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      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying: Live stream, TV channel, UK start time and full race schedule for Imola Circuit

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is looking to make it two wins out of two this weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Brit finished first at the Bahrain GP last month, making an impressive start to his defence of his Drivers’ Championship.
      Follow all the action from the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on our live blog
      Lewis Hamilton will be looking to win his second successive race this seasonCredit: Getty
      What time does Emilia Romagna qualifying start?

      Qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix begins at 1pm UK time on Saturday, April 17 – TODAY.
      And the third practice will starts at 11am.

      When is the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?

      The Grand Prix will start at 2pm UK time on Sunday, April 18.
      Last year, 13,000 fans were able to attend the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix when restrictions were lifted.
      But sadly, no fans will be in attendance this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
      The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will take place at the Imola Circuit, in Bologna, Italy.

      What TV channel is the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?

      All of this weekend’s F1 action will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
      Coverage of first practice will get going from 10am UK time on Friday, April 16, with second practice coverage starting at 1.45pm.
      Practice three coverage will start from 10.45am on Saturday, April 17 while qualifying coverage will get going at 1pm.
      The Emilia Romagna GP coverage will start at 12.30pm on Sunday April 17.
      You can live stream all of the action from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Full schedule
      Friday
      Practice One – 10am
      Practice Two – 1.30pm
      Saturday
      Practice Three – 10am
      Qualifying – 1pm
      Sunday
      Race – 2pm More

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      F1 calendar 2021: Grand Prix times, practice and qualifying schedules plus tracks ahead of Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

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      THE 2021 Formula 1 season is UNDER WAY and Lewis Hamilton has dealt the first blow with victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Brit, 36, moved level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles last year and will become the outright top dog if he collects the most points across this season’s races.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Lewis Hamilton is aiming to become the outright most successful driver of all timeCredit: Getty
      The Australian Grand Prix was due to take place on the weekend of March 21, but was put back to November 21 because of coronavirus restrictions Down Under.
      Turkey and China are still hoping to host races in 2021, meaning the calendar could be expanded and Saudi Arabia is awaiting official approval of its circuit as the season gets under way.
      Here is how the F1 calendar unfolds in 2021 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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      Venue: Baku City Circuit
      Friday, June 4: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, June 5: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, June 6: Race (1pm)

      🇨🇦 Canadian Grand Prix

      Venue: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal
      Friday, June 11: Practice 1 (4.30pm), Practice 2 (8pm)
      Saturday, June 12: Practice 3 (4pm), Qualifying (7pm)
      Sunday, June 13: Race (7pm)

      🇫🇷 French Grand Prix

      Venue: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet
      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

      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

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

      🇭🇺 Hungarian Grand Prix

      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

      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

      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

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

      🇷🇺 Russian Grand Prix

      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)

      🇸🇬 Singapore Grand Prix

      Venue: Marina Bay Street Circuit
      Friday, October 1: Practice 1 (10am), Practice 2 (1.30pm)
      Saturday, October 2: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, October 3: Race (1pm)

      🇯🇵 Japanese Grand Prix

      Venue: Suzuka International Racing Course, Ino, Sazuka City
      Friday, October 8: Practice 1 (3.30am), Practice 2 (7am)
      Saturday, October 9: Practice 3 (4am), Qualifying (7am)
      Sunday, October 10: Race (6am)

      🇺🇸 United States Grand Prix

      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

      Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
      Friday, October 29: Practice 1 (5.30pm), Practice 2 (9pm)
      Saturday, October 30: Practice 3 (5pm), Qualifying (8pm)
      Sunday, October 31: Race (7pm)

      🇧🇷 Brazil Grand Prix

      Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos
      Friday, November 5: Practice 1 (2.30pm), Practice 2 (6pm)
      Saturday, November 6: Practice 3 (3pm), Qualifying (6pm)
      Sunday, November 7: Race (5pm)

      🇦🇺 Australian Grand Prix

      Venue: Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit
      Friday, November 19: Practice 1 (1.30am), Practice 2 (5am)
      Saturday, November 20: Practice 3 (3am), Qualifying (6am)
      Sunday, November 21: Race (6am)

      🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

      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

      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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      Lando Norris promises he will not swap hometown Woking to join other F1 stars living in Monte Carlo as Surrey’s more fun

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      LANDO NORRIS will not swap Woking for Monte Carlo — because it is more fun in Surrey.Fellow Brit George Russell moves to Monaco this summer and cites the Riviera’s weather, rather than its tax-haven advantages, as the main reason for going.
      Lando Norris has no plans of moving to Monte Carlo like other F1 driversCredit: PA
      Monte Carlo has become a haven for F1 starsCredit: iStockphoto – Getty
      Russell, 23, who pockets around £700,000 a year, drives for Williams while on loan from Mercedes.
      But McLaren ace Norris, 21, does not want to leave his  home, just a stone’s throw from the team’s factory, as he would miss all his mates.
      Ahead of Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, he said: “I am happy in Surrey and enjoying my cold English weather and playing golf.
      “It is just about having fun, I guess, being with mates and seeing family when I want and it is all easy and I enjoy that.
      “I just want to live my life normally. If I moved to Monaco, I would not enjoy it. I don’t want to do my job in F1 and not enjoy the things around it.” 
      Norris recently took time to visit McLaren staff — but says it was to boost morale, not win them over in place of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
      And, as he is local,  he has made himself available to help with the development of next year’s car — which will see big rule changes.
      Norris added: “If they need  help with the simulator or need to ask me some questions, it is just easier to go and do that.
      “It is an advantage helping in these areas with the new car.
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Norris says living in his hometown of Woking is just as fun as Monte CarloCredit: Doug Seeburg – The Sun

      “I have been there for four years and I went to all the departments the other day.
      “I met all the guys and girls because they don’t always see the drivers.
      “It doesn’t just benefit me and not Daniel. I am sure he has done similar things.” 
      Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo launch the new McLaren 2021 F1 car More

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      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying LIVE: Stream, TV channel from Imola – latest updates

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      F1 is back at Imola as the drivers prepare for a terrific weekend in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.After a three-week break, the season is back underway after Lewis Hamilton was victorious in Bahrain.

      Qualifying start time: 1pm BST
      TV channel/live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV

      Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
      SO HERE IS THE TOP 10 FROM FP2

      MORE MAX MISERY IN ITALY

      EVENTFUL DAY IN IMOLA

      FP2 IS OVER – LECLERC’S SMASH BRINGS AND EARLY END TO THE SESSION
      Valtteri Bottas tops FP2, just as hid FP1. The Finn is quicker than Hamilton, but only just, 0.010 seconds in it.
      Problems for Verstappen, who had a mechanical failure and of course Leclerc.
      Pierre Gasly in P3 in his AlphaTauri. Carlos Sainz in P3 and Leclerc in P4.
      SNAP OVERSTEER FOR LECLERC
      He went onto the dirty part of the track and his mistake is heavily punished.
      LECLERC HAS CRASHED
      The Ferrari man has crashed at the final corner.
      MERC STILL BOSSING THIS
      The Mercedes duo are in P1 and P2 in the timesheets again. Just like last year.
      RED BULL ARE INVESTIGATING
      As Verstappen’s car is delivered back to the team’s garage, Red Bull will now look into what caused his failure.
      That is expected to be it from him for today. Could be a late night for the mechanics.
      VERSTAPPEN STOPS WITH A PROBLEM
      The Dutchman has a mechanical issue and pulls over. Seemed to have a gearbox problem after going over the kerb. That is a blow to him and Red Bull.
      ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR FP2
      No news yet on the communication problems that hampered the morning session.
      KEEP AN EYE ON WILIAMS
      They could pass Haas this season.

