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      F1 calendar 2021: Abu Dhabi THIS WEEKEND in final race of season – Grand Prix times, schedule, tracks

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen are continuing their battle for the Formula One title as the season reaches its climactic chapters with Abu Dhabi up next.There is only ONE race left and it could not be more thrilling for F1 fans.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Verstappen looked in the ascendency after winning both the U.S. and Mexico Grand Prix in back to back weeks.
      But Hamilton has since put in inspiring performances in both Brazil and Qatar to close the gap on his Dutch rival before wins at Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
      The Brit, 36, moved level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles last year and will become the greatest driver ever if he collects the most points across this season’s races.
      Here is how the F1 calendar unfolds in the final couple of weeks with our race by race schedule.
      F1 calendar 2021
      All timings below are UK time.
      🇧🇭 Bahrain Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix Result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Valtteri Bottas

      Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
      Friday, March 26: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (3pm)
      Saturday, March 27: Practice 3 (12pm), Qualifying (3pm)
      Sunday, March 28: Race (4pm)

      🇮🇹 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix Result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Lewis Hamilton 3. Lando Norris

      Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola
      Friday, April 16: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, April 17: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, April 18: Race (2pm)

      🇵🇹 Portuguese Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix Result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Valtteri Bottas

      Venue: Autodromo Internacional do Algarve
      Friday, April 30: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (3pm)
      Saturday, May 1: Practice 3 (12pm), Qualifying (3pm)
      Sunday, May 2: Race (3pm)

      🇪🇸 Spanish Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix Result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Valtteri Bottas

      Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
      Friday, May 7: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, May 8: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, May 9: Race (2pm)

      🇲🇨 Monaco Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix Result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Carlos Sainz 3. Lando Norris

      Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo
      Thursday, May 20: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, May 22: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, May 23: Race (2pm)

      🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix Result: 1. Sergio Perez 2. Sebastian Vettel 3. Pierre Gasly

      Venue: Baku City Circuit
      Friday, June 4: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
      Saturday, June 5: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
      Sunday, June 6: Race (1pm)

      🇨🇦 Canadian Grand Prix – CANCELLED

      🇹🇷 Turkish Grand Prix – POSTPONED

      🇫🇷 French Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Lewis Hamilton 3. Sergio Perez

      Venue: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet
      Friday, June 18: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, June 19: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, June 20: Race (2pm)

      🇦🇹 Styrian Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Lewis Hamilton 3.Valtteri Bottas

      Venue: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
      Friday, June 25: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, June 26: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, June 27: Race (2pm)

      🇦🇹 Austrian Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Valtteri Bottas 3. Lando Norris

      Venue: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
      Friday, July 2: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, July 3: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, July 4: Race (2pm)

      🇬🇧 British Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Charles Leclerc 3. Valtteri Bottas
      *Inaugural sprint race replaces classic qualifying.

      Venue: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
      Friday, July 16: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (4.30pm)
      Saturday, July 17: Practice 3 (12pm), SPRINT RACE (3pm)*
      Sunday, July 18: Race (3pm)

      🇭🇺 Hungarian Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Esteban Ocon 2. Lewis Hamilton 3. Carlos Sainz Jr

      Venue: Hungaroring, Budapest
      Friday, July 30: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, July 31: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, August 1: Race (2pm)

      🇧🇪 Belgian Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. George Russell 3. Lewis Hamilton

      Venue: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
      Friday, August 27: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, August 28: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, August 29: Race (2pm)

      🇳🇱 Dutch Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Lewis Hamilton 3. Valtteri Bottas

      Venue: Zandvoort
      Friday, September 3: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, September 4: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, September 5: Race (2pm)

      🇮🇹 Italian Grand Prix 2
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Daniel Ricciardo 2. Lando Norris 3. Valtteri Bottas

      Venue: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
      Friday, September 10: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, September 11: Practice 3 (11am), SPRINT RACE (2PM)
      Sunday, September 12: Race (2pm)

      🇷🇺 Russian Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Carlos Sainz

      Venue: Sochi Autodrom
      Friday, September 24: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
      Saturday, September 25: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
      Sunday, September 26: Race (1pm)

      🇹🇷 Turkish Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Valtteri Bottas 2. Max Verstappen 3. Sergio Perez

