression, but for me, it felt like I was actually getting slower.
    I think it’s definitely the most dangerous place in the calendarSergio Perez
    “That’s something which was very weird and I still had my delta from Q1 and I never improved on that going into Q3. Some corners I was still losing time to, so that was pretty weird.”
    Perez, 32, also had his say on the track, adding: “I think it’s definitely the most dangerous place in the calendar, that’s no secret about it.
    “It really demands a lot from the drivers, from the cars, from the teams. If you get it wrong, it can be a huge accident.”
    Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz admitted: “Here if you crash, it hurts a bit more than in other places in the calendar because the walls are closer and the speed is higher.”
    McLaren’s Lando Norris weighed in: “I think with this era of cars, with how you have to run them and how they’re designed, some kerbs throughout the year might need to change, and I think this kerb is one of them.”
    Mick Schumacher’s Haas was wrecked on turn 12Credit: Getty More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix LIVE: Build-up as Hamilton starts 16th on the grid, Schumacher reveals he’s OK after crash

    DRIVERS are getting themselves ready for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after an ugly first two days of the event in Jeddah.Mick Schumacher has confirmed with fans that he is ‘OK’ after being involved in a horrifying 170mph crash during qualifying.
    The whole paddock went quiet for what seemed like an eerie few minutes as the son of Michael was involved in a smash on turn 12.
    Meanwhile, Sergio Perez took pole after a superb lap, clocking 1min 28.2sec, with Charles Leclerc 0.025 sec behind, and Carlos Sainz another fifth of a second behind him.
    And Lewis Hamilton limped OUT of qualifying after a miserable Q1, where he failed to make the cut.
    The seven-time world champion was miles off the pace and even labelled his car as ‘undrivable’.
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    Follow all the action from Jeddah with our live blog below…
    Lew it all along
    Today marks a record for Lewis Hamilton.
    The Brit has the most Grand Prix starts with a single team – 180.
    Mercedes tweeted: “Record. Breaker.
    “Today marks Lewis Hamilton’s 180th F1 Grand Prix with the team.”
    Hamilton has won seven championships – six during this time with Mercedes.

    Drivers worried they’d be attack target
    Frightened F1 drivers were unanimously AGAINST racing in today’s Saudi Grand Prix.
    And they were only persuaded to carry on after lengthy talks with team bosses and F1 chiefs.
    There are claims some felt BULLIED into competing in yesterday’s qualifying, which was overshadowed by Haas ace Mick Schumacher’s 170mph crash.
    Red Bull star Sergio Perez admitted that the drivers were “concerned about our safety” following Friday’s shocking Houthi rebels’ rocket attack on an oil depot just six miles from the circuit.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “Everybody is free to take a decision and if a team member decides not to race, they are free to do so.
    “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.”
    Hamilton was banned from talking to media
    Finnish newspaper Iltalehti says Lewish Hamilton was stopped from talking to reporters by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali after their decision to continue with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 
    It is said that F1 drivers were overwhelmingly AGAINST competing following safety fears over the track and Friday’s terrorist rocket attack just six miles away.
    The Finnish reports claim: “Stefano Domenicali made sure Hamilton was not allowed in front of the microphones”.
    After a disappointing qualifying session, Hamilton was asked his views on the car.
    He said: “I’m not here to comment on that. We worked together as a group, we all discussed and made a decision as a sport.”
    Schumacher stays off the track
    Haas boss Gunther Steiner says a rush job to fix Mick Schumacher’s car for today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would have risked the next race in Melbourne.
    Schumacher, 23, will not be racing today after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.
    The Australian Grand Prix is April 10 and Steiner reckons it wasn’t worth the risk to get Schu driving in Saudi.
    Credit: Splash
    He said: “You could work all night and then on race morning find out you’ve compromised yourself so much because you did everything in a hurry.
    “Then you end up with not all the spare parts in Australia, and then you have a little thing happen in Australia, and then you cannot race when you in theory should be in a better position.
    “It doesn’t make sense to me. It’s just like trying too hard to call it.
    “You have to ship everything from here to Melbourne.
    “We cannot ship it to the UK now to do all the stuff on the car like you need, to crack check and all those other good things.
    “It would be just not a good job for knowing that you cannot end up in the points if you start from the pitlane this year, as there’s too many good teams out there.”
    Flying Finn
    Valtteri Bottas finished sixth in Bahrain last weekend.
    And starts the Saudi Arabia GP in eighth.
    Bottas and Alfa Romeo fans will be chuffed with his start to the season as the Finland man gears up for tonight’s race.

