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    Lewis Hamilton demands reaction from social media companies after Latifi gets death threats over role in Verstappen win

    LEWIS HAMILTON wants social media companies to do more to stop online abuse after fellow F1 driver Nicholas Latifi received death threats following the Abu Dhabi GP.Latifi crashed his Williams in the final few laps of the season finale with Hamilton leading and coasting to victory.
    Hamilton wants to ‘apply pressure’ on social media companies to do something about online hateCredit: Reuters
    Latifi hired bodyguards for a trip to London after online abuseCredit: Reuters
    However, the Canadian’s smash and resulting safety car period was the catalyst for FIA Race Director Michael Masi to manipulate the rules.
    The result was Max Verstappen was allowed a clear shot at Hamilton and passed the Brit on his way to glory – sparking a controversial end to the season.
    Despite being blameless, Latifi still received death threats and Hamilton, who receives his own abuse online, says that should not be tolerated.
    He said: “Ultimately, I don’t think there’s been a huge change or shift, or enough work that’s been done by these social platforms.
    “We still have to apply pressure for them to make changes. Mental health is a real thing and through these social platforms, people are experiencing abuse.
    “No one deserves that and that should never be tolerated.
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    “They [social media companies] are able to change these things and make changes, but they don’t seem to do it quick enough. I think we just need to continue to apply pressure.”
    Latifi was so affected he hired bodyguards for a sightseeing trip to London with his girlfriend.
    Hamilton added: “I was in touch with Nicholas, he has my full support and I know how difficult it can be in those situations.
    “It’s important for him to know he has support from people around him.”
    Latifi’s crash in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix led to the controversial endingCredit: Getty
    Here is the full line-up for the 2022 Formula 1 season

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

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    ‘The car makes the result’ – Lewis Hamilton would finish LAST in F1 in a Haas or Williams, claims Gasly

    LEWIS HAMILTON would finish last if he drove for Williams or Haas, claims F1 rival Pierre Gasly.The Scuderia AlphaTauri driver suggested Hamilton’s talent would not be enough to make him competitive if he was part of a poorer team.
    Much of Lewis Hamilton’s success depends on the expertise of Mercedes, claims Pierre GaslyCredit: PA
    Gasly claimed Hamilton would finish last if he drove for Williams or HaasCredit: Getty
    Hamilton has won five of the last seven championships and only missed out in 2021 due to Michael Masi breaking safety car rules, for which the race director was sacked.
    But Gasly feels Mercedes give the Brit a huge advantage and if not for their expertise he would struggle.
    Gasly said on Mashup: “Unfortunately in our sport, the car makes the majority of the result.
    “Even if Lewis is the best driver in F1 history, today, in a Williams or a Haas, he would finish last.”
    Hamilton is set to return to the grid in a bid to reclaim his world champion status this year after months of speculation he could retire.
    This week Mercedes confirmed Hamilton will be returning despite his agonising defeat in Abu Dhabi.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET KHAN AT HUGE 40/1 OR BROOK AT 30/1 FOR BOXING SHOWDOWN
    And he will be joined by new team-mate George Russell, who will put Gasly’s theory to the test.
    The Brit previously raced for Williams and has finished 20th, 18th and 15th in his last three years.
    So if Russell battles at the top of the standings this year he will support Gasly’s assertion that the car plays a huge role in determining success. More

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    ‘Never give up on your goal’ – Lewis Hamilton hands out brilliant advice to young racing stars as F1 return confirmed

    LEWIS HAMILTON has passed on invaluable advice to Mercedes’ stars of the future.The seven-time world champion fielded questions from junior drivers as the Silver Arrows unveiled their new W13 car at Silverstone on Friday.
    Lewis Hamilton took questions from junior driversCredit: YouTube: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
    Alex Powell quizzed the seven-time champCredit: Twitter @F1
    Hamilton, 37, was asked by 14-year-old Alex Powell about how to inspire budding karters in other parts of the world.
    Powell said: “I come from the Caribbean and that’s where I started my go-karting career.
    “In my limited capacity I try to encourage other karters from the Caribbean to achieve whatever their goal is.
    “But with your experience as a seven-time world champion, what advice would you give to them?”
    Hamilton replied: “I think firstly, I commend you on that, and I think it’s really just about believing in yourself.
    “If you have a goal, if you have an ambition, it’s never losing sight of that and staying focused.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET KHAN AT HUGE 40/1 OR BROOK AT 30/1 FOR BOXING SHOWDOWN
    “Each and every one of you has a unique ability and I can see already the drive in all of your eye, which really connects us because we’ve all had that since very young.
    “And I think really just, as I said, just never give up on your dream, never give up on your goal.
    “It takes hard work and dedication so, you know, focus and give it absolutely everything.
    “And naturally, I think the most important thing is education. Make sure you work hard at school – because that is the foundation to enable us to do what we do in the cars we have today.”
    I never, ever said that I was going to stopLewis Hamilton
    Hamilton also lifted the lid on retirement rumours that surrounded him during the off-season.
    The Brit said: “I never, ever said that I was going to stop. I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people.
    “You really feel like you’re part of a team and part of a family, working towards that common goal. There’s no feeling quite like it.
    “But yeah
 it was obviously a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back and focus on being present. I had my family all around me, and creating great moments.
    “And I eventually got to a point where I decided I was going to be attacking coming into another season, and working with Toto [Wolff] and George [Russell].
    “It’s exciting seeing George come in and bringing his energy. I can already feel that throughout the team. I think it’s going to be an exciting season.”
    Hamilton, 37, is gearing up for the new season alongside George RussellCredit: PA More

