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    Lewis Hamilton could QUIT F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by Max Verstappen’s title win, says Mercedes boss Wolff

    LEWIS HAMILTON could sensationally QUIT Formula One following Max Verstappen’s controversial win in Abu Dhabi.Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Hamilton will NEVER get over being ‘robbed’ of the world title by FIA race director, Michael Masi.
    Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time F1 world championCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Max Verstappen claimed victory on the final lap of the seasonCredit: Reuters
    It comes as Hamiton’s team decided to withdraw their intention to appeal against the result, as SunSport reported.
    Both Hamilton and Wolff will both shun the FIA’s gala prize giving ceremony in Paris on Thursday, potentially triggering a fine for failing to attend.
    But Wolff is more concerned that the seven-time world champion will now turn his back on F1 altogether.
    Wolff said: “Lewis and I are disillusioned at the moment. We are not disillusioned with the sport – we love the sport with every bone in our body and we love it because the stopwatch never lies.
    “But if we break that fundamental principle of sporting fairness and authenticity, then suddenly the stopwatch doesn’t become relevant anymore because we are exposed to random decision-making, it is clear you may fall out of love with it.
    “You start to question if all the work you have been putting in – all the sweat, tears and blood – can actually be demonstrated by performance on track, because it can be taken away randomly.
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    Hamilton congratulated his rival after the raceCredit: Splash
    “It’s going to take a long time for us to digest what has happened on Sunday, I don’t think we will ever get over it. That’s not possible. And certainly not as a driver.
    “I very much hope that the two of us and the rest of the team can work through the events but we will never overcome the pain and the distress that was caused on Sunday.
    “To be honest, still today I can’t even understand what was happening. For me, that still seems like a nightmare.”
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    When pushed if he’d received any assurances that Hamilton – who was knighted on Wednesday – would honour his new Mercedes deal that runs until the end of 2023, Wolff was unable to state whether he would remain in the sport.
    He added: “On a human level it’s extremely difficult because it’s so disappointing.
    “This is just Formula One but it’s our little microcosm and we have created values and beliefs.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff fumed at stewards in Abu DhabiCredit: Splash
    “Many of those values and beliefs were kicked on Sunday. So I would very much hope that Lewis continues racing because he’s the greatest driver of all time.
    “We will be working through the events over the next weeks and months.
    “I think as a racer his heart will say ‘I need to continue’ because he’s at the peak of his game, but we have to overcome the pain that was caused on Sunday, also because he is a man with clear values and it’s difficult to understand that that happened.
    “I need to do the utmost I can to help him to overcome his imminent feelings in order to ensure that he returns strong, with a love of the sport, and trust in the decision-making of the sport next year.
    “We wish very much that this will be the case.”
    F1 star Lewis Hamilton is knighted for his contribution to Motor Sport More

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    Max Verstappen will be crowned F1 champ as Mercedes WITHDRAW appeal after Lewis Hamilton’s controversial Abu Dhabi loss

    MAX VERSTAPPEN will finally be confirmed as Formula One world champion.Mercedes have dropped their appeal to have his title win overturned – as SunSport first reported on Wednesday.
    Max Verstappen is finally set to be crowned F1’s new kingCredit: AFP
    Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will not appeal Verstappen’s victory in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
    And the F1 king-in-waiting admitted there were moments where he and title rival Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.
    But Merc have confirmed they will not follow up their notice of intention to appeal against Verstappen’s hugely controversial victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
    Hamilton’s team were upset that FIA stewards meddled in the season finale in Abu Dhabi, resulting in Verstappen passing Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the title.
    They had two protests overturned four hours after the race and despite initially declaring their intention to take the matter further, have now pulled the legal challenge having spoken to Hamilton.
    Instead, they say they will work with the FIA to make improvements to ensure there is no repeat of the cock-up after race director Michael Masi’s controversial decisions.
    A statement said: “We left Abu Dhabi in disbelief of what we had just witnessed. Of course, it’s part of the game to lose a race, but it’s something different when you lose faith in racing.
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     “Together with Lewis, we have deliberated carefully over how to respond to the events at the Formula One season finale. We have always been guided by our love of this sport and we believe that every competition should be won on merit. In the race on Sunday many felt, us included, that the way things unfolded was not right.
    “The reason we protested the race result on Sunday was because the Safety Car regulations were applied in a new way that affected the race result, after Lewis had been in a commanding lead and on course to win the world championship.
    “We appealed in the interest of sporting fairness, and we have since been in a constructive dialogue with the FIA and Formula One to create clarity for the future, so that all competitors know the rules under which they are racing, and how they will be enforced.
    “We welcome the decision by the FIA to install a commission to thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi and to improve the robustness of rules, governance and decision making in Formula One.”
    Mercedes also addressed Verstappen’s maiden championship and finally paid tribute to the Dutchman and his Red Bull team.
    Race director Michael Masi is reportedly fighting for his jobCredit: Getty
    The statement added: “To Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing: we would like to express our sincere respect for your achievements this season.
    “You made this Formula One championship title fight truly epic. Max, we congratulate you and your entire team. We look forward to taking the fight to you on the track next season.
    “And lastly, even though this Drivers’ Championship did not end the way we hoped, we could not be prouder of our team.
    “Lewis, you are the greatest racer in the history of Formula One and you drove your heart out for every lap of this incredible season.
    “You’re a flawless sportsman on and off the track and you delivered a faultless performance. As a pure competitor and as a role model for millions around the world, we salute you.”
    Hamilton and Verstappen embraced following the raceCredit: Getty
    Verstappen’s coronation will be confirmed at an FIA gala in Paris on Thursday night and rules state Hamilton, as runner-up, must also attend.
    And the Brit — who received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor ­Castle yesterday — could be fined if he snubs the event.
    During the season, Verstappen and Hamilton had a titanic tussle for the F1 title, with skirmishes at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale.
    Verstappen, 24, said: “Sometimes we did hate each other — but that’s fine — that is the competitive spirit both of us have.
    “He is an incredible driver and this year in most of the races we have been pushing flat out.
    Absolutely, the win was very luckyMax Verstappen
    “I appreciate Lewis’ talent for sure, he is a very tough competitor, probably the toughest one I’ve had to fight.”
    Speaking at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes, Verstappen admitted that Sunday’s victory was lucky.
    He added: “People say it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky.
    “But we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way ­earlier.
    “It was very painful for Lewis — and I would also be hurt in the way he lost it.”
    F1 star Lewis Hamilton is knighted for his contribution to Motor Sport More

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    Toto Wolff’s wife Susie feels ‘SICK’ after Lewis Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of F1 title as she slams F1 chief Michael Masi

    SUSIE WOLFF feels ‘sick’ after Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of the World Championship on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.And Susie, wife of team chief Toto Wolff, called on the FIA to instil ‘sporting integrity and fairness’ amid pressure on race director Michael Masi’s job.
    Toto Wolff and wife Susie have both been left perplexed by the FIA’s decision makingCredit: Getty
    Hamilton led comfortably going into the final six laps in Abu Dhabi, before Nicholas Latifi’s crash put a spanner in the works.
    Championship rival Max Verstappen was in second but had pitted for a fresh set of tyres, exiting the pits five LAPPED cars behind Hamilton.
    Initially Masi indicated no cars would be allowed to unlap themselves before the safety car was pulled in and racing allowed to recommence.
    The Australian then stunningly changed his mind – but only allowed the cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves – gifting the Dutchman victory.
    Breaking her silence on the ‘robbery’ Wolff, 39, wrote on Twitter: “Going in to this final race weekend, I believed both teams and both drivers deserved to win.
    “It was going to be a spectacle, an historic race that we all hoped would end without controversy. That wasn’t to be.
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    “What happened is still hard to comprehend and leaves me with a sick feeling.
    “Not the losing – and not Max or Red Bull – they are deserving winners and we always knew it was a strong possibility we may not win – but the way in which Lewis was robbed has left me in utter disbelief.
    “The decision of one person within the governing body who applied a rule in a way which has never been done before in F1 single handedly decided the F1 Driver World Championship. Rules are rules, they can’t be changed on a whim by one individual at the end of a race.”
    She then gushed over Hamilton – before calling on FIA chiefs to make sweeping changes.
    She added: “Lewis Hamilton, you have shown incredible integrity and dignity in the face of injustice. You are the greatest there has ever been.
    I hope by March of next year there is a governing body with sporting integrity and fairness at its core so I can fall back in love with F1Susie Wolff
    “The outcome of the last laps on Sunday? Those who know, they know, even those who can’t quite bring themselves to admit it.
    “Congratulations Max and congratulations to each and every member of Mercedes-AMG F1 on your record breaking eighth constructors title – I hope by March of next year there is a governing body with sporting integrity and fairness at its core so I can fall back in love with F1.”
    A new FIA president will be elected tomorrow, with Jean Todt’s 12 years in charge to come to an end.
    Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Graham Stoker are vying for election – with Bernie Ecclestone’s wife Fabiana, 44, set for a role as Vice-President for Sport in South America if the former is successful.
    One of the winner’s first actions could be to axe Masi – with plenty of calls to see the Aussie removed from his duties.
    Amid complains, however, Mercedes have withdrawn their appeal after the FIA agreed to launch a commission to ‘thoroughly analyse what happened in Abu Dhabi’.
    British hero Hamilton, meanwhile, was knighted by Prince Charles yesterday, as his proud mother watched on.
    Lewis Hamilton was knighted by Prince Charles on WednesdayCredit: PA More

