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      F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has an incredible £13m car collection, including £4m Shelby and £1.6m Pagani Zonda 760 LH

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      TO be Lewis Hamilton for a day.The F1 ace has amassed a £300million fortune that allows him to indulge in the best boys’ toys around.
      Lewis Hamilton has amassed a £300m fortune from motor racing and sponsorshipsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton’s wealth means he can afford life’s greatest luxuries and has a £13m car collectionCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      And boy does the racing legend know how to spend it – splashing his cash on the best cars that could earn him the title of ultimate celebrity petrol head.
      The eco-warrior is level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles and missed out on a record-breaking eighth in the heartbreaking Abu Dhabi 2021 finale.
      But away from the track, Hamilton, 37, has an equally impressive fleet of cars worth around – wait for it – £13MILLION.
      Of course, being a driver, he’s a car fanatic and collects everything from supercars to vintage classics that he divides between two garages – one in Monaco and another in LA.
      He said previously: “I don’t know anything about wine. I don’t know a huge amount about art. But what I do know is cars, and I’m very particular about them.”
      Amusingly, so they keep their value, when Hamilton doesn’t want to drive them back home – he reportedly has a tow-truck that comes to pick them up from whatever restaurant or club he’s at. Here we take a look at just some of his extravagant collection:
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      PAGANI ZONDA 760 LH
      The rarest motor in Hamilton’s possession is a £1.6m Pagani Zonda that was made entirely for him.
      The exterior and interiors are purple, and at the request of the sports star he opted for a manual gearbox instead of the usual sequential one.
      His reasons? Because he hated getting behind the wheel of it initially.
      He once said: “The Zonda is terrible to drive!
      “It’s the best-sounding car I own, but handling-wise it’s the worst.”
      That could be why in 2015 Hamilton got in an accident that caused some significant damage to the cherished motor.
      Hamilton’s Pagani Zonda cost him £1.6m but he hates driving itCredit: Rex Features
      1966 SHELBY 427 COBRA
      The highest valued car in Hamilton’s collection is this stunning classic.
      Believed to be worth around £4m, it’s a rare sight – unless you’ve seen the racer cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in LA.
      Hamilton was often spied taking his ex-missus Nicole Scherzinger for a spin in this beauty, which would have him standing out from the crowd.
      A 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra is Hamilton’s most expensive car worth £4mCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      LAFERRARI
      Every car aficionado worth their weight in salt owns this £1m Ferrari – another collector’s item that rises in value as the years go by.
      Capable of reaching a top speed of 217 mph, the LaFerrari can hit 0-62 mph in just 2.4 seconds, meaning it’s the fastest car Hamilton owns.
      Footballers including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Son Heung-min also drive this frighteningly fast motor that must be just like handling a racing car.
      A £1m Ferrari La Ferrari is a must for any car collection, including HamiltonCredit: Xposure
      MERCEDES-AMG PROJECT ONE
      Lewis got his hands on a Project One last year, even though it is even supposed to be out until later in 2022.
      He was heavily involved in the production of the plug-in hybrid sports car that’s capable of hitting a top speed of 217 mph.
      Only 275 are going to be released at a cost of around £2m.
      Make that 274 now, since Hamilton has one.
      Hamilton has managed to get his hands on a £2m Mercedes-AMG Project One ahead of its 2021 release
      Hamilton was heavily involved in the production of the Project OneCredit: AFP or licensors
      MERCEDES-AMG SLS BLACK
      He already owned a SL Black Series, so why not add the SLS, right?
      Hamilton, who clearly has a need for speed, added this supercar to his garage probably because it’s the fastest Mercedes in production.
      Powered by a 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 622bhp – the SLS can reach a top speed of 196 mph.
      It also hits 0-60 in just 3 seconds – making it the ideal car for Hamilton to get his thrills off the track with. For a price tag of £230k, it’s just what you’d expect really.
      Driving for Mercedes has its perks for HamiltonCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton regularly shares images on social media alongside Mercedes motorsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      MCLAREN P1
      Despite splitting with McLaren’s racing team, Hamilton can’t have felt too aggrieved with his former employers because in 2015 he added a £2m P1 to his extensive list of rides.
      The P1 has a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which is twinned with an electric motor that means the supercar has a total power and torque output of 903 bhp and 980 Nm of torque.
      In real talk that means it’s fast and powerful, can hit a top of 217 mph and 0-60 mph in under 2.7 seconds.
      In 2015 Hamilton added a £2M McLaren P1 to his list of ridesCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      The McLaren P1 is capable of hitting 0-62 mph in just 2.7 secondsCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton didn’t hold any grudges with McLaren despite splitting from the team and drives their car still on the streets of MonacoCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      1967 FORD MUSTANG SHELBY GT500
      The second classic car that’s part of his fleet, fans of the Hollywood movie Gone In 60 Seconds might recognise this motor as looking to similar to one of the Eleanor models from the film.
      Hamilton had his customised by Oklahoma shop Classic Recreations for additional cost.
      At auctions, these can fetch up to £750k, and you can bet Hamilton’s is in tip-top condition. That said, we doubt he’ll ever sell it.
      BEST OF THE REST
      When the Mercedes-Maybach 6 came out in 2016, Hamilton made sure he got his hands on the concept car.
      The 2×2 coupe is completely electric, and can run up to 200 miles before it’ll need recharging.
      Hamilton also has another Mercedes – the Maybach S600, which is a luxurious chauffeur’s car with a partition separating the front seats from the back.
      Both those motors have a combined worth of around £800k.
      And Hamilton doesn’t mind swapping four wheels for two – sometimes taking his £6,500 Honda CRF450RX Motocross Bike around the dirt tracks of California.
      Then there’s also his Maverick X3 dune buggy that would’ve set him back around £20k, that’s also electric in theme with his eco-warrior status.
      Hamilton is a fan of the Maverick x3 dune buggy worth £20kCredit: 2017. All rights reserved.
      Nicole Scherzinger used to ride with Hamilton on his buggyCredit: Instagram @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton also has a penchant for motorbikesCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Haas become first F1 team to launch 2022 car after major rule change sees larger wheels and new bodywork

