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      Lewis Hamilton reveals he will retire from Formula One the day racing stops giving him ‘the biggest smile’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has declared he will only retire from Formula One once racing stops making him smile.
      The 36-year-old – who has been competing in F1 since 2007 – is currently the third-oldest driver on the grid behind Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.

      Lewis Hamilton has won a whopping seven world titles since his F1 career began in 2007Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      With just two months until the 2021 season starts, and with Hamilton failing to agree a new contract with Mercedes, speculation has begun to grow when he will call time on his career.
      And the British star has stated he will continue to strive for success until the day comes when he no longer enjoys racing.
      Speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, he said: “You’ve got to find what you’re passionate about and what you love doing, and me personally, in my journey, there was a point where it just got too serious.
      “We only have one life. You have to enjoy what you’re doing. You’ve got to find happiness every day in what you are doing and I think that has been really important for me to be able to live in the moment.

      “Yes, it’s a competitive space that I’m in, but when I get in that car and put down the visor, the team start up the car and I leave the garage, I have the biggest smile.
      “Even today, after all these years of racing.
      “If there’s ever a day that that doesn’t happen, I don’t get that smile, I know that it’s done and I need to move on to something else.”
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      Hamilton then spoke of how he wants to keep on inspiring younger people who look up to him, as he commented on the importance of being a role model.
      He added: “As I’ve gone along in my career – I never thought I’d have people following me – I realise the importance to people of what I’m doing.
      “Yes, I love getting up and working with my team towards a common goal.
      “You know, being a part of a team, to kind of be the finishing touch or the catalyst to getting success with the team, that’s super exciting.
      “But it’s the idea also that there’s probably a young kid watching me realising that it’s also possible [for them]. That’s super exciting for me.”
      Despite fears that Hamilton may not sign a new deal at Mercedes, team boss Toto Wolff believes he will commit his future to the constructors champions soon.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Lewis Hamilton hikes to the top of a mountain every morning to ‘set his goals’ More

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      F1 star George Russell cuddles and kisses stunning girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt on beach in St Barts

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      GEORGE RUSSELL and his girlfriend could not keep their hands off each other while at the beach in St Barts.
      The Formula 1 star has jetted to the popular holiday hotspot in the Caribbean with Carmen Montero Mundt.

      British racing star George Russell pictured with Carmen Montero MundtCredit: Splash News

      The couple did not care who saw them as they kissed on the beachCredit: Splash News

      The loved-up couple were spotted soaking up the sunshine on a golden beach.
      They cuddled up closely to each other as they paddled in the picturesque blue sea.
      And the pair enjoyed a cheeky kiss as they relaxed on the sun loungers in the shade.
      Mundt wore a leopard print bikini while Russell had on some bright blue shorts.

      Russell nearly won the Sakhir GP when he stood in for Covid-struck Lewis Hamilton.
      Jenson Button has insisted he is ready to help turn Russell into a future F1 world champion.
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted he could offer Williams driver Russell a permanent seat in the future.
      Former F1 driver Jan Lammers urged Wolff to use Russell as an example during contract talks with Hamilton.

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      George Russell is now dating Carmen Montero MundtCredit: Splash News

      The couple enjoyed a dip in the sea during their trip to the beach Credit: Splash News

      George Russell is living life in the slow lane at the moment with Carmen Montero MundtCredit: Splash News

      He told RacingNews365: “I don’t think Mercedes expected Russell to do so well.
      “But now that it does, it would be foolish for Mercedes not to use it against Hamilton in the contract negotiations.
      “And we all know one thing for sure and that is that team boss Toto Wolff is not stupid.”