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    Max Verstappen to be crowned F1 champ as Mercedes WON’T appeal controversial season finale after Lewis Hamilton ‘robbed’

    MAX VERSTAPPEN is ready to be confirmed as Formula One world champion.The F1 king-in-waiting admitted on Wednesday there were moments where he and title rival Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.
    Max Verstappen is finally set to be crowned F1’s new kingCredit: AFP
    Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes will not appeal Verstappen’s victory in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
    SunSport understands that Mercedes will not follow up their notice of intention to appeal against Verstappen’s hugely controversial title victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
    But Red Bull boss Christian Horner is taking nothing for granted — and he cannot relax until the appeal is officially dropped.
    Horner said: “I don’t think it’s official until it’s official. But Max is world champ until someone says otherwise.”
    Hamilton’s Mercedes team were shocked at the decision-making of FIA race director Michael Masi in the final race of the season when he allowed some, but not all, of the lapped cars to overtake the safety car.
    Leader Hamilton was comfortably clear of Dutch star Verstappen and cruising to the title — until the safety car had to come out.
    Verstappen was even able to get fresh tyres and close the gap on Hamilton — before streaking past him when the race resumed for one last lap.
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    Verstappen’s coronation should be confirmed at an FIA gala in Paris tonight and rules state Hamilton, as runner-up, must also attend.
    And the Brit — who received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor ­Castle yesterday — could be fined if he snubs the event.
    During the season, Verstappen and Hamilton had a titanic tussle for the F1 title, with skirmishes at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale.
    Verstappen, 24, said: “Sometimes we did hate each other — but that’s fine — that is the competitive spirit both of us have.
    “He is an incredible driver and this year in most of the races we have been pushing flat out.
    Absolutely, the win was very luckyMax Verstappen
    “I appreciate Lewis’ talent for sure, he is a very tough competitor, probably the toughest one I’ve had to fight.”
    Speaking at Red Bull’s HQ in Milton Keynes yesterday, Verstappen admitted that Sunday’s victory was lucky.
    He added: “People say it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky.
    “But we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way ­earlier.
    “It was very painful for Lewis — and I would also be hurt in the way he lost it.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton could be hit with FINE for snubbing FIA gala amid row with F1 chiefs over Verstappen title controversy

    LEWIS HAMILTON could be slapped with a fine for snubbing the FIA’s gala in Paris.Hamilton’s Mercedes team have until 7pm on Thursday to decide if they will continue to pursue legal action after he was denied victory in the Abu Dhabi GP.
    Lewis Hamilton and F1 race rival Max VerstappenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Merc failed with two protests after Max Verstappen won at the Yas Marina, which handed the Dutchman the title, but announced their intention to appeal.
    That right expires on Thursdsay evening with the team staying silent on the matter as they assess their options.
    However, F1’s sporting regulations state the drivers who finish in the top three of the championship must attend the prize giving ceremony.
    Article 6.6 says: “The drivers finishing first, second and third in the Championship must be present at the annual FIA Prize Giving ceremony.
    “Last night Merc were unable to confirm or deny Hamilton’s attendance at the end of season showpiece.
    If he, or indeed team-mate Valtteri Bottas misses it, it could trigger a fine or other sanction with the FIA themselves unsure what punishment would apply given the unique situation.
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    Verstappen won his first world crown on the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi.
    Hamilton’s team were furious that FIA race director Michael Masi fudged the rules to create a single lap showdown in the winner-takes-all-contest.
    The Brit was a sitting duck on old tyres as Verstappen screamed past following a safety car period where Masi allowed five cars to get out of the way.
    Both Hamilton and Merc felt the result was manipulated resulting in Verstappen winning the title in front of a huge TV audience.
    F1 world champion Max VerstappenCredit: PA More

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    Max Verstappen given hero’s welcome on return to Red Bull HQ after historic F1 title as team set off orange flares

    MAX VERSTAPPEN claims there were moments where he and Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.The two had a titanic and controversial tussle for the F1 title with the Dutchman coming out on top – albeit subjected to a Mercedes appeal.
    Max Verstappen received a hero’s welcome from his Red Bull teamCredit: Getty
    Orange flares were set off upon Verstappen’s return to Red Bull HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: Getty
    Everyone involved in the title triumph gathered around the winning carCredit: Getty
    They famously came to blows at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale in Abu Dhabi last Sunday.
    Verstappen, 24, says his fight with Hamilton has been intense and said the Mercedes man was the toughest racer he’d faced.
    He said: “The little moment we had after the race already, you look each other in the eye. You don’t say a lot but you do relate a lot throughout the whole season and you actually really appreciate the fight.
    “Sometimes we did hate each other, but that’s fine, that’s the competitive spirit both of us have.
    “He is an incredible driver and this year in most of the races we have been pushing flat out.
    “Also, for the team it was very stressful, every weekend they had to be perfect because we knew if they made a mistake, either would be ahead.
    @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);}
    Verstappen arrived in an orange sports car as the flares were being set offCredit: Getty
    “That made it just very intense and in a few months time also for next year you can look back at it and really appreciate these moments.
    “I appreciate Lewis’s talent for sure, he is a very tough competitor, probably the toughest one I’ve had to fight for sure.”
    Verstappen also admits his victory in Abu Dhabi was “lucky” after FIA stewards interfered on the final lap of the race – much to Merc’s anger.
    But the reality is, Verstappen only raced to the green flag and beat what was ahead of him and that should in no way taint the outcome of the whole championship, where he was excellent.
    Speaking at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes on Wednesday where he was given a hero’s welcome, Verstappen added: “We have won it on track.
    “People say, it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky but we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way earlier, even with the dominance Mercedes had towards the end of the season.
    “Sometimes a little bit of luck in your life is nice as well. I’m not sweating [about Mercedes’ potential to appeal].
    “It was an amazing moment with the whole team and I do think we deserve it. It was very painful for Lewis and I would also be hurt in the way he lost it.”
    Red Bull chief Horner was present for the celebrationsCredit: Getty
    Red Bull boss Christian Horner admits they cannot fully celebrate Verstappen’s win until Mercedes decides to pull out of their protest against the decisions of race director Michael Masi.
    However, somewhat crucially, Horner says he has received messages of congratulations from his opposite number at Merc Toto Wolff and Daimler chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kallenius.
    Horner said: “I don’t think it’s official until it’s official. But as far as we’re concerned Max is the world champion until someone says otherwise.
    “Toto sent Max a text on Sunday evening. I went to see him and he wasn’t available. Ola Kallenius congratulated me on the championship and said they’d fight hard next year.
    “Toto indeed texted me as well on Sunday evening. It was perfectly cordial.
    “He said, ‘Sorry I couldn’t be there to receive you when you came to see us. Congratulations on the drivers’ championship with Max. He’s a worthy champion and a fierce competitor. Enjoy your evening. You’ve earned it.’
    “And I said to him, ‘Thank you very much, Toto. I know it’s been an intense season but respect has always been there. Congratulations on your constructors’ championship. Remember, that’s where the money is.'”
    Meanwhile, Horner says that under-fire Masi needs more support in his role as race director and added that he doesn’t want to see the Australian axed from the role by the FIA.
    @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);}
    He added: “I think it would be incredibly hard to take [his job] off him. He just needs more support.
    “He needs more backup. He needs more tools available to him. And I think probably regulations need looking at to give him that empowerment.
    “Michael has been under massive pressure from all sides. He’s not just got the two teams this year. He’s got all of the teams and I’m sure they’re all giving him grief.
    “I think that the takeaway from this season – not just from Abu Dhabi – is how can we do a better job? How can the FIA do a better job?”
    Horner and Verstappen thoroughly enjoyed meeting up after the title triumphCredit: Getty More

