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    Max Verstappen brands F1 rival Lewis Hamilton ‘one of the best ever’ as pair set sights on Imola showdown

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has described Lewis Hamilton as among Formula One’s ‘best-ever’ drivers as he goes toe-to-toe with the Brit for the title.Last season saw Hamilton, 36, cruise to a record-equalling seventh world championship but 2021 may not be quite so straightforward.
    Max Verstappen believes Lewis Hamilton is one of Formula One’s best-ever racersCredit: AFP
    The title rivals fought out a fascinating battle in the Bahrain season openerCredit: Splash
    An enthralling opening round in Bahrain saw the Dutchman push his rival all the way, suggesting Red Bull have caught up with the dominant Mercedes.
    And Verstappen, 23, has given his take on calls for Hamilton to be recognised as the greatest F1 driver of all time.
    He told Autosport: “Man, you know it’s super hard, but of course you have to give credit to Lewis.
    “[For] the way he has dealt with all the years, to always come back and be honoured and win that amount of races and championships. You definitely cannot go around Lewis.
    “But, of course, there are still a lot of other people in F1, I think who are very good, very strong, and would have been very good in that car as well.
    “But still, of course, the way Lewis has won and also sometimes in tricky races – like last year in Turkey, to win that race, I think he did very well.
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    “Yeah, definitely he is one of the best ever in F1.”
    The pair will face off once again in just over a week’s time for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
    With Hamilton beating Verstappen to the line by less than a second last time out, fans are hoping for another huge battle.
    And the Mercedes star is hyped up for the clash and believes team-mate Valtteri Bottas will also feature in the title fight.
    I’m super excited and super happy for the fans, that they are excited.Lewis Hamilton

    He said: “I’m super excited and super happy for the fans, that they are excited.
    “I think it’s something that all the fans have wanted for a long time.
    “Of course, this is only one race, so we don’t know what the future holds in terms of the pace they have.
    “They could be ahead a lot more, but we’re going to work as hard as we can to try and stay close in this battle and I hope for many more of these sorts of races with Max and Valtteri.”
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
    Max Verstappen says the whole weekend has been going really well while Lewis Hamilton reacts to starting Bahrain GP in second More

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    Sebastian Vettel planning for life off F1 track as Aston Martin driver studies organic farming during lockdown

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL is proving to be a Farmula One hit after studying organic farming during lockdown.The German is highly secretive about his private life but has opened up after revealing took an internship in agriculture.
    Four-time world champ Sebastian Vettel says he is interested in the nutritional differences between each type of fruit and vegetableCredit: Splash
    German superstar Vettel is sure to a tractor attention with his farming revelationCredit: Splash
    Vettel, 33, has previously spoken about climate change but has now expressed his interest in organic farming.
    The dad of three, who drives for Aston Martin this season after leaving Ferrari, has also become an ambassador for the BioBienenApfel project; an incentive to protect bees and insects.
    When quizzed about his interest in farming, Vettel said: “Since I had more time than I had actually planned, I thought about what I could do and what interested me.
    “That’s what interests me. At some point you realise that not every vegetable is the same, not every apple has the same nutrients, and then you ask why.
    “Then you realise very quickly where the apple comes from and how it is grown – and that’s how the doors opened for me.
    “The theory interests me and I read about it a lot.
    “But to learn more from the practical side and talk to the people who deal with it on a day-to-day basis, that was very interesting.”
    The four-time world champion has also been doing some conservation on his home in Switzerland, creating an insect haven in the shape of a heart for his kids to enjoy.
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    He added: “Since I didn’t want to settle for a small heart, I then staked out the heart a bit bigger.
    “The girls were there at the beginning, but then I was alone with the spade and that was very exhausting.
    “Last year, a little bit came up, but I’m looking forward to seeing more sprouts this year.”
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
    Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel looks forward to Formula 1 return More

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    Mercedes threatened to ban Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg from races due to bust-ups between pair

    MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff has admitted that he threatened to ban Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg due to their toxic rivalry.The pair were involved in some of the Silver Arrows’ most dominant seasons on their journey from karting teammates to bitter foes.
    Mercedes threatened to ban Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg due to their feudingCredit: Getty
    Rosberg is the only man who has stopped Hamilton from winning the F1 title during the last seven years but the two had a bitter fallout.
    The German even revealed in an interview with SunSport that he needed a mind coach to help him through some of the low points.
    Their on-track clashes – most notably at Spa 2014, Austria 2016 and their infamous collision in Spain 2016 cemented their rivalry as one of the fiercest in F1 history.
    And Wolff claimed Mercedes came close to impose race suspensions on both Rosberg and Hamilton at the height of their feuding.
    He told the High Performance Podcast: “It was very difficult because I came into the team as a newcomer in Formula 1, and Nico and Lewis had been in the sport for much longer.
    I always made it clear that if this were to happen regularly, and I would see a pattern, then I have no fear in making somebody miss racesMercedes boss Toto Wolff
    “But still, I was able to create an environment where they had to respect the team. Sometimes with an iron fist, or iron grip, and they understood that they couldn’t let us down, they couldn’t let Mercedes down.
    “The events of 2014, where I felt there was some selfish behaviour, I said that the next time you come close to the other car, your team mate, you think about the Mercedes brand, you think about single individuals in the team, you think about Dieter Zetsche, the CEO of Mercedes.
    “That’s probably going to change the way you act; you’re not going to put your team mate in the wall.
    “And I always made it clear that if this were to happen regularly, and I would see a pattern, then I have no fear in making somebody miss races.
    “The thing the drivers want the most is to compete in a car and you always need to be very clear that you compete in the car if you understand the team game.
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    “And it’s much more difficult because there are only two drivers in the team and it’s not easy to find a replacement, and a replacement on that level.
    “But I’m prepared to sacrifice a race or two just to make it clear for all future generations that are going to drive for Mercedes that that’s not on.”
    Rosberg stunned the sport by retiring from F1 in 2016 having won the title while Hamilton has won six of the last seven titles.
    Champion Rosberg hopes for better relationship with Hamilton in retirement More

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    Aston Martin F1 team sign Nico Hulkenberg as reserve and developmental driver for 2021 season after Racing Point stint

    ASTON MARTIN F1 team have signed up Nico Hulkenberg as their reserve and development driver for the 2021 season.The German raced for the team under its previous guise as Force India between 2012 and 2016.
    Nico Hulkenberg has signed for Aston MartinCredit: PA
    He also filled in for Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez last season when both Racing Point drivers tested positive for COVID-19.
    The 33-year-old has competed in 176 F1 races with Williams, Sauber and Renault, as well as his stints at Force India and Racing Point.
    Hulkenberg said: “First of all, it’s great to get this deal signed up with plenty of notice – last year, I didn’t have quite as much time to prepare before jumping in the car! 
    “I’m really pleased to once again work with this team – with whom I have driven many times during my career. 
    “Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian Vettel and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons this year, but the team knows it can rely on me to step in and do an excellent job, and I’m fully prepared to take on that challenge. 
    “It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I’m really looking forward to pulling great lap-times out of my arm sleeve.”
    Welcome home, @HulkHulkenberg. 🤜🤛Here’s everything you need to know about the Hulk’s new role as reserve and development driver for the 2021 season. #Hulkenback 💚— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) April 8, 2021

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    Otmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, added: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Nico back to the team in an official capacity, as reserve and development driver for Aston Martin. 
    “In these difficult times, the requirement for a capable and experienced reserve driver is especially important. 
    “Nico proved last year that he could jump in the car and perform superbly at a moment’s notice; now, with additional scope for preparation and integration, we know that we can rely on Nico to do an excellent job.”
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    F1 Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg shows us how he warms up for a race More