    Grid positions
    A reminder of the grid places today as Red Bull’s Sergio Perez is on pole for the very first time.
    Lewis Hamilton is in 15th – yes, you read that right.
    Mercedes team-mate George Russell will start the race in sixth.
    1) Perez
    2) Leclerc
    3) Sainz
    4) Verstappen
    5) Ocon
    6) Russell
    Credit: Formula 1
    Ferrari closing in on Perez
    Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz start second and third respectively as they look to get another Ferrari victory.
    But Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has declared that the Formula One drivers are still not 100 per cent happy about racing in Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
    There were fears that the second race of the 2022 season could be called off following Friday’s terror attack just miles away from the Jeddah circuit.
    Credit: Splash
    But Ferrari team principal Binotto has stated that drivers are still not totally happy to compete this weekend.
    He remarked: “I don’t think we said they are 100 per cent happy and fully relaxed.
    “Certainly they are still concerned but they have listened to the assurances we gave them and they understand the importance to stay here, and try to race because that is the best choice we can make.
    “Leaving the country would not have been the right choice..”
    Schumacher ‘OK’ after horror crash
    Mick Schumacher has told fans he is “OK” after his horror 170mph crash in Saudi Grand Prix qualifying, writes TOM SHEEN.
    The Haas driver, 23, will not be racing after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.

    But much to the relief of fans all over the world, the German later took to social media to put their minds at ease.
    He wrote on Twitter: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m OK.
    “Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great, we’ll come back stronger.”
    Haas also confirmed that Schumacher would not be able to race in Sunday’s GP.
    Top 10 – Perez pips the Ferrari partners
    A reminder of the top 10 grid places today as Sergio Perez is on pole for the very first time.
    1) Perez
    2) Leclerc
    3) Sainz
    4) Verstappen
    5) Ocon
    6) Russell
    7) Alonso
    8) Bottas
    9) Gasly
    10) Magnussen
    Hamilton : ‘car was undrivable’
    Lewis Hamilton had a 16th place finish in the Saudi Arabia GP qualifying session on Saturday.
    The seven-time world champion was miles off the pace and shockingly eliminated in Q1, writes SIMON RICE.
    Initially it was unclear exactly why Hamilton was so far off the pace, with team-mate George Russell managing to qualify sixth.
    Credit: Getty
    Wolff explained: “We tried something on Lewis’ car that did not work. He had zero grip on the rear axle. Time to wake up for us.”
    Hamilton, who will start 15th in today’s race due to Mick Schumacher not taking part, said “so sorry guys” over the team radio after his Q1 elimination.
    Elaborating further on his issues he said: “It was something in the set-up that was looking good in FP3. Tried to progress in a similar direction and maybe we went too far.
    “The car was just undrivable – so nervous.”
    Worryingly for Mercedes, those hoping to see Hamilton fight his way towards the front in today’s race may be disappointed.
    The 37-year-old said: “Well, I’ve got the same car as I had in qualifying, so I don’t anticipate moving that far forwards. But I’ll give it everything.”
    Toto-ly unacceptable
    Mercedes chief Toto Wolff was livid after qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, calling Lewis Hamilton’s 16th place finish “totally unacceptable”, writes SIMON RICE.
    The seven-time world champion was miles off the pace and shockingly eliminated in Q1.
    It was the first time Hamilton had been eliminated at the first stage since Brazil 2017, and his first without a crash since 2009.
    What made the dreadful qualifying session all the more brutal is that Hamilton won in Jeddah only back in December – highlighting how far Mercedes have fallen in just a few months.
    Wolff, 50, told Motorsport Week: “I always love competition. We had a really strong run of eight years leading the pack – not always, but we kind of managed our way into the lead – but this time feels a bit like 2013 when we just weren’t up to the speed of the Red Bulls and probably also the Ferraris.
    “We kept fighting and this is how I feel at the moment – we need to fight.
    “It’s certainly totally unacceptable where we are on performance. We are third on the road, and sometimes not even that like today. It’s just not an option to stay where we are.”
    It’s certainly totally unacceptable where we are on performance.Toto WolffMotorsport Week
    Today’s race information
    Race – 6pm (9pm local time).
    The F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is live on Sky Sports F1.
    You can stream all the action live with a Sky Go account or the Sky Sports app.
    Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch the whole race day with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
    Good morning to F1 fans
    Sergio Perez’s stunning first pole ever for today’s Saudi GP is just a sideshow in Jeddah amid more race controversy and Mick Schumacher’s 170mph crash.
    F1 drivers were overwhelmingly AGAINST competing following safety fears over the track and Friday’s terrorist rocket attack just six miles away.
    And Lewis Hamilton amazingly will start only 16th on the grid as he was eliminated from qualifying yesterday after just one stage.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.
    “Everyone’s opinions matter but we want to avoid a situation where we did not know if the race was on or not.”
    Drivers met for four hours yesterday morning to discuss their worries due to fears the race could be targeted by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.
    And after the go-ahead was confirmed, concerns about the track itself escalated due to Schumacher’s horror crash.
    The Haas driver, 23, confirmed he was “OK” after being airlifted to hospital – but his car was split in two.
    Perez then stole pole ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz – with his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen fourth.
    Mexican Perez admitted his surprise and claimed he could “do a thousand laps and not beat” his peerless ride.
    Ferrari aces ‘still concerned’ over racing in Jeddah
    Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto admitted his two drivers were NOT comfortable with racing in Jeddah, writes BEN HUNT.
    When asked by SunSport if his drivers were fully-behind the race going ahead as planned, he said: “I don’t think we said that they are 100 percent happy and fully relaxed.
    “I think they are still concerned but they are listening to the assurance that we give them, the understanding of the importance to stay here and somehow try to race because it’s the best choice we can do.”
    The drivers were also briefed on the security measures that were in place to prevent a similar drone attack on the circuit. And the Ferrari boss said that cancelling the race and fleeing the country was not an option.
    Binotto added: “The drivers met together and certainly they were concerned. After the facts of Friday, no doubt all of us were concerned.
    “The concerns need to be translated into considerations and discussions, and as we as teams had assurance from F1 and from the Saudi government authorities and security agencies that everything would have been safe and under control.
    “Leaving the country would simply not have been the right choice.”I think there was no right reason to leave the country after the facts that happened and with the assurance that we get.”
    Crash victim Schumacher says he’s ‘OK’
    Mick Schumacher has told fans he is “OK” after his horror 170mph crash in Saudi Grand Prix qualifying, writes TOM SHEEN.
    The Haas driver, 23, will not be racing after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.

