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    Red Bull chief Horner slams ‘harsh’ decision to sack F1 race director Masi after Hamilton-Verstappen controversy

    RED BULL boss Christian Horner says sacked Formula One race director Michael Masi has been treated ‘harshly’.Masi was stood down in the wake of his mid-race decision at December’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which helped Red Bull’s Max Verstappen pip Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton to the world title.
    Friends say it has been a tough couple of months for now former F1 race director Michael MasiCredit: PA
    Red Bull boss Christian Horner and their world champion driver Max Verstappen at the launch of the team’s new car in JanuaryCredit: AFP
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and their seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton were unhappy with how the 2021 season finishedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The sport’s governing body, the FIA, concluded Masi had not applied the rules properly in a late safety car period of the race, and have now introduced a new VAR supported structure for next season.
    Horner told talkSPORT he feels Masi has been treated unfairly.
    He said: “It’s a difficult one, and it’s the FIA’s business.
    “I think it is harsh, I think he was in a very difficult position last year.
    “We felt a lot of the decisions went against us last year.
    “When you look at what he has at his disposal in terms of resource, compared to what the teams have, it’s such a massive difference.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “It’s good to hear they are bringing in things like the VAR equivalent and one of the most experienced guys in Herbie Blash.
    “I just think there was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not right. That’s my personal feeling.”
    Despite the chaotic conclusion to the season, Horner thinks Verstappen was a deserving champion for his performances over the whole season.
    He added: “You have to look at the season over the 22 races. We had a lot of decisions go against us earlier in the year and penalties that weren’t awarded and so on.
    “We got a little bit lucky at the end and sometimes that happens in sport, it’s not over until the whistle goes or the flag falls.” More

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    George Russell believes new Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton was ROBBED in F1 season finale

    GEORGE RUSSELL says ‘mistakes’ by race chiefs robbed Lewis Hamilton of last season’s Formula One title.Russell, who has just become Hamilton’s new team-mate at Mercedes, aired his views at the launch of the team’s new W13 car.
    Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton (left) and George Russell flank team chief Toto Wolff at the launch of their new W13 carCredit: AFP
    Hamilton was on course to win a record eighth Drivers’ championship crown before being denied by a controversial call in the season finale race in Abu Dhabi in December.
    A complicated and disputed decision by recently sacked race director Michael Masi allowed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to pip Hamilton on the final lap and claim the title.
    The FIA’s new set-up means a team of race directors will now be supported by video referees when it comes to making mid-race decisions.
    But that will be little comfort to Hamilton – and Russell has sympathy for his new team-mate.
    Former Williams star Russell, 24, said: “He had that race completely under control.
    “He only had to bring it home and he would have been an eight-time champion and he had that taken away from him.”
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    He added: “Mistakes happen when the heat of the moment is on and people’s emotions are high.
    “In sport, there is always a huge amount of pressure on every individual, whether it be the athlete, the coach, the manager, the engineers, the referee or the race director.
    “We’ve all come to the agreement that what happened in Abu Dhabi was incorrect and the changes have been made because of the outcome of Abu Dhabi.” More

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    Michael Masi’s friend reveals how sacked F1 race director reacted to axing after Lewis Hamilton-Max Verstappen drama

    MICHAEL MASI has shown great ‘resilience’ during a ‘torturous two or three months’, his pal Eugene Arocca has revealed.Arocca, CEO of Motorsport Australia, checked in with Masi after news broke that he had been axed as FIA race director last week.
    Michael Masi was axed as FIA race director last weekCredit: Getty
    New FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem then confirmed a shake-up for the new season, announcing a new ‘virtual race control room’, in a move welcomed by Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.
    Masi, 44, is yet to react publicly since the reshuffle – although Arocca has provided petrolheads with an update on his buddy.
    He told Speedcafe: “He’s a personal friend.
    “I’ve known him as long as I’ve been involved in motorsport, which goes back ten years. We’ve become good buddies.
    “It’s personally disappointing and devastating for me to see what has occurred.
    “It’s been a tortuous two or three months of discussion, debate, criticism, public airing of view.
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    “You have to have a hide that’s pretty thick to be able to withstand all that and come out the other end feeling okay.”
    Arocca then added: “Based on the fact that he responded this morning, and he was obviously pretty flat, he’s a man who’s got fantastic resilience.”
    Retirement rumours surrounded Lewis Hamilton during the off-season, after Masi’s Abu Dhabi blunder cost him a record eighth world title – handing it instead to rival Max Verstappen.
    But the 37-year-old was in great spirits as he returned to Mercedes HQ last week, confirming that he’d be driving for the Silver Arrows once again in 2022.
    Hamilton and new team-mate George Russell took their new wheels for a spin at Silverstone on Friday.
    Lewis Hamilton is ready for another hard fought-seasonCredit: PA More

