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    Red Bull sign huge £369million sponsorship deal which will see name of team change for 2022 F1 season

    RED BULL have signed a huge £369million sponsorship deal which will see their team name changed for the new Formula One season.The five-year deal signed with Oracle will see the team be known as Oracle Red Bull Racing.
    Red Bull have unveiled their new car for the upcoming F1 seasonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Red Bull have signed a huge deal with Oracle and will be called Oracle Red Bull RacingCredit: Getty
    The agreement with the tech firm is one of the most lucrative in global sport, says AP.
    And fans of world champion Max Verstappen also got look at Red Bull’s new car on Wednesday.
    The Dutchman will take his new vehicle out for pre-season testing in Barcelona later this month.
    And revealing his first impressions, Verstappen said: “It looks a bit different, but at the end of the day it’s still a Formula One car. 
    “At testing we can do a lot of laps and get a lot of information about the car, which is important. I’m looking forward to it.”
    As for Red Bull’s new partnership with Oracle, chief Christian Horner believes it comes at an ideal time due to the new season cost cap of £107m for F1 teams.
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    Max Verstappen has already delivered his first thoughts on the new carCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Sergio Perez and Verstappen will get to properly try out the new motor later this monthCredit: Getty
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    Horner told AP: “We’re all about speed and the speed of response.
    “We’re pushing the Oracle technical guys. But they’re responding in the best possible way. And that’s what makes this partnership very exciting.
    “We’ve got a brand new set of regulations, a new technical challenge.
    “We’ve got financial regulations that are driving and forcing efficiency, which is again where this partnership helps us to make sure that we’re as efficient and productive as we possibly can be.”
    Meanwhile, fresh audio has emerged of the final minutes of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    And it included the moment race director Michael Masi appears to obey Red Bull orders, allowing Verstappen to catch Lewis Hamilton on the final lap and overtake him to win the title.
    Christian Horner is a big fan of the new agreementCredit: Getty
    Oracle come on board for Red Bull at the same time as a new season cost capCredit: Getty More

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    F1’s highest paid drivers revealed ahead of 2022 season following Lando Norris’ new deal and Lewis Hamilton’s return

    THE 2022 F1 season is nearly upon us with the controversy surrounding the 2021 finale STILL swirling.Max Verstappen edged Lewis Hamilton to the crown with a thrilling final-lap overtake.

    Lewis Hamilton will earn more than DOUBLE that of F1 title rival Max Verstappen in 2022Credit: Getty
    But questions are still being asked about the bizarre decision from F1 race director Michael Masi in Abu Dhabi.
    The controversial finale saw Hamilton quit social media for over a month with questions marks over his future.
    But the seven-time world champion, 37, reported for duty at Mercedes HQ earlier this week to all-but end the speculation.
    With that news, the grid for the 2022 season appears to be concrete.
    And yet again, Hamilton is far and away the top-paid driver on the grid.
    The Brit star rakes in a staggering £40m per year from Mercedes – more than DOUBLE his nearest rival.
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    Reigning champion Verstappen, 24, earns £18.2m a year from Red Bull.
    And McLaren star Lando Norris comes in third after signing a new bumper four-year contract.
    Norris, 22, will take home £10.5m per year – more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren veteran Daniel Ricciardo (both £10.19m).
    Ferrari ace Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin star Sebastian Vettel both earn £7.28m per year on their current deals.
    Alpine’s legendary racer Fernando Alonso sits eight with an annual salary of £6.55m.
    Red Bull whiz Sergio Perez (£4.5m) and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon (£4m) complete the top ten.
    Lando Norris has risen to third in the list of top-paid F1 stars after signing a new McLaren dealCredit: AFP More

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    New audio emerges of final moments of F1 Abu Dhabi GP including ‘sickening’ moment stewards execute Red Bull team orders