    But much to the relief of fans all over the world, the German later took to social media to put their minds at ease.
    He wrote on Twitter: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m OK.
    “Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great, we’ll come back stronger.”
    Haas also confirmed that Schumacher would not be able to race in Sunday’s GP.
    Schumacher, son of seven-time worlds champ Michael, lost control and smashed into a wall during Q2 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

    Hamilton: We work together
    Lewis Hamilton was quizzed about the potential boycott by F1 drivers and said: “I’m not here to comment on that. We work together as a group. We discussed it and made a decision as a sport.”
    It was a similar story for pole-sitter, Sergio Perez, who said he had feared for his own safety when learning of the missile attacks just six miles away.
    He added: “We were concerned about our safety and also of the mechanics and engineers.
    “As drivers, there is only so much we know and it was important we got together. We felt it was the right thing was to go ahead and race.”
    Drivers tight-lipped
    The drivers remained tight-lipped about their conversations last night amid reports they were BULLIED into taking part in today’s qualifying, which was overshadowed by Mick Schumacher’s huge crash, writes BEN HUNT.
    However, SunSport understands that after agreeing to get Sunday’s race over the line, the drivers will soon meet with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to express their concerns over racing in Saudi Arabia.
    But the Italian played down the threat of a strike and added: “I think the word boycott is not the right word because we are not here to be here in two categories. We are here as one family as F1.
    “It is about putting in place all the things that have to be considered where is the line?”
    Drivers were AGAINST Saudi GP go-ahead
    F1 drivers were unanimously AGAINST racing in tomorrow’s Saudi Grand Prix and needed serious convincing to take part, writes BEN HUNT.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “Everybody is free to take a decision and if a team members decides not to race they are free to do so.
    “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.
    “The drivers are stakeholders in the sport as are the teams and why everyone’s opinions matter but we want to avoid a situation like yesterday where we did not know if the race was on or not.”
    The shock developments happened here in the Jeddah paddock early on Saturday morning where drivers were locked in a meeting that lasted more than four hours.
    It came after a fuel depot in the city was hit by a missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.
    The attack happened midway through practice for the Saudi GP and heightened fears that the race would also be targeted.
    Drivers stood still dressed in their race suits debating the issue before their respective team bosses, F1 and local officials stepped in to persuade them otherwise.
    Hamilton feared crashing in ‘nervous’ car
    Lewis Hamilton endured arguably his worst qualifying performance since the 2009 British GP and says he was lucky he too did not end up in the wall, writes BEN HUNT.
    However, he simply did not have the speed or the handling and was knocked out in Q1 and will start in 16th place.
    He said: “It’s a wonder I wasn’t one of the drivers in the wall.
    “I just struggled with the balance of the car. I didn’t have any rear end. I couldn’t go through the corners without the back snapping out.
    “I just didn’t feel the car beneath me so I struggled with the balance. The car felt very nervous.
    Everyone is working as hard as they can and trying to stay positive.
    “But I don’t anticipate moving very far forwards but I’ll give it everything.”
    Carlos Sainz, who will start in third place, also says discussions need to be made about making safety improvements to the track.
    He said: “Is it worth it having that big accident when you can push out the walls and have more run-off? It is a discussion we need to have because it is on the limit.”
    Perez surprised to land superb first pole
    Sergio Perez hailed his first F1 pole position in 215 attempts.
    The Red Bull man said: “I can do 1000 laps and not beat that one! We did not expect too much and we were focusing mainly on the race.
    “It was difficult this qualifying because we stopped in Q2 and it is difficult to keep your focus to make sure you do that lap.
    “But if I can get pole here, I can get it anywhere in the world.”
    Schumacher in hospital after crash as debate over GP hots up
    Mick Schumacher was airlifted to hospital after suffering a high-speed crash – less than 24 hours after the Saudi Arabian GP was plunged into doubt following a missile attack, writes BEN HUNT.
    Drivers spent over four hours deliberating whether to take part in this race after a fuel depot was hit just six miles away by Houthis rebels.
    But it was the on-track safety that was the focus last night, as this race – dubbed ‘the fastest street circuit in the world’, comes with extreme danger.
    The Jeddah Corniche Circuit features long straights, little-run off areas and concrete walls.
    Throughout Saturday, the track action was frequently brought to a stop for crashes. But none more spectacular than Schuamcher’s, the son of seven-time world champ, Michael.
    Mick, who this week turned 23, ploughed into the wall at around 150mph, destroying his Haas car in the process.
    Medics were immediately deployed along with the ambulance and, after being extracted from the wreckage, he was sent to the medical centre for checks.
    His Haas team confirmed that the German was conscious and had phoned his mum Corinna to let her know he was ok.
    He was then transferred on a stretcher to a waiting medical helicopter.Shrouded by a green blanket, he was then taken to  King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, for precautionary checks.
    After a 57 minute delay, Sergio Perez took his first pole position of his F1 career in 215 attempts.
    Per-fect achievement
    F1 media chiefs labelled Sergio Perez’s pole-clincher a ‘sensational lap’.