      Venue: Intercity Istanbul Park
      Friday, October 8: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
      Saturday, October 9: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
      Sunday, October 10: Race (1pm)

      🇸🇬 Singapore Grand Prix – CANCELLED

      🇯🇵 Japanese Grand Prix – CANCELLED

      🇺🇸 United States Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Lewis Hamilton 3. Sergio Perez

      Venue: Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas
      Friday, October 22: Practice 1 (5.30pm), Practice 2 (9pm)
      Saturday, October 23: Practice 3 (7pm), Qualifying (10pm)
      Sunday, October 24: Race (8pm)

      🇲🇽 Mexico City Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Max Verstappen 2. Lewis Hamilton 3. Sergio Perez

      Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
      Friday, November 5: Practice 1 (5.30pm), Practice 2 (9pm)
      Saturday, November 6: Practice 3 (5pm), Qualifying (8pm)
      Sunday, November 7: Race (7pm)

      🇧🇷 Brazil Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Valterri Bottas

      Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos
      Friday, November 12: Practice 1 (3.30pm), Qualifying (7pm)
      Saturday, November 13: Practice 2 (3pm), SPRINT RACE (7.30PM)
      Sunday, November 14: Race (5pm)

      🇦🇺 Australian Grand Prix – CANCELLED

      Race axed due to Covid restrictions in the country.

      🇶🇦 Qatar Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Fernando Alonso

      Venue: Losail International Circuit, Lusail
      Friday, November 19: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, November 20: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm).
      Sunday, November 21: Race (2pm)

      @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);}
      🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix
      🏆 Grand Prix result: 1. Lewis Hamilton 2. Max Verstappen 3. Valtteri Bottas

      Venue: Jeddah Street Circuit
      Friday, December 3: Practice 1 (12.30pm), Practice 2 (4pm)
      Saturday, December 4: Practice 3 (1pm), Qualifying (4pm)
      Sunday, December 5: Race (4pm)

      🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – NEXT

      Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
      Friday, December 10: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
      Saturday, December 11: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
      Sunday, December 12: Race (1pm) More

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      Lewis Hamilton crash with Max Verstappen ‘very frustrating’ as Red Bull boss Christian Horner moans over rival’s speed

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      RED BULL boss Christian Horner has labelled Lewis Hamilton’s collision with title rival Max Verstappen ‘very frustrating’, whilst also moaning about the Brit’s speed.The two title challengers collided on lap 37 after Verstappen was ordered to give up first place to the Brit.
      Verstappen was ordered to give up first place to title rival HamiltonCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      As Verstappen slowed, there was some confusion and Hamilton clipped the back end of the Red BullCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      Despite some front wing damage, Hamilton won the race comfortablyCredit: GETTY IMAGES
      As Verstappen slowed, Hamilton clipped the back end of his rival’s car – damaging his front wing.
      Nonetheless, Hamilton held his nerve and won the Saudi GP convincingly to claim his third victory in a row, and the win sees him draw level on points with Verstappen with just Abu Dhabi to go.
      On the lap 37 incident, Horner said: “That was a race that was very difficult to manage. I think race control struggled it as well with the amount of debris and VSCs (Virtual Safety Cars), restarts, safety cars.
      “I think we feel hard done by with the five-second penalty and in the incident where Lewis has driven up the back of Max.
      “They’ll go and explain in front of the stewards, but Max was trying to give the place up. We informed race control we were going to give the place up.
      “He lifted off, I think you can hear Lewis has lifted off. I don’t know if he was messing around for the DRS line there.
      @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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      “It was clear that we were giving the place up. We’d informed race control. That was what we were going to do.
      “There’d been a debate about it. Michael was adamant that you have a choice or it’s going to the stewards.
      “At that point you know it’s going to be a penalty. So we said, ‘OK we’ll give the place up.’ We informed race control.”
      Horner also didn’t hold back, claiming sectors two and three in the Saudi Grand Prix wasn’t ‘driver focused’, as ‘anyone can drive in a straight line’.
      With Verstappen dominating sector one, it was seen as a dig at Hamilton.
      He added: “Sector one is more driver focused and the sector two and three is more about the engine.
      “Anyone can drive in a straight line.”
      VERSTAPPEN PENALTY
      After a meeting with the stewards, Verstappen was deemed to be at fault for the crash, and he was hit with a ten-second penalty.
      However, the Dutchman keeps his second-place finish after finishing 16 seconds faster than Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
      When asked about the incident later, Hamilton – who is chasing an eighth world title – said: “For me I really had to try and keep my cool out there which was really difficult to do.
      “I have raced a lot of drivers through my life in 28 years and I have come across a lot of different characters.
      “There’s a few at the top which are over the limit, rules don’t apply or don’t think of the rules.
      “I just try to do my talking on the track and keep the car between the white lines and do it the right way.