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    Michael Andretti ready to pay F1’s astronomical entry fee to get his own team on grid, confirms ex-world champ dad Mario

    MICHAEL ANDRETTI is ready to pay the required £147million to field his own F1 team ready for the 2024 season.An ‘anti-dilution’ fee of close to £150m will be split up among the ten existing F1 teams to make up for the loss of revenue due to a new kid being on the block.
    Mario Andretti (R) confirmed his son Michael (L) intends to start his own F1 teamCredit: AP
    But that won’t be a problem for the 59-year-old Michael, who came close to taking over Sauber back in October.
    His 81-year-old father, who won the F1 World title in 1978, confirmed Michael intended to press on with his desire to launch his own team.
    Andretti Sr wrote on Twitter: “Michael has applied to the FIA to field a new F1 team starting in 2024. 
    “His entry, Andretti Global, has the resources and checks every box. He is awaiting the FIA’s determination.”
    Andretti was also asked by reporters on his son’s ability to pay the anti-dilution fee.
    As reported by Racer, he said: “Yes, yes. Like I say, we’re going into this thing with our eyes wide open and we know some of the prerequisites.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “I don’t think Michael is asking for any special favors, we need to comply with whatever we need to comply to and go on.
    “It’s as simple and as complicated as that, but we know what we are getting into.”
    Michael himself spent time as an F1 driver, racing 13 times for McLaren in the 1993 season.
    According to a report by gpfans, the FIA have responded with a statement following the news regarding Andretti’s intentions.
    It read: “The FIA is not currently in a position to consider or comment on any expressions of interest or applications received from potential new entrant teams in respect to the FIA Formula One world championship.” More

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    Watch terrifying fireball crash as car is flipped into air before bursting into flames but driver somehow escapes injury

    A NASCAR driver miraculously escaped unhurt after his car flipped through the air and exploded into a fireball. Myatt Snider clambered out of his ruined vehicle relatively unharmed after the terrifying high-speed smash.
    The horrifying moment Snider’s car flipped up into the airCredit: AP
    Parts of the car were sent flying in all directions after the high-speed smashCredit: AP
    Flames bellowed out of Snider’s car as he slid dangerously along the trackCredit: Twitter / @Motorsport
    On the very last lap of the Xfinity Series race at Daytona, Snider’s Chevrolet got caught up in a tangle with Anthony Alfredo and Jade Buford.
    And it was Snider who was sent careering into the air in what seemed like slow motion.
    With NASCAR cars regularly reaching speeds of up to 185mph the fact Snider escaped unharmed is a minor miracle.
    The 27-year-old spun sideways and collided with the trackside wall, which caused the engine to be EJECTED from the car.
    The front and rear sections of the vehicle were also detached from the main body as he crashed back down on to the track in flames.
    Snider’s high-speed meant the car kept travelling in a huge fireball, before finally coming to a halt in a huge mangled pile.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Responders rushed to the scene with fire extinguishers, helping Snider clamber out of the window and walk away unscathed.
    Snider was then treated at Daytona’s medical centre, but later released after the horror smash.
    And he told a relieved huddle of reporters: “It was violent, saw sparks kind of going everywhere. You don’t really know what’s going on.
    “You just kind of know you’re going some direction, and it’s not the right one. I was just kind of holding on, kind of hunched over, keeping everything together as much as I could.
    “I can’t profess enough how glad I am that I’m all good.”
    Snider’s car was left in a mangled heapCredit: AP
    Despite being on the last lap of the race, NASCAR immediately issued a caution after the crash which froze the field as it was.
    That saw Austin Hill come out on top of the 120-lap contest at Daytona.
    Elsewhere Floyd Mayweather’s Money Team secured a spot in Sunday’s Daytona 500, a different race to the Xfinity Series.
    Driver Kaz Grala qualified to make sure Mayweather would be represented in the main race on the weekend of the Money Team’s NASCAR debut. More

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    Inside F1 champion Max Verstappen’s £12m private jet that Red Bull star bought from Virgin tycoon Richard Branson

