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      Meet NZ mum-of-two Angela Cullen who is Lewis Hamilton’s confidante in the paddock and has a matching ‘Loyalty’ tattoo

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      WHEN Lewis Hamilton lost his crown as the king of F1 back in December, he was comforted by confidante and performance coach Angela Cullen.The 47-year-old New Zealand mum-of-two has been a constant presence in the seven-time world champion’s life in the paddock since 2016.
      Lewis Hamilton and Angela Cullen share a special bondCredit: Rex
      Cullen has been a constant presence in the paddock for Hamilton since 2016Credit: Rex
      Their bond is so strong they share matching ‘Loyalty’ tattoos on their wrists.
      If he is to wrestle back supremacy this season from Max Verstappen, he will need to lean on Cullen, who he has called “the greatest thing to happen to him”, for sage advice.
      The only lady for Lewis
      Last October, Hamilton forced his way into the title reckoning by winning three races in a row.
      After a wretched start to the season, he was back on the trail of Verstappen.
      His attentions for his thrilling comeback to keep his season alive went straight to Cullen.
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      Hamilton revealed: “Angela and I are naturally incredibly close. We pretty much live together.”
      Previously, he said: “People for sure won’t understand it, naturally, because they see it from a distance, but she has been one of the greatest things that’s happened to me in my life.
      “I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of people… and she’s the single hardest-working woman that I get to be around.
      “She’s focused, selfless, and she makes my weekends peaceful. Every day I wake up, whatever time it is, she’s just positive – never a single day has she been negative, so that’s very, very important.”
      A physiotherapist by trade
      Born and raised in Auckland, Cullen played hockey for New Zealand between the ages of 15 and 21.
      She completed a health science degree, majoring in physiotherapy, in her homeland before moving to the UK.
      When Cullen arrived on our shores, she worked with track and field athletes, cyclists, and triathletes on the British Olympic team and at the English Institute of Sport. 
      Cullen cheers on Hamilton at the Mexican Grand Prix in 2018Credit: Rex
      Hamilton’s beloved bulldog Roscoe is trusted with CullenCredit: Rex
      But it was colleague Peter McKnight who pushed her towards the direction of Hamilton, suggesting the pair should work together.
      “At the time, Angela was mainly working with corporate clients, but when the opportunity to work with Lewis came up we thought, ‘Why not give this a go?'” McKnight told Telegraph Sport.
      “It has worked out perfectly.
      “There’s also just something quirky about it: a woman in her forties, with a family at home, two young kids, and then there’s this mid-thirties racing driver. It might seem a really weird match, but it just works.”
      Glam life
      Now based in Switzerland, Cullen is married to a cycling coach and has two children.
      Although, working in F1 means she enjoys the jet-set lifestyle and is rarely home when the season commences.
      The outdoor adventure-type often shares her exploits on Instagram, where she has an astonishing 320,000 followers.
      “I am so blessed in my job for many things but one of the most significant in terms of well-being is being on the move the entire day,” she once posted.
      “On any given race weekend day I can do up to 18,000 steps, this is such a blessing… and I don’t sit down at all.
      “This is a choice… staying upright, moving keeps my body fit and mobile, in a world where computers and devices are making us more sedentary, to be able to move constantly throughout the day is such a blessing.”
      When she’s not travelling around the world with Hamilton, Cullen enjoys the outdoor life in Switzerland
      Cullen helps Hamilton remain focused and alleviates the pressures of race day
      With Cullen by his side, Hamilton will be hopeful he can retain his title from fierce rival Max VerstappenCredit: Rex
      What she provides Lewis is simple. She blocks out the pressures and demands on him during a race day.
      She said: “I see my role as removing the noise of the race weekend to ensure things run as smoothly as possible, managing schedules, and timings of travel, nutrition, focusing on energy management to ensure the driver arrives on Sunday with the best possible perpetration to give the optimal performance.”
      If Lewis is successful in overcoming Verstappen this coming season, Cullen will be in some way responsible for his success. More

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      Alfa Romeo run special camouflage car in first public outing during F1 testing in Barcelona to keep new livery a secret