      “There were so many crazy kerb walls and then he obviously brake-tested, I think to try and get the DRS into the last corner to overtake me again going into turn one.
      “Does Max fall into that category… he is over the limit for sure.
      “I have avoided collisions on so many occasions with the guy and I don’t know in his mind being the one who does that.
      “But you fight to live another day, which I did.”
      ‘Anyone can drive in a straight line’, says Red Bull boss HornerCredit: EPA More

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      F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Hamilton WINS, Brit LEVEL on points with Verstappen – latest updates, reaction

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has won an action-packed Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to take the Driver’s Championship to the final week.On a day where there were two red flags and numerous other minor incidents, it was all about Hamilton and Max Verstappen at the front.
      And things came to a head when the pair COLLIDED late in the race, with Verstappen looking to yield his place on the straight but the Brit unaware of his intentions.
      A five-second penalty meant that Verstappen was unable to pull back the Mercedes star and it’s now all eyes on Abu Dhabi.
      The pair will head into the final race on the SAME points – it’s all up for grabs.

      Result: 1st Hamilton 2nd Verstappen 3rd Bottas 4th Ocon

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      ‘CRAZY’
      Lewis Hamilton suggested Red Bull rival Max Verstappen drives over the limit after his action-packed win in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
      Hamilton said: “For me I really had to try and keep my cool out there which was really difficult to do.
      “I have raced a lot of drivers through my life in 28 years and I have come across a lot of different characters.
      “There’s a few at the top which are over the limit, rules don’t apply or don’t think of the rules.
      “I just try to do my talking on the track and keep the car between the white lines and do it the right way.
      “There were so many crazy curb walls and then he obviously brake tested I think to try and get the DRS into the last corner to overtake me again going into turn one.
      “Does Max fall into that category…He is over the limit for sure. I have avoided collisions on so many occasions with the guy and I don’t know in his mind being the one who does that. But you fight to live another day which I did”
      GETTY IMAGES
      VERSTAPPEN ON COLLISSION
      Max Verstappen discussed his side of events involving the collision with Lewis Hamilton in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
      Verstappen said: “At one point he ran into my back.
      “I was looking into my mirror waiting for him to pass. They told me to give him the position. The whole season has been up and down, good moments and bad moments.
      “[Abu Dhabi] is going to be exciting – I just try to do the best I can”
      WOLFF ADDED
      “Credit to Race Control, it’s difficult to manage.
      “I need to reserve judgement, I need to see the race more before I say anything that maybe isn’t right.
      “It’s really the driving that needs to be assessed and looked at. It’s hard, really hard, maybe too hard. We just want the best man to win and if it’s Max [Verstappen] at the end so be it.
      “Everybody has had their fair share of bad luck, Max lost points at Silverstone, wasn’t at all to blame in Hungary. Then we’ve had engine penalties…”
      MORE FROM WOLFF
      Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised the race directors on their attempts to manage a wild event.
      “We’re biased, obviously from our side there was frustration [after the first red flag]. I need to reserve judgement, see the race again tomorrow.
      “It’s really [Max Verstappen’s] driving that needs to be assessed and looked at. It’s hard, really hard, maybe over-the-line hard.
      “We just want a clean championship. If it’s Max [who wins], I’ll make peace with that. But we just want it to be [fair]”
      WOLFF ON COLLISSION
      Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff addressed the collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
      Wolff said: “The telemetry shows that [Verstappen] was slowing down, then accelerating again, then slowing down.
      “No, [Hamilton] didn’t know [Verstappen was supposed to let him past], and I think that [was due to] the wrong sequence of messages coming through there.
      “I don’t remember, honestly. It was so intense, the sequence of events. I think it could have been confusion, absolutely, but the stewards will look precisely at the telemetry and come to a judgement.
      “If the drivers were not informed properly, that’s going to play a big role”
      GETTY IMAGES
      HORNER REACTS
      Red Bull team principal Christian Horner suggested that Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was “messing around” as he collided with Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
      Horner told Sky Sports: “Max was trying to give the place up. We informed race control that we were going to give the place up and Max was lifting off. I think Lewis was lifting off.
      “I don’t know if [Hamilton] was messing around looking for the DRS line. It was clear that we had given the place up.
      “It’s weird because Lewis is slowing down behind him, it sounds like he’s lifting off.
      “It was like [Hamilton] didn’t want to pass him because of the DRS. We were trying to give the place up and Lewis then drives up the back of Max’s car.
      “We’ve picked up quite a bit of damage from that. Very, very frustrating”
      WOLFF REACTS
      Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton “deserved” the victory in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
      Wolff said: “The result at the end, winning the race, I think he deserved it.
      “I don’t want to now have dirty laundry here but what the telemetry shows is that [Max Verstappen] is slowing down and speeds off again.
      “Hamilton didn’t know [he was being given the place]”
      BOTTAS REACTS
      Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas finished third in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix and admits it was “not an easy day”.
      Bottas said: “Not an easy day, the first red flag being on the hard tyre [for the restart] was a mistake.
      “It wasn’t easy to overtake but finally on the last lap I got third.
      “It’s a big challenge physically and mentally”
      PODIUM TIME
      Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas took their place in second and third respectively on the podium.
      And on top of it all stands Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton after is incedible victory in Saudi Arabia.
      Hamilton and Verstappen are level on points and it will all come to a head in Abu Dhabi
      GETTY IMAGES
      GETTY IMAGES
      GETTY IMAGES
      HAMILTON REACTS
      Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton praised his team after an incredible victory in Saudi Arabia.
      Hamilton said: “That was incredibly tough.
      “I tried to be as sensible as I could be, with all my race experience over the years, just keeping the car on track and staying clean.
      “I’m really proud of everyone and grateful for the car this weekend.
      “I didn’t quite understand why he hit the brakes so heavily, and then I ran into the back of him, and then he drove off so it was a bit confusing”
      VERSTAPPEN REACTS
      Red Bull star Max Verstappen is looking forward to the Abu Dhabi race where it will all be decided.
      Verstappen said after the race: “Yeah, it was quite eventful.
      “A lot of things happened that I don’t fully agree with, but I gave it my all.
      “It will be decided [in Abu Dhabi] so hopefully we’ll have a good weekend, we’ll see”
      LEADERBOARD
      Mercedes superstar Lewis Hamilton finished first in the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.
      Red Bull rival Max Verstappen followed behind in second with Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas third.
      Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo completed the top five.
      More below:

      REACTION
      Hamilton kept his head and handled the pressure brilliantly. He did not let up and even after colliding with his rival remained cool and got the overtake.
      Hamilton said: “Great job guys, great job. That’s more like it. Let’s keep pushing!”
      Verstappen said: “It is what it is mate. I tried.”
      ALL LEVEL
      Hamilton’s win and fastest lap means he and Verstappen head to Abu Dhabi LEVEL on points.
      HAMILTON WINS!
      The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been thrilling from first minute to last.
      Verstappen finishes second and Bottas pips Ocon to third right on the finish line!
      A great day for Mercedes but certainly a stressful one. Team principal Toto Wolff has been tearing his hair out all evening.
      LAP 49/50
      Bottas desperately trying to sneak past Ocon but he may have left it too late.
      Ocon the fastest of anyone through the first sector. It looks like he will hold onto third.
      LAP 48/50
      Mercedes think Verstappen is in trouble on his tyres – the Dutchman is nursing his way to the end and now EIGHT seconds behind Hamilton.
      LAP 47/50
      Hamilton has been warned to steer clear of the curbs.
      He is still setting a blistering pace but Verstappen is slowing on old tyres.
      Meanwhile, Ocon and Bottas are battling for a podium place – the gap between those two is under a second.
      LAP 46/50
      Meanwhile, Hamilton continues to get faster and faster despite the damaged win.
      He once again records the fastest lap that should be enough to give him the extra point.
      LAP 45/50
      Verstappen could need to pit and that, plus the five second penalty, could even allow Ocon to overtake.
      So much drama left to unfold in Jeddah…
      LAP 44/50
      Hamilton leads with six laps remaining and has the five second advantage over Verstappen due to the Red Bull man’s penalty.
      Verstappen let Hamilton through when he didn’t need to…
      LAP 43/50
      HAMILTON TAKES THE LEAD!
      LAP 43/50
      Time penalty for Verstappen.
      He left the track to retake his lead so has been given a five second penalty by the race stewards.
      It is the first time they have got involved.
      LAP 43/50
      Hamilton slowed behind Verstappen during the incident – he clearly did not know he was being allowed to overtake.
      Meanwhile, the Red Bull leader yet Hamilton pass and immediately retook his lead.
      LAP 41/50
      Mercedes complain they did not have time to tell Hamilton he was being given his place back.
      Hamilton was left confused and did not realise he was being allowed to overtake.
      Ron Meadows to Race Control: “We had no idea he (Verstappen) was going to do that. You told me as it happened.”
      Load more entries… More