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      FORMULA ONE team Haas might have spent the last six seasons at the back of the grid – but they were on pole for their 2022 car launch.The American-owned Banbury-based team are the first to show off images of their challenger for this season.
      Haas have unveiled their new car for the 2022 seasonCredit: Uralkali Haas F1
      The American-owned team are the first to reveal their design for this yearCredit: Uralkali Haas F1
      A major new rule change for this season will see drastic changes to the cars’ bodywork and larger 18 inch wheels.
      F1 hopes the new cars will reduce the amount of turbulence for the cars behind, leading to closer racing and creating more opportunities for overtaking.
      Team boss Guenther Steiner said: “It’s exciting to be at the point where we know the VF-22 will be on-track shortly.
      “We all know what the team is capable of, we’ve proved that in the past, and with this new car — born out of a completely new set of regulations and with our new design team in place, I’m confident we can showcase once again that we can compete on weekends.
      “It’s been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and now comes the fun part of getting the new car to the circuit and dialing in all the elements.
      “Last season was a long one but I’m confident that 2022 will see us back in the mix with the VF-22.”
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      Haas are the first of the sport’s 10 teams to launch their car after Red Bull had hoped to be first off the line.
      F1 testing kicks off in Barcelona on February 23rd for three days before switching to Bahrain in March for a further three days.
      The first race of the 23-race record-breaking season is the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20th.
      NEW FOR 2022

      Over-wheel winglets and wheel covers. The wheel covers prevent the cars from churning up turbulent air while the winglets will effectively iron-out the distorted air coming off the front tyres. Both of these reduce the air turbulence for the cars behind.
      New 18″ wheels with low-profile tyres. The bigger tyres are designed to reduce the amount they overheat – a primary aspect that should help with closer racing.
      New rear wing with ‘rolled tips’. Again, this is in line with the theory of causing less turbulent wake. The new rear wings force the expelled air upwards, rather than backwards.
      Engines will remain the same as this year’s power unit, however, the cars will now run on biofuel – known as ‘E10’.
      Safety improvements. The new chassis has been designed to absorb 48 per cent and 15 per cent more energy in the front and rear impact tests. The cars have also been designed in such a way that, in the event of a crash, the power unit will separate from the chassis without exposing the fuel tank.