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      ALFA ROMEO have done a good job of keeping their 2022 livery under wraps by fielding a camouflage car at F1 testing in Barcelona.Preparations are continuing for the upcoming 2022 F1 season, with testing taking place in the Spanish city.
      Alfa Romeo are conducting testing in a one-off camouflage liveryCredit: AP
      The official livery is not being revealed until SundayCredit: Rex
      The special design caught they eye at F1 testing in BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      And while the likes of Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren have already revealed their cars for next season, Alfa Romeo are yet to do so.
      The ninth-placed finishers in the Constructor’s Championship from last year don’t officially unveil their new livery until Sunday, February 27.
      So as a result a special one-off snazzy camouflage look is being used at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for F1 testing this week.
      Mercedes recently revealed their new W13 retro-looking car to high praise from fans of the Silver Arrows.
      Meanwhile Ferarri unveiled their new F1-75 car earlier this month too, which they hope will compete with Mercedes and Red Bull this year.
      Back at Alfa Romeo Valteri Bottas will partner Zhou Guanyu behind the wheel of the new C42 for the upcoming season.
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      The Finnish driver joins the team after being replaced at Mercedes by George Russell.
      And he’ll be hoping to help Alfa Romeo to more than the meagre 13 points they scored in the entire 2021 campaign.
      Only a pointless season from backmarkers Haas stopped Alfa Romeo from finishing rock bottom of the Constructor’s Championship.
      Elsewhere at testing in Barcelona Lewis Hamilton was spotted having a cheeky look into the Red Bull garage.
      The seven-time world champ went on a stroll down the pit lane as he gears up for a shot at a record eighth F1 world title this year.
      And he couldn’t resist a sneak peek at rival Max Verstappen’s car.
      Hamilton recently ended months of retirement speculation by confirming he would return to the grid for a sixteenth year behind the wheel. More

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      Watch cheeky Lewis Hamilton peer into Red Bull garage on spy mission on first day of F1 testing after title heartbreak

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      CHEEKY Lewis Hamilton went on a spy mission peering into Red Bull’s garage on the first day of pre-season testing in Barcelona. The seven-time British world champion was spotted in the pit-lane examining Red Bull’s car for the 2022 season.

      Hooded Hamilton strolled down the pit-line peering into garages looking at his rivals’ carsCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      Hamilton was checking out all of the garages in the pit-lane – including the Williams teamCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Hamilton was eager to scope out the competition and get a glimpse of the RB18 at the first opportunity at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
      He also took a look at most of the other teams during his stroll, in which he wore a hood and a mask and a long coat.
      The Brit is hungry to clinch his record-breaking EIGHTH world title after cruelly missing out on the last lap in Abu Dhabi last season.
      The FIA controversially cleared the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen under a safety car, allowing the Dutchman to have a clear run on Hamilton with fresh tyres to clinch his first championship.
      This dramatic Grand Prix led to a social media blackout from Hamilton for over two months, which led to questions regarding whether or not he would walk away from the sport.
      But Hamilton ended silence with the message: “I’ve Been Gone. Now I’m Back!”
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      The Brit confessed he had lost faith in the sport after the debacle which led to race director Michael Masi being axed from his role by the FIA.
      He said: “It was obviously a difficult time for me to be honest. I just unplugged. I switched off.
      “I think that firstly, one side of it is I deserve to be able to switch off at the end of the year anyway.
      “I had my family around me, which was a rare occasion for us all to be together, and I just focused on being present with them.
      “Obviously it took time to digest what had happened, which is still difficult to fully understand everything.
      “But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so I put my focus into training, getting healthy and enjoying the time off.” More

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      Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton is NOT Mercedes No1 as George Russell prepares for his debut season at reigning champs