    THIS Red Bull driver really does have wings.Max Verstappen, 24, showed he was king of the circuit in December as he controversially claimed the F1 championship in a dramatic final lap battle with Lewis Hamilton.
    Max Verstappen is the proud owner of a £12m Falcon-900EX private jet
    Verstappen currently leads the driver standings by 19 points
    Virgin boss and British business magnate, Richard Branson was the previous ownerCredit: AP
    And motor racing isn’t the only thing Verstappen is flying high in.
    For he is the proud owner of his own private jet, that he splashed the cash on in 2020.
    Max paid around £12million for the Falcon-900EX, that used to have a famous owner.
    It was previously in the hands of Virgin boss and British business magnate, Sir Richard Branson, according to reports.
    Verstappen already leads a life of luxury, and is said to have a £45million fortune.
    He lives in a stunning apartment in Monaco, like most F1 heroes, worth millions.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST OFFERS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Mad Max also has an incredible car collection, owning various Aston Martins through the years. And he’s awaiting their £2million Valkyrie, which he has on order and is due for delivery next year.
    But in the meantime, he has another toy to play with – and like his team’s drink’s motto, it gives him wings.
    Last year, Verstappen bought himself a Falcon-900EX private jet worth about £12m to travel in style with.
    Better still, you can bet it was very well looked after by its previous owner.
    That’s because it was said to be owned by Virgin Atlantic billionaire Sir Richard Branson.
    Dutch star Verstappen paid around £12m for his own plane
    Inside the cockpit of Verstappen’s stunning plane
    Verstappen pays around £1m-per-year in up-keep of the Falcon-900EX
    Incredibly, the Falcon-900EX costs about £1million-per-year to keep.
    But that won’t dent Verstappen’s bank balance, who is happy to fly in style and sometimes give mates like Daniel Ricciardo a lift to a Grand Prix.
    Made in 2008, it was given a significant upgrade before it was handed over to F1’s youngest ever Grand Prix winner.
    Now powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines, it’s capable of a maximum range of 8,750 kilometres before it requires refuelling, can hit a top speed of 892 km/h, and cruising speed of 850 km/h.
    As for the interiors, it’s just as luxurious.
    Capable of seating up to 12 passengers, two seats can be reclined to make a full-size bed.
    Daniel Ricciardo hitches a ride on Verstappen’s private jet
    A fully equipped bar would allow Verstappen to celebrate victory in style
    The jet boasts a luxury bathroom
    Verstappen is the current F1 World ChampionCredit: Rex
    There’s tables fitted to enjoy a meal and a drink.
    There’s even a bar to celebrate, in case you want to pop open some champagne after victory.
    You can bet Max’s flight home from Mexico last weekend was a fun one. More

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    George Russell has no chance of beating Lewis Hamilton, claims former Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas

    GEORGE RUSSELL has been warned he has NO chance of beating Lewis Hamilton.Russell, 24, is Hamilton’s new team-mate at Mercedes this season after spending three years on loan at Williams.
    Hamilton and Russell are new teammates at MercedesCredit: Daimler AG
    The seven-time champion is ready for the 2022 seasonCredit: Daimler AG
    The racer from King’s Lynn is highly rated by Merc chiefs.
    He came close to winning on his debut for the team when he stood in for Covid-struck Hamilton at the Bahrain GP in 2020.
    But Hamilton’s former team-mate Valtteri Bottas says Britain’s seven-time world champion is simply unbeatable in the same car.
    Bottas — who will now drive for Alfa Romeo after five years with Mercedes — told SunSport: “I don’t see anyone else beating Lewis in the near future in the same machinery.
    “George will adjust well because he has been with Mercedes for some years.
    “But beating Lewis is not easy. I have experienced that. It is his consistency in his performances.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “Every driver has form that is a little bit up and down, but his baseline for performance is just so high.
    “Even when he has a bad day it is not too bad. It is his consistency over the season.
    “Another of his key strengths is his ability to adapt to different conditions, the skill to react to changes, be it set-up or whatever.
    “This and his race-craft. His tyre management is a special skill and all these things are combined with talent.
    “And he puts in the work, which not many people see, so he is hard to beat.
    “I can be proud that on my day, I’ve been able to beat him. But not consistently enough to beat him over a season.”
    Bottas’ departure from Mercedes came against the backdrop of the controversy in Abu Dhabi, when Hamilton was robbed of another championship after the race director broke the rules.
    The Finn was treated to a guard of honour when he left the team’s Brackley HQ for the final time.
    Bottas doesn’t see ‘anyone else beating’ Hamilton, including RussellCredit: PA
    Bottas, with wife Tiffany Cromwell, now races with Alfa RomeoCredit: Getty
    He left on good terms once he knew Merc were lining up Russell as his replacement — then managed to secure himself a multi-year deal at Alfa Romeo.
    Bottas, 32 — once dubbed as the perfect “wingman” to Hamilton, 37, by boss Toto Wolff — is now relishing his role as his new team’s No 1 driver, alongside rookie Guanyu Zhou, 22.
    Bottas added: “When I joined Mercedes, it was difficult for me to take the lead because of Lewis being there.
    “With him being in the team, it was always difficult for me to take that lead role.
    “So now it is different and a fresh start for me — and having that lead role is a good feeling.
    “A part of me is always going to miss working at Mercedes. Now I have started looking back at my time there, I have tried to take all the positive moments we had.
    “There were great moments and I enjoyed working with Lewis and Toto, but I am also really excited for my new chapter.
    “I’m sure with the experience I have with Williams and after five years at Mercedes, I  will be able to help the team move forward.
    “I feel really comfortable with my role. Yes, there is a responsibility and I have commitments to the team, but it is exciting.”

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

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

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