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    Ralf Schumacher slams ‘whining’ Sebastian Vettel and tells him ‘nobody cares’ about Aston Martin debut flop

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL was told to stop ‘whining’ about his Aston Martin car by Ralf Schumacher.And the ex-F1 driver reckons Vettel has to knuckle down after a miserable season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
    Sebastian Vettel admitted he doesn’t feel at home in his Aston Martin yetCredit: Splash
    Ralf Schumacher thinks Sebastian Vettel needs to stop ‘whining’ about the carCredit: Rex
    Four-time world champion Vettel switched to Aston Martin this year after six seasons with Ferrari.
    But he failed to make it out of Q1 in the Middle East and finished a disappointing 15th place.
    Schumacher, who won six F1 races during his decade-long F1 career and is brother of legend Michael, told Sport1.de: “The whining that he doesn’t feel the car has to stop.
    “I’m sorry for Sebastian. This is a huge problem and it will take time.
    “Nobody cares about that, and after all, we’re in Formula One here and he’s also earning a lot of money.
    “At the end of the day, Sebastian is an experienced racing driver and a multiple world champion. He has to clean up with his team-mate now and the rest will come on its own even if the Aston Martin doesn’t turn into a winning car this year.”
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    Aston Martin had a miserable first race of the season in BahrainCredit: Rex

    “He’s not unreasonable. I understand Sebastian’s frustration.
    “He had anything but a perfect weekend.”
    Vettel’s team-mate Lance Stroll finished in 10th place at last month’s season opener.
    The teams head to Imola for the second race on April 18.

    Speaking after Bahrain, Vettel admitted: “It’s been probably not the best weekend or the weekend we were looking for.
    “But there were a lot of things that we learned that we need to address. We will see how quickly we can fix them.
    “I’m not at home in the car. There’s a lot of things that are fighting me so that I can’t really focus on driving. But we need to address them and try and fix them.”
    Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel looks forward to Formula 1 return More

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    MotoGP star Valentino Rossi’s girlfriend Sofia Novello reveals she was groped as a 19-year-old grid girl

    SOFIA NOVELLO has revealed she was groped as a teenager while working as a MotoGP grid girl.The Italian, 27, is in a relationship with legendary rider Valentino Rossi having stood on the grid while making her way in the modelling industry.
    Sofia Novello, partner of Valentino Rossi, has described her time as a grid girlCredit: Getty
    Sofia is a regular at MotoGP races where her boyfriend is a big starCredit: Getty
    And she has opened up on how her time in the sport was marred by unwanted groping.
    Sofia told Vanity Fair: “In reality it is a job like many others, a stage in my career of which I am proud.
    “At 19 it’s not easy to work with people who look at your butt when you pass by, and touch your butt when you take a picture.
    “Motorsport is a male environment. You have to wake up, you can’t be a smiling goose.
    “I’m for girl power. But it’s part of the game, it does happen.
    “You have to learn to be respected. If you let it go and show yourself to be ‘beautiful and stupid’, you’re done.”
    Sofia has forged a successful career for herself as a model and influencer while Rossi, 42, will aim for his 200th podium in the 2021 MotoGP season, which began last month.
    Asked whether she dislikes being primarily seen as the racer’s girlfriend, she highlighted her own achievements as more important to her identity.
    I would have done the same things in my career. It would have taken longer, but I would have done them.Sofia Novello
    Sofia has spoken on building her own career while being known as Rossi’s girlfriendCredit: Instagram @francescasofianovello
    Novello worked as a grid girl while making her way in modellingCredit: Instagram @francescasofianovello

    She explained: “If you have an important man by your side, it’s almost inevitable.
    “But I am pleased to have continued to work, as much as I can, without using his name.
    “Certainly without Valentino I would not have reached the popularity I have today.
    “But in my career I would have done the same things. It would have taken longer, but I would have done them.”
    Watch MotoGP star Joan Mir pull off spectacularly stylish save after crashing at French GP More