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      TOTTO WOLFF insisted Lewis Hamilton is not the No1 man at Mercedes – because the team do not rank their drivers. Hamilton has a new team-mate with the Silver Arrows this season.
      Toto Wolff claims there is no hierarchy between Lewis Hamilton and George RussellCredit: AFP
      George Russell returned from his loan at Williams and is ready to compete for the title in his debut season with the reigning constructors’ champions.
      And team principal Wolff denied suggestions Russell is simply there to support Hamilton on the track.
      The Austrian said to Sky Sports: “We never had a situation where one and two.
      “They have equal opportunities and the same car.
      “This year, the interesting situation is we have in George the up-and-coming star [in one seat], and undoubtedly the best Formula One driver ever in the other seat.
      “So the dynamic is new and clearly it’s something that we will try to steer in a direction that has the most positive effect on developing the car and making us overall competitive.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      Valtteri Bottas spent five years alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, but it was clear he played second fiddle to the Brit.
      They won five constructors’ championships together but Hamilton fell agonisingly short of an eighth drivers’ title on the final lap in Abu Dhabi in December.
      Now with Alfa Romeo, Bottas revealed he found it tough as the obvious No2.
      He told SunSport: “When I joined Mercedes, it was difficult for me to take the lead because of Lewis being there.
      “With him being in the team, it was always difficult for me to take that lead role.
      “So now it is different and a fresh start for me — and having that lead role is a good feeling.
      “There were great moments and I enjoyed working with Lewis and Toto, but I am also really excited for my new chapter.”
      ‘WORK WELL TOGETHER’
      Speaking at Mercedes’ launch of their new 2022 season car last week, Russell was confident he and Hamilton will make a strong partnership.
      The 24-year-old from King’s Lynn said: “I think we’re pretty similar. Time will tell.
      “From what I’ve seen, I do think we have a similar way of driving, where we always try and find the limit of the tyre, but not often trying to go over the limit.
      “[We’re] pretty smooth in our general approach… I think we’ll be in a very similar boat. I have no doubt that we’ll be working well together.”
      The first days of pre-season testing take place this week with another round in March before the F1 season gets underway in Bahrain on March 20. More

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      Lewis Hamilton urges F1 chiefs to share results of probe into Abu Dhabi controversy to help ‘move on positively’

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON says everyone needs to see details of the investigation into the botched Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Formula One to finally move on.Britain’s seven-time F1 world champion has been notably restrained in his condemnation of December’s farce at the Yas Marina Circuit which cost him a record eighth title.
      Lewis Hamilton has been busy promoting Mercedes’ new W13 car ahead of the new seasonCredit: Daimler AG
      Fans, pundits and F1 alumni have all aired views on the confusing safety car-related decision which allowed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to pip Mercedes star Hamilton to the title on the final lap of last season.
      But despite it all prompting him to consider his future in the sport, Hamilton, 37, has largely kept kept shtum and off the social media grid as the sporting world had its say.
      The only definite consequence of the FIA’s probe is the sacking of the race director who made the disputed in-race call, Michael Masi.
      Full details are due to be presented to the World Motor Sport Council on March 18, two days before the 2022 season-opening race in Bahrain.
      Hamilton has now emerged back into the public eye to help promote Merc’s new W13 car.
      And when asked by reporters about the FIA’s investigation, he said: “I’ve not seen it – I didn’t think it was out yet.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      “I’m excited to see the results from that report.
      “I think hopefully everyone will get to see it, and to have perhaps a better understanding of everything.
      “I think ultimately, like everything, it’s down to understanding where we’ve been, so we can move forwards in a positive light.”

      🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info More

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      Radio conversations between F1 team bosses and race director BANNED from being aired after 2021 title race controversy