      Guenther Steiner is hopeful that this year’s car can make Haas competitiveCredit: Uralkali Haas F1
      The car will be driven by Mick Schumacher and Nikita MazepinCredit: Uralkali Haas F1 More

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      F1 teams fighting off plans for more sprint races in 2022 season over costs amid budget cap being slashed

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      FORMULA ONE’s plan to host more sprint races this season have got off to a false start.The 30-minute ‘sprint qualifying’ sessions were used to determine the grid for the British, Italian and Sao Paulo GPs last year – races which saw plenty of controversy.
      Lewis Hamilton smiles after finishing first in the sprint qualifying session at SilverstoneCredit: AFP
      While the Saturday sprint races were largely uneventful, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided on the Sunday GP at Silverstone and at Monza, while Hamilton battled back from a total of 25-grid penalties to win in Brazil.
      F1 quickly hailed the short races a success, with F1 boss Ross Brawn wanting a total of six in 2022.
      However, F1 teams are using the extra races as leverage to increase the budget cap.
      Some team bosses are arguing that the extra races, no matter how short, incur extra costs and risks.
      And with the budget cap reduced by an extra £3.7million this year to £103million, team’s are not willing to budge.
      It means that the discussions over the sprint qualifying for the season still remains unknown, while issues such as points and recognition of pole positions are still being thrashed out.

      🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      @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);}
      And with the new F1 season kicking off on March 20th in Bahrain, time is running out to get the rules finalised in time.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton has been accused of trying to get FIA race director Michael Masi sacked.
      Dutch sportscar driver Jeroen Bleekemolen said: “Hamilton is trying to increase the pressure on the FIA motorsport federation and is powerful.
      “I think he wants to get some people out of there, like race director Michael Masi.
      “Lewis wants to turn it upside down. He can do that. He has a lot of influence as the greatest of all. Some people will disappear.
      “His opinion is noticed and everyone is talking about it – that puts pressure on the FIA.
      “They have to intervene and make changes. The FIA has to come up with a good story, otherwise Hamilton’s first words will not be what the F1 leadership would like to hear.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen took ‘heavy risks’ during F1 title battle ahead of new 2022 season, says Mika Hakkinen

      by

      MIKA HAKKINEN reckons Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton took “very heavy risks” during their recent title war.The F1 legend claimed Dutchman Verstappen and British star Hamilton relied too much on the safety of their cars and the track.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen took heavy risks, according to Mika HakkinenCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic and controversial season-ending race in Abu DhabiCredit: AFP
      The two F1 superstars collided on multiple occasions during the 2021 season that saw Verstappen barely beating the Mercedes driver to the title following a dramatic and controversial final race in Abu Dhabi.
      The Red Bull champion was taken to hospital for concussion after his high-speed crash with Hamilton at Silverstone in July.
      The rivals also ran off the road together at Interlagos, while the Brit star had to take evasive action at the start at Imola.
      Hakkinen knows how bad it gets when a race goes wrong as he spent two months in hospital after a horrible crash in Adelaide in 1995.
      The Finn added that Verstappen and Hamilton took risks he wouldn’t have tried himself.
      The two-time world champion also argues that they have yet to find out the full pain they could experience.
      @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);}LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.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);}
      Hakkinen said ahead of the World Sports Awards: “Is it my style to do things that those two drivers did?
      “Not really, it is not my style and that is because I had a very bad accident.
      “I spent a lot of time in hospital and I know the pain when things go wrong.
      “These two drivers, they don’t know that, so they do take risks, very heavy risks, and they rely a lot on the safety of the car and the safety of the track.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton accused of trying to get FIA chief Michael Masi sacked after F1 title loss