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      Verstappen hit with 10-SECOND penalty after Hamilton crash at Saudi Arabian GP epic as title race goes down to finale

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been hit with a 10-second penalty after causing a crash with Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabian GP.The Red Bull ace was handed the time punishment by race stewards on Sunday night after colliding with his Mercedes rival on lap 37.
      Max Verstappen has been given a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision at the Saudi Arabian GPCredit: AFP
      However, Verstappen keeps his second-place finish after coming in 16 seconds faster than third-place Valtteri Bottas.
      And it means he remains level with Hamiltonon points going into next weekend’s final race with the title at stake.
      Verstappen, who had already been given a five-second penalty for leaving the track earlier in the race, had been informed he needed to give the lead back to Hamilton following a decision from the stewards.
      But, after touching moments earlier when Hamilton attempted to pass Verstappen, the Dutchman then slowed down to let Hamilton past – but the Brit appeared confused.
      Then when Hamilton drove up behind Verstappen, he hit the back of the Red Bull – an incident the seven-time champion believes was caused by Verstappen brake-testing him.
      Speaking during the race, Hamilton said: “This guy is f***ing crazy, man. It was just dangerous driving dude.”

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      Verstappen made his feelings on the incident clear when he stormed off the podium before the champagne bottles had been opened.
      But Hamilton did not hold back when asked about the incident later on.
      He said: “For me I really had to try and keep my cool out there which was really difficult to do.
      “I have raced a lot of drivers through my life in 28 years and I have come across a lot of different characters.
      “There’s a few at the top which are over the limit, rules don’t apply or don’t think of the rules.
      “I just try to do my talking on the track and keep the car between the white lines and do it the right way.
      “There were so many crazy curb walls and then he obviously brake-tested, Ithink to try and get the DRS into the last corner to overtake me again going into turn one.
      “Does Max fall into that category… he is over the limit for sure.
      “I have avoided collisions on so many occasions with the guy and I don’t know in his mind being the one who does that.
      “But you fight to live another day, which I did.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton slams Max Verstappen after frantic Saudi Arabian GP as F1 title rivals gear up for all-or-nothing finale

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      LEWIS HAMILTON suggested rival Max Verstappen drives over the limit after his action-packed win in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.The Brit, 36, picked up maximum points to draw level with Verstappen.
      Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided after the Red Bull driver slowed to let him passCredit: Getty
      Hamilton suffered damage to his front wing and criticsed his rival after the raceCredit: Getty
      Verstappen’s aggressive style almost led Hamilton (middle) to collide with Esteban Ocon (right)Credit: Getty
      And he narrowly avoided disaster after Verstappen braked suddenly – the pair collided before Hamilton managed to overtake a few laps later.
      The Red Bull man was ordered to let Hamilton pass after he cut across the Mercedes star to avoid being overtaken – once again nearly causing a crash.
      After the race Hamilton said: “For me I really had to try and keep my cool out there which was really difficult to do.
      “I have raced a lot of drivers through my life in 28 years and I have come across a lot of different characters.
      “There’s a few at the top which are over the limit, rules don’t apply or don’t think of the rules.
      “I just try to do my talking on the track and keep the car between the white lines and do it the right way.

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      “There were so many crazy curb walls and then he obviously brake tested I think to try and get the DRS into the last corner to overtake me again going into turn one.
      “Does Max fall into that category…He is over the limit for sure. I have avoided collisions on so many occasions with the guy and I don’t know in his mind being the one who does that. But you fight to live another day which I did.
      The major incident came during lap 38.
      Verstappen was told to let Hamilton pass but Race Control failed to inform Mercedes in time.
      Hamilton revealed he was left confused and he did not realise he was being allowed to overtake, so he too slowed before his front wing was clipped, leaving Verstappen to speed off.
      He added: “I did not get the information, it was very very confusing.
      “All of a sudden he started backing up and moving a little bit and I was like ‘is he trying to play some kind of crazy tactic?’ I am not sure.
      “The messages started coming through as he hit the brakes so hard and I nearly went up the complete back up of him. For him it does not matter if he does not finish. For me we both need to finish. It will be interesting to see what happens.
      “I am personally chilled. I feel like I am in a boxing ring, I am ready to go.”
      Verstappen too was unhappy with how events unfolded and he stormed off the podium after surrendering his eight point lead. More

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      Furious Max Verstappen STORMS OFF podium after Saudi Arabian GP saw Lewis Hamilton draw level on points in title race

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      FURIOUS Max Verstappen stormed off the podium after seeing Lewis Hamilton draw level with him in the title race.The Red Bull ace could only finish second in Sunday’s thrilling Saudi Arabian GP, with his Mercedes rival taking top spot.
      Max Verstappen stormed off the podium after finishing second at the Saudi Arabian GPCredit: AP
      Lewis Hamilton’s win means the pair are level on points with one race leftCredit: AP
      There is now just one race left with both men equal in the table.
      And a feisty evening saw Verstappen end up colliding with Hamilton on the track during an intense battle for the lead.
      Verstappen was clearly unhappy as he joined Hamilton on the podium after the race had ended.
      As per usual, the top three racers – including Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas – took their place on stage before being handed champagne bottles to spray each other.
      But Verstappen stormed off the podium after receiving his, all the while refusing to make eye contact with Hamilton.
      And the Dutch driver claimed afterwards there were a number of events in the race he ‘didn’t agree with’.

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      Verstappen told Sky Sports: “It was quite eventful. A lot of things happened which I don’t fully agree with but it is what it is.
      “I tried on the track to give it all but the tyres weren’t lasting until the end.
      “I think it was good for the end of the stint but I was lacking a bit of rubber at the end. But nevertheless [I was] still second.
      “[For the collision] I slowed down, I wanted to let him [Hamilton] by, I was on the right but he didn’t want to overtake and we touched. 
      “I don’t really understand what happened there. It will be decided [at Abu Dhabi] hopefully we have a good weekend.
      “[On being voted Driver of the Day] Luckily the fans have a clear mind about racing.
      “I’m just trying to race. This sport is more about penalties than racing. I’m pleased the fans enjoyed it and I gave it my all today.”
      Hamilton was equally bemused by the collision, adding: “I don’t understand why he hit the brakes quite heavily so I ran into the back of him.
      “It was a bit confusing.” More

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      ‘This guy is f***ing crazy’ – Lewis Hamilton slams title rival Max Verstappen after collision in Saudi Arabian GP epic

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      LEWIS HAMILTON labelled title rival Max Verstappen ‘f***ing crazy’ after crashing into the back of him during a remarkable Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.Hamilton eventually passed Verstappen to claim the victory and move level on points with the Dutchman heading into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
      Hamilton came out on top after the bizarre collisionCredit: Getty
      Hamilton was left raging after crashing into the back of VerstappenCredit: Sky Sports
      But the race, which included two separate red flags for various crashes, was littered with incidents – the most bizarre of which came on lap 37.
      Verstappen, who had already been given a five-second penalty for leaving the track earlier in the race, had been informed he needed to give the lead back to Hamilton following a decision from the stewards.
      But, after touching moments earlier when Hamilton attempted to pass Verstappen, the Dutchman then slowed down to let Hamilton past but the Brit appeared confused.
      Then when Hamilton drove up behind Verstappen he hit the back of the Red Bull – an incident the seven-time champion believes was caused by Verstappen brake-testing him.
      Speaking during the race, Hamilton said: “This guy is f***ing crazy, man. It was just dangerous driving dude.”
      In his post-race interview, he then added: “I don’t understand why he hit the brakes quite heavily so I ran into the back of him. It was a bit confusing.”

      When asked about the incident, Verstappen responded: “I slowed down, I wanted to let him by.
      “I was on the right but he didn’t want to overtake and we touched. I don’t really understand what happened there.
      “It will be decided [at Abu Dhabi] hopefully we have a good weekend.”
      Prior to that – when receiving the Driver of the Day accolade after the chequered flag – the 24-year-old said: “Luckily the fans have a clear mind about racing.
      “I’m just trying to race. This sport is more about penalties than racing. I’m pleased the fans enjoyed it and I gave it my all today.”
      Following the incident, Verstappen was called to the stewards for an alleged Breach of Article 2 (d) Chapter IV Appendix L of the FIA International Sporting Code.
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      This says: “Causing a collision. Repetition of serious mistakes or the appearance of a lack of control over the car (such as leaving the track) will be reported to the Stewards and may entail the imposition of penalties up to and including the exclusion of any driver concerned.”
      Hamilton and Verstappen have previously collided at the British and Italian Grands Prix.
      The pair now head to Abu Dhabi level on points, with Verstappen leading only by virtue of having won more races – nine to Hamilton’s eight. More

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      Watch Mercedes chief Toto Wolff go berserk as Max Verstappen makes Lewis Hamilton hit him in incredible Saudi Arabian GP

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      MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff erupted in pure rage after Max Verstappen ‘brake tested’ Lewis Hamilton in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – nearly ending the F1 title race in the process.The street-race proved to be one of the most dramatic in years and was TWICE red-flagged.
      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff go berserk after Max Verstappen ‘brake tested’ Lewis HamiltonCredit: Sky Sports
      The Mercedes chief stood up and slammed his headset downCredit: Sky Sports
      😱 Oh. My. Word. 😱Max Verstappen was told to let Lewis Hamilton past and he slowed but then Hamilton ran into the back of him!! His front wing is damaged!🗣 “He just brake tested me!” says Hamilton📺 #SaudiArabianGP live on Sky Sports F1#SkyF1 | #F1 pic.twitter.com/mBY6G6hd0P— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 5, 2021

      The British star won despite CRASHING into the back of Verstappen.
      And the Dutchman twice had to cede a position to the Mercedes driver he had gained illegally.
      However, the most shocking incident occurred when Verstappen was ordered to hand the lead to Hamilton.
      That was due to him holding on to it by forcing the seven-time champion off the track.
      Red Bull were told to hand the lead to Hamilton and Verstappen slowed to do so on the run to the last corner.
      But the Merc driver ran straight into the back of him, causing damage to his front wing – with the drivers both believing the other to be at fault.
      Mercedes chief Wolff watched on furiously before standing up and throwing his headset down in rage, fearing Hamilton’s title comeback was dead in the water.

      Hamilton was then heard saying over the radio: “He just brake tested me!
      “That’s dangerous driving.”
      The incident, which will be investigated by the stewards after the race, could see Verstappen end up in more trouble.
      The race continued with Verstappen still in the lead until he was slapped with a five-second penalty, essentially ending his fight.
      That enabled Hamilton to win, with the two drivers now tied on points heading into the last race of the season.
      Hamilton said afterwards: “That was incredibly tough and I tried to be as tough and sensible as I could out there.
      “I didn’t quite understand why he suddenly hit the brakes quite heavily and then I ran into the back of him. Then he moved on and I didn’t quite understand what was happening.
      “Then I got a message afterwards that he was going to let me pass so it was a bit bemusing.”
      Wolff told Sky Sports: “I don’t think this is done yet. Lewis deserved it, he could’ve been out a few times with a broken wing. That was spectacular, but not good racing.
      “The telemetry shows he [Verstappen] is slowing down, then accelerated, then slowing down again. Lewis did not know [if he was being allowed to move ahead], it’s the wrong sequence of messages.
      “We need to look at the stewards and they look at the telemetry and come to a judgement.
      “It was a degree of frustration and I need to reserve judgement until I’ve seen the race again tomorrow.
      “The driving needs to be assessed and looked at. It is hard, very hard, maybe over the line. We just want to have a clean championship and the best man wins.
      “If it is Max, I’m at peace with that but we need it to be a fair race. Max has more wins so it’s still an advantage.
      “It’s important to have a great, great race at the end of the season, with two fantastic drivers racing each other. It’s going down to the wire and that’s how it should be.” More