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    ‘He went missing’ – Valtteri Bottas cost Lewis Hamilton F1 title with Abu Dhabi ‘shocker’, claims Jolyon Palmer

    FORMER Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer has claimed that Valtteri Bottas cost Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton a record eighth World Championship.British icon Hamilton was pipped by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen at Abu Dhabi GP on Sunday as the Dutchman won his first world title.
    Valterri Bottas finished sixth in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton came in second placeCredit: EPA
    Former F1 star Jolyon Palmer believes Bottas didn’t help Hamilton in Sunday’s raceCredit: Rex Features
    Seven-time champ Hamilton, who received his knighthood at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, looked on course for victory as he led Verstappen by over ten seconds.
    But Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers which resulted in a safety car being deployed on lap 54, letting Verstappen hone in on his rival.
    And with fresher tyres having pitted, Verstappen passed his rival on the final lap after stewards decided to allow lapped cars to overtake.
    FIA director Michael Masi had initially indicated lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their formation, only to change his mind, resulting in the former to claim that the race ‘has been manipulated’.
    But despite the controversial ending, Palmer put the blame on Bottas, who was racing for Mercedes for the last time before he joins Alfa Romeo.
    He stated that Bottas, who finished in sixth place in Abu Dhabi, didn’t help out Hamilton like Verstappen’s wingman Sergio Perez did.
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    Perez played a vital role in holding up Hamilton earlier in the race prior to the safety car.
    Speaking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Palmer, who raced for Renault between 2016-2017, said: “Bottas had a shocker.
    “Now, did that cost Hamilton the title? If Bottas is within a pit-stop window of Verstappen, Verstappen is not having ‘free’ stops willy nilly.
    “A great driver for the team for so many years, his last race he went missing and it meant Verstappen had a ‘free’ stop at the Virtual Safety Car, ‘free’ stop at the Safety Car.
    “If you’ve got another Mercedes there within 23 seconds of him, in a car that’s quicker with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel, he can’t do it and Hamilton is the champion.
    “Bottas has been solid but when it counted, he couldn’t help his team-mate, and Perez did everything he possibly could, and he was in contention to do so.” More

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    Five changes F1 needs to introduce in 2022 like new rulebook, more revolutionary cameras and better fan experiences

    NEXT year, F1 is set for its biggest shake up in its history as radical new design rules promise to make the action even more exciting.The cars will look different in a bid to improve overtaking and close racing, but cosmetics aside, what other things should change next season?
    F1 would benefit from a greater fan experience next season ahead of a huge shake-upCredit: Getty
    SIMPLIFY THE RULEBOOK
    F1’s rules have become so complicated that even the officials don’t understand them.
    They need ripping up and simplifying as the sport has become too over-regulated. F1 has two sets of regulations relating to technical and sporting details.
    The two need to be made clearer to teams, drivers and fans to make it simpler to understand.
    NEW STEWARDING PROCESS
    Like the rules, the stewards need an overhaul. Race Director Michael Masi is fighting for his job while at each race another four stewards work below him.
    However, those stewards rotate and result in a staggering inconsistency with their decision making.
    F1 must employ a set group of officials who attend every race and one of those should be a former F1 driver with recent racing experience.
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    DRIVER’S-EYE CAMERA ON EACH RACER
    The view from inside the cockpit is a revelation and gives a completely new perspective.
    If you’ve not seen it yet, the clue is in the name but it is a small camera on a driver’s visor to show his view point.
    Given the protection around the racers, it is not easy to see them at work, but this latest camera setting does.
    FAN EVENTS AT EVERY RACE
    The organisers at the Dutch GP aced it and had a DJ playing music to keep the fans entertained in between the racing.
    Other promoters could learn a valuable lesson in giving the customers a better experience, rather than simply taking their ticket money and giving no-added value.
    Concerts, people flying around with jetpacks, cars doing stunts – bring the show to life.
    It would be great for each driver to have a birdseye camera inside the carCredit: F1
    MANDATORY YOUNG DRIVER PRACTICE SESSION
    We are now in a situation where some talented young drivers win the Formula 2 feeder series and then can’t find a seat in F1.
    Oscar Piastri won it this year, Nyck de Vries won it in 2019 but the championship rules say they cannot defend their title in the same series.
    As a result they are bumped on to the sidelines. A better way would be to hand over a couple of FP1 sessions to rookie drivers to give them some F1 racing experience. More