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      Who is Michael Masi and what did he do? F1 race director in Abu Dhabi storm

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      THE F1 season ended in controversial circumstances, with Max Verstappen winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to snatch the championship from Lewis Hamilton.And the man in the midst of the chaotic storm from that final race is F1 race director Michael Masi.
      Michael Masi has been F1 race director since 2019
      SunSport understands that Masi could now be shown the door as a result of his mistakes.
      Peter Bayer, newly appointed as the FIA’s head of F1, said: “Michael did a super job in many ways. We told him that.
      “But also that there is a possibility there could be a new race director.”
      Bayer also added that the sport may split the role of race director among a number of individuals.
      He said: “These roles are divided between several people.
      “This reduces the burden on the race director. That was simply too much – the race director (was) also sports director safety and track delegate.”
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      Who is Michael Masi?
      Michael Masi has been the F1 race director since 2019.
      Masi was born in Sydney in 1978, making him 43 years old.
      The Australian has worked up from Supercars and in 2018 was appointed by the FIA as the Formula Two and Formula Three deputy race director, and deputy to F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
      Whiting tragically died three days before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in 2019, with Masi assuming the role since.
      Lewis Hamilton has maintained his silence on the race – and his F1 future
      What did Michael Masi do?
      A review into the wild final race of the season is ongoing, with Masi’s use of the safety car rule called into question.
      Race director Masi ignored safety car rules and set up a single-lap shootout which decided the outcome of the F1 championship in Abu Dhabi.
      Masi allowed a number of lapped cars to unlap themselves, before letting Verstappen to pull alongside leader Hamilton for the shoot-out.
      This saw Verstappen easily overtake Hamilton – who was on older tyres – to win.
      New F1 chief Bayer is heading up the inquiry, which has promised to come up with their report on the eve of the new F1 season in Bahrain on March 18.
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      Michael Masi could be AXED as F1 race director after controversial Abu Dhabi GP denying Hamilton record eighth title

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      MICHAEL MASI could be axed as F1’s race director following the controversial end to the Abu Dhabi GP.The Australian ignored safety car rules and set up a single-lap shootout which decided the outcome of the F1 championship.
      Lewis Hamilton’s bid for a record eighth world title ended when Max Verstappen profited from a much-criticised decision by race director Michael MasiCredit: AP
      Aussie Michael Masi might lose his job as F1 race director or may have to share it with other stewardsCredit: Getty
      Race leader Lewis Hamilton was left a sitting duck on old tyres when Masi fudged the rules to line up Max Verstappen – on fresh rubber – right behind the Brit.
      Verstappen romped to glory – and the title – much to Mercedes’ anger, who threatened legal action.
      While the Silver Arrows pulled back from taking the matter to court, disgruntled Hamilton has made a silent protest with Merc boss Toto Wolff admitting there are doubts as to whether the 37-year-old would return to race this season.
      Masi too has gone to ground amid the storm and is believed to be back in Sydney, while the FIA conducts their investigation into what happened in the stewards’ room.
      However, SunSport understands that Masi could now be shown the door as a result of his mistakes.
      Peter Bayer, newly appointed as the FIA’s head of F1, said: “Michael did a super job in many ways. We told him that.
      “But also that there is a possibility there could be a new race director.”
      Bayer is heading up the inquiry, which has promised to come up with their report on the eve of the new F1 season in Bahrain on March 18th.
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      While the FIA have yet to confirm Masi will be axed, SunSport has also spoken to paddock sources who believe he should be SAVED.
      However, that proposal would see him share the role with several other stewards – a move which would allow for inconsistent decision making.
      In an interview with Austrian journalist Gerhard Kuntschick, Bayer also said team bosses would be BANNED from speaking to the race director directly mid-race.
      However, Bayer added: “[We are looking at] dividing the various tasks of the race director, who is also sports director, safety and track delegate.
      “That was simply too much. These roles are divided between several people. This reduces the burden on the race director.
      “The team managers will still be able to – they have to be able to ask questions but we want to build in a buffer with an employee who accepts these requests.
      “In the future, the race director will be able to concentrate on his task and will no longer be distracted.” More