      The pair appeared to be having a great time at the beach together Credit: Splash News

      The couple soaked up the sunshine on the beach in the Caribbean Credit: Splash News

      Lewis Hamilton hikes to the top of a mountain every morning to ‘set his goals’ More

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      Mercedes’ domination ‘a problem’ for F1 with Lewis Hamilton set to run away with title again, fears Eddie Jordan

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      THE DOMINATION of Mercedes in Formula One is a ‘problem’ for the sport ahead of a familiar-looking 2021 season, says Eddie Jordan.
      Lewis Hamilton is the clear favourite for a record-breaking eighth title with a team that has stood head and shoulders above its rivals for the best part of a decade.

      Lewis Hamilton is the huge favourite for an eighth F1 world titleCredit: Reuters

      Former team boss Eddie Jordan worries about Mercedes’ dominationCredit: Getty Images

      F1 is set to enact a rule overhaul in 12 months’ time, partly as a result of Mercedes’ unchallenged supremacy.
      But the year ahead is likely to look rather similar to the previous seasons that the Mercs, and 36-year-old Hamilton in particular, have dominated.
      Former team boss Jordan told BBC Scotland: “The sport is in a difficult situation because no-one can put their finger on Mercedes.
      “They do it better than anybody else.

      “Racing Point won a race last year, that was amazing from Sergio Perez, and Max Verstappen won the last race but that shouldn’t confuse people into thinking it will be much more open.
      “Mercedes have the best people and the best engine, so how can they not win the championship? That’s a problem for me.
      “It’s difficult to find the right sponsorship and you’re just not going to compete with that.”

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Mercedes were on pole for all but two races in 2020 and Hamilton won the title by 124 points despite missing the Sakhir Grand Prix with coronavirus.

      The Brit is the final racer to be confirmed for the new season having so far failed to agree a new contract with the German marque.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff recently claimed the deal will be signed ‘soon’ – but will not be a long-term contract.
      Hamilton is enjoying a winter break in the United States, where he is hiking a mountain every morning amid the negotiations.
      Last week, 72-year-old Jordan told SunSport that he believes the driver wants a larger share of the television and sponsorship money he helps bring into the team.
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      He explained: “Lewis is saying, ‘Look guys, this is my salary, is this what I am being paid as a driver and for various other things that go along with the interviews and other aspects?
      “‘But am I being compensated for bringing in sponsors? Am I being compensated for the arrival of Ineos?
      “‘Am I being compensated for the increased television income you are getting as the constructors’ champion in the form of TV money?'”

      Lewis Hamilton hikes to the top of a mountain every morning to ‘set his goals’ More

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      Lewis Hamilton stalling on £40m-a-year new Mercedes deal as ace wants 10% split of TV money, says ex-F1 team boss Jordan

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      EDDIE JORDAN believes Lewis Hamilton is digging in his heels over a new Mercedes contract due to a wrangle over money.
      Hamilton has yet to sign a new deal with the team despite insisting he was happy to commit to them.

      Reigning world champ Lewis Hamilton has yet to agree a new Mercedes deal, less than two months before the start of the 2021 F1 seasonCredit: PA

      Ex-F1 team chief Eddie Jordan reckons ‘a number of things’ are causing a hold-up over a possible new Mercedes deal for Brit Lewis HamiltonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Merc boss Toto Wolff said the two were in discussions over Zoom but admitted their talks had caused a few “curveballs” for the lawyers overseeing the deal.
      But former team boss Jordan believes the sticking points are over Hamilton’s worth to Mercedes, who recently announced petrochemical company, Ineos, had become a three-way owner alongside Mercedes Benz and Wolff.
      Jordan also says he understands the 36-year-old is pushing for a 10 percent share of the team’s TV revenue.
      He said: “There are a number of things that could be causing a hold up and there have been some changes with the team.

      “There are some things that are relevant at the moment in that Toto has been in isolation due to COVID and Lewis is in America, so these negotiations are being done on Zoom.
      “And number two, it is kind of complicated because Ineos, I believe, have bought into Mercedes because of the wealth of value that Lewis brings to that.
      “I am not saying they did that exclusively because of Lewis because he is not going to be there forever.
      “But the reality is it was a very important factor and you also have to factor in that people like Tommy Hilfiger, and sponsors like that, are only there because of Lewis.

      “I have a little snippet of information and Lewis is saying ‘look guys, this is my salary, is this what I am being paid as a driver and for various other things that go along with the interviews and other aspects?
      “‘But am I being compensated for bringing in sponsors? Am I being compensated for the arrival of Ineos?
      “‘Am I being compensated for the increased television income you are getting as the constructors’ champion in the form of TV money?'”
      Jordan says that Hamilton should also be focusing his attention on getting a slice of the lucrative TV payments Merc receive from F1.
      The Irishman points to the example being set in American sports where the top stars earn bonuses on top of their salaries.
      He added: “If I was his manager, I would be saying to Mercedes, ‘look, we add a lot of value to Mercedes’ overall income over the year. It is positively wrong to ignore that’.

      “I believe Lewis is looking for 10 percent of the team’s television money and it is hard to understand why he would not be worth that.
      “We are in the media and the amount of opportunities we have to interview Lewis are very slim. We stand in line like everybody else.
      “But he is the first one we all want. We are at the press conferences because we need Lewis as he is a value to me and you and everybody else.
      “It is like what is happening now in golf and basketball in America and the major stars are taking a piece off the top.
      “The world of economics is changing but one thing that is for sure is the value of Lewis Hamilton has increased, that’s a fact.”
      Jordan was speaking at the launch of his investment in travel and event app, Guestia, which allows event and travel companies to communicate with their guests and staff.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      He said: “When I saw this presented to McLaren I thought, God, I need to be involved in this because I am an entrepreneur and this was the most compelling piece of technology in the business I know about.
      “We are talking about the F1 trucks leaving on a Sunday, the guys who are sent to set up the garages.
      “We are talking about football, rugby or cricket and when you have different groups of people travelling there needs to be a coordinated set of instructions.
      “If a plane gets delayed or a bus breaks down, you need to be able to change those instructions immediately.
      “We were always trying to find a system as most teams in F1 still go along with a guidebook and pieces of paper and that is old hat.
      “With this app you can even use it for people in the Paddock Club and, if there is a traffic jam outside, you can send a message to your guests to say hang on and enjoy another glass of Champagne rather than sitting in traffic.”

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      Lewis Hamilton to sign £40m Mercedes deal ‘soon’ insists Toto Wolff – but rules out three-year contract for F1 star

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will sign his new Mercedes contract ‘soon’, Toto Wolff has confirmed.
      The constructors champions are the last Formula One team able to formally confirm their line-up for the 2021 season.

      Lewis Hamilton is set to stay at Mercedes with team boss Toto WolffCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Negotiations are thought to have been thrown off by Wolff contracting coronavirus earlier this month with the team boss speaking of ‘curveballs’ delaying an agreement.
      But, in conversation with German outlet RTL, the 49-year-old insisted that the deal will be signed ‘soon’.
      The timing of the agreement will enable Hamilton to be in the car for the start of the new season and March’s testing in Bahrain.
      Wolff stated his belief that the parties must come to a ‘sensible agreement’.

      And he added that Mercedes and Hamilton are ‘not far’ from settling on a package.
      The seven-time world champion is thought to be holding out for a £40million salary plus entitlements to TV and sponsorship earnings he brings to the team.

      Initial reports suggested a three-year deal would be on the table.

      But Wolff has asserted that that is not the case, given the upcoming rule overhaul for the 2022 season and F1’s introduction of a budget cap.
      During talks, Hamilton has jetted off to the United States and recently told fans of his morning hikes across snowy mountains.
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      Despite the lengthy delay in the Brit putting pen to paper, Wolff is adamant that the duo have maintained their strong working relationship.
      The Austrian added: “Our relationship is not only professional, but also a friendship.
      “Lewis is incredibly important, not only for our team, but also for the Mercedes brand.”

      Lewis Hamilton hikes to the top of a mountain every morning to ‘set his goals’ More

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      Lewis Hamilton stalling on £40m-a-year Mercedes contract as ace wants 10% split of TV cash, says ex-F1 team boss Jordan

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      EDDIE JORDAN believes Lewis Hamilton is digging in his heels over a new Mercedes contract in a wrangle over money.
      Hamilton has yet to sign a new contract with the team despite insisting he was happy to commit to them.

      Reigning world champ Lewis Hamilton has yet to agree a new Mercedes deal, less than two months before the start of the 2021 F1 seasonCredit: PA

      Ex-F1 team chief Eddie Jordan reckons ‘a number of things’ are causing a hold-up over a possible new Mercedes deal for Brit Lewis HamiltonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Merc boss Toto Wolff said the two were in discussions over Zoom but admitted their talks had caused a few “curveballs” for the lawyers overseeing the deal.
      But former team boss Jordan believes the sticking points are over Hamilton’s worth to Mercedes, who recently announced petrochemical company, Ineos, had become a three-way owner alongside Mercedes Benz and Wolff.
      Jordan also says he understands the 36-year-old is pushing for a 10 percent share of the team’s TV revenue.
      He said: “There are a number of things that could be causing a hold up and there have been some changes with the team.

      “There are some things that are relevant at the moment in that Toto has been in isolation due to COVID and Lewis is in America, so these negotiations are being done on Zoom.
      “And number two, it is kind of complicated because Ineos, I believe, have bought into Mercedes because of the wealth of value that Lewis brings to that.
      “I am not saying they did that exclusively because of Lewis because he is not going to be there forever.
      “But the reality is it was a very important factor and you also have to factor in that people like Tommy Hilfiger, and sponsors like that, are only there because of Lewis.

      “I have a little snippet of information and Lewis is saying ‘look guys, this is my salary, is this what I am being paid as a driver and for various other things that go along with the interviews and other aspects?
      “‘But am I being compensated for bringing in sponsors? Am I being compensated for the arrival of Ineos?
      “‘Am I being compensated for the increased television income you are getting as the constructors’ champion in the form of TV money?'”
      Jordan says that Hamilton should also be focusing his attention on getting a slice of the lucrative TV payments Merc receive from F1.
      The Irishman points to the example being set in American sports where the top stars earn bonuses on top of their salaries.
      He added: “If I was his manager, I would be saying to Mercedes, ‘look, we add a lot of value to Mercedes’ overall income over the year. It is positively wrong to ignore that’.

      “I believe Lewis is looking for 10 percent of the team’s television money and it is hard to understand why he would not be worth that.
      “We are in the media and the amount of opportunities we have to interview Lewis are very slim. We stand in line like everybody else.
      “But he is the first one we all want. We are at the press conferences because we need Lewis as he is a value to me and you and everybody else.
      “It is like what is happening now in golf and basketball in America and the major stars are taking a piece off the top.
      “The world of economics is changing but one thing that is for sure is the value of Lewis Hamilton has increased, that’s a fact.”
      Jordan was speaking at the launch of his investment in travel and event app, Guestia, which allows event and travel companies to communicate with their guests and staff.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      He said: “When I saw this presented to McLaren I thought, God, I need to be involved in this because I am an entrepreneur and this was the most compelling piece of technology in the business I know about.
      “We are talking about the F1 trucks leaving on a Sunday, the guys who are sent to set up the garages.
      “We are talking about football, rugby or cricket and when you have different groups of people travelling there needs to be a coordinated set of instructions.
      “If a plane gets delayed or a bus breaks down, you need to be able to change those instructions immediately.
      “We were always trying to find a system as most teams in F1 still go along with a guidebook and pieces of paper and that is old hat.
      “With this app you can even use it for people in the Paddock Club and, if there is a traffic jam outside, you can send a message to your guests to say hang on and enjoy another glass of Champagne rather than sitting in traffic.”

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      Adrian Campos dead at 60: Tributes paid to ex-F1 driver and team boss who guided Fernando Alonso’s career

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      SPANISH motorsport legend Adrian Campos has died at the age of 60.
      Campos is credited with spotting two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso having raced himself in F1.

      Adrian Campos has died at the age of 60Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Spaniard enjoyed a long career in motorsport and drove in Formula OneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Racing for Minardi in the 1987 and 1988 seasons, he entered 21 races but failed to score a point before moving into motorsport management.
      In 1998, he founded Campos Racing which provided a vital step up for Marc Gene, who raced in F1 for Minardi and Williams, and Alonso.
      Campos’ attempts to move his team into F1 met financial difficulties in 2010 before a buyout confirmed the entry, as HRT, with the Spaniard named as executive vice-president.
      And he continued to help bring through the next generation of racers until his death from Aortic dissection, a rare heart issue, on Wednesday.

      Campos Racing confirmed: “Today is the saddest day in the history of Campos Racing.
      “Our president and founder, Adrian Campos Suner, has left us.
      “His heart stopped beating, but his memory will be the engine that will keep us all fighting to continue his legacy… Rest in Peace.”
      Tributes flooded in for the racing icon, with veteran star Alonso speaking of his ‘sadness’.

      One of the saddest days for the motorsports family. Thank you for believing in young people. Thank you and rest in peace.
      Fernando Alonso

      The Alpine driver tweeted: “One of the saddest days for the motorsports family.
      “A driver and great promoter of this sport. Thank you for dreaming about Formula 1.
      “Thank you for believing in young people. Thank you and rest in peace.”
      Ferrari racer Carlos Sainz was among those to add his sentiment for the 60-year-old.
      He wrote: “Very sad day for the death of Adrian Campos, undoubtedly a benchmark of our sport in Spain and internationally. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”
      Carlos Sainz Sr, the F1 star’s dad and a Dakar Rally winner, tweeted: “We are very sorry for the death of Adrian Campos, driver, manager, and enthusiastic entrepreneur of Spanish motorsport.

      Campos was an integral figure in Spanish motor racingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Uno de los días más tristes para la familia del automovilismo . Piloto y gran impulsor de este deporte. Gracias por soñar con la Fórmula 1. Gracias por creer en los jóvenes. Gracias y descansa en Paz 🙏 pic.twitter.com/khqWuQuarQ
      — Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) January 28, 2021

      “Our memory and all our encouragement for the whole family. Life reminds us that our path here is unknown and can be capricious. RIP.”
      Former F1 racer and Sky Sports analyst Karun Chandhok wrote: “Very sad to wake up to news that Adrian Campos has passed away. I did my first GP2 test with him at the end of 2006 & remained friends ever since.
      “A true racer who always enjoyed a chat about all things motorsport & a lovely man. Deep condolences to Campos Racing & his family.”
      Marc Gene stated: “Today an enormous sadness floods me. He has left us, one of the people who has helped motor racing in Spain more than most.

      “Without Adrian, I would never have reached F1. A great driver, team boss and above all a very good person. My condolences to his children, family and friends.”
      Former F1 and Le Mans driver Roberto Mehri said: “I wake up with very sad news. Adrian Campos has left us, a great person.
      “Thank you very much for helping me and supporting Spanish motorsport so much. A big hug for the family of Campos Racing in these hard times.”
      IndyCar driver Alex Palou stated: “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am. RIP Adrian.”

      Hoy me inunda una enorme tristeza. Nos ha dejado una de las personas que más han ayudado al automobilismo en España. Sin Adrián yo nunca hubiera llegado a la F1. Gran piloto, team principal y sobretodo una muy buena persona. Mi más sentido pésame a sus hijos, familia y amigos. pic.twitter.com/hh8f5R9ZDX
      — Marc Gené (@marc_gene) January 28, 2021

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