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      F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying LIVE results: Verstappen starts on POLE with Hamilton second – latest from Yas Marina

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in pole position after setting the fastest time in qualifying at Yas Marina.Lewis Hamilton will be next to him on the front row after stopping the clock marginally slower.
      Fellow Brit Lando Norris will be third on the grid in Sunday’s race.
      The pair are level on F1 driver’s championship points going into the final race of the 2021 season with 369.5 points apiece.

      Grand Prix start time: 1pm UK (5pm local) on Sunday, December 12
      Grid: 1 Max Verstappen 2 Lewis Hamilton 3 Lando Norris 4 Sergio Perez 5 Carlos Sainz 6 Valtteri Bottas

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Yas Marina in our live blog…
      MAGIC MAX
      Nico Rosberg claims Max Verstappen delivered something magical with his spectacular pole-winning lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      The Dutchman took pole position ahead of tomorrow’s finale in Abu Dhabi and Rosberg thinks he delivered a spell-binding display.
      Rosberg told Sky Sports F1: “With all this discussion, it’s so damn simple, this guy just delivered something magical. That’s it. It just comes down to that.
      “But, as Max said, the interesting thing is he didn’t want to be on the soft for tomorrow so that is what keeps it full of suspense for the race.”
      WOLFF SPEAKS
      Totto Wolff gave his assessment of Qualifying.
      He said: “I think there is nothing you need to say [to Hamilton]. I think he’s going to be angry and that’s good.
      “Motivated for tomorrow to hunt him down. Sometimes you need to see the positive and that’s not bad. 
      “If he can keep it in P2 obviously that’s an advantage. If you lose positions then it becomes more and more difficult.
      “I think they have  put on the small wing so they will have lots of straight line speed… it’s only with tyre offset [that you can overtake].”
      TOP NO-TCH
      Norris will start from P3 tomorrow.
      Credit: EPA
      HORNER SPEAKS
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner has revealed Perez gave up his optimal lap to allow Verstappen to clock in his fastest time.
      Speaking after qualifying, Horner said: “I think that’s one of Max’s best laps of the year. Even on the following lap he matched the time.
      “The tow was probably worth a tenth or two… not half a second. 
      “I think that Max is giving it everything. He’s driving his heart out. He’s thrown everything at this session.
      “Checo has sacrificed an optimal lap for him to give his team-mate that performance.”
      ‘INCREDIBLY HAPPY’
      Max Verstappen is ‘incredibly happy’ with his performance in qualifying.
      He said: “It’s of course an amazing feeling. We definitely improved the car again in qualifying.
      “Incredibly happy with this. It’s never easy with their form the last few races. I am just looking forward to tomorrow because that’s where the points are. 
      “I felt good on both tyres. Naturally now in the evening it’s a bit cooler so it should be easier on the soft tyres. We’ll see where we end up.”
      Credit: AFP
      HAMILTON HAILS MAX
      Lewis Hamilton has hailed title rival Max Verstappen after the Dutchman took pole position ahead of tomorrow’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      The Brit admitted he ‘couldn’t compete’ with the lap time Verstappen set early on in Q3.
      He said: “Firstly Max did a great lap today. We just couldn’t compete with that time at the end.
      “It was looking really strong through practice. We just couldn’t answer to that lap. We’re in a good position I’d like to think with our tyres tomorrow. 
      “The last lap was nice and clean, I just couldn’t go any quicker. I couldn’t beat that time he did today, he deserved pole. 
      “I’m still on the front row. I’m grateful I can see where he is!”
      Q3 – PUSH IT TO THE MAX
      MAX VERSTAPPEN WILL BE ON POLE!
      Hamilton goes 0.371 slower than his title rival.
      Norris takes 3rd!