    Leclerc admits shock as Perez pips him
    Charles Leclerc admitted he was ‘definitely not expecting that’ as he saw Sergio Perez storm to pole in the final minute.
    Sergio: It’s 1 in 1,000!
    Sergio Perez claimed he could ‘do a thousand laps and not beat’ his peerless pole clincher for tomorrow’s Saudi GP.
    The Red Bull ace added: “What a lap!”
    Perez: ‘What a lap’!
    Red Bull’s Sergio Perez clocked 1:28.200 as his astonishing final lap beat the flying Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to land his FIRST EVER POLE.
    Load more entries… More

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    Mick Schumacher fit to drive just 24 hours after 170mph crash but fears of another crash behind decision not to race

    HAAS elected not to rush Mick Schumacher back for today’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – instead deciding to prioritise Melbourne in a fortnight’s time.The 23-year-old was involved in a horrifying 170mph crash during Q2 yesterday.
    Mick Schumacher’s car was wrecked in yesterday’s 170mph crashCredit: Rex
    Team principal Guenther Steiner explained Haas’ decisionCredit: Rex
    Qualifying was halted for an hour as doctors checked the German out, before the debris of his Haas was cleared from the track.
    Schumacher was declared fit after precautionary scans in hospital, but team principal Guenther Steiner decided against trying to fix his car to get him back on track in Jeddah today.
    Explaining his decision, he said: “You could work all night and then find out you’ve compromised yourself so much because you did everything in a hurry.
    “Then you end up with not all the spare parts in Australia, and then you have a little thing [happen] in Australia, and then you cannot race when you in theory should be in a better position.
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    “It doesn’t make sense to me. It’s just like trying too hard to call it.”
    Prior to his smash, Schumacher had done enough to qualify in P14.
    But rushing the second-year driver out would have limited Haas’ time in the factory before Melbourne in a fortnight’s time.
    Steiner, 56, continued: “You have to ship everything from here to Melbourne. We cannot ship it to the UK now to do all the stuff on the car like you need, to crack check and all those other good things.
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    “It would be just not a good job for knowing that you cannot end up in the points if you start from the pitlane this year, as there’s too many good teams out there.”
    Schumacher returned to the Jeddah track this morning, and on the circuit’s safety told Sky Sports: “I think there are things we have to have a look at. I don’t know what happens in the future. But if so, we need to have a serious discussion about it.”
    Pole-sitter Sergio Perez added that it’s the “most dangerous place in the calendar”.
    While Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz admitted: “Here if you crash, it hurts a bit more than in other places in the calendar.”
    McLaren ace Lando Norris added: “I think with this era of cars, with how you have to run them and how they’re designed, some kerbs throughout the year might need to change, and I think this kerb is one of them.”
    Schumacher, 23, returned to the Jeddah track this morningCredit: Alamy
    Sergio Perez secured his first ever poleCredit: AFP More

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    Mick Schumacher back at Jeddah track day after horror smash and questions safety of ‘most dangerous place’ in F1