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    ‘I considered retiring many times’ – Hamilton confesses he lost faith in F1 and nearly quit after Abu Dhabi controversy

    LEWIS HAMILTON says he lost his faith in F1 and contemplated quitting after the controversial end to last season.The Brit, 37, was robbed of what would have been a remarkable comeback to take the title in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
    Lewis Hamilton admits he considered retiring from F1 after his title defeat to Max VerstappenCredit: Reuters
    Hamilton was controversially overtaken by Verstappen on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi GPCredit: Getty
    Hamilton was leading the Abu Dhabi GP when the safety car was deployed in the final laps of the race.
    FIA Race Director Michael Masi fudged the rules to set-up a single lap showdown, promoting Verstappen to just behind the Brit, who himself was on old tyres.
    Hamilton was a sitting duck and passed by the Dutchman, who won the race and the title – plunging the sport into controversy.
    It sparked talk about Hamilton – F1’s greatest-ever driver and still level with Michael Schumacher on seven world title – turning his back on the sport forever.
    His Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feared his driver would not return, claiming in December he’d been left “disillusioned” by the result.
    At the dawn of a new season, however, and indeed a new era of F1 given the substantial new aerodynamic rules, Hamilton played down talk of retirement – or did he?
    @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);}
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    Speaking at Silverstone as he helped launch the W13, Hamilton initially said: “I never said I was considering retirement.”
    That much is true, he never “said” anything in the post-race debacle as he made his own silent protest on social media and snubbing the FIA gala.
    But what has become clear now is that after losing his title, he certainly contemplated turning his back on the sport.
    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.
    I’ve considered retiring so many timesLewis Hamilton
    “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.”
    When pressed on the retirement talk, he added: “I’ve considered retiring so many times.
    “At the end of a season, you think and question whether you are willing to commit the time and the effort that it takes to be a world champion.
    “I think a lot of people underestimate what it takes to be a world champion. And there are so many moving parts. It’s not just turning up and driving the car.
    “The question is, do you want to sacrifice the time? Do you believe that you can continue to punch at the weight that you’re punching?
    “So that’s a normal kind of mental process for me but of course, this one was compounded by a significant factor.

    “It is a sport I have loved my whole life and there was a moment where I lost a little bit of faith within the system.
    “I am generally a very determined person and I like to think to myself whilst moments like this might define careers, I refuse to let this define mine.
    “And so I’m focused on being the best I can be and coming back stronger.”
    Hamilton has refused to watch the race back and he does not remember what he said in the exchange with Verstappen immediately after the race.
    He says Masi’s controversial and incorrect actions will never change the way he feels.
    THOUGHTS WON’T CHANGE
    Masi has since been axed from his role – replaced by a combination of Eduardo Freitas and Neils Wittich – while the FIA will also introduce a video referee, similar to VAR in football, changes welcomed by Hamilton.
    He added: “Whilst we can’t change the past, and nothing will ever really be able to change the way and how I felt at the time and how I feel about the situation, it’s good to see that the FIA are taking steps to make improvements.
    “I think accountability is key. And we have to use this moment to make sure that this never happens to anybody else in the sport ever again.
    “Everything that’s been said by the FIA, I welcome that but we have to make sure that we keep a close eye and make sure that we actually are seeing those changes. And rules are applied fairly and accurately, consistently.”
    However, when asked if the FIA’s changes would restore his trust, Hamilton said: “I probably put faith and trust alongside each other.
    “And so trust obviously can be lost in the blink of an eye or a flick of a finger.
    “To earn trust is something that’s built over a long, long period of time. So the FIA announcement is perhaps the first step of that.
    “But that doesn’t necessarily change everything just yet. We have to see actual action. And I think it will take a bit of time.” More

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    F1 star George Russell’s amazing lifestyle, driving a £140k car and enjoying Caribbean holidays with stunning girlfriend

    THIS season, rising British F1 racer George Russell will be driving for Mercedes.The 24-year-old has teamed up with Lewis Hamilton, and could pose a serious threat for the World Championship.
    George Russell has joined Mercedes this season and will be Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mateCredit: PA
    F1 ace George Russell already boasts a glam lifestyleCredit: Daimler AG
    Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, will be the seven-time F1 champ’s team-mate this season at Mercedes
    The move to the reigning F1 constructors champions has seen Russell’s £1million Williams salary bumped up to £5MILLION.
    That will help the talented Brit continue to fund his enviable lifestyle… even though he’s still some way short of new team-mate Hamilton’s mega ÂŁ40m pay-grade.
    Russell currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, but he has plans to join many F1 colleagues in millionaires’ playground Monaco.
    Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a ÂŁ140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT.
    He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
    Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
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    KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
    Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
    The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
    He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
    But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
    By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
    Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
    In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
    A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.

    As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
    He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
    They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
    Most recently, Russell has been seen with stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
    Back in February, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
    While in August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
    Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
    Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
    In February last year, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BarthsCredit: Splash
    Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
    COMPANY CAR
    Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
    On top of his current swanky Mercedes AMG GT, he has always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
    He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of ÂŁ80,000.
    Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to over two million followers.
    About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
    Russell shows off his prized possession – a ÂŁ140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    The AMG C 63 costs around ÂŁ80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
    One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
    In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
    Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
    Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
    During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
    While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
    He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
    Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    HEALTHY LIVING
    Crucial to Russell’s is his diet plan.
    Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
    From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
    Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
    Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
    LOVES SPORT
    Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
    When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
    During the Euros, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
    While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
    Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Football fan Russell cheered on England during the EurosCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Joining Mercedes will earn Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    @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);}
    And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
    This year, it will be Russell who will be hopeful of more fans cheering him in a Mercedes car.
    He might just give them something to shout about, should he pip Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to the title.
    Watch F1 star Sebastian Vettel run to get fire extinguisher after smoke rises from his Aston Martin on Belgian GP track More

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    Lewis Hamilton told Max Verstappen’s F1 world title win should not be overturned even with Michael Masi being sacked

    MAX VERSTAPPEN’S F1 world title win should NOT be overturned, insists Karun Chandhok.The FIA’s decision to axe Michael Masi as race director effectively admits that the Aussie made a costly error that cost Lewis Hamilton the title.
    Lewis Hamilton sportingly applauds as Max Verstappen celebrates victory in Abu DhabiCredit: Reuters
    Karun Chandhok doesn’t believe that the result can be overturnedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But analyst and former F1 driver Karun Chandhok believes that ‘too many variables’ were at play to justify handing Verstappen’s championship over to Hamilton.
    He told Sky Sports: “I don’t believe the result should be overturned,.
    “I think there are too many variables involved in that process just to clearly say ‘if the lapped cars had been left there, Lewis would have 100 per cent won’.
    “I don’t think you can definitively say that. Even Mercedes would definitively not be able to say that. So I don’t think the result can be overturned.”
    The issue stemmed from Masi’s call to allow Verstappen to unlap himself behind the safety car – leaving Hamilton a sitting duck on old tyres.
    New FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem has since announced structural changes that include a virtual race control room being deployed as part of a ‘new race management team’ that replaces Masi’s old role.
    @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);}
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE ÂŁ10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Speaking at today’s Mercedes car launch, team principal Toto Wolff appeared pleased with the outcome.
    The Austrian, who was left incensed by Masi in Abu Dhabi, said: “I think it’s very encouraging to see that action has been taken. There is a much-more robust structure now.
    “The FIA has stated that there will be a virtual Race Control Room with state of the art technology.
    “And the new guys are going to be in place for the Barcelona test and I think the right steps. It is a new era for the sport.”
    I never, ever said that I was going to stopLewis Hamilton
    At the launch, Hamilton finally broke his silence on retirement rumours, insisting that he is excited ahead of the new season.
    He said: “I never, ever said that I was going to stop. I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people.
    “You really feel like you’re part of a team and part of a family, working towards that common goal. There’s no feeling quite like it.
    “But yeah
 it was obviously a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back and focus on being present. I had my family all around me, and creating great moments.
    “And I eventually got to a point where I decided I was going to be attacking coming into another season, and working with Toto and George [Russell].
    Lewis Hamilton is excited for a new season alongside George RussellCredit: PA
    Toto Wolff spoke at Mercedes’ new car launchCredit: YouTube: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team More