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    One-armed motocross rider Alberto ‘Wey’ Zapata dies aged 23 in horror crash after being run over by two other racers

    A ONE-ARMED motocross rider was killed after falling from his bike and being run over by two competitors.Alberto ‘Wey’ Zapata, 23, went to the ground after losing control of his motorbike during a jump on Sunday.
    Alberto ‘Wey’ Zapata died after being run over following a fall racing in his homeland Argentina
    Zapata had his left arm amputated in November following a car crash but returned to racing just months later

    Agonising footage showed one of two riders unable to avoid Zapata – who only had one arm following a road accident – as he came off and crashed into the dirt.
    The tragedy took place during a competition in San Agustin, a city in the Argentine province of Cordoba.
    The race was on the same motocross track where Zapata returned to racing following his car accident.
    Sergio Unac, governor of the province of San Juan, home of the brave motocross racer, said: “I am totally heartbroken by the sad news of the death of Wey Zapata.
    “My condolences to his family and friends at this sad moment in time.
    “Rest in peace warrior. In San Juan we will remember you as a great sportsman and an enormous fighter.”
    The disturbing incident happened less than five months after he cheated death by crashing his car on a main road south of the Argentine city of San Juan.
    He broke his collarbone and had to have his left arm amputated after losing control of his Chevrolet Corsa Classic on November 15 last year.
    Wey Zapata’s left arm was amputated last year after a car crashCredit: Instagram @weyzapata124

    The motorbike fanatic received a standing ovation on each lap when he returned to racing, defying health professionals who told him he would have to give up his passion.
    He celebrated his first podium finish after his return in the southern Argentinian city of Chubut on March 4, taking to Instagram to write: “First podium after my amputation.
    “The results of hard work, desire, dreams and a truly unforgettable moment.”
    Zapata recalled recently how his mum had told him the news of his amputation, revealing: “The medics didn’t tell me but they hinted at it.
    “When I was in the hospital I couldn’t feel my arm and wondered if I had still had it until my mum told me, ‘No, you haven’t got your arm, they amputated it straight after the accident.’”
    His life was saved by a passer-by who spotted his crashed car and stopped his arm bleed with a tourniquet.
    He said after his last podium finish a week before his fatal accident: “I sometimes find it hard to believe what’s happening to me with the difficulty I have riding a motorbike with one arm four months after the amputation.
    “It would be enough for me just to be able to enjoy being back on a motorbike again so being able to savour my third podium since my return to racing is wonderful.” More

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    Bernie Ecclestone’s family tree includes baby son Ace’s half-sister Deborah, 66, and seven grandchildren