    NEW audio has emerged of the final moments of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.And it includes the ‘sickening’ moment race stewards execute Red Bull orders – allowing Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton and win the Formula One championship.
    New audio has emerged of the moment Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton to the F1 title
    Race director Michael Masi appears to obey Red Bull orders without question
    Mercedes fans were left speechless when Hamilton, who had led the whole race and was moments away from sealing a record eighth title, was pipped on the final lap by Verstappen.
    Languishing behind five lapped drivers due to a safety car, the Dutchman was allowed to waltz his way up to Hamilton thanks to a bizarre order from race director Michael Masi.
    Verstappen was on fresher tyres as the race commenced for a final nail-biting lap.
    And he managed to overtake Hamilton moments before the last bend to seal a historic title win.
    Hamilton and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff were left gobsmacked by Masi’s decision to make only the five drivers ahead of Verstappen unlap themselves, allowing him to drift back up to Hamilton and set up a showdown sprint.
    But according to F1 Jordan, new ‘sickening’ footage has come out revealing Masi appearing to act on the instructions of Red Bull chief Jonathan Wheatley without any question.
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    As Verstappen’s title hopes slipped away, Wheatley said on the radio: “Obviously those lapped cars, you don’t need to let them go right away round and catch up with the back of the pack.”
    Masi replied ‘understood’ before Wheatley continued: “You need to let them go and then we got a motor race on our hands.”
    Masi again said: “Understood, just give me a second.”
    Wheatley is then heard speaking directly to Verstappen, saying: “We think all the cars ahead of you are going to pass Hamilton, everybody behind you will stay in position.”

    However, former F1 star Damon Hill was not bowled over by the exchange.
    He replied to F1 Jordan: “Sorry to burst your hot air balloon, but it’s not new or emerging news. It does however make for uncomfortable listening, as it did at the time.
    “No one (except Red Bull) is happy about this. The question is, what does one do about it? Grateful for any ingenious ideas.” More

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    ‘So much grace’ – Spider-Man actor Tom Holland reveals dinner with fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton as F1 star makes return

    HOLLYWOOD star Tom Holland has gushed over Lewis Hamilton’s ‘grace’ after having dinner with the Formula 1 ace last month.The Spider-Man actor is currently promoting his latest film Uncharted alongside Mark Wahlberg.
    Tom Holland is currently promoting his latest filmCredit: The Mega Agency
    Lewis Hamilton has shown amazing ‘grace’Credit: AP
    But as a big sports fan, the 25-year-old loves talking about things unrelated to his new picture.
    Going off topic to chat about his fellow Brit, Holland said: “I mean, if you look at Lewis Hamilton and his career.
    “I just had dinner with him a couple of weeks ago. He’s a role model for so many people around the world.
    “What happened to him at the end of last season and his ability to lose with so much grace against all odds, in a sport that seems so elitist.
    “He’s broken just about every record and broken every glass ceiling you can think of.
    “So he’s someone who impresses me a lot, and he’s making history every day, so I congratulate him.”
    @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-zkaekv{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-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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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    Hamilton, 37, was pipped to last year’s championship by Max Verstappen in controversial circumstances back in December.
    Following events in Abu Dhabi, he embarked on a near two-month social media silence.
    He sent the internet into frenzy last weekend, however, when he proclaimed ‘I’m back’.
    And he has all but ended retirement rumours after returning to Mercedes HQ as the Silver Arrows gear up for the new season.
    Holland, meanwhile, is also a big football fan.
    The Londoner supports Tottenham Hotspur, and even recently met Son Heung-min alongside girlfriend Zendaya.
    Holland recently met Son Heung-min alongside girlfriend ZendayaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hm_son7/?hl=en
    Hamilton, 37, has returned to Mercedes HQCredit: Twitter @MercedesAMGF1 More

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    Lando Norris signs new four-year McLaren deal worth £50m… only nine-months after being handed last contract

    LANDO NORRIS has signed a new four year deal at McLaren worth up to £50million.The Brit, who only signed a deal with the Woking-based team nine months ago, has agreed a new package – killing off interest from Red Bull and Mercedes.
    Lando Norris has signed a bumper new £50m four-year deal with McLarenCredit: Splash
    The Brit, 22, took four podiums last season and was wanted by Red Bull and MercedesCredit: AP
    Norris, 22, who finished last season in sixth place in the drivers’ championship after taking four podiums, says he was approached by rival F1 teams.
    However, he says his decision to commit until the end of the 2025 season shows his faith in the team.
    He said: “I am extremely happy. McLaren is a big part of my career and my life so to stay for another four years is pretty amazing.
    McLaren are people I’ve grown up with. The people I’ve come into Formula One with.
    “More than anything, we’d love to continue what we have and try to reach that dream of ours, which is to get back to winning races and to eventually try and win championships.
    “This deal is more about solidarity, for me and the team and that level of confidence in both of us.
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    “I see it as a benefit for myself to have this longer contract and for the team, it is a performance benefit and motivation.
    “I want to give the whole team the confidence that I’m here to stay. I want to keep trying to achieve things with them.”
    Norris says he was approached by rival teams about his availability, and had ‘little chats here and there’ but McLaren acted swiftly to fend off attention in their star driver.
    And the Monaco-based star said that while he had discussions with others, he always kept McLaren in the loop.
    He added: “There were opportunities that I knew would be coming up in the future with various teams, but this put out a strong message on how I believe in Mclaren, even with those opportunities that could arise.
    “I had to weigh up all the factors and I looked at all the best options for me in what I think I can achieve.
    “Of course there will now be opportunities for other drivers to go to Red Bull or Mercedes, who knows if I would have had those opportunities.
    “But the fact I chose to stay at McLaren is the good thing about this and is the strong message.”
    McLaren boss Andreas Seidl confirmed that Norris’s new deal did not contain any ‘get outs for both sides’ and added that it was all part of the team’s plans, having tied down several other key staff to long-term deals.
    He said: “The beauty of this new agreement that we have in place is that there’s no get outs on both sides, which is simply the important message that we wanted to give to the team.”
    Norris finished last season in sixth place in the drivers’ championshipCredit: Rex More

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    How Max Verstappen has spent winter break, from holiday with Kelly Piquet, meeting Coulthard and partying with Canelo

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has been enjoying a well deserved break since his controversial F1 championship victory in December.Since his win in Abu Dhabi, aside from defending the nature of his Michael Masi-assisted triumph, he’s spent quality time with his girlfriend, travelled the world and hooked up with some other sporting legends.
    The Dutchman received his trophy at the FIA Prize Giving gala alongside girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
    Max Verstappen began his off season by meeting David CoulthardCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Max and Kelly partied together in MiamiCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    He started his break by meeting Formula 1 legend David Coulthard in the sunshine.
    Sharing a picture to Instagram, he wrote: “In good company for my first interview as a World Champion.”
    Verstappen, 24, then attended the lavish FIA Prize Giving gala just before Christmas alongside glamorous girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
    He received the trophy after Mercedes dropped their legal challenge, before spending a very happy Chrimbo at home with his stunning partner.
    The loved-up couple then got properly into the party spirit, by jetting out to Miami for New Year’s Eve.
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    The happy couple spent Christmas togetherCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Verstappen partied with Canelo in MiamiCredit: TikTok @alemarrufogg
    The reigning F1 world champion hit the gym upon his return from holidayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    While over there, Max partied with pound-for-pound boxing king Canelo Alvarez, whipping up a crowd in the process.
    Up on stage with the Mexican great, Verstappen shouted: “Let’s f*** s*** up!”
    Canelo, 31, then thrilled the crowd further by adding: “Let’s f****** party!”
    After returning to Europe things calmed down a little for Verstappen, who then began to ramp up preparations for another long, tough season.
    But he has had room for another little holiday in the meantime.
    He and Kelly jetted out to Austria in the back end of January for a break.
    Kelly, 33, shared a stunning video of the pair taking in beautiful mountainous scenery as they enjoyed a helicopter ride.
    After returning to Monaco, Verstappen again built up his season preparations, sharing plenty of content of his gym workouts.
    He has also been for runs with a view by the ocean in the principality.
    Verstappen will have to be at his best this season, with Lewis Hamilton all but ending retirement talk this week by returning to Mercedes HQ.
    The 37-year-old had been off the grid since events in Abu Dhabi, but tweeted ‘I’m back’ over the weekend – sending his fans into a frenzy.
    Max and Kelly took a trip over the mountains togetherCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Verstappen has been jogging by the sea in MonacoCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Lewis Hamilton is back in the pictureCredit: Twitter @MercedesAMGF1 More