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has been accused of trying to get FIA Race Director Michael Masi the sack.Hamilton has been silent since losing out on the F1 title in controversial circumstances after Masi failed to obey the correct safety car rules.
      Lewis Hamilton considered quitting but now it’s claimed he could influence whether FIA Race Director Michael Masi keeps his jobCredit: Reuters
      Michael Masi is still under pressure after his decision helped Max Verstappen dethrone Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the last raceCredit: Getty
      It resulted in Max Verstappen passing Hamilton on the final lap to win the Abu Dhabi GP – and the F1 crown – much to the Brit’s frustration.
      Questions have been raised about Hamilton’s future in the sport while both he and his Mercedes team await the FIA’s report after their investigation into Masi’s actions in Abu Dhabi.
      However, Dutch sportscar driver Jeroen Bleekemolen says Hamilton’s influence could force through the changes.
      He said: “Hamilton is trying to increase the pressure on the FIA motorsport federation and is powerful.
      “I think he wants to get some people out of there, like race director Michael Masi.
      “Lewis wants to turn it upside down. He can do that. He has a lot of influence as the greatest of all. Some people will disappear.
      “His opinion is noticed and everyone is talking about it – that puts pressure on the FIA.
      “They have to intervene and make changes. The FIA has to come up with a good story, otherwise Hamilton’s first words will not be what the F1 leadership would like to hear.”
      @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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      The FIA are weighing up plans that would see Masi have a deputy, shielding him from direct contact with the teams.
      However, Red Bull’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley believes Masi is “more than capable” of emulating Charlie Whiting’s success in the role – providing he has the right support.
      Wheatley told The Jack Threlfall Show Podcast: “Charlie was your ultimate poacher-turned-gamekeeper.
      “He had the respect, he was consistent in his decision-making, consistent in the way he dealt with people across the board.
      “He knew when to tell you to shut up and when you needed an arm around you.
      “He was an extraordinary man in that respect and I think the FIA were slow to realise just what a big pair of shoes that would be to fill and I think Michael, with the right support, is more than capable of doing that.
      “On a personal level he is entirely a really, really nice guy with no edge to him at all. And he listens and tries to do the very best that he can.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton breaks social media silence for first time since losing F1 title – and unfollowing EVERYONE on Instagram

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has finally broken his social media silence after unfollowing EVERYONE on Instagram last year.The British Formula One star, 37, has gone missing on social media since losing his world title to Max Verstappen at the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Lewis Hamilton has finally broken his lengthy silence following December’s controversial Abu Dhabi GP
      Hamilton lost his F1 world title to Max Verstappen following a bizarre decision from race director Michael Masi, with rumours swirling that the Brit could quit the sportCredit: Reuters
      Rumours have been swirling ever since the December farce that Hamilton could QUIT F1.
      But ahead of the 2022 season, Hamilton joined new Mercedes team-mate George Russell in wishing his Weibo followers a Happy Chinese New Year.
      The Brit legend is yet to post on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook since early December and was only seen publicly for the first time over the weekend as he grabbed a coffee in California.
      In a short, five-second clip, Hamilton said: “I wish you a Happy Chinese New Year.
      “May the New Year bring you good luck and everything you wish for.”
      Russell added: “Hi guys. I’d like to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year.
      @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);}
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      “I’m excited to join the AMG family and become part of the world’s fastest family.
      “See you soon and stay safe.”
      Hamilton was on the brink of securing an outright record EIGHTH F1 world title in December, only for a bizarre decision from race director Michael Masi to allow Verstappen to leapfrog him and snatch the 2021 crown.
      The BBC claim the Brit ace is still mulling over his options pending an FIA enquiry into the botched Abu Dhabi GP despite having two years left to run on his current contract.

      New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed he has spoken to Hamilton since the contentious race.
      Ben Sulayem claimed: “I don’t think he’s 100 per cent ready to respond right now.
      “We don’t blame him. I understand his position.”
      Hamilton is due to report back to Mercedes duty on February 23 for pre-season testing.
      The opening race of the 2022 season will take place in Bahrain on March 20.
      Meanwhile, Mercedes have been forced to deny their 2022 car failed its crash tests.
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      F1 could be forced to change driver line-up in 2022 as new Covid rules mean everybody in paddock must show vaccine proof

      by

      FORMULA ONE chiefs could be looking for a new driver to line up on the grid in 2022 in the wake of their new covid rules.The F1 paddock will become a restricted zone that will require proof of a covid vaccination and that applies to all – drivers, team personnel, VIPs and media.
      New F1 rules mean all paddock staff have to show proof of a vaccinationCredit: AFP
      This rule change may cause the FIA an issue as their current medical driver Van der Merwe refuses to get jabbed for his ‘own health’Credit: AFP
      However, Alan Van der Merwe – who drives the FIA’s medical car – has previously stated on social media that he is unvaccinated for his “own health”.
      The 42-year-old was one of the heroes, along with Doctor Ian Roberts, who helped save Romain Grosjean from his fiery crash in Bahrain in 2020.
      Van der Merwe wrote on Twitter last year to explain his reasons for not taking the vaccine ahead of GPs in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
      He wrote: “In Switzerland (I’m half Swiss) and other developed countries, prior infection counts as much as a vaccine.
      “I trust that those countries know what they’re doing, and also respect countries’ more restrictive rules and not travel there.
      “I am fully aware that I will potentially be less employable or that my freedom of movement will be restricted based on my choices.
      “That I will not choose convenience over my own health does not mean I am making decisions out of selfishness. We all just want to be healthy.”
      It is believed that no F1 drivers will be impacted by the new rules as all are understood to be vaccinated.
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      The plan for all personnel to be vaccinated was rubber-stamped at last month’s world council meeting.
      The FIA have yet to answer SunSport’s request for clarification over Van der Merwe’s position but paddock sources are adamant that vaccinations will be required.
      It comes as F1 plan to relax their covid protocols and will see the testing frequency reduced.
      Since the start of the pandemic, four drivers have had to miss races as a result of catching covid.
      Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll and Kimi Raikkonen were forced out of GPs.
      Another four – Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Pierre Gasly and Nikita Mazepin – all picked up covid on non-race weekends. More

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      Lewis Hamilton breaks social media silence for first time since losing F1 title and unfollowing EVERYONE on Instagram

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has finally broken his social media silence after unfollowing EVERYONE on Instagram last year.The British Formula One star, 37, has gone missing on social media since losing his world title to Max Verstappen at the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Lewis Hamilton has finally broken his lengthy silence following December’s controversial Abu Dhabi GP
      Hamilton lost his F1 world title to Max Verstappen following a bizarre decision from race director Michael Masi, with rumours swirling that the Brit could quit the sportCredit: Reuters
      Rumours have been swirling ever since the December farce that Hamilton could QUIT F1.
      But ahead of the 2022 season, Hamilton joined new Mercedes team-mate George Russell in wishing his Weibo followers a Happy Chinese New Year.
      The Brit legend is yet to post on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook since early December and was only seen publicly for the first time over the weekend as he grabbed a coffee in California.
      In a short, five-second clip, Hamilton said: “I wish you a Happy Chinese New Year.
      “May the New Year bring you good luck and everything you wish for.”
      Russell added: “Hi guys. I’d like to wish you a Happy Chinese New Year.
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      “I’m excited to join the AMG family and become part of the world’s fastest family.
      “See you soon and stay safe.”
      Hamilton was on the brink of securing an outright record EIGHTH F1 world title in December, only for a bizarre decision from race director Michael Masi to allow Verstappen to leapfrog him and snatch the 2021 crown.
      The BBC claim the Brit ace is still mulling over his options pending an FIA enquiry into the botched Abu Dhabi GP despite having two years left to run on his current contract.
      New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed he has spoken to Hamilton since the contentious race.
      Ben Sulayem claimed: “I don’t think he’s 100 per cent ready to respond right now.
      “We don’t blame him. I understand his position.”
      Hamilton is due to report back to Mercedes duty on February 23 for pre-season testing.
      The opening race of the 2022 season will take place in Bahrain on March 20.
      Meanwhile, Mercedes have been forced to deny their 2022 car failed its crash tests. More