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      Lewis Hamilton would not want to win F1 title in ugly legal battle so Mercedes need to move on and not spoil season

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      NOBODY likes a sore loser, so come on Mercedes – drop the legal threat and move on.Dragging this season out in a court battle would spoil a fantastic campaign and that is no good for anyone.
      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff could take the FIA to court after Red Bull snatched the world championshipCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton was gracious in defeat to Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Mercedes have retained the constructors’ championship; Max Verstappen wins the drivers’ title. Let’s put this to bed.
      The dust has now settled on Sunday’s race and, even if the verdict was turned around, it is not the way Sir Lewis Hamilton would want to win his eighth title anyway.
      In the run up to last Sunday’s decider, both drivers said they wanted to keep it clean and both did – it was the FIA who fudged the rules.
      Don’t get me wrong, I understand Mercedes’ problem.
      I felt more embarrassed by the way things unfolded at the FIA in Abu Dhabi than the two-lap procession behind the safety car at the Belgian GP, which some suggested was a crude way of fulfilling the obligation of staging the race.
      But that was not Verstappen’s fault. He won the race at Spa after taking pole the previous day, just one of his ten pole positions in 22 races.
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      Just as he did at the Yas Marina. When the light went green, he went racing and won.
      I think most F1 followers will agree – I am not including you Hamilton fans – Verstappen and Red Bull deserve their success.
      Had it not been for Hamilton’s heroics, especially in Brazil, the title would have been wrapped up a while ago.
      Everyone wanted this championship to be decided on the track rather than by the stewards – put this nonsense to bed and we can all say it was.
      Verstappen has been sensational this year and has been backed up by his team, and indeed his team-mate.
      Red Bull are the only team to take the fight to Mercedes this season where they were fully committed.

      They did it while adjusting to the new cost-cap, and while splitting their resources to develop their 2022 challenger when the sport will see its biggest regulation change.
      Verstappen too has had his bad luck.
      The blow out in Azerbaijan was a big one. The five-place grid drop in Qatar and the ‘rogue marshal’, with their yellow flag, was equally galling.
      If you ask me too, I’d say Hamilton was fortunate on lap one in Abu Dhabi not to have been told to surrender that place when he went off track under pressure from Verstappen.
      But all of this is water under the bridge. Now is the time to move on to 2022 and for Merc to drop it and have the good grace to say publicly, ‘fair enough, well done Max’, as Toto Wolff has done, only in private. More

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      Meet Lewis Hamilton’s family including elusive mum who joined him for knighthood, dad he sacked and racer brother

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was denied a record-breaking eighth world championship after the hugely controversial finish to the season-ending Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.But the blow of missing out has been slightly tempered by being awarded a knighthood – and he was joined by mum Carmen Larbalestier as he received the gong at Windsor Castle. 