    MICK SCHUMACHER has returned to the Jeddah track a day after his 170mph horror smash during qualifying.And he took the opportunity to question the safety of a track that has been dubbed “the most dangerous place” on the Formula 1 calendar.
    Mick Schumacher spoke to Sky SportsCredit: Splash
    Schumacher’s car was left a wreck after the incidentCredit: Getty
    The Haas driver, who said he feels “alright” and “not too sore either”, will miss out on today’s Saudi Arabia GP after crashing during Q2 yesterday.
    Schumacher, 23, was airlifted to hospital following the incident for precautionary tests.
    Thankfully the German is okay and is hopeful of a return to action next month in Melbourne.
    Speaking to Sky Sports today, he explained how the crash happened: “We had a small slide going through turn nine which then upset temperatures in the tyre and also positioning.
    “Coming to the curb I was 20 to 30cms wide of where I wanted to be so the rear tyre dropped over the curb.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}F1 SAUDI GP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton labels car ‘undrivable’ after finishing 16th in qualifying
    “The moment we touch a curb we lose contact to the ground and that means there is nothing holding us back from spinning.
    “I saw a few other guys have a similar issue, except they were able to catch it”
    Despite his crash, Schumacher had already done enough to secure P14.
    But he won’t race today, and when asked why revealed: “A combination of a few things, but in particular of car preservation – we want to race in Melbourne and if something happened in today’s race that might not happen.
    “I want to get those points and I will get them in Melbourne.”
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    Further quizzed if the Saudi track, which made its F1 debut only last year, is safe – he added: “I think there are things we have to have a look at. I don’t know what happens in the future. But if so, we need to have a serious discussion about it.”
    Schumacher wasn’t the only driver to crash yesterday, with Williams’ Nicholas Latifi involved in a less serious accident during Q1.
    I think it’s definitely the most dangerous place in the calendar, that’s no secret about itSergio Perez
    After the securing the first pole of his career, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez labelled the circuit the “most dangerous”.
    He said: “I think it’s definitely the most dangerous place in the calendar, that’s no secret about it.
    “It really demands a lot from the drivers, from the cars, from the teams. If you get it wrong, it can be a huge accident.
    “I don’t know if there’s something we can do into Turn 22/23 because it’s a really high-speed section.
    Here if you crash, it hurts a bit more than in other places in the calendarCarlos Sainz
    “It’s more [dangerous] in the race, but I think it’s the same, after qualifying the last thing I want to think about is the track.”
    Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz also weighed in, adding: “Here if you crash, it hurts a bit more than in other places in the calendar because the walls are closer and the speed is higher.
    “As drivers, we’re very confident here, because we know the safety of the cockpit is very high and when you see incidents like Mick’s, gives us a bit of tranquillity that at those speeds the car is protected because the FIA has done a great job in giving us very safe cockpits.
    “But at the same time, is it really worth it having that huge accident when you could maybe hopefully push the walls a bit further out and it would give us a bit more space to slow down the car if we lose it?
    “It’s a discussion that we need to have because it’s probably a bit on the limit.”
    Some kerbs throughout the year might need to change, and I think this kerb is one of themLando Norris
    McLaren’s Lando Norris said: “I think with this era of cars, with how you have to run them and how they’re designed, some kerbs throughout the year might need to change, and I think this kerb is one of them.”
    Perez secured pole in a dramatic finish to Q3, preventing a Ferrari lock out with Charles Leclerc and Sainz pushed to P2 and P3 respectively.
    Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, endured a nightmare session – failing to get out of Q1 for the first time since Brazil in 2017.
    Lewis Hamilton endured a nightmare qualifyingCredit: Splash More

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    ‘Totally unacceptable’ – Toto Wolff raging after Lewis Hamilton qualifies 16th for Saudi GP in ‘undrivable’ Mercedes

    MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff was livid after qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, calling Lewis Hamilton’s 16th place finish “totally unacceptable”.The seven-time world champion was miles off the pace and shockingly eliminated in Q1.
    Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1Credit: AFP
    Toto Wolff was fuming afterwardsCredit: Splash
    It was the first time Hamilton had been eliminated at the first stage since Brazil 2017, and his first without a crash since 2009.
    What made the dreadful qualifying session all the more brutal is that Hamilton won in Jeddah only back in December – highlighting how far Mercedes have fallen in just a few months.
    Wolff, 50, told Motorsport Week: “I always love competition. We had a really strong run of eight years leading the pack – not always, but we kind of managed our way into the lead – but this time feels a bit like 2013 when we just weren’t up to the speed of the Red Bulls and probably also the Ferraris.
    “We kept fighting and this is how I feel at the moment – we need to fight.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}F1 SAUDI GP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Perez takes pole, with Leclerc second, Schumacher crash updates
    “It’s certainly totally unacceptable where we are on performance. We are third on the road, and sometimes not even that like today. It’s just not an option to stay where we are.”
    Initially it was unclear exactly why Hamilton was so far off the pace, with team-mate George Russell managing to qualify sixth.
    Wolff explained: “We tried something on Lewis’ car that did not work. He had zero grip on the rear axle. Time to wake up for us.”
    Hamilton, who will start 15th in today’s race due to Mick Schumacher not taking part, said “so sorry guys” over the team radio after his Q1 elimination.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Elaborating further on his issues he said: “It was something in the set-up that was looking good in FP3. Tried to progress in a similar direction and maybe we went too far.
    “The car was just undrivable – so nervous.”
    Worryingly for Mercedes, those hoping to see Hamilton fight his way towards the front in today’s race may be disappointed.
    The 37-year-old said: “Well, I’ve got the same car as I had in qualifying, so I don’t anticipate moving that far forwards. But I’ll give it everything.” More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix qualifying LIVE RESULT: Perez takes pole, with Leclerc second, Schumacher crash updates