      ALL GOOD AT THE TOP FOR MERC

      MAZEPIN SPINS – RED FLAG
      Another spin for the young Russian driver. He drifts off track, kisses the gravel and is sent into a spin. He is in the barriers.
      He has not impressed since making his debut. His first race lasted just four corners.
      FINAL FEW MINUTES OF FP1
      And Verstappen finally shows his pace along with Gasly. That AlphaTauri again looks strong.
      But it is Hamilton and Bottas trading places at the top with the flying runs.
      LATIFI GOES INTO THE GRAVEL
      The Canadian spins off with another unforced error. Early mistakes for Verstappen and Mazepin too.
      RED BULL BOSS CHRISTIAN HORNER ON THAT INCIDENT
      “It sounds like Ocon was on a slow lap and Sergio was on a flying lap and there was contact going into that corner.”
      SESSION RESTARTS
      The two cars have been cleared and FP1 is go again. Still not too sure what caused that accident between Perez and Ocon.
      RED FLAG AS OCON AND PEREZ CLASH
      RED FLAG 🔴The session is halted as Sergio Perez has a problem with his rear left wheel – and Esteban Ocon suffers collateral damage 👀Both are out of their cars and their FP1 is over #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/aZKrVqdAGm— Formula 1 (@F1) April 16, 2021

      RED FLAG – PEREZ AND OCON HAVE HAD AN INCIDENT
      Perez’s left rear tyre is off the car, there is some damage to that Red Bull.
      RED BULL YET TO SHOW THEIR SPEED
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have yet to show their hand. Remember at this race last year, it was a double disaster for Red Bull.Verstappen retired and Alex Albon was 15th and out of the points as Mercedes dominated.
      GASLEY LOOKING STRONG IN THE SUN
      Pierre Gasly, who won in Monza last year, got off to poor start in Bahrain after an accident stopped his race early.
      It was a blow to the Frenchman, who qualified in fifth. He’s quick. He just needs a good race here.
      Now currently top of the timesheets in his AlphaTauri.
      HAMILTON SETTING THE EARLY PACE
      Remember how the world champion struggled in the first few laps in Bahrain?
      Well, no sign of any problems at Imola for Lewis Hamilton, who is looking comfortable at the top of the timesheets.
      Load more entries… More

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      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying: UK start time, live stream, TV channel from Imola Circuit race

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will be looking to win his second F1 race of the season this weekend at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Brit finished in pole position at the Bahrain GP last month, making an impressive start to his defence of his Drivers’ Championship.
      Lewis Hamilton will be looking to win his second successive race this seasonCredit: Getty
      What time does Emilia Romagna qualifying start?

      Qualifying for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix begins at 1pm UK time on Saturday, April 17.
      And the third practice will start at 11am.

      When is the F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix?

      The Grand Prix will start at 2pm UK time on Sunday, April 18.
      Last year, 13,000 fans were able to attend the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix when restrictions were lifted.
      But sadly, no fans will be in attendance this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
      The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will take place at the Imola Circuit, in Bologna, Italy.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      All of this weekend’s F1 action will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
      Coverage of first practice will get going from 10am UK time on Friday, April 16, with second practice coverage starting at 1.45pm.
      Practice three coverage will start from 10.45am on Saturday, April 17 while qualifying coverage will get going at 1pm.
      The Emilia Romagna GP coverage will start at 12.30pm on Sunday April 17.
      You can live stream all of the action from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device. More

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      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix practice LIVE: Stream, TV channel from Imola – latest updates

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      F1 is back at Imola as the drivers prepare for a terrific weekend in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.After a three-week break, the season is back underway after Lewis Hamilton was victorious in Bahrain.

      Practice start time: 10am BST
      TV channel/live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV

      Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
      SO HERE IS THE TOP 10 FROM FP2