      Lewis Hamilton has equalled Michael Schumacher to win seven world championships – but now wants to get his hands on an eighth crown
      Hamilton has come a long way from his days as a young go-karting champCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
      Lewis Hamilton grew up in this modest home in StevenageCredit: Steven Jensen
      And it’s not just on the track Hamilton, 36, has been making headlines during his illustrious career.
      He has also become a strong voice in the Black Lives Matter movement and speaks out on human rights issues wherever F1 takes him.
      Hamilton has also been dating – or rumoured to have been dating – a host of famous faces down the years, including Nicole Scherzinger, whom he dated on and off between 2007 and 2015.
      He’s also been in the headlines for his lifestyle, such as urging fans to go vegan.
      But one constant in his life has been his family, some of whom have been there from his go-karting youth to see him become one of the greatest F1 racers to ever set foot in a cockpit.
      Here we take a closer look at the Hamilton family…
      ANTHONY HAMILTON – Dad
      Anthony Hamilton was Lewis’ manager for 18 years from go-karting to F1Credit: PA:Press Association
      Anthony married second wife Linda and they had Lewis’ half-brother NicolasCredit: BBC
      HAMILTON’S dad, Anthony, is a major reason the Stevenage-born star even got into racing.
      He bought Lewis his first remote-controlled car when he was just six-years-old – and his first go-kart for Christmas when he was seven.
      Anthony would help Lewis break into the world of go-karting, where he spent seven years working his way from the Rye House Kart Circuit in Hertforshire to Formula Super A stardom.
      Hamilton Snr was Lewis’ manager throughout his racing career up until 2010, when he was ruthlessly sacked.
      Two weeks before the F1 season started, Lewis downplayed the incident, saying: “Dad will miss being here, but it was me who initiated the break.
      “He’s got other things to focus on, and I don’t want my dad being my manager anymore.”
      However, Anthony later revealed the true extent of the drama, admitting: “He thought, ‘Do you know what dad? I am fed up listening to you’.
      “He decided he wanted to be his own man. I was comfortable with that.”
      Anthony later suggested Lewis had withheld a £3million payment he’d promised him as a ‘thank you’ for his 18 years of service.
      He revealed: “It just never happened. I am comfortable with it. It’s not my business. If he says he’s going to do something and he doesn’t that’s his loss.”
      Anthony was married to Hamilton’s mum, Carmen Larbalestier, but the pair separated when Lewis was just two-years-old.
      CARMEN LARBALESTIER – Mum
      Lewis Hamilton lived with mum Carmen until he was 12, when he moved in with his dadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Hamilton hugged mum Carmen and step-mum Linda en route to his first F1 crownCredit: EPA
      WHILE Anthony was seen at almost every race of Lewis’ career in the early days, mum Carmen was always a more elusive figure in the racer’s life.
      But Lewis actually enjoyed more of his formative years living with his biological mum.
      The F1 superstar was raised by his mum until he was 12-years-old – along with half-sisters Nicola and Samantha.
      He then moved to live with dad Anthony, step-mother Linda and his half-brother Nicolas.
      While Carmen hasn’t been a regular at Lewis’ races – she has always been there for the big moments – with the pair said to enjoy an excellent relationship.
      At the Chinese Grand Prix in 2008, two weeks before he became a world champion for the first time, Larbalestier was seen embracing her son and his stepmother Linda.
      And Hamilton’s mum shared another hug with him after he secured his fourth world title in Mexico in 2017.
      The world champ also went to the trouble of holding a surprise 60th birthday party in London in 2015 – even getting Jessie J to sing at the bash.
      Speaking about her break-up with Anthony, Carmen once revealed: “Lewis was the best thing to come out of my marriage. [The split] didn’t damage Lewis.
      “He is probably better for it than if we had stuck together in an unhappy marriage.
      “Tony wanted to be somebody and he has achieved that. I wanted the quiet life and that put a barrier between us. I couldn’t see myself in that busy, hectic lifestyle.
      “But I didn’t stop him making sure Lewis got what he wanted. Without his dad’s constant, constant work he would not have been able to continue.”
      LINDA HAMILTON – Step-mum
      Linda Hamilton has regularly been spotted at Lewis’ racesCredit: Getty
      Linda Hamilton started dating Anthony when Lewis was ten-years-oldCredit: Gary Stone – The Sun
      AFTER his early years with his mum, Lewis moved to live with his dad and brother aged 12 – joining step-mum Linda.
      Anthony had already been with Linda for two years – and she took an active role in raising Lewis before he moved in with her.
      Linda was regularly spotted at races alongside Anthony, even after he was sacked as Lewis’ manager.
      And she shared a sweet moment at the Chinese GP in 2008, when she hugged Lewis – along with his birth mum Carmen – following his victory just weeks before he sealed his first world crown.
      Linda is the birth mum of Lewis’ half-brother, Nicolas.
      NICOLAS HAMILTON – Half-brother
      Nicolas Hamilton, centre, is also a racer, now part of the BTCCCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
      Nicolas, left, has cerebral palsy and grew up with Lewis during the latter’s teenage yearsCredit: Getty
      THE younger son born to Anthony, Nicolas lived with Lewis after he moved to join his dad and step-mum Linda aged 12.
      Nicolas was born with cerebral palsy – a disease affecting movement and coordination.
      However, he has never let that hold him back, with the 27-year-old also a racing driver.
      Nicolas drives a modified car in the British Touring Car Championship – where he has started 36 races.
      In 2015, he secured a deal with AmD Tuning to race an Audi S3 for five events in the BTCC – totalling 12 races – becoming the first-ever disabled driver to compete.
      And earlier this year, he secured his first full-time gig, signing up to drive for Motorbase Performance.
      As well as his two seasons in the BTCC, Hamilton also spent four years driving in the Renault Clio Cup UK and one in the European Touring Car Cup.
      In 2016, he was briefly a part of Channel 4’s F1 coverage team.
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      NICOLA & SAMANTHA LOCKHART – Half-sisters
      LEWIS’ two half-sisters are the product of mum Carmen’s second marriage.
      Hamilton had lived with both Nicola and Samantha up until the age of 12, when he moved to live with his dad and half-brother.
      The sisters remain relatively out of the spotlight but are thought to have grown up in Sandy, Bedfordshire with mum Carmen.
      KAIDEN – Nephew
      Hamilton was slammed after he said he was ‘so sad’ nephew Kaiden was wearing a purple and pink dressCredit: Lewis Hamilton Instagram
      ON Christmas Day 2017, Kaiden went from unknown to a celebrity of his own after Hamilton’s lapse in judgement.
      Hamilton slammed his nephew for wearing a purple and pink dress, sharing a clip on Instagram, saying: “I’m so sad right now.
      “Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas? Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas, boys don’t wear princess dresses!”
      But Kaiden melted fans’ hearts as he simply pointed his wand at Lewis and giggled for the camera.
      Hamilton later apologised for the insensitive post and went on to wear a kilt for GQ magazine, saying he wanted to “make amends”.
      The F1 star posted: “I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.
      “My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.
      “I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.”
      Lewis Hamilton releases album about drinking too much, sleeping with women and having his heart broken More