    MICK SCHUMACHER is talking to doctors after being taken away from Q2 in an ambulance, following a huge crash.The whole paddock went quiet for what seemed like an eerie few minutes as the son of Michael was involved in a smash on turn 12.
    Sergio Perez took pole after a superb lap, clocking 1min 28.2sec, with Charles Leclerc 0.025 sec behind, and Carlos Sainz another fifth of a second behind him.
    Lewis Hamilton limped OUT of qualifying after a miserable Q1, where he failed to make the cut.
    The seven-time world champion was bumped down to 17th after the first run of qualifying and will start Sunday’s Grand Prix way down the grid.
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Follow all the action from Jeddah with our live blog below…
    Ferrari aces ‘still concerned’ over racing in Jeddah
    Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto admitted his two drivers were NOT comfortable with racing in Jeddah, writes BEN HUNT.
    When asked by SunSport if his drivers were fully-behind the race going ahead as planned, he said: “I don’t think we said that they are 100 percent happy and fully relaxed.
    “I think they are still concerned but they are listening to the assurance that we give them, the understanding of the importance to stay here and somehow try to race because it’s the best choice we can do.”
    The drivers were also briefed on the security measures that were in place to prevent a similar drone attack on the circuit. And the Ferrari boss said that cancelling the race and fleeing the country was not an option.
    Binotto added: “The drivers met together and certainly they were concerned. After the facts of Friday, no doubt all of us were concerned.
    “The concerns need to be translated into considerations and discussions, and as we as teams had assurance from F1 and from the Saudi government authorities and security agencies that everything would have been safe and under control.
    “Leaving the country would simply not have been the right choice.”I think there was no right reason to leave the country after the facts that happened and with the assurance that we get.”
    Crash victim Schumacher says he’s ‘OK’
    Mick Schumacher has told fans he is “OK” after his horror 170mph crash in Saudi Grand Prix qualifying, writes TOM SHEEN.
    The Haas driver, 23, will not be racing after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.

    But much to the relief of fans all over the world, the German later took to social media to put their minds at ease.
    He wrote on Twitter: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m OK.
    “Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great, we’ll come back stronger.”
    Haas also confirmed that Schumacher would not be able to race in Sunday’s GP.
    Schumacher, son of seven-time worlds champ Michael, lost control and smashed into a wall during Q2 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

    Hamilton: We work together
    Lewis Hamilton was quizzed about the potential boycott by F1 drivers and said: “I’m not here to comment on that. We work together as a group. We discussed it and made a decision as a sport.”
    It was a similar story for pole-sitter, Sergio Perez, who said he had feared for his own safety when learning of the missile attacks just six miles away.
    He added: “We were concerned about our safety and also of the mechanics and engineers.
    “As drivers, there is only so much we know and it was important we got together. We felt it was the right thing was to go ahead and race.”
    Drivers tight-lipped
    The drivers remained tight-lipped about their conversations last night amid reports they were BULLIED into taking part in today’s qualifying, which was overshadowed by Mick Schumacher’s huge crash, writes BEN HUNT.
    However, SunSport understands that after agreeing to get Sunday’s race over the line, the drivers will soon meet with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to express their concerns over racing in Saudi Arabia.
    But the Italian played down the threat of a strike and added: “I think the word boycott is not the right word because we are not here to be here in two categories. We are here as one family as F1.
    “It is about putting in place all the things that have to be considered where is the line?”
    Drivers were AGAINST Saudi GP go-ahead
    F1 drivers were unanimously AGAINST racing in tomorrow’s Saudi Grand Prix and needed serious convincing to take part, writes BEN HUNT.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “Everybody is free to take a decision and if a team members decides not to race they are free to do so.
    “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.
    “The drivers are stakeholders in the sport as are the teams and why everyone’s opinions matter but we want to avoid a situation like yesterday where we did not know if the race was on or not.”
    The shock developments happened here in the Jeddah paddock early on Saturday morning where drivers were locked in a meeting that lasted more than four hours.
    It came after a fuel depot in the city was hit by a missile launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.
    The attack happened midway through practice for the Saudi GP and heightened fears that the race would also be targeted.
    Drivers stood still dressed in their race suits debating the issue before their respective team bosses, F1 and local officials stepped in to persuade them otherwise.
    Hamilton feared crashing in ‘nervous’ car
    Lewis Hamilton endured arguably his worst qualifying performance since the 2009 British GP and says he was lucky he too did not end up in the wall, writes BEN HUNT.
    However, he simply did not have the speed or the handling and was knocked out in Q1 and will start in 16th place.
    He said: “It’s a wonder I wasn’t one of the drivers in the wall.
    “I just struggled with the balance of the car. I didn’t have any rear end. I couldn’t go through the corners without the back snapping out.
    “I just didn’t feel the car beneath me so I struggled with the balance. The car felt very nervous.
    Everyone is working as hard as they can and trying to stay positive.
    “But I don’t anticipate moving very far forwards but I’ll give it everything.”
    Carlos Sainz, who will start in third place, also says discussions need to be made about making safety improvements to the track.
    He said: “Is it worth it having that big accident when you can push out the walls and have more run-off? It is a discussion we need to have because it is on the limit.”
    Perez surprised to land superb first pole
    Sergio Perez hailed his first F1 pole position in 215 attempts.
    The Red Bull man said: “I can do 1000 laps and not beat that one! We did not expect too much and we were focusing mainly on the race.
    “It was difficult this qualifying because we stopped in Q2 and it is difficult to keep your focus to make sure you do that lap.
    “But if I can get pole here, I can get it anywhere in the world.”
    Schumacher in hospital after crash as debate over GP hots up
    Mick Schumacher was airlifted to hospital after suffering a high-speed crash – less than 24 hours after the Saudi Arabian GP was plunged into doubt following a missile attack, writes BEN HUNT.
    Drivers spent over four hours deliberating whether to take part in this race after a fuel depot was hit just six miles away by Houthis rebels.
    But it was the on-track safety that was the focus last night, as this race – dubbed ‘the fastest street circuit in the world’, comes with extreme danger.
    The Jeddah Corniche Circuit features long straights, little-run off areas and concrete walls.
    Throughout Saturday, the track action was frequently brought to a stop for crashes. But none more spectacular than Schuamcher’s, the son of seven-time world champ, Michael.
    Mick, who this week turned 23, ploughed into the wall at around 150mph, destroying his Haas car in the process.
    Medics were immediately deployed along with the ambulance and, after being extracted from the wreckage, he was sent to the medical centre for checks.
    His Haas team confirmed that the German was conscious and had phoned his mum Corinna to let her know he was ok.
    He was then transferred on a stretcher to a waiting medical helicopter.Shrouded by a green blanket, he was then taken to  King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, for precautionary checks.
    After a 57 minute delay, Sergio Perez took his first pole position of his F1 career in 215 attempts.
    Per-fect achievement
    F1 media chiefs labelled Sergio Perez’s pole-clincher a ‘sensational lap’.