      MORE MAX MISERY IN ITALY

      EVENTFUL DAY IN IMOLA

      FP2 IS OVER – LECLERC’S SMASH BRINGS AND EARLY END TO THE SESSION
      Valtteri Bottas tops FP2, just as hid FP1. The Finn is quicker than Hamilton, but only just, 0.010 seconds in it.
      Problems for Verstappen, who had a mechanical failure and of course Leclerc.
      Pierre Gasly in P3 in his AlphaTauri. Carlos Sainz in P3 and Leclerc in P4.
      SNAP OVERSTEER FOR LECLERC
      He went onto the dirty part of the track and his mistake is heavily punished.
      LECLERC HAS CRASHED
      The Ferrari man has crashed at the final corner.
      MERC STILL BOSSING THIS
      The Mercedes duo are in P1 and P2 in the timesheets again. Just like last year.
      RED BULL ARE INVESTIGATING
      As Verstappen’s car is delivered back to the team’s garage, Red Bull will now look into what caused his failure.
      That is expected to be it from him for today. Could be a late night for the mechanics.
      VERSTAPPEN STOPS WITH A PROBLEM
      The Dutchman has a mechanical issue and pulls over. Seemed to have a gearbox problem after going over the kerb. That is a blow to him and Red Bull.
      ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR FP2
      No news yet on the communication problems that hampered the morning session.
      KEEP AN EYE ON WILIAMS
      They could pass Haas this season.

      ALL GOOD AT THE TOP FOR MERC

      MAZEPIN SPINS – RED FLAG
      Another spin for the young Russian driver. He drifts off track, kisses the gravel and is sent into a spin. He is in the barriers.
      He has not impressed since making his debut. His first race lasted just four corners.
      FINAL FEW MINUTES OF FP1
      And Verstappen finally shows his pace along with Gasly. That AlphaTauri again looks strong.
      But it is Hamilton and Bottas trading places at the top with the flying runs.
      LATIFI GOES INTO THE GRAVEL
      The Canadian spins off with another unforced error. Early mistakes for Verstappen and Mazepin too.
      RED BULL BOSS CHRISTIAN HORNER ON THAT INCIDENT
      “It sounds like Ocon was on a slow lap and Sergio was on a flying lap and there was contact going into that corner.”
      SESSION RESTARTS
      The two cars have been cleared and FP1 is go again. Still not too sure what caused that accident between Perez and Ocon.
      RED FLAG AS OCON AND PEREZ CLASH
      RED FLAG 🔴The session is halted as Sergio Perez has a problem with his rear left wheel – and Esteban Ocon suffers collateral damage 👀Both are out of their cars and their FP1 is over #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/aZKrVqdAGm— Formula 1 (@F1) April 16, 2021

      RED FLAG – PEREZ AND OCON HAVE HAD AN INCIDENT
      Perez’s left rear tyre is off the car, there is some damage to that Red Bull.
      RED BULL YET TO SHOW THEIR SPEED
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have yet to show their hand. Remember at this race last year, it was a double disaster for Red Bull.Verstappen retired and Alex Albon was 15th and out of the points as Mercedes dominated.
      GASLEY LOOKING STRONG IN THE SUN
      Pierre Gasly, who won in Monza last year, got off to poor start in Bahrain after an accident stopped his race early.
      It was a blow to the Frenchman, who qualified in fifth. He’s quick. He just needs a good race here.
      Now currently top of the timesheets in his AlphaTauri.
      HAMILTON SETTING THE EARLY PACE
      Remember how the world champion struggled in the first few laps in Bahrain?
      Well, no sign of any problems at Imola for Lewis Hamilton, who is looking comfortable at the top of the timesheets.
      Load more entries… More

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      Max Verstappen brands Lewis Hamilton’s F1 dominance ‘boring’ and wants to give rival ‘proper fight’ at Emilia Romagna GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN wants to give Lewis Hamilton ‘a proper fight’ for the title after labelling the Brit’s success ‘boring’.Hamilton is going in search of an eighth world crown this season while Mercedes have won the team championship seven years in a row.
      Max Verstappen wants a ‘proper fight’ with Lewis Hamilton this yearCredit: Splash
      This year, however, Red Bull look more than capable of taking the fight to the world champions.
      And Verstappen says the sport needs that to happen to inject some much-needed excitement.
      He said: “F1 needs a proper fight because for the last few years it has been a bit boring.
      “On the Monday after the race, as a fan you really want to be looking forward to the next one, knowing that there are two, or even three teams fighting for that win.
      “I guess after Lewis won his last six championships where the battle was maybe not as high for him, now being a seven-time world champion and the most successful driver in F1, he really wants that battle.
      “He has already achieved everything and way more than you can ever imagine. Winning those amount of titles is very rare and it is not going to happen many times.
      “But he is like, ‘OK, I am getting towards the end of my career and it is nice to see the younger guys coming up and making it more difficult for me’.
      “And, of course, from my side, I am very happy to make it more difficult for him.”
      Hamilton, 36, drew first blood in Bahrain at the season-opener, taking victory after Verstappen made an illegal overtake and had to relinquish the lead.

      GET £140 IN FREE BETS FOR JAKE PAUL vs BEN ASKREN
      Verstappen and Hamilton were almost inseparable in BahrainCredit: Rex
      But Verstappen is more than confident of taking the fight to Hamilton again over this season’s remaining 22 races.
      When quizzed if he can pip Hamilton to the title, he added: “Yes, I think so. I just need to be quick on the track and that will do it.
      “Lewis has a lot of experience but that is fine, I am up for it. Lewis is a cool guy and a fair driver so we race hard and trust each other which is very important.
      “We also have a lot of respect for each other and we enjoy the battle. But is there more pressure on me now? No, it is less because I have a faster car.
      “Everything is easier. It is easier to put a good lap together, it is easier when you are at the front.
      “There are no nerves when you start first because that is what I love. I like to be chased. I prefer that much more than hunting.”

      Verstappen has been linked with a switch to Mercedes but added that he is happy where he is for the meantime.
      He said: “I have a contract at Red Bull until 2023, and I am very happy where I am. There is no reason to change.
      “I never think too far ahead because I want to live in the moment. I want to win races and championships with Red Bull and that is why I signed for so long. I feel at home here and that is very important to me.”
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen react to epic Bahrain opener More

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      Lewis Hamilton takes swipe at F1 rival Max Verstappen by insisting Sebastian Vettel has been toughest competitor

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has taken a dig at Max Verstappen by insisting Sebastian Vettel has been his toughest competitor.The world champion also says that while Verstappen has the potential to be a champion himself this season, whether he wins it or not is down to himself.
      Lewis Hamilton started the defence of his world title with victory in BahrainCredit: AFP
      Dutch driver Max Verstappen is out for revenge this weekend at ImolaCredit: EPA
      The two slugged it out for the lead in Bahrain for the season-opener with the Brit coming out on top, with Verstappen seeking revenge this weekend in Imola.
      Speaking about his rivalries before this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Hamilton said: “For me, with Seb, with Valtteri, you just want to be fighting the best drivers and be as close as possible and eek out more than your competitors to get the results.
      “Max doesn’t have the background that Seb has but he obviously has got the chance of being a future champion but whether that is now or later depends on the job that I do.
      “I have positive feelings about the result in Bahrain and a good reflection on the weekend.
      “It is clear that Red Bull have started off really well with a great package and Max is driving well, too, so it is set up for a good season.
      “We don’t know what to expect with the different races coming up but it is going to be fun one way or the other.
      Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton during the F1 Grand Prix of BahrainCredit: Getty
      Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has been singled out by Lewis HamiltonCredit: Splash

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      “Nothing changes for us. We approach every weekend the same because if it aint broke don’t fix it.
      “We have had multiple battles with Ferrari, with Seb when he was there and we just have to keep our heads down.
      “We love the challenge. It is exciting for all of us that we have such a challenge on our hands and it is not one to shy away from.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton says his preparation for this weekend’s race will not be hampered by a shift in schedule to accommodate TV viewers wanting to watch Prince Philip’s funeral.
      Hamilton, 36, is a huge fan of the Queen and paid his respects to the Royal Family following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.
      He added: “I don’t see it being a problem. The Duke of Edinburgh was such a racing fan and it is so sad to hear of his passing.

      “He had a really great long life and I know he was really committed to having an impact and helping and inspiring young people.
      “He has left an inspiring legacy behind and my thoughts and prayers are with the family and I hope we can continue to race and I am sure he will be watching from above.”

      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen react to epic Bahrain opener More