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    Max Verstappen says his F1 season was ‘really unlucky’ and insists he deserved controversial win over Lewis Hamilton

    MAX VERSTAPPEN insists his controversial F1 title triumph was just reward for his ‘really unlucky’ season.The Red Bull ace denied Lewis Hamilton a record eighth crown after race director Michael Masi sparked fury with a last-lap restart in the final Grand Prix.
    Red Bull’s Max Verstappen insists he was the dominant driver in his 2021 title-winning campaignCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth world crown after a hotly-debated last-lap restartCredit: AFP
    Masi ignored rules by letting Verstappen go out in front of lapped cars – leaving race leader Hamilton a sitting duck on his older tyres.
    Hamilton’s sense of injustice reportedly left him contemplating retiring.
    But Verstappen insists he dominated the 2021 campaign and only failed to clinch the title far earlier due to misfortune.
    Asked if the Abu Dhabi debacle took the gloss off his triumph, the Dutchman told The Guardian: “Not at all.
    “I had a very good season and I think I really deserved it.
    “‘I have been really unlucky as well.
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    “People always remember the last race but, if you look at the whole season, the championship should have been decided way earlier.”
    And he claims it would have been far more painful for him than Hamilton if he had lost out in such a much-criticised manner.
    Verstappen said: “For me it’s difficult to picture myself in that situation, because I’m not a seven-time world champion. 
    “If I was already a seven-time world champion it hurts a bit less than when I am fighting for my first, leading all the way, controlling it all the way, and then losing it on the last lap. 
    “That would be way more painful than already having seven in the bag.” More

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    Michael Schumacher’s old car flops at auction, selling for a third of the estimate despite its superstar former owner

    MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S old company car has flopped at auction.The F1 legend’s Mercedes C63 AMG Estate fetched only £23,300 when £81k was expected.
    All-time great Michael Schumacher was given the car in 2010 but despite such a pedigree it only fetched the average value for such a modelCredit: Bonhams/Peter Singhof 2021
    German ace Schumacher won seven world F1 titles from 1994 to 2004 but his legendary status failed to attract big bids for the Mercedes EstateCredit: PA:Press Association
    But a customised Tesla Roadster he drove to Nations Cup glory with Sebastian Vettel in the same year, 2010, roared up to £116,700.
    Schumacher, 53, has largely been cared for at home since suffering a life-changing brain injury in a 2013 ski crash.
    Few details of his condition have emerged since, although it’s understood the German has had stem cell treatment in an attempt to regenerate his nervous system.
    But Schumacher’s place as one of motorsport’s all-time greats is assured.
    His former estate car was a prize exhibit at Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques du Monde [‘The World’s Leading Brands’] auction in Paris.
    Instead, though, it only made the typical price for a model of that age and mileage owned by you or I.
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    Schuey was given the family ‘runaround’ vehicle in January 2010 as he prepared for an F1 comeback.
    Daimler GP had just bought the Brawn GP team – renaming it ‘Mercedes GP’.
    That meant star man Schumacher needed a car away from the track to reflect the team’s new status.
    The Merc estate he was given goes from 0-60 in under 4.6 seconds and is laced with £15,000 worth of extras.
    Schuey kept it for six months and most of its mileage was done by its second owner, a Swiss man, from 2011-2015.
    A Mercedes engineer then bought it, changing the wheels but barely clocked up 1,000 kilometres in three years.
    And its last owner, from 2018 until January this year, only drove it in summer.
    That took the mileage from a 457-horsepower, 6.2-litre V8 engine up to 94,450miles.
    SCHUEY TESLA SPARKS INTEREST
    Now it’s up to the unnamed auction winner to see if the small piece of history gets the same careful treatment.
    In contrast, a Tesla Roadster sparked huge interest at the auction as it eventually sold for £116k.
    Schumacher and Vettel raced in the electric speedster at the 2010 Race of Champions.
    Current models of the car can reach 60mph in 1.9secs.
    And this particular one was adapted for the event 12 years ago, with a roll bar and carbon racing seats added.
    Its auction value was also given a kick up the boot by the fact several drivers signed part of the rear spoiler. More