    Leclerc admits shock as Perez pips him
    Charles Leclerc admitted he was ‘definitely not expecting that’ as he saw Sergio Perez storm to pole in the final minute.
    Sergio: It’s 1 in 1,000!
    Sergio Perez claimed he could ‘do a thousand laps and not beat’ his peerless pole clincher for tomorrow’s Saudi GP.
    The Red Bull ace added: “What a lap!”
    Perez: ‘What a lap’!
    Red Bull’s Sergio Perez clocked 1:28.200 as his astonishing final lap beat the flying Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to land his FIRST EVER POLE.
    Top 10 – as Perez pips Ferraris
    1) Perez
    2) Leclerc
    3) Sainz
    4) Verstappen
    5) Ocon
    6) Russell
    7) Alonso
    8) Bottas
    9) Gasly
    10) Magnussen
    Top four
    Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Verstappen.
    Yes! ***! Yes! ***!’
    Sergio Perez was ecstatic to grab his first ever pole – as he exclaimed on the radio…
    Perez on pole
    An incredible last lap powers Sergio Perez to pole above the Ferraris.
    Leclerc scorches
    Charles Leclerc pips Carlos Sainz – but Sergio Perez seems to have nicked pole!
    Sainz struggling to hold off Leclerc for pole
    The Ferraris look set for a one-two…
    Q3 – first run positions
    1) Sainz
    2) Leclerc
    3) Perez
    4) Ocon
    5) Alonso
    6) Verstappen
    7) Gasly
    8) Bottas
    9) Magnussen
    10) Russell
    Sainz and Leclerc back out on soft tyres
    Sainz and Leclerc are having a shot at boosting their lead times on softer tyres.
    And George Russell has a chance of rising to fourth place.
    Verstappen: I’ve got no grip
    Max Verstappen bemoaned his tyres’ lack of grip in a worrying radio communication for his Red Bull team.
    Verstappen struggling as Sainz clings to fastest time
    With less than seven minutes left, Max Verstappen really needs to up the pace – maybe with a new set of tyres.
    He’s only sixth-quickest so far.
    Sainz is still ahead of Charles Leclerc by 0.4secs.
    Ferraris thriving
    Carlos Sainz is so far quicker at the top by 0.4secs than Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.
    Leclerc and Verstappen out early
    Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen are out early in the race for pole.
    Q3 starts at 6.53pm
    Ahead of Q3 in a few minutes, here’s the ten who made it through.
    1) Sainz
    2) Leclerc
    3) Perez
    4) Verstappen
    5) Alonso
    6) Bottas
    7) Gasly
    8) Magnussen
    9) Ocon
    10) Russell
    Load more entries… More

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    F1 stars reveal they were unanimously AGAINST racing in controversial Saudi GP but felt BULLIED into it