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      F1 race director Michael Masi BROKE his own rules in lapped car controversy that cost Lewis Hamilton in title fight

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      UNDER-FIRE race director Michael Masi appeared to break precedent with HIMSELF in his controversial safety car call at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The F1 supremo summoned the safety car after Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed into a wall with six laps remaining at the season-ending finale.
      Race director Michael Masi is reportedly fighting for his jobCredit: Alamy
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was leading the race at Yas Marina Circuit, with victory enough to secure a record eighth world title.
      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.
      That gave the Red Bull man clear air from which to attack the Merc leader and he soon passed him on the dramatic final lap.
      And Verstappen nabbed the points he needed to fend off the reigning champ and claim his first drivers’ title.
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      But rolling the clock back to the Eifel Grand Prix in October 2020 throws up some uncomfortable reading for Masi.
      The chief steward back then was confronted with a similar safety-car conundrum – and this time he allowed ALL lapped cars to go past.
      McLaren starlet Lando Norris broke down in a dangerous spot and on came the safety car.
      When Masi was criticised for not allowing racing to resume quickly, he defended himself and said: “There’s a requirement in the sporting regulations to wave all the lapped cars past.”
      Fuming Mercedes bosses will want to know why the 42-year-old did not follow the same mantra last weekend.
      Instead he allowed some but not all cars through – giving Verstappen room to attack Hamilton without nuisances in front of him.
      And he refused the idea of finishing the race under safety-car conditions – a move that led some fans to question whether he had artificially created the drama.
      The official is now reportedly fighting to save his job, with Mercedes set to appeal a decision to reject the protests they lodged immediately after the race.
      Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Lewis Hamilton joined by proud mum as he’s knighted by Prince of Wales days after controversial F1 title defeat

      by

      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON has received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle.The Formula One star, 36, received the honour for his services to Motorsport.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton was knighted by Prince Charles at Windsor CastleCredit: PA
      Sir Lewis has become the fourth F1 driver to receive a knighthoodCredit: PA
      The F1 star was joined at the ceremony by his mother Carmen LarbalestierCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd .
      Hamilton has campaigned for BLM and LGBT+
      And he was joined at the investiture by his mother Carmen Larbalestier, who posed proudly for a photograph alongside her son after the ceremony.
      Sir Lewis has won the F1 world title a record-equalling seven times, and narrowly missed out on an eighth in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
      But Hamilton does boast the record amount of Grand Prix wins, with 103.
      And he has now followed in the footsteps of F1 icons such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jack Brabham by being knighted.
      Hamilton received an MBE in 2009, a year after his first world championship win.
      And he has now received even greater recognition for his success on the track and his work campaigning to support Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ issues in sport.
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      Hamilton boasts the record for most Grand Prix wins and has won the F1 title a record-equalling seven timesCredit: Getty
      It is some way to bounce back from his painful defeat at Yas Marina, with the Mercedes star clearly upset with the controversial decision making of Race Director Michael Masi.
      Towards the end of the race with just four corners to go Hamilton said to his team: “This has been manipulated, man.”
      Asked previously about a knighthood, Lewis said: “When I think about that honour I think about people like my grandad who served in the war.
      “I would never ever turn down the Royal family. I grew up in the UK and am a massive fan of them.
      “It is very surreal, when you grew up watching the news like everyone else, hearing your name in the House of Lords or the House of Commons or in Parliament.
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      “It is very very surreal to hear that with all the things going on in the world that they have a moment and acknowledge the work that I have done.
      “There is no greater honour than your country recognising you and honouring you with such an award.”
      Sir Lewis alongside his father Anthony and step-mother LindaCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen wears GOLD racing boots as he’s back on track for first time since epic F1 title win over Lewis Hamilton

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN left nobody in any doubt who was Formula One’s new golden boy as he showed off his new racing boots.Red Bull’s speed king was back behind the wheel yesterday in Abu Dhabi for a tyre test and wore his special shoes… and a baseball hat saying ‘Champion’.
      Verstappen walked the corridors in Abu Dhabi wearing golden racing bootsCredit: INSTAGRAM: MAXVERSTAPPEN1
      Puma gave Verstappen the special boots with his championship car No33 on the sideCredit: INSTAGRAM: MAXVERSTAPPEN1
      And the Dutchman is ready to be the grid’s new No1 after pipping Lewis Hamilton to win his maiden world championship on Sunday.
      The 24-year-old has the choice to stick with his racing No 33 on his car for next season, or take the No 1, which is reserved for the champion.
      And the Dutchman says it is a no-brainer to make the switch, unlike former world champion Hamilton, who stuck with No 44.
      Verstappen, who edged out his Mercedes rival on the final lap in Abu Dhabi, said: “Yeah, I will run it.
      “How many times can you do that?  I don’t know, maybe it’s the only time I can in my life.
      “It’s the best number out there.  I will definitely put it on the car.”
      @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 FOOTBALL 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);}
      Verstappen left nobody in any doubt who the new champion wasCredit: PUMA / BEEM
      Verstappen also showed off his ‘champions’ hat in the paddockCredit: Getty
      Verstappen was testing new year’s Red Bull, with drastically wider tyres than in previous seasonsCredit: AFP
      Verstappen won Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in controversial fashion, winning the title on the final lap – crushing rival Hamilton’s chances of a record-breaking eighth.
      FIA race director Michael Masi has come under fire for seemingly ignoring the rules to create a single lap showdown in the winner-takes-all-contest.
      Hamilton was on old tyres as Verstappen screamed past following a safety car period where Masi allowed five cars to get out of the way.
      Verstappen and Red Bull reportedly partied into the early hours of the next morning, but on Tuesday it was back to work.
      And there was no sign of a hangover for Verstappen as he strutted down corridors at the Yas Marina circuit in golden Puma shoes for post-season testing.
      On Instagram, Verstappen wrote: “Back to work.”
      Completing 124 laps around the same Yas Marina Circuit he sealed his title on days ago, Verstappen was one of 19 drivers testing the new 18-inch tyres which will be used in F1 next season.
      And Verstappen did not have the same pace this time as he finished 17th, in a field made up of some current and inexperienced drivers.
      That was, however, faster than new Mercedes man George Russell, driving in Hamilton’s absence.
      Hamilton will instead be knighted by the Queen at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
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      The new F1 season is scheduled to get underway in just three months time.
      Bahrain will host the first race of the 2022 season, but the first three-day test is due to take place in Barcelona between February 23 and 25.
      Abu Dhabi, like the season just passed, will host the finale.
      Verstappen won the championship on the final lapCredit: GETTY IMAGES More

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      Bernie Ecclestone’s wife Fabiana, 44, will be given chief F1 job if Mohammed Ben Sulayem replaces Todt as FIA president

      by

      BERNIE ECCLESTONE’S wife Fabiana, 44, could be set for a big role within the FIA.Current FIA president Jean Todt, 75, is set to be replaced for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
      Fabiana Ecclestone could be set for a big role at the FIACredit: EPA
      Fabiana, 44, wed Bernie, 91, in 2012Credit: PA:Press Association
      Either Mohammed Ben Sulayem or Graham Stoker will succeed Frenchman Todt as they bid to be elected on December 17.
      And if the former is successful, Fabiana Ecclestone is set for big things.
      Should Ben Sulayem be elected, Fabiana will be appointed Vice-President for Sport in South America.
      The Brazilian is married to former F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.
      She met the 91-year-old at the World Motor Sport Council in 2009.
      And the couple wed three years later.
      @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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      In 2020, Fabiana gave birth to a baby boy – as Bernie became a dad for the first time at 89.
      They named their baby boy Ace.
      With Todt set to depart after 12 years, the FIA could face yet more upheaval this winter, as Michael Masi comes under intense scrutiny.
      Both Ben Sulayem and Stoker would be under pressure to axe Masi, after an error-strewn season for the Aussie race director – culminating in his decision to bend the rules in Abu Dhabi, gifting Max Verstappen the title.
      Mercedes intend to appeal F1 bosses’ decision to REJECT their protests after Lewis Hamilton was robbed of his eighth world title.
      Fabiana gave birth to Bernie’s first son in 2020Credit: PA
      Michael Masi is under-fireCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen says controversial F1 win over Lewis Hamilton won’t taint historic F1 title after dramatic season

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN doesn’t believe his Formula One world title will be tainted due to the controversial end to the season. The Red Bull man won his first world crown on the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi – but is still the subject of a possible legal challenge from Mercedes.
      Verstappen won a maiden F1 title in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
      Hamilton was denied a record eighth world-title in heartbreaking circumstancesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lewis 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.
      Hamilton 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.
      But the Dutchman insists he did nothing wrong and won the title fair and square on track.
      When quizzed if he was disappointed to end the season with so much controversy, he said: “No, I’m not, no.
      “I’m not disappointed at all. I think it sums up the whole season in general. It’s been pretty crazy for both teams. We gave it our all to the end.
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      “It [controversy] has been a big part of the whole season. It’s just been like that already a few times with protests or whatever.
      “It is what it is. That’s racing sometimes as well. For me nothing really changed and we did win it on track.
      “I did not do anything wrong. I just raced when it was a green light so that also made it enjoyable.
      “There are always things to look at and that’s always after things like this. You can look into it and say what should have been done?
      “It is the same in football. The referee should have given a penalty or it shouldn’t have been a penalty?
      “What can we improve? Should we have had a different camera angle? All these things you’re going to bring up.”
      Bleary-eyed Verstappen also revealed he received a message from Merc boss Toto Wolff that will raise a few eyebrows.
      Despite Merc deciding whether to appeal their failed protests, Verstappen claims he got a text from Wolff saying congratulations.
      It gives a big hint that perhaps Merc will drop their charged against the FIA and Michael Masi.
      Verstappen faced a nervous four-hour wait to discover the outcome of Mercedes’ two protestsCredit: Getty
      Verstappen said: “I haven’t heard anything [about the protest]. Toto sent me a text saying congratulations on the season and that I deserved to win it, and that was very nice of him.
      “I mean, emotions ran very high on that last lap from both sides, from both teams. So yeah, it is what it is. I mean, we’ll see what the outcome is.”
      Verstappen had a four hour delay before he could start to celebrate his maiden title, not just in F1 but in single-seaters.
      His last title came in 2013 in go-karting.
      And his celebrations lasted long into the night, with a video of him jumping into a swimming pool at 6:42 on Monday morning.
      He said: “It was a long night! I ended up at [Dutch DJ] Martin Garrix’s place so yeah, it was fun.
      “I was spending a lot of time with all the team members celebrating all together. All the emotions came out.
      “It was a lot of fun but when I woke up, that was not so fun. I maybe regretted that final drink!”
      “It was really nice to have friends and family there and a lot of people have a headache at the moment.” More

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      Max Verstappen earns extra £12m in bonuses alone for historic F1 season after beating Lewis Hamilton to title

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN reportedly pocketed £12million in bonuses for his Formula 1 world championship triumph on Sunday.The Dutchman controversially pipped Lewis Hamilton to the title after a questionable late decision by under-fire FIA chief Michael Masi.
      Max Verstappen toasted victory on SundayCredit: Splash
      As well as sealing him title championship glory, Masi’s decision also earned Verstappen a pretty penny.
      The 24-year-old earns a base salary of around £18.2million with Red Bull.
      According to Marca, this figure went up by an astonishing £12m for his success.
      So Verstappen had even more reason to celebrate alongside girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
      He also stopped for selfies with Geri Horner, wife of Red Bull team principal Christian.
      Hamilton, 36, remains comfortably the top-paid driver in F1 this year.

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      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Including bonuses and add-ons, the Brit was thought to earn around £40m with Mercedes.
      And it could have been even more.
      SunSport revealed last week that he could have pocketed a further £4m in bonuses, had he won his eighth world title.
      But he was denied this further boost by Masi’s late controversy, with stars including Gary Lineker hitting out at the FIA.

      Lewis Hamilton missed out on a handy bonusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      @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);}Read More Sun Sport.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);} More