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      Formula E: Everything you need to know about 2022 season including more powerful cars and knockout-style qualifying

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      NEXT season will see Formula E introduce its ground-breaking Gen3 car – which promises to be the fastest, most powerful electric racing car.But that doesn’t mean this season’s car will not get an upgrade.
      Here’s the new powered-up field for the 2022 Formula E campaignCredit: Rex
      Mercedes-EQ aces Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries sandwich Chelsea icon Didier Drogba and singer Gabrielle LeMaire at the Saudi season openerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Power will be boosted from 200 kW to 220kW for racing while the power during Attack Mode will also increase to 250kW from 235kW.
      The biggest shake up is the change to qualifying as the field is split into groups based on championship position.
      That will create a knock-out format pitching drivers against each other in a series of duels for pole position.
      Other tweaks will see races increased by up to 10 minutes if they have been impacted by safety cars or yellow flags.
      The calendar has also been swollen to 16 races with new ePrix races in Seoul and Jakarta.
      MERCEDES-EQ5: Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL), 17: Nyck de Vries (NLD)
      The reigning champions retain their successful pairing for season eight. De Vries clinched the title last year to become the first Dutch world champion before countryman Max Verstappen’s success in F1.
      Vandoorne will be in with a shout of snatching that title from his teammate this season.
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      JAGUAR TCS RACING9: Mitch Evans (NZL), 10: Sam Bird (GBR)
      Jaguar enjoyed their most successful season in Formula E last season, finishing the team’s championship in second place.
      Mitch Evans and Sam Bird offer the team plenty of experience in development and race craft. Evans is now looking to beat Mercedes to the title.
      He said: “We’re looking for marginal gains but we’ve got a really strong package, a great team and we’re working well together. Hopefully we can go one better.”
      DS TECHEETAH13: Antonio Felix da Costa (POR), 25: Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA)
      One of the sport’s most successful teams had to settle for third in the championship in 2021 after a poor end to the season.
      They return this season with the same line up of double champion Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa, both have a lot of experience.
      ENVISION RACING 4: Robin Frijns (NDL), 37: Nick Cassidy (NZL)
      Despite not having the backing of a manufacturer, Envision Racing have always proved to be competitive.
      Back this year with an all-new green livery, they have an exciting line-up of  Robin Frijns and Nick Cassidy behind the wheel.

      AVALANCHE ANDRETTI FORMULA E 27: Jake Dennis (GBR), 28: Oliver Askew (USA)
      Jake Dennis produced one of the best performances from a rookie last season as he finished third in the championship.
      The 26-year-old Brit has a comprehensive CV having raced in lots of categories. He shares his time racing in Formula E with his duties as Red Bull Racing’s development driver.
      ROKiT VENTURI RACING 11: Lucas di Grassi (BRA), 48: Edoardo Mortara (CHE)
      Venturi have recruited former Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi this season to partner Edoardo Mortara.
      The Brazilian ended his seven year stint with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler after the manufacturer moved on at the end of Season 7. Di Grassi is one of the most knowledgeable drivers in FE.
      TAG HEUER PORSCHE FORMULA E TEAM 36: Andre Lotterer (DEU), 94: Pascal Wehrlein (DEU)
      Porsche are looking to make more improvements in season eight as they stick with Andre Lotterer and Pascal Wehrlein in an all-German line-up.
      Porsche made a few mistakes in their debut season and should be much stronger this time around.

      MAHINDRA RACING29: Alexander Sims (GBR), 30: Oliver Rowland (GBR)
      An all-British line up for Mahindra, who were much-improved in 2021. Alex Lynn’s win in London was the highlight, but he departs and another Brit in Oliver Rowland now partners Alexander Sims.
      Sims has a race win and podiums to his name in Formula E, and Rowland joins the team having made the move from Nissan e.dams.
      NISSAN E.DAMS22: Maximilian Guenther (DEU), 23: Sebastien Buemi (CHE)
      Nissan e.dams have replaced Oliver Rowland with the highly-rated Maximilian Guenther.
      The rapid German brokered a deal to join the Franco-Japanese team when a seat became available and with wins to his name, he’s proven himself in battle. He joins one of the most experienced drivers on the grid in Sebastian Buemi.

      DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT99: Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA), 7: Sergio Sette Camara (BRA)
      Dragon pulled off a real surprise to land Antonio Giovinazzi, the Italian F1 driver from Alfa Romeo.
      He has some work to do to get up to speed with the complexities of FE, but has bags of tallent. Sergio Sette Camara goes into his second FE season looking to build on his performances last year.
      NIO 333 Racing3: Oliver Turvey (GBR), 33: Dan Ticktum (GBR)
      Another British pairing and one that has potential to cause an upset – in more ways than one. Oliver Turvey is the stalwart while Dan Ticktum is the third and final rookie on the grid.
      The Brit is a Formula 2 race winner and has worked in F1 with Red Bull and Williams – but he is also not short of controversy or opinions – which is brilliant for FE. More

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      F1 chiefs closing in on deal to take sport back to Las Vegas after Netflix success and Hamilton’s duel with Verstappen

      by

      FORMULA ONE chiefs are closing in on a deal to take the sport back to Las Vegas.SunSport understands that the proposed street circuit along the famous strip could see the race introduced as early as 2023.
      Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry with Max Verstappen during the F1 championship gained a lot of attentionCredit: AP:Associated Press
      F1 chiefs are closing in on a deal to take the sport back to Las Vegas in the United StatesCredit: Getty
      Three races could take place during the Formula One calendar after the Austin and Miami Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      It would mean there would be three races in the US after Austin and Miami, which makes its debut this year.
      F1’s American owners, Liberty Media, have been trying to crack their home market since buying the sport for £6billion in 2017.
      The recent success of the Netflix Drive to Survive fly-on-the-wall TV documentary, coupled with Lewis Hamilton’s duel with Max Verstappen for the title, saw the US GP in Austin become at 400,000 sell out.
      The debut race in Miami this May is also a sell-out as the popularity of F1 continues to soar in the States.
      It is the first time there is a real sense that the US market is warming to the series after a number of failed attempts in the past.
      F1 did host two races previously in Las Vegas in 1981 and 1982 at Caesars Palace but after disappointing crowds, F1 didn’t return.
      @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);}
      This year’s calendar sees a record-breaking 23-races kicking off in Bahrain on March 20th.
      However, with Singapore confirming a new seven-year deal, Qatar rejoining the schedule for 2023 – plus the Las Vegas GP – that total is set to grow.
      Hamilton and Verstappen underwent a legendary battle against each other during the 2021 F1 Championship, which was won by the latter.
      Lewis Hamilton silent on F1 future because he plans career in USA, says Villeneuve More

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      George Russell ‘ready’ to go toe-to-toe with Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes F1 battle, says legend Mark Webber

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL is ‘ready’ to go toe-to-toe with Lewis Hamilton in their Formula One battle at Mercedes, according to Mark Webber.The rising British star, 23, joins the seven-time world champion at the Silver Arrows this season following Valtteri Bottas’ departure.
      George Russell has ambitions to challenge for the F1 title in 2022Credit: Rex
      He will be teaming up with veteran and seven-time winner Lewis Hamilton for MercedesCredit: Alamy
      And following some impressive performances for Williams, he will be ready to challenge the best in the business with an improved car – including his own team-mate and compatriot Hamilton.
      Webber told formelaustria: “Going up against Lewis will be extremely challenging.
      “But George has almost 50 races under his belt now, so he’s ready for it [60 F1 starts, 50 finishes].
      “George will know that there will be a huge shift in intensity that comes with the expectation of qualifying for the front row every week and finishing every race in the top positions.”
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will be desperate his pair of drivers can retain the constructors’ championship – assuming Hamilton does not quit the sport.
      The Stevenage star wants revenge on Max Verstappen after the 2021 F1 season finale which saw the Dutchman claim the drivers’ crown.
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      But Russell will hope he can squeeze his way into the rivalry and challenge for the title, too.
      Testing for the new F1 season gets underway next month with the first race in Bahrain on March 20.
      Webber, who spent 12 years in F1 with three third-place finishes, also had his say on the sprint races amid talk of the new format being scrapped.
      However, he compared the endurance required to win a full race to a Grand Slam five-setter in tennis.
      The Aussie added: “In sprint racing, we need to make sure that the consumer understands what they are watching and what F1 is trying to achieve, and that is not always easy.
      “Even though the longer events sometimes get more boring, like in tennis, all the top players want to win the Grand Slams and the bigger tournaments.
      “The best of the best find a way to win in five sets.
      “So we have to be careful with the sprint races in F1 that they don’t become a bit of a lottery and reduce the prestige of the series.”
      Webber was at Red Bull for seven years and came third in the drivers’ championship three timesCredit: Getty More

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      ‘League of their own’ – Christian Horner wants ‘incredible’ Lewis Hamilton to renew rivalry with Verstappen next season

      by

      CHRISTIAN HORNER hopes that Lewis Hamilton sticks around in Formula 1 this season.The Red Bull chief saw his charge Max Verstappen battle tooth and nail with the Brit in last season’s controversial title battle.
      Christian Horner wants his man Max Verstappen to be taking on Lewis Hamilton againCredit: AFP
      The Brit’s future remains up in the airCredit: PA
      And despite Hamilton, 37, being his man’s biggest obstacle in retaining the championship this year, Horner hopes that he sticks around as the pair are in ‘a league of their own’.
      He told World Is One News: “I certainly hope that Lewis will be around this year.
      “He’s still driving at an incredible level, the two drivers last year were in a league of their own.
      “But ultimately, it’s his choice, it’s his career, it’s his decision, so I’m sure he will decide to do what’s best for him, what he wants to do, and that’s none of our business.”
      Hamilton has so far kept quiet on his future, not speaking publicly since Abu Dhabi.
      But Mercedes chief Toto Wolff appears cautiously optimistically about the prospect of Hamilton pairing up with new Silver Arrows acquisition George Russell.
      @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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      He told Auto Motor und Sport: “I would wish that we had two lightning-fast drivers fighting for victory.
      “And if not, then we need these drivers to get our car back on the winning track.
      “The measure of Lewis is often wrongly questioned. Even after the events in Abu Dhabi, he immediately congratulated Max.
      “Lewis only wants one thing: fair competition on the track. We will deliver that.”
      Pre-season testing is set to take place in Barcelona between February 23-25.
      Hamilton’s former McLaren team-mate Jensen Button doesn’t believe that his old pal will turn his back on the sport.
      He said: “”I really do hope he will be racing. I think he will be racing. He wants to win that eighth title and be the most decorated Formula One driver in F1 history. And he will do that, I really do think so.”

      Jenson Button believes his old pal will stay in F1Credit: PA More

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      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo poses with controversial F1 star Nikita Mazepin during mystery winter break work out

      by

      THE most famous Red Devil teamed up with the most infamous ‘Revs Devil’ at a sunny escape.Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo posed and trained with F1 bad boy Nikita Mazepin.
      Nikita Mazepin has yet to reach the flashy heights of Cristiano Ronaldo but roars out in front when it comes to T-shirts
      Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on his misfortune as the Premier League break left the Man Utd legend with little choice but to jet off to the sun
      Ronaldo, 36 has been sipping from coconuts and enjoying beach massages during the Premier League’s two-week break.
      And Haas-Ferrari’s Russian driver Mazepin, 22, is preparing for the new race season, starting in March.
      The duo lined up together at an incredible outdoor gym – precise destination unknown.
      And mesmerised Mazepin posted a work-out snap of them with the words: “Best gym session this year so far @cristiano, M” – Ron replying with a fist-bump emoji.
      But while Ronaldo has been trying to live up to his GOAT reputation since joining United, Mazepin has been attempting to tone DOWN his wild reputation.
      Former Real Madrid and Juventus frontman Ron has helped fire the Red Devils back up to fourth place, despite question marks over his role in Ralf Rangnick’s side.
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      And Mazepin has been keen to rebuild his public image following several controversies.
      Just two months ago he was filmed arguing with nightclub bouncers in Mexico City.
      But the son of Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin denied claims he had been booted out of the nightclub earlier that night.
      Previously he has apologised for filming himself groping a woman’s breast in the back of a car and posting it online.
      Haas blasted his ‘abhorrent’ behaviour and Mazepin deleted the post – but not before a social media backlash, including the hashtag #WeSayNoToMazepin.
      The woman involved later claimed the video was an ‘internal joke’ between them and that he was a ‘really good person’.
      In contrast to such antics, Ronaldo has maintained an extraordinary regime of extreme fitness, diet, physical conditioning and emotional well-being.
      And if Mazepin needs a steer about looking after himself, there’s surely no better man to keep the driver on track than Ron.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton will NOT turn back on F1 despite fears over retirement after title defeat, claims Jenson Button

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON will not turn his back on Formula One according to former F1 champ and his ex-teammate, Jenson Button.Hamilton is “disillusioned” with the sport after being robbed of a record eighth world title at the Abu Dhabi GP when FIA Race Director Michael Masi manipulated safety car rules.
      Jensen Button believes Lewis Hamilton will continue to raceCredit: Splash News
      Hamilton is considering retirement after losing the championship in controversial circumstances last yearCredit: Reuters
      The upshot was that Hamilton was left a sitting duck on old tyres and Max Verstappen passed him in a single-lap shootout to win the race and the championship.
      Livid Hamilton has since made a silent protest, raising doubts as to whether he will return to compete in 2022.
      But Button, who was teammates with Hamilton for three years at McLaren, is optimistic he will return.
      He said: “I was the only person to interview Lewis after the last race!
      “I really do hope he will be racing. I think he will be racing. He wants to win that eighth title and be the most decorated Formula One driver in F1 history. And he will do that, I really do think so.
      “[It was] a controversial end to the season but I really do think you have to look at the season as a whole.
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      “Formula One is in an amazing place, two fantastic drivers going at it every weekend and I think everyone is excited about the new season.
      “New regulations and it is all about the development of these cars through the year.”
      The FIA have started their investigation into just how Masi got the end to the Abu Dhabi GP so wrong and will report their findings before the first race of the season in Bahrain.
      Mercedes are understood to be pushing hard for the Australian to be axed as they feel his role has been compromised.
      However, former F1 driver and Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle expects Masi to be retained but offered extra help to ensure he doesn’t make the same mistakes again.
      He said: “If the FIA and F1 want Michael Masi to stay, and if Michael Masi wants to stay, he’s clearly only got one life left, hasn’t he? So I don’t know if that’s tenable all round.
      “Who would you replace him with? Be careful what you wish for, I would say in this. What I absolutely know for sure is that changing Michael Masi will not fix the problem.
      “This is way too big a job for one person to handle in a 23-race season [and] it’s only going to grow — we’re all over the world.
      “Back in the day it was 16, 18 races for Charlie [Whiting, ex-race director] and Herbie [Blash, ex-deputy race director].
      “Charlie used to start the race and Herbie was effectively the race director until Charlie got back from the starting rostrum down near the grid.
      “They had it all under control, but it’s just growing exponentially. So Masi, if he stays, needs a lot of support around him, and I suspect that’s what they’re looking at, at the moment. And who would actually want to step into his shoes right now?” More