      by

      FORMULA ONE fans will no longer be able to hear radio conversations between team bosses and race directors, according to reports. Previously exchanges were broadcasted to F1 supporters, which culminated in the controversy during 2021 season finale.
      Reports claim talks between F1 team bosses and race directors will no longer be aired to fansCredit: Getty
      Former Race Director Masi was sacked for his role in the F1 2021 season finaleCredit: Getty
      But that will be no more as of the 2022 campaign, according to reports.
      German outlet Bild claim talks between team bosses and race management will be censored for the upcoming season.
      They report new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed the changes for the 2022 calendar.
      Fans were able to listen in on discussions between former race director Michael Masi and team bosses during the now infamous Bahrain GP in December.
      Masi was later sacked for his role in the race after allowing Verstappen the chance to overtake Lewis Hamilton with half a lap left of the season.
      He was accused of being manipulated by Red Bull to set-up a final lap showdown between Hamilton and Verstappen.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST OFFERS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      The Australian will be replaced by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, with the latter expected to act as a deputy.
      Elsewhere veteran Herbie Blash, who worked with former race director Charlie Whiting, will return as a senior advisor.
      As of 2022 race directors will also benefit from the use video referees, who will review decisions mid-race.
      And while radio conversations between team bosses and race control will be censored, discussions between team bosses and drivers will continue to be broadcasted, according to reports.
      Only selected discussions will be aired to fans, and also on a time delay from live events. More

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      F1 legend Fernando Alonso BACKS Michael Masi’s controversial Abu Dhabi decision and sympathises with axed race director

      by

      SACKED F1 race director Michael Masi has been backed over his handling of the Abu Dhabi GP fiasco by Fernando Alonso.The Australian was investigated by the sport’s governing body [FIA] after he failed to follow strict safety car rules in the season finale and then fired.
      Michael Masi lost his job as F1’s race directorCredit: Getty
      Fernando Alonso, right, pictured alongside team-mate Esteban Ocon, has shown some support for sacked MasiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Masi was accused of being manipulated by Red Bull to set-up a final lap showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
      The upshot was that Verstappen on fresh tyres was able to pass Hamilton half a lap from the end of the race and win the race and the title.
      But Alonso, 40, who was team-mates with Hamilton during their time together at McLaren, told The Race: “On the whole theme of Abu Dhabi, maybe I have a different opinion, I don’t think that there was anything wrong there.
      “I don’t think that they changed it [the race control structure] because of Abu Dhabi, or I hope not.”
      Hamilton, his Mercedes team and F1 fans were furious that the outcome of the thrilling championship had been fudged, with the Brit claiming it was “manipulated”.
      Masi will be replaced by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich with the latter expected to act as a deputy with veteran Herbie Blash, who worked with former race director Charlie Whiting, returning as a senior advisor.
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      A statement from new FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the structural changes, which will see Masi offered a new, as yet unknown role, within the organisation.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Masi has been treated ‘harshly’.
      He told talkSPORT: “It’s a difficult one, and it’s the FIA’s business.
      “I think it is harsh, I think he was in a very difficult position last year.
      “We felt a lot of the decisions went against us last year.
      “When you look at what he has at his disposal in terms of resource, compared to what the teams have, it’s such a massive difference.
      “It’s good to hear they are bringing in things like the VAR equivalent and one of the most experienced guys in Herbie Blash.
      “I just think there was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not right. That’s my personal feeling.” More

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      German racer fined £17,000 for URINATING on Abu Dhabi track – with fee halved after grovelling apology to UAE chiefs

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      A German racing driver has landed himself in hot water after URINATING on track during a race in Abu Dhabi.Alfred Renauer realised he needed the toilet as the race was temporarily halted due to a red flag.
      Renauer (right) laughed off the toilet malfunction after the raceCredit: Getty
      And after coming to the conclusion he could not wait, the 36-year-old opted to take matters into his own hands.
      He jumped out of his car and climbed over a crash barrier to ensure he had some privacy.
      Renauer then relieved himself before jumping back in his car to finish the remainder of the race.
      Unfortunately, a marshal caught the driver out and reported the matter to race chiefs.
      To make things worse, public urination is a punishable offence in the UAE and so action was taken.
      The swift toilet stop looked set to cost him a stunning £17,000 as UAE motorsport fined him heavily for the incident.
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      Half of the fee was set as a probationary amount.
      But that was rescinded when Renauer wrote to organisers apologising for his toilet malfunction.
      Despite halving his fine, it was still a costly decision to jump out of his car and relieve himself.
      But ultimately Renauer was able to win the race with his Herberth Motorsport team – a healthy consolation for his financial setback. More