      Verstappen – 1:22.109
      Hamilton
      Norris
      Perez
      Sainz
      Bottas
      Leclerc
      Tsunoda
      Ocon
      Ricciardo
      Alonso
      Gasly
      Stroll
      Giovinazzi
      Vettel
      Latifi
      Russell
      Raikkonen
      Schumacher
      Mazepin

      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Q3 – ONE MINUTE TO GO
      Last chance for Hamilton to steal the show.
      He’s out on soft tyres.
      Q3 – VERSTAPPEN BESTS HAMILTON
      WOW!
      Verstappen looks incredibly fast through S2….. can he ace S3? He does!
      He clocks in a time of 1:22.109!
      Over to Hamilton.
      The Brit looks shaky as he heads in S3…… will he beat Verstappen?
      No he can’t!
      Hamilton is 0.551 slower than the championship-leading Dutchman!
      Verstappen takes provisional pole.
      Credit: REUTERS
      Q3 STARTS
      Here we go…. Q3 is underway!
      ‘FOOD WOULDN’T GO DOWN’
      Rosberg says he was unable to sleep or eat before the final race of the season in 2016 and took to eating cereal if he could, writes BEN HUNT.
      He added: “It was like two, maximum three, hours per night. I couldn’t even eat properly.
      “The food wouldn’t go down. So I had to revert back to my childhood food which was Frosties and milk. That was the only thing that would go down.
      “And it’s all these troubles that you are then fighting throughout the weekend, you just have to try and spare the energy to when it matters.”
      ROSBERG TIPS LEW TO WIN
      Lewis Hamilton’s old enemy, Nico Rosberg, has tipped the Brit to win the title, writes BEN HUNT.
      Rosberg is the only man to beat Hamilton to the title since 2014 when he pipped him to the crown in 2016.
      Rosberg was left so drained after his battle with Hamilton he retired from F1 just days later.
      And he says that Hamilton is the favourite as he’s been in this situation before, fighting for titles.
      He said: “Lewis is on fire, he has such great form, winning three in a row and he’s brought it here. You feel he has to be a little bit the favourite at the moment.
      “I was in such a title battle in 2016 and it’s a lot, just the intensity. The nerves.
      “Someone like Max, from outside, sometimes you think ‘This guy doesn’t even get nervous’ but that’s not true.
      “Inside we’re still all humans and both of them will be on the edge of their seats this weekend.”
      END OF Q2
      Good stuff from Perez as he goes strong through S2 and S3.
      Hamilton thought he had come top, but the Red Bull pair knock him off top spot!
      Verstappen clocks in a time of 1:22.8 right on the end of Q2, and Perez is 0.3 slower.
      Alonso, Gasly, Stroll, Giovinazzi and Vettel are eliminated.
      Q3 will start shortly, here’s who’s left:

      Verstappen
      Perez
      Hamilton
      Sainz
      Leclerc
      Bottas
      Norris
      Tsunoda
      Ocon
      Ricciardo

      Q2 – ‘I LOVE THIS GAME’
      Sainz still leads…. Verstappen is back out on the softs with three minutes to go.
      In other news, Man Utd legend Patrice Evra is in Abu Dhabi!
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      Q2 – SAINZ GOES QUICKEST
      Ferrari’s Sainz goes quickest in Q2 with seven minutes to go.
      He clocks in a time of 1:23.174, 0.011 quicker than Hamilton.
      Verstappen, meanwhile, locks up on turn one.
      Q2 – LEW LOOKING FAST
      Hamilton goes quickest through S1 and S2.
      Verstappen manages to clock in a quicker time in S3.
      But the seven-time F1 champ comes out on top with a lap time of 1:23.185.
      Verstappen is just 0.004 off Hamilton.
      Q2 STARTS
      Mercedes lead the way as Q2 starts with just 15 drivers left.
      Looks like the majority are running on medium tyres….. Aston Martin duo Stroll and Vettel are on the softs.
      They have 15 minutes.
      Q1 ENDS
      Latifi, Russell, Raikkonen, Schumacher and Mazepin fail to beat the drop zone and their qualifying comes to an end.
      Credit: AP
      Q1 – LEW BEAUTY
      Hamilton and Merc team-mate Bottas improve on their earlier speeds.
      The Brit clocks in a time of 1:22.845 and Bottas is 0.272 slower.
      Q1 – MERC’S BACK OUT
      Both Hamilton and Bottas are back out from the pits with just under three minutes to go in Q1.
      They will look to improve on their earlier times.
      Hamilton still leads with a time of 1:23.266.
      Q1 – QUALIFYING BACK UNDERWAY
      There’s five minutes left of Q1 and some cars are back out on the track.
      Ferrari’s Sainz and Leclerc are out at the moment warming up.
      Both find themselves 11th and 12th at the moment.
      Vettel tries to clock in a fast time, but he’s blocked on his way through to the line.
      Q1 – SESSION STOPPED
      RED FLAG!
      The session has been temporarily stopped.
      Norris’ car is caught by a bollard in the final corner – not entirely sure how.
      Q1 – NORRIS ON 4TH
      Lando Norris is making a good account of himself early on here.
      He’s up into P4 for the time being.
      Aston Martin’s Lance StrollCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Q1 – PEREZ AND VERSTAPPEN FALL SHORT
      Red Bull’s Perez looks quick as he flies through S1 and S2.
      But as he comes into the home straight he falls short by 0.311.
      Verstappen, meanwhile, improves on his time but falls short of Hamilton by 0.056.
      Q1 – MERC ONE AND TWO
      So far so good for Mercedes as Hamilton and Bottas occupy the top two spots.
      Load more entries… More

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      Max Verstappen storms to pole position for Abu Dhabi GP title decider with Lewis Hamilton made to settle for second

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      MAX Verstappen has drawn first blood in his battle with Lewis Hamilton for the F1 crown by taking pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.It is advantage Red Bull going into Sunday’s final showdown, with Hamilton second on the grid and McLaren’s Lando Norris qualifying in third place.
      Max Verstappen celebrates after taking pole position in Abu DhabiCredit: AFP
      Lewis Hamilton was fastest after Q1 but had to settle for second placeCredit: AFP
      Hamilton set a blistering pace round the track and led the pack from Q1 but Verstappen responded well to record the fastest time of Q2.
      And the Dutchman maintained his composure going into Q3, beating Hamilton by three-hundredths of a second to take pole.
      Hamilton will have to call on his 14 years experience as he looks to overtake Verstappen across the 58 laps tomorrow.
      Hamilton has a brilliant record in Abu Dhabi having won four of the last seven races in the UAE capital.
      But it was Verstappen who stood atop the podium in 2020 after taking pole.
      Verstappen will also take confidence from his performance in Saudi Arabia and will aim to hold off Hamilton once more.
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      Verstappen had to overcome a last-minute change to his car with Red Bull identifying an issue with his rear wing minutes before the start of qualifying.
      A delighted Verstappen said after the race: “It was an amazing feeling, we definitely improved the car again in qualifying.
      “I’m very happy with this it is what we wanted.
      “Now I am looking forward to tomorrow because that is most important.
      “I was very relaxed going into qualifying and I know my team always give me the best car.”

      And Hamilton said: “First Max did a great lap and we couldn’t compete with that time.
      “We couldn’t answer to that lap, it was a fantastic lap from him.
      “But we’re in a good position with our tyres tomorrow and hopefully its a good race.
      “The last lap was nice and clean I just couldn’t go any quicker…I couldn’t beat that time, he fully deserves top spot.
      “I’m still on the front row, I’m grateful I can see where he is!” More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Gullit compares F1 title showdown to FA Cup final and urges Verstappen to ‘get physical’ with Hamilton