    LAST summer, Bernie Ecclestone became a father for the fourth time at the grand old age of 89.The ex-Formula 1 boss and his third wife Fabiana, 45, welcomed baby Ace into their extravagant world in July 2020.
    Bernie Ecclestone became a father in 2020 at the age of 89Credit: Getty – Contributor
    The new arrival makes for a remarkable family tree – starting with Bernie at the top, his children and then his grandchildren.
    SunSport breaks it down for you, in full.
    BERNIE ECCLESTONE, 90
    The patriarch of the family, Bernie was born in Suffolk in 1930.
    Worth £2.5billion, Ecclestone had been associated with F1 since the 1950s – during the 1958 season he entered two Grand Prix races, but failed to qualify for either.
    In 1972 he became a team-owner, acquiring Brabham, which he ran for 15 years.
    Two years later, Ecclestone formed the Formula One Constructors Association, emerging as chief executive in 1978.
    In 2017, Bernie was removed from his position after the Formula One Group was taken over by Liberty Media.
    Not bad for the son of a fisherman, who left Dartford West Central Secondary School at 16 and first worked as an assistant in a chemical laboratory testing gas purity.
    Ecclestone shares a thought with Lewis HamiltonCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Niki Lauda, right, drove for Ecclestone’s Brabham racing teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
    IVY BAMFORD, FIRST WIVE
    Not much is known about Bernie’s early years, when he ran motorcycle shops and car dealerships.
    His first wife, a local girl called Ivy, was believed to be two years older than the businessman when they married in 1952.
    They welcomed daughter Deborah three years later, but the marriage fell to pieces and they drifted apart.
    It’s unknown if Ivy, who would be 91 today, is alive.
    SLAVICA RADIC, WIFE NO2
    Bernie married the 6ft 2in former Armani model Slavica in 1985, three years after they met at a promotional event at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
    Despite the height difference (Slavica stands a foot taller than Bernie), a language barrier, and an age gap of 28 years they remained married for 23 years.
    In 2009, she topped the Sunday Times’ Rich List in the “richest divorcees” category – getting a reported £740million settlement.
    They have two daughters, Tamara and Petra.
    Wife No2 Slavica Radic stands 6ft 2in tallCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Radic, the mother of Petra and Tamara Ecclestone, was a former Armani modelCredit: Getty Images
    In a divorce settlement Radic received a reported £740million payoutCredit: GC Images – Getty
    FABIANA FLOSI, WIFE NO3
    Not much is known about the 45-year-old Brazilian.
    But Bernie met Fabiana in 2009 at the World Motor Sport Council, marrying three years later in a private ceremony at their £23million Swiss chalet in Gstaad.
    She helps run his coffee plantation in Brazil, where their brand Celebrity Coffee is produced.
    In 2016, her mum Aparecida Schunk was kidnapped and a ransom of £28million was demanded.
    Nine days later, she was found safe.
    Last week, they welcomed their first son together, baby Ace.
    Bernie Ecclestone met Fabiana in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    45-year-old Fabiana hails from BrazilCredit: fabianaecclestone/Instagram
    Fabiana helps Bernie run his coffee plantation in South AmericaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    DEBORAH, ELDEST DAUGHTER, 66
    Deborah has preferred to stay out of the limelight, despite her famous family connection.
    The only child from Bernie’s first marriage, she is said to have followed her dad into business.
    It is believed she has two children of her own.
    However, their names and ages are unknown.
    TAMARA, 37
    Bernie’s first child with Slavica, Tamara has dabbled with modelling, presenting and reality TV.
    For the 2009 F1 season, she presented motorsport coverage for Sky Sports Italia.
    In 2011 she starred in Tamara Ecclestone: Billion $$$ Girl on Channel 5 and then in ITVBe’s Tamara’s World in 2017.
    In-between, the brunette beauty appeared nude in Playboy magazine.
    Brunette beauty Tamara once appeared in Playboy magazineCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Bernie and Tamara share a tight bond
    Tamara Ecclestone lives with her family in a £70m West London homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    She has one daughter, Sophia, 6, from her seven year marriage to Jay Rutland.
    They live in a lavish £70million mansion, a stones throwaway from Kensington Palace.PETRA, 32
    Arguably the more famous of Bernie’s socialite daughters with Slavica, Petra is now based in Los Angeles.
    At 19, she launched menswear label FORM, which was sold in Harrods.

    Her personal life was splashed across the front pages after an acrimonious £5.5 billion divorce row with ex-husband James Stunt, who she split with in 2017.
    She was granted sole custody of their three children, Lavinia, 7, and twins James and Andrew, both 5.
    And last May, Petra gave birth to a baby girl with fiancé Sam Palmer, but has remained tight-lipped on her name, which gives Bernie seven grandchildren ALL younger than his latest child.
    Petra Ecclestone is now based in Los AngelesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Petra had an acrimonious divorce from James Stunt in 2017Credit: twitter/Petra Stunt
    Petra has four children, giving Bernie seven grandchildren in totalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    I want to be a dad again at 90 and I don’t need Viagra, says ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone More