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    Nine most explosive F1 title-deciding finales including Schumacher driving on two wheels ahead of Hamilton vs Verstappen

    IT will go down to the final race.Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen go head-to-head in Abu Dhabi level on points in the drivers’ standings.
    Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go head-to-head in the most exciting climax to the F1 season in yearsCredit: PA
    It promises to be the most exciting F1 race in years, with the winner taking all.
    But we’ve seen explosive title-deciding finales in the past that have had motorsport fans on the edge of their seats.
    Here’s nine of the best that have gone down in history.
    Juan Manuel Fangio, 1956
    Monza was the venue for the final race of the 1956 season.
    Three drivers were in contention for the tile, Ferrari’s Fangio and Peter Collins, as well as Maserati’s Jean Behra.
    Behra was forced to retire, while it looked dicey for Fangio when a broken steering arm forced him into the pits.
    However, in an incredible moment of sportsmanship Collins gave him his car to finish second and claim the crown.
    No22 Fangio leads Stirling Moss at Monza in 1956Credit: Getty
    John Surtees, 1964
    Again, it boiled down to the final race – this time in the heat of Mexico City.
    British drivers Surtees, of Ferrari,  BRM’s Graham Hill and Lotus’ Jim Clark were all vying for the World Championship.
    Clark led for 63 of 65 laps until his engine failed on the final lap.
    Hill could have been champion, if Lorenzo Bandini hadn’t driven into the back of him and dropped out the points places.
    Surtees, in the end, got through to finish second and pip Hill by one point in the standings.
    John Surtees clinches the 1964 World ChampionshipCredit: LAT Photographic
    Emerson Fittipaldi, 1974
    This was the last and only other time two drivers have been level pegging on points going into the final race in the World Championship.
    However, it wasn’t quite the Grand Prix at Watkins Glen with a damper problem meaning Fittipaldi’s rival  Clay Regazzoni finished in 11th.
    The Brazilian finished fourth, winning his second title by three points.
    However, the win was overshadowed by the fatal crash of Austrian racer Helmuth Koinigg.
    Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi celebrates finishing fourth at the US Grand Prix to clinch his second championshipCredit: Getty
    James Hunt, 1976
    So good, and involving two great personalities, it made the astonishing film Rush.
    Niki Lauda and James Hunt fought it out at the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix in a thrilling climax to the season.
    Lauda, who two months earlier had a suffered the horror fiery crash at the German Grand Prix, retired on lap two because of the horrific weather conditions.
    Hunt, however, prevailed in the rain and managed to finish third to get the four points he needed to be champion.
    The appalling weather conditions made the Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 hell for the driversCredit: LAT Photographic
    James Hunt pipped rival Niki Lauda to the titleCredit: Getty
    Michael Schumacher, 1994
    It was a move that looked like it belonged in an action movie.
    Adelaide was the setting for Britian’s Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher to lock horns and even cars.
    The German was leading when he turned sharply at the East Terrace corner on lap 36.
    He then pulled sharply across Hill, who tried to work his way up the inside as they approached the next corner.
    Schumacher was knocked onto two wheels and out the race. However, Hill’s suspension forced him out allowing him to win over his Williams rival by one point.
    Michael Schumacher is knocked onto two wheelsCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
    Jacques Villeneuve, 1997
    Another unsavoury incident involving Schumacher that saw him disqualified from the year’s drivers’ standings.
    Williams’ Villeneuve was behind the Ferrari driver by one single point as they headed to Jerez.
    On lap 48, Villeneuve spotted Schumacher had left the door open for him to pass, but he sharply turned into him – ricocheting off the Williams car and into the gravel.
    Schumacher couldn’t get out, and the Canadian went on to finish third.
    Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher collideCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
    Lewis Hamilton, 2008
    The most extraordinary final lap in Hamilton’s driving career.
    Lewis went to the Brazilian Grand Prix leading by seven points from Felipe Massa.
    Massa was brilliant and won the race – his second ever home win.
    However, Hamilton saw Timo Glock slow down and zipped past him right at the end to claim fifth and four points for his first title.
    Lewis Hamilton finishes in fifth to claim his first titleCredit: EPA
    Sebastian Vettel, 2012
    Interlagos, again, provided a remarkable season finale.
    Vettel and Fernando Alonso were up against one another – with Vettel leading by 13 points in an era when 25 points were given for a win.
    Alonso fought hard, going from sixth in the grid to end up with a respectable second placed finish.
    Vettel, however, performed a miracle after dropping from 22nd following a crash with Williams’ Bruno Senna.
    He somehow finished sixth to claim his title.
    Sebastian Vettel celebrates winning his title in nail-biting fashionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Nico Rosberg, 2016
    Hamilton has previous in Abu Dhabi, this time with Rosberg who led by 12 points going into their battle at the Yas Marina circuit.
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    Needing just a podium finish, Hamilton started the race from pole and won it.
    However, Rosberg was keen to sit just behind his team mate to secure the title.
    Afterwards, the German-Finnish driver announced his retirement from Formula One.
    Nico Rosberg retired after winning the title in 2016 in dramatic styleCredit: EPA
    F1 star Max Verstappen arrives in Abu Dhabi for nail bitting show down with Lewis Hamilton More

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    F1’s top 10 best-paid drivers of 2021 revealed with Lewis Hamilton earning way more than title rival Max Verstappen

    THE thrilling 2021 Formula One season comes to a close this weekend.Lewis Hamilton will be desperate to get his hands on a record eighth crown after fighting back to draw level on points with rival Max Verstappen.

    But even if he doesn’t win the title, the British star, 36, comfortably tops the rich list.
    In 2021, Hamilton has earned a staggering £47million in wages, bonuses and add-ons, according to Forbes.
    The Mercedes star earns £40m in wages and is said to have raked in £7m in bonuses this year – with another £4m on the way if he wins the title, SunSport understands.
    That’s miles ahead of second-placed Verstappen, whose £32m pales in comparison.
    Veteran star Fernando Alonso (£19m) comes in third thanks to his sky-high wages at Alpine.
    Red Bull’s Sergio Perez (£14m) and Aston Martin racer Sebastian Vettel (£11m) complete the top five.
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    Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (£9m) sits ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas (£8m).
    That means Hamilton earned a staggering £39m MORE than Bottas this year alone.
    McLaren pair Daniel Ricciardo (£8m) and Lando Norris (£7m) join Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz (£6m) in completing the top ten.
    But for now it’s all eyes on Abu Dhabi as Hamilton and Verstappen go toe-to-toe one last time with the title on the line. More

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    How much prize money will Lewis Hamilton win if he clinches F1 world title?

    LEWIS HAMILTON stands on the brink of F1 greatness this weekend as he takes on Max Verstappen in the final race of the season.Hamilton and his Dutch rival are tied on 369.5 points at the top of the standings ahead of their last duel in Abu Dhabi.

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    Verstappen can win his first ever title at the age of 24, while Hamilton is gunning to win an historic EIGHTH championship.
    It’s been a long, frantic season, but finally the 2021 season’s champion will come to the forefront on Sunday.
    And if Hamilton wins, he’s set to get a hefty bonus.
    How much money will Lewis Hamilton receive if he wins the F1 title?
    While Hamilton won’t receive a fee from F1, his ‘prize money’, so to speak, will come from his constructors Mercedes.
    It’s Mercedes who pay Hamilton a bumper £40m-a-year and it’ll be them paying up if their man is victorious on Sunday.
    Hamilton is already one of the richest sportsmen in the world, with an estimated net worth of £244million, according to Forbes.
    And a win at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi would trigger a cool £4m bonus for the 36-year-old.
    Hamilton and Verstappen are battling it out for this season’s F1 titleCredit: AFP
    A Hamilton win would also release an eye-watering £17.5m in bonus money to be paid among Mercedes staff working at their Brackley HQ 
    It’s estimated that just under 2,000 staff would receive around £10,000 in bonus money EACH.
    Verstappen is paid roughly £18.5m-a-year by Red Bull and will also likely receive a big bonus if he wins on Sunday.

    The racing stud has been leading for the majority of this season’s title race but Hamilton has clawed back the points, winning his last three races.
    A fourth win in a row would give him his eighth title, one more than current record-holder and F1 legend Michael Schumacher.
    @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);} More

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    F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE: Updates as Lewis Hamilton LEADS after FP2, Verstappen in FOURTH – latest from Yas Marina

    FORMULA ONE rarely gets weekends like this – and we have a truly epic season finale in store.But this is a motor racing year like no other, as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen slug it out one final time in Abu Dhabi.
    The weekend gets underway with today’s practice at Yas Marina circuit before qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
    Brit Hamilton, 36, and Dutchman Verstappen, 24, are level on points going into the final race with 369.5 points apiece.
    If both drivers crash out of Sunday’s race or they both finish on the same points then the title will come down to who has won the most Grands Prix this season, meaning Verstappen would take the title.
    Stay up to date with all the latest from Yas Marina in our live blog…
    HAMILTON REACTS
    Lewis Hamilton feels “great” after the second practice session but insists the Mercedes team will keep working hard ahead of Sunday’s title decider.
    Hamilton said: “It doesn’t feel too bad.
    “It started off good but got a bit worse in P1, then started off better in the second session with some changes we made.
    “But yes, now we just have to crank through the data and try to figure out how we can improve, where we home in. The target is always moving, but yes. Otherwise, I feel good.
    “I feel good, I feel great in my body and as I said I think we made some positive steps set-up wise, so we’ll try and perfect it tonight and come back hard tomorrow”
    PRACTICE 2 LATEST
    Alfa Romeo star Kimi Raikkonen hit the barriers at Turn 14 close to the end of Practice 2.
    The collision has caused quite some damage to his car but thankfully Raikkonen seems to be well
    GETTY IMAGES
    GETTY IMAGES
    PRACTICE 2 LATEST
    And here’s how the back of the line looks after the second practice in Abu Dhabi:

    PRACTICE 2 LATEST
    Lewis Hamilton fought back in the second practice session and finished first ahead of Esteban Ocon.
    Hamilton’s rival Verstappen finished fourth behind Valtteri Bottas and ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez

    PRACTICE 2 LATEST
    Alfa Romeo star Raikkonen has caught a lift back to the pits.
    Not how the way he wanted his final weekend in Formula One to go
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    The session ends and all eyes are on Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo.
    The driver has thankfully come out and confirmed he’s well
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Alfa Romeo’s Raikkonen has hit the barriers at Turn 14.
    The legendary driver, who will retire after the Grand Prix, has sustained quite significant damage done to his Alfa Romeo.
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    The chequered flag is out!
    We are close to the finish line
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Two more minutes to go and Hamilton continues to lead.
    Bottas is still ahead of Verstappen in third, while Ocon is second
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Verstappen remains fourth but is the fastest man on track at the moment, lapping in a 1:28.1 on five laps on the soft tyre.
    Hamilton and Bottas have been running on the slower medium tyre
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Ten more minutes to go in Yas Marina!
    Hamilton continues to lead whereas Verstappen is fourth, expect him to pick it up though
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Less than 15 minutes to go in Abu Dhabi!
    Drivers will now focus on keeping their tyres in check for the twisty final sector
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    The battle for first place remains quite stable with Hamilton leading and Ocon behind him.
    Bottas is third and is followed by the Red Bull drivers, of which Verstappen is fourth
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Let’s have a look at the back.
    Mazepin remains last behind Haas team-mate Schumacher and Williams’ Latifi
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Hamilton overtakes Ocon by 0.3secs and leads the pack!
    Verstappen is fourth behind Bottas and Perez follows in fifth
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Alpine are showing tremendous improvement in Abu Dhabi.
    Alonso threatened Hamilton and Verstappen in the first session, now it’s Ocon who currently leads
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    But what do you know, Alpine’s Ocon takes the lead!
    This is quite an exciting practice session
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Bottas retains the lead with Hamilton registering 0.021sec down
    Verstappen drops to fourth
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Bottas overtakes Hamilton after fitting the soft tyres.
    His Mercedes team-mate follows in second with Verstappen third
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Verstappen has dropped to fourth, with Bottas and Ricciardo ahead in second and third respectively.
    Hamilton continues to lead comfortably
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    There we go!
    Hamilton is stretching his lead, despite Verstappen climbing up to second.
    The Mercedes superstar sets what is by far the fastest lap of the day as he goes down to a 1:24.126, which is almost a full second quicker than his rival’s 1:25.065
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    And we have another clash!
    This time it’s Williams’ Latifi in the final sector, he limps back to the garage to check his rear wing
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Bottas has just clashed into the barrier at Turn 14 with his right-rear wheel.
    The Finn continues but he suffered a heavy impact and is back in the pit lane to gets his wheel checked
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Hamilton is currently leading the pack with Norris and Leclerc behind him.
    Verstappen is ninth and had his lap deleted for track limits
    PRACTICE 2 LIVE
    Hamilton has registered a first lap at 1:25.127, so already close to the quickest from first practice.
    The drop in temperature helps drivers go faster
    Load more entries… More

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    How Lewis Hamilton can finish ahead of Max Verstappen but still LOSE F1 title in incredibly unlikely scenario

    LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen head into this weekend’s title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix level on points after the Brit’s action-packed win in Saudi Arabia.The championship-leading Dutchman was forced to give first-place up after a collision with Hamilton on lap 37.
    Verstappen was forced to give up first-place after a collision with Hamilton in lap 37Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    Hamilton came away with minor wing damage at the front of the car and went on to winCredit: 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.
    Verstappen was also given a ten-second penalty after the race, but it didn’t change his place on the podium.
    The win saw Hamilton draw level on points with Verstappen with just Abu Dhabi to go.
    But can Verstappen and Hamilton end the season level on points and if so, who will be crowned champion?
    How can Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen finish level on points?
    The two title challengers can finish level on points if the pair finish in ninth and tenth position.
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    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.
    Who wins the championship if they are level on points?
    If Hamilton were to finish one place ahead of Verstappen, with them in 9th and 10th respectively, but the Dutchman claims the fastest lap bonus, the Brit would LOSE the title battle.
    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 2021 season.
    Should the Dutchman come out on top, it would be Red Bull’s first championship since 2013 when Sebastian Vettel won his fourth in a row.
    It would also prevent Hamilton winning his fifth title in a row, stopping him from drawing level with the legendary Michael Schumacher, who managed the feat between 2000-04.

    Who wins the F1 drivers’ world championship title if they both crash out?
    If both crash out in Abu Dhabi, forcing both to retire from the race, Verstappen will be crowned champion.
    Neither will pick up any points for finishing below 11th.
    And with Verstappen, having nine GP wins to Hamilton’s eight, he will take the F1 crown.
    Alain Prost, who knows a thing or two about fiery title feuds, says you ‘can’t rule out such a scenario’ where one or both drivers crash out.
    Prost’s feud with Ayrton Senna led to a crash at the 1989 Japanese GP. A repeat happened at the same track a year later too.
    He told Bild: “Something like that could happen. That is why it is important not to cross the line. 
    “The situation could arise where the drivers know at one corner or another ‘I will either win or lose the World Championship right here’.
    “It’s already so tense, and the tension has only been rising for some time. So you can’t rule out such a scenario.
    “I look at Monza, where if Max hadn’t tried to overtake Lewis he would have lost the race, so do you accept the risk or not?
    “It’s not easy in a win or lose situation like this.”
    Lewis Hamilton trumps his rival Max Verstappen in almost every category
    Both have got too close for comfort numerous times this season.
    Most notably at Silverstone and Monza.
    Verstappen was forced to retire from the race at the British GP after being clipped and sent crashing into the wall at 160-miles-per-hour.
    Hamilton went on to win the race, but Mercedes’ celebrations afterwards came under fire after the accident left Verstappen knocked out and led to the 24-year-old being air-lifted to hospital.
    The pair then clashed at the Italian GP, which saw Verstappen’s car end up on top of Hamilton’s.
    The halo ring safety feature – introduced in 2018 – prevented Hamilton from walking away with a serious injury, or possibly worse.
    Verstappen was clipped by Hamilton at Silverstone and was sent crashing into the wall at 160MPHCredit: SKY SPORTS F1
    The title contenders clashed at Monza too, with both retiring from the raceCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    Hamilton’s halo ring potentially saved his lifeCredit: AFP More

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    Max Verstappen backed to BEAT Lewis Hamilton to F1 title by Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso

    FORMER world champs Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso BOTH want Max Verstappen to beat Lewis Hamilton to the Formula One title.Mercedes man Hamilton, 36, can surpass Michael Schumacher with an eighth F1 title if he finishes ahead of Red Bull’s Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi finale.
    Hamilton and Verstappen go head to head on Sunday with the Dutchman backed by two iconsCredit: AFP
    Schumacher’s fellow German Vettel has got his legendary countyman’s interests at heart when it comes to Sunday’s showdown.
    Vettel, who is a four-time world champion himself, said: “Michael is my hero.
    “For that reason I probably don’t want Lewis to win but the truth is they have both had a strong season.
    “I’d be happy if Michael’s record still stands but even if Lewis wins, to me Michael is still the greatest.”
    Brit Hamilton’s old team-mate Alonso said: “Max is driving, in my opinion, one step ahead of all of us.
    “Mercedes deserve the constructors’ championship because the car is superior.
    @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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    “But Max, overall in the year, was driving one step ahead of everyone.”
    Hamilton has another incentive for winning on Sunday apart from being statistically the greatest driver ever.
    It has emerged he is set to pocket a staggering £3.4million bonus if he wins the 2021 F1 title.
    The bonus will be a nice cherry on top to go with the £40million salary he receives from Mercedes.
    He is the sport’s higest paid driver, earning £22m more than closest rival Verstappen. More

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    F1 star Lewis Hamilton considering switch to Formula E as all-electric sport is the ‘future’

    LEWIS HAMILTON has previously revealed he’s thinking about racing in Formula E – but only once his F1 career is over.The joint-record seven-time F1 champion signed a new contract at Mercedes earlier this year that ties him to the team until the end of 2022.
    Lewis Hamilton is considering driving in Formula-ECredit: AFP
    But the star has already said he is thinking about what series he races in next.
    Speaking at an event at Silverstone in 2019to mark Mercedes-Benz’s 125th year in motorsport he was quizzed about his future in racing.
    And the 36-year-old, who is aiming to win a record eighth world championship this weekend, hinted he could follow in the footsteps of fellow Englishman Gary Paffett in to all-electric series.
    He said: “That is something I have kind of been debating. Up until now it has always been about Formula One.
    “But I just drove an old DTM car today, which I really loved. I rarely get to a track these days and have some fun, so that experience was extraordinary.
    “It was so cool driving my 2015 car and then the 196. It was a unique experience.
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    “Being that I have been racing since I was eight years old, I am going to have massive withdrawal symptoms, like every driver has when they stop racing, when Formula One stops for me.
    “There are other things to do. I guess there are other series I could do. Fernando Alonso is doing Indycar and you see Kimi Raikkonen still pushing the boundaries.
    “I actually grew up in the same era as Gary Paffett.
    “He is a little bit older than me and he is now racing in Formula E and that is now going to be the future.
    “So, who knows, in the future that’s maybe an area where I can use my skills but as you get older, it is more challenging to find the motivation to stay focused and you have to find something you love.
    “I am pretty sure I will always love cars, and for now I am going to try and stay in Formula One, so long as I stay focused and fit, I will carry on driving the best that I can.”
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt More

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    Lewis Hamilton set for £4million bonus if he wins F1 title as Mercedes star’s massive contract revealed

    LEWIS HAMILTON is set for a bumper £4million bonus if he wins the F1 world title on Sunday.The Mercedes ace is chasing an eighth crown which would move him clear of the joint-record he currently holds with Michael Schumacher.

    Hamilton earns around £40m a year from his deal with the Silver Arrows but has the potential to boost his wage packet if he beats Max Verstappen in the season finale on Sunday.
    The Brit who was last estimated to be worth £244m in last year’s rich-list – a figure he will smash this season propped up by race-win bonuses, plus some shrewd business investments.
    Hamilton, who was listed as the eighth-highest earning sports star by Forbes, has also just sold a New York penthouse apartment for £37m despite never moving in.
    If he wins the F1 title on Sunday, he will also unlock an incredible £17.5m windfall for Mercedes staff.
    The 1,000 employees at his team’s Brackley HQ, plus another 750 staff at their engine plant in Brixworth, will all be eligible for a bonus of at least £10,000 EACH.
    Meanwhile, Verstappen is estimated to be worth around £46m with a salary at Red Bull of £18.2m a year.
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    The 24-year-old however, boosts his earnings through a private sponsorship with Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo.
    He also has lucrative deals with clothing brand G-Star and online car dealers, CarNext.
    Meanwhile, Hamilton will have to be on his best behaviour or risk facing a 10-PLACE grid penalty for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi showdown.
    The Brit has picked up two reprimands in the past three races and one more would trigger the huge sanction.
    Hamilton was given a reprimand in Mexico for unsafely rejoining the track during first practice.
    And he was also ticked off in Saudi Arabia for blocking Haas’ Nikita Mazepin at high speed through the first sector in final practice.
    If he is penalised in any of the three practice sessions or qualifying in Abu Dhabi, he could be hit with a hammer blow to his title hopes. More