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen go head to head in Abu Dhabi on Sunday in a winner-takes-all race for the F1 world championship. And ahead of the Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, former Chelsea man Gullit has likened the battle to a classic FA Cup tie.
      Verstappen and Hamilton will battle it out for the F1 world title on SundayCredit: PA
      Gullit has advised Verstappen on how to get the edge over his fierce rivalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 59-year-old compared the tussle between Mercedes and Red Bull to a Premier league club being drawn against a lower-league team in the cup.
      And to come out on top Gullit has urged fellow Dutchman Verstappen to ‘get physical’ with Hamilton, despite the Dutchman coming under criticism for his hard-line style of racing.
      Speaking to fans on his Instagram account, Gullit said: “I follow the newspapers in England and the Netherlands and it reminds me of football. One says something about this, the other about that.
      “Take playing in the FA Cup in England. There you get nothing for free when you play as a Premier League team against a team from a lower division. 
      “Hamilton has a better car than Verstappen, so that is comparable. They both fight for what they’re worth. 
      “But Max has to do more, has to get physical, to beat Hamilton. That happens in the FA Cup too.”
      @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 Football.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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      FA Cup giant-killings often come when lower ranked sides use a more physical style of play to good effect against Premier League opposition.
      Hamilton won a thrilling Saudi GP last week after Verstappen was forced to give first-place up after a collision with the Brit.
      It means Hamilton and Verstappen go into Sunday’s final race of the season LEVEL on points.
      So in all likelihood whoever crosses the line first will be crowned world champion.
      However, the two title challengers can still finish level on points if they finish in ninth and tenth position.
      Ninth picks up two points in the championship and tenth only generates one.
      But should the tenth-placed driver set the fastest lap of the race, they will pick up an extra point, meaning both pick up two for Abu Dhabi – therefore finishing level on 371.5 points.
      And in a scenario where they end the season level on points, Verstappen would finish top by virtue of having nine GP wins to Hamilton’s eight across the course of the season. More

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      Red Bull forced to change Verstappen’s rear wing minutes before qualifying as Christian Horner confirms ‘new problem’

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      RED BULL made a last-minute change to Max Verstappen’s car ahead of qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The decision to make the change was made late with Red Bull chief Christian Horner revealing it was a new problem with the rear wing.
      Red Bull made a last-minute change to fix the problem on the rear wing on Max Verstappen’s carCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner remained cool and composed despite the change in plansCredit: Getty
      Red Bull mechanics were seen frantically preparing the car – but with ten minutes to go it was still being worked on.
      Fortunately for Verstappen, his car was ready to go in time and he battled Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for the fastest lap of Q1.
      Horner told Sky Sports: “The rear wing was a new problem. The cars are getting tired now and are at the end of their lives. Some parts are two years old.
      “It would’ve been alright to continue running, but as a precaution we changed the parts and have checked Checo’s car as well.”
      Despite the late drama Horner appeared to be the most relaxed man in the paddock when talking to the press.
      Hamilton’s former team-mate Nico Rosberg questioned Horner about the pressure in trying to win a world championship.
      @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 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);}
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      Horner responded: “For us this year this journey has been so exciting, coming into the season we never expected to be in a position to challenge for this world championship – both championships – at this final race.
      “There’s an anticipation, there’s an excitement. The team have been wonderful this year.
      “It’s great to be part of this, it’s great to be pushing Mercedes so hard.” More

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      Inside F1’s most terrifying crashes ahead of Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen’s Abu Dhabi showdown

      by

      IT’S been one of the most intensely fought seasons in Formula One history, and this weekend it’s sure to reach an exciting crescendo. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s final face-off will take place in Abu Dhabi after a year of drama, dangerous collisions and simmering tempers hitting boiling point.
      Max Verstappen could end Lewis Hamilton’s rein of dominance in the F1 worldCredit: AP
      The Mercedes driver felt he was ‘very fortunate’ to be alive after a horror crash with Verstappen this seasonCredit: Reuters
      After years of dominating the sport, Hamilton’s time at the top could come to an abrupt end if the 24-year-old Red Bull driver has his way. 
      They’re currently tied at 369.5 points but Verstappen has the advantage of having won one more race, meaning should neither driver finish, the Dutchman will take the title.
      Earlier this week ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert suggested “only Verstappen” would be willing to cause a crash to take out his rival – and it wouldn’t be the first time a championship has been decided in this way.
      In 1990, Aryton Senna intentionally took out Alain Prost to ensure he would win.
      While watching the now-infamous Senna crash, Verstappen previously remarked: “I mean, why not?”
      It would be a seriously risky move in what is already a dangerous sport.
      Ahead of Verstappen and Hamilton battle, we look back at some of the most shocking moments in F1.
      Fireball horror
      Romain Grosjean leaping out of the towering inferno last yearCredit: Splash
      The F1 star was left with severe damages to his fingers after emerging from the flamesCredit: Refer to Caption
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      Romain Grosjean looked to be in good form as he exited turn two during the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.
      His Haas car had gained two places, but as he tried to overtake Russia’s Danii Kyvat, disaster struck.
      As Switzerland-born Grosjean edged ahead he clipped the nose of his rival and his vehicle shot off into the barrier at 140mph and exploded into flames.
      Such a terrifying crash is seldomly seen in F1 and fans watched in horror as a fireball engulfed his car.
      Miraculously Grosjean managed to climb out, but he suffered serious burns to his hands.
      He was saved by his halo device and racing suit, which had been designed to withstand flames for 20 seconds.
      Later Grosjean recalled being trapped inside the burning vehicle and admitted he thought about how painful his death would be.
      He claims it was his children, who he saw and spoke to in a vision, that gave him the courage to fight for his life by trying to escape.
      “Few people have known that moment where you almost accept that you’re dead,” he said.
      Lucky escape
      Michael Schumacher’s car spun 180 degrees and was crashed into by Vitantonio Liuzzi in 2010Credit: AFP
      The F1 legend brushed off the collision that could have left him seriously injuredCredit: Getty – Contributor
      During the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher was lucky not to have suffered serious injuries after he spun out at the chicane. 
      The Mercedes driver’s car rotated 180 degrees into oncoming cars.
      Vitantonio Liuzzi’s vehicle mounted Schumacher’s and narrowly missed the German’s head before coming to a stop.
      Both cars were badly damaged but fortunately, the drivers were unscathed. 
      After the race both seemed more concerned with having not finished the race.
      Schumacher said: “I am totally fine and was not hit by anything in the incident… It’s a shame obviously as I would have liked to finish the season with a more positive ending.”
      Liuzzi added: “I am sorry that we could not score any points today to get back to sixth in the championship.”
      Saved by the halo
      Lewis Hamilton had a close call earlier this year when Verstappen’s car mounted hisCredit: AFP
      Hamilton also had a close call and felt “so, so grateful” to be alive after a treacherous crash at the Italian Grand Prix in September involving Verstappen. 
      The rivals were neck-and-neck when the Red Bull racer tried to overtake, but their wheels clipped and Verstappen’s car was sent flying over the top of Hamilton’s.
      Thankfully Hamilton ducked his head in time – and later praised the car’s super halo for keeping him alive.
      Clearly shaken, he said: “I’m very, very fortunate today, thank God for the halo. That ultimately saved my life.
      “I have been racing for a long, long time and I am so so grateful I am still here and feel incredibly blessed that someone was watching over me today.”
      Senna tragedy
      The shocking crash that ended F1 legend Ayrton Senna’s lifeCredit: Reuters
      Ayrton Senna was considered one of the greatest F1 racers to have livedCredit: PA:Press Association
      It was a heartbreaking day for the world of Formula One when one of its best ever drivers was involved in a fatal crash.
      Ayrton Senna was hot on Michael Schumacher’s tail when his car swerved off the track and collided with a brick wall at around 145mph.
      The Brazilian F1 legend, who had just turned 44, suffered fatal skull fractures, brain injuries and a ruptured major temporal artery.
      He was declared dead four days later at Bologna’s Maggiore Hospital in Italy. 
      Drastic changes were made in the wake of Senna’s crash, leading to better helmets, safer cockpits and more medical staff on-hand at races.
      The Head And Neck Support (HANS) was also built to prevent “rapid and excessive head movement during accidents”, The National reported.
      Sadly he wasn’t the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix’s only fatality. 
      Two tragedies in 24 hours
      Roland Ratzenberger’s head slumped to the side after his horror crash in 1994Credit: AFP
      The 33-year-old died 24 hours before Ayrton SennaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The day before Senna’s crash, Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger crashed during the qualifiers and was killed instantly. 
      The 33-year-old’s car spun off the track due to suspected front wing failure at speed and hit the wall nose-first at 190mph.
      Two of the wheels were knocked off during the high impact crash and half the chassis was destroyed.
      The vehicle continued to rapidly spin out of control before it came to a halt and haunting footage showed Ratzenberger’s head slump to the side of the car.
      The tragic weekend sent shockwaves through the world of motorsport.
      Max Mosley, then head of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said: “I went to Ratzenberger’s funeral rather than to Senna’s where all the great and good of Formula One were because I felt somebody needed to support him and his family.”
      Fuel tank explosion
      Ferrari’s Chris Amon driving past the flaming crash of his teammate Lorenzo BandiniCredit: Getty
      The Italian racer died of his injuries in hospital days after the crashCredit: Getty
      Lorenzo Bandini was another victim of F1 and tragically lost his life after the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix.
      He was chasing down Denny Hulme, who was in pole position, when the Italian lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the guard rails and straw bales.
      The fuel tank inside his vehicle ruptured and immediately caught fire while Bandini was trapped inside.
      In hospital he was diagnosed with third-degree burns, the most severe type, and he died of his injuries three days later aged 31.
      Bandini’s death led to straw bales being removed from all competitions. 
      The wreckage from Ayrton Senna’s horror crash in 1994Credit: Reuters
      Romain Grosjean showed the damage caused to his hands by the fireCredit: Instagram @grosjeanromain
      F1 driver Romain Grosjean escapes as his Haas car bursts into flames at Bahrain Grand Prix More

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      Mercedes accused of ‘smear campaign’ against Max Verstappen by Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Lewis Hamilton battle

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      RED BULL chief Christian Horner believes Mercedes have created a narrative around Max Verstappen to apply pressure on the F1 stewards.Horner, 48, defended his driver and argued Verstappen has been unfairly portrayed by Mercedes.
      Christian Horner (left) defended Max Verstappen in his criticism of Mercedes’ ‘smear campaign’Credit: AFP
      Lewis Hamilton called Verstappen crazy after their most recent clash in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash
      Lewis Hamilton called his rival “crazy” at the end of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last week after the pair collided during lap 38.
      There have been numerous incidents between the two this year including crashes at Silverstone, Monza and in Hungary.
      But Horner denied Verstappen is irresponsible, instead suggesting Mercedes’ PR machine has sought to damage his reputation to influence the stewards.
      Horner said: “Of course it’s been a concerted campaign by Mercedes. Totally. It’s been part of a narrative to put as much pressure on the stewards to act differently from any other race.
      “This is a campaign that’s been driven covertly to put the spotlight on Max, give him a tag-line, portray him as this mad, irresponsible driver, put as much pressure as you can on him, on the team, and ultimately on the governing body.
      “We saw in Brazil, the comments about the penalties being laughable, or Lewis being persecuted.
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      “Mercedes have got one of the smartest media arms in the paddock and they use every tool they can.”
      Ahead of the final race showdown between the drivers in Abu Dhabi race director Michael Masi has warned both Verstappen and Hamilton to driver fairly.
      If either are considered to be deliberating target the other they face a points deduction, another fact that has irked Horner.
      The duo are both on equal points going into the last race but if both were to crash out Verstappen would take the crown given he has won more races this season.
      But if the Dutchman is given a penalty and punished with a points deduction, Horner and Red Bull would consider legal action.
      Horner added: “You’ve got to look at the context.
      “The one thing you’re looking for is consistent application of the rules, and why is this grand prix different from any other grand prix that we’ve attended this year?
      “You’ve either got rules or you haven’t. What makes this any more or less important than Silverstone, or Spa, or Hungary, or Monza?
      “We’ve had incidents in a lot of places this year.
      “You’ve got to apply the rules consistently. I think this is what Max (Verstappen) feels a little frustrated about.
      “At times he feels, when he looks at other incidents, they’re not treated in the same manner.” More

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      ‘Difficult to justify’ Lewis Hamilton as greatest ever driver, according to F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart

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      FORMULA 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart called it ‘difficult to justify’ saying Lewis Hamilton is the greatest ever driver.The Brit will attempt to beat Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles by defeating Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Sir Jackie Stewart called it difficult to compare Lewis Hamilton’s achievements to those of the pastCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Lewis Hamilton is big favourite to win his EIGHTH F1 world championshipCredit: Splash News
      He has already overtaken the German’s record of 91 race wins.
      But Stewart, who won the driver’s championship three times, described it as near-impossible to compare Hamilton’s achievements to speedsters of yesteryear.
      The 82-year-old said last year that the modern-day racing calendar being busier, as well as Hamilton having a ‘so superior’ car and engine to other competitors, makes comparison tricky.
      Speaking on the In The Fast Lane podcast in October 2020, Stewart said: “I don’t think that you can account [for] that sort of level of success.
      “Just because today there are 20, 22 races, whereas in the old days when for example Juan Manuel Fangio, raced maybe sometimes six, eight or nine races a year in Formula 1.
      ‘To say that Lewis is the greatest driver of all time, would be difficult for me to justify, in the sheer power of what the other drivers were doing.
      “Lewis drives extremely well, make no mistake, I’m not in any way diminishing his skills, but it isn’t the same.
      “Lewis made a very good decision when he left McLaren at that time and went to Mercedes-Benz. And I take my hat off to him for making that decision.
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “But frankly, the car and the engine are now so superior that it’s almost unfair on the rest of the field.”
      Due to difficulties comparing the modern-day car and calendar with that of the past, Stewart doesn’t even have Hamilton in his top three racing drivers of all time.
      He added: “Juan Manuel Fangio in my mind is the greatest driver that’s ever lived.
      “With Jim Clark as the second-greatest, even ahead of [Ayrton] Senna.”
      Fangio won five world titles in the 1950s. Scottish racer Clark won two world titles in 1963 and 1965.
      At the time of his death, at the age of 32, Clark had won more F1 races and achieved more podiums than any other driver.

      @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);}
      Senna won three world titles in 1988, 1990 and 1991 before tragically losing his life when crashing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
      SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt disagrees with Sir Jackie however, putting Hamilton at No1.
      Senna bags second spot with Schumacher, winner of seven world titles, in third.
      Clark is fourth with Fangio in fifth.
      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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      Tyson Fury and Kevin De Bruyne send messages of support to Max Verstappen ahead of F1 title decider with Lewis Hamilton

      by

      TYSON FURY and Kevin De Bruyne have wished Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen good luck ahead of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The Driver’s Championship is on a knife edge going into the season decider.
      Lewis Hamilton will do battle with Max Verstappen on SundayCredit: AFP
      British hero Hamilton, 36, is level on 369.5 points with Verstappen – although the Belgian-Dutchman holds the tiebreaker of more race wins.
      Their battle for glory has captivated the sporting world, with stars of football and boxing sending their best wishes to both men.
      Via F1’s official social media platforms, Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne said: “Hi Max, KDB here.
      “Want to wish you all the best for the race this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
      “I’ve been enjoying your races so much, it’s been a great battle with Lewis.
      “Still cheering for you though.
      “So hopefully you win this weekend and you can enjoy that world title.”
      Tyson Fury will be cheering on both drivers, but had a message of support for Verstappen after the Red Bull star’s recent scrapes with his Mercedes rival.
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      The British heavyweight champion of the world said: “Just been doing a bit of reading up about the F1 rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen – and how Max has been made out to be a bit of a bad boy.
      “I know how it feels to be treated horrible by the media – it’s not nice, especially when you’re young and you’re ambitious and you want to win.
      “So, you know, give him a bit of break, he’s only a young lad trying his best.
      “Good luck to both men in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      “This rivalry reminds me a bit of James Hunt and Niki Lauda, racing for the title.
      “Who’s going to win it boys? Come on the boys!”
      Much of Britain will be watching on Sunday, after Channel 4 struck a deal with Sky to broadcast the crucial final race of an action-packed season free to air.
      Kevin De Bruyne hopes his compatriot Max Verstappen comes out on topCredit: Reuters
      Tyson Fury sent a message to Verstappen after the Dutchman’s scrapes with Hamilton in recent racesCredit: Rex More