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    ‘Return of the Silver Arrows’ – Fans gush over retro livery as Mercedes reveal 2022 F1 car with Hamilton in the hotseat

    MERCEDES unveiled their new car for the 2022 season – and fans could not get enough of it.The reigning constructors’ champions will once again take to the grid in their traditional silver livery after dropping their previous black paint job.
    Mercedes unveiled their W13 car for the 2022 seasonCredit: Daimler AG
    Merc introduced the special edition look back in 2020 as a sign of the team’s commitment to fighting racism and discrimination.
    But the team will switch back to its ‘Silver Arrows’ moniker for the W13 as F1 introduces drastic new design regulations for the new season.
    Fans online cooed over the fresh look as the team gathered at Silverstone for the official launch.
    User Jo wrote on Twitter: “I love her! Loved the black but
our Silver Arrow is back! Best looking car no question
 #W13 well done Team she’s a beauty!”
    Kevin Ticehurst wrote: “A truly beautiful machine. Loving the new livery. Now onwards to a 9th successive constructors’ championship and an 8th world championship for Lewis, or possibly a first world title for George!!!”
    Kelvin Martin wrote: “It’s a stunner! Well done to the entire team that put in hours and hours of effort to produce this magnificent looking car.”
    @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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    And RobLMeyers added: “Hope she’s as fast as she is beautiful!”
    Seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton ended months of retirement speculation by confirming he would return to the grid this year.
    Fans had feared he was planning to hang up his race suit after the shocking season finale that saw him robbed of a record eighth drivers’ crown last term.
    But the 37-year-old revealed he is ‘excited’ to drive his new motor after the team’s ‘incredible hard work’ during the off-season. More

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    Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s F1 title end sees FIA install ‘virtual Race Control Room’ as Wolff hails VAR style changes

    MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff has hailed FIA changes after Michael Masi was sacked as race director yesterday.Masi, 44, was relieved of his duties after his December blunder in Abu Dhabi cost Lewis Hamilton a record eighth championship.
    Toto Wolff was speaking alongside Lewis Hamilton and George RussellCredit: YouTube: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
    Michael Masi was relieved of his duties yesterdayCredit: Getty
    Speaking at today’s new car launch at Silverstone, Merc chief Wolff cut a relaxed figure as he had his say on the ‘more robust structure’ – which has been liked to VAR in football – that will now be in place.
    He said: “I think it’s very encouraging to see that action has been taken. There is a much-more robust structure now.
    “The FIA has stated that there will be a virtual Race Control Room with state of the art technology.
    “And the new guys are going to be in place for the Barcelona test and I think the right steps. It is a new era for the sport.”
    On his team’s ambitions for this year, Wolff stressed that nothing can be taken for granted.
    The 50-year-old added: “The mindset of the team has always been the same over the last few years and that is the point count goes back to zero.
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    Hamilton and Russell were shown their new car for the 2022 seasonCredit: Daimler AG
    “There is nothing from the previous years that will make you win the current championship, no credits to be taken, but also no sense of entitlement.
    “Like every year we are sceptical whether we’ve done a good enough job. And and that’s the right the right mentality.”
    Meanwhile, at the launch, Hamilton finally addressed the retirement rumours that surrounded him for much of the last two months.
    The seven-time world champion, 37, said: “I never, ever said that I was going to stop. I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people.
    It was obviously a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back and focus on being presentLewis Hamilton
    “You really feel like you’re part of a team and part of a family, working towards that common goal. There’s no feeling quite like it.
    “But yeah
it was obviously a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back and focus on being present. I had my family all around me, and creating great moments.
    “And I eventually got to a point where I decided I was going to be attacking coming into another season, and working with Toto and George [Russell].
    “It’s exciting seeing George come in and bringing his energy. I can already feel that throughout the team. I think it’s going to be an exciting season.”
    Mercedes’ W13 car features a return to silver, as well as a new chassis and body work.
    It feels incredible, both Lewis and I have driven so many laps in the simulator in thisGeorge Russell
    On his new motor, Hamilton said: “It takes you back to being a kid. We’ve never seen such a drastic change as this era of cars, but the team have come together to create hopefully a masterpiece.
    “We have no idea how it is going to handle, but he have driven so many laps on the simulator.”
    Russell, 24, then added: “It feels incredible, both Lewis and I have driven so many laps in the simulator in this.
    “Seeing all the hard work come together here, it looks incredible.”
    Mercedes revealed the new W13Credit: Daimler AG
    The new car features ‘drastic changes’Credit: Daimler AG More