    FRIGHTENED F1 drivers were unanimously AGAINST racing in Sunday’s Saudi Grand Prix.And they were only persuaded to carry on after lengthy talks with team bosses and F1 chiefs.
    Lewis Hamilton and his fellow Formula One drivers were AGAINST racing in Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: Alamy
    There are claims some felt BULLIED into competing in Saturday’s qualifying, which was overshadowed by Haas ace Mick Schumacher’s 170mph crash.
    Red Bull star Sergio Perez admitted that the drivers were “concerned about our safety” following Friday’s shocking Houthi rebels’ rocket attack on an oil depot just six miles from the circuit.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “Everybody is free to take a decision and if a team member decides not to race, they are free to do so.
    “The drivers were pretty united in their initial discussions but then we were able to convince them the race was the best thing to do.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LEW WHAT? .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lewis Hamilton 16th in Saudi Arabian GP qualifying as Perez grabs first-ever pole
    “The drivers are stakeholders in the sport but we want to avoid a situation like yesterday where we did not know if the race was on or not.”
    The shock developments happened here in the paddock early on Saturday morning, where drivers were locked in a meeting that lasted more than four hours.
    It came after the missile attack happened midway through Friday practice and heightened fears that the race would also be targeted.
    Drivers, still in race suits, debated the issue before team bosses, F1 and local officials stepped in to persuade them otherwise.
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    On Saturday night, the drivers were staying tight-lipped about their conversations.
    However, SunSport understands that after agreeing to get today’s race over the line, drivers will meet with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to express concerns over racing in Saudi Arabia.
    But the Italian played down the threat of a strike and added: “I think the word boycott is not the right word because we are not here to be here in two categories. We are here as one family as F1.”
    Lewis Hamilton was quizzed about the potential boycott and said: “I’m not here to comment on that.
    “We work together as a group. We discussed it and made a decision.”
    It was a similar story for pole-sitter Sergio Perez, who said he had feared for his own safety when learning of the missile attacks.
    He added: “We were concerned about our safety and also of the mechanics and engineers.

    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    “We felt it was the right thing to go ahead and race.”
    Even after the dust had settled, Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto admitted his two drivers were NOT comfortable with racing in Jeddah.
    When asked by SunSport if his drivers were fully behind the race going ahead as planned, he said: “I don’t think we said they are 100 per cent happy and fully relaxed.”  More

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    Mick Schumacher reveals he’s ‘OK’ after horror 170mph F1 crash but Haas star will not race in Saudi GP

    MICK SCHUMACHER has told fans he is “OK” after his horror 170mph crash in Saudi Grand Prix qualifying.The Haas driver, 23, will not be racing after the terrifying smash left his car split in two.

    Mick Schumacher’s car was left in two pieces after his horror crash – but he later told fans he was ‘OK’Credit: Getty
    But much to the relief of fans all over the world, the German later took to social media to put their minds at ease.
    He wrote on Twitter: “Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that I’m OK.
    “Thank you for the kind messages. The car felt great, we’ll come back stronger.”
    Haas also confirmed that Schumacher would not be able to race in Sunday’s GP.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LEW WHAT? .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lewis Hamilton 16th in Saudi Arabian GP qualifying as Perez grabs first-ever pole
    Schumacher, son of seven-time worlds champ Michael, lost control and smashed into a wall during Q2 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
    Schumacher’s car was left in a mangled heap as he careered into the wall at the side of the track, causing the session to be immediately red-flagged.
    The Jeddah Corniche Circuit features long straights, little-run off areas and concrete walls.
    Throughout Saturday, the track action was frequently brought to a stop for crashes.
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    But none more spectacular than Schuamcher’s, the son of seven-time world champ, Michael.
    Mick, who this week turned 23, ploughed into the wall at around 170mph, destroying his Haas car in the process.
    Medics were immediately deployed along with the ambulance and, after being extracted from the wreckage, he was sent to the medical centre for checks and transferred on a stretcher to a waiting medical helicopter.
    Shrouded by a green blanket, he was taken to King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, for precautionary checks.
    His Haas team confirmed that the German was conscious and had phoned his mum Corinna to let her know he was ok, but he will not lining up on the grid for Sunday’s race.
    Mick Schumacher collided with the wall after losing control at turn 12Credit: TSN Sports
    Schumacher’s crash sent car debris flying across the trackCredit: TSN Sports
    Haas chief Guenther Steiner said: “I spoke with his Mum and kept her updated.
    “He has no injuries that you can see, but they want to do some scans to make sure there was no impact from the forces.
    “The impact broke up the digital [technology] so we heard nothing [on the radio] but we got word he was conscious.”
    His momentum from the high speed smash meant the car slid along the asphalt for some time before it eventually came to a halt.
    Schumacher’s car broke in two as it was lifted off the trackCredit: Getty
    Medics rushed to tend to the stricken SchumacherCredit: Getty
    But he did manage to take his own gloves off as he was ushered into an ambulance after the horror collision.
    As the car was lifted from the circuit it BROKE in two, highlighting the severity of the crash.
    Fans and drivers alike were quick to express their concern after seeing the awful incident.
    Lewis Hamilton said: “I heard the news. I hope he’s OK.”
    Schumacher was taken to hospital by helicopter after the crashCredit: AFP
    Schumacher was with his dad when Michael suffered serious head injuries in a skiing incident on December 29th 2013.
    Mick has since explained that his dad was his “idol and role model” and revealed his pride at bringing the famous name back to F1.
    Meanwhile, Sergio Perez took his first pole position of his F1 career in 215 attempts when qualifying resumed after a 57-minute delay.
    Hamilton was knocked OUT in Q1 and will start Sunday’s race way down in 16th place. More