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      From Brazil drama in 2008 to Turkey 2020, how Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record seven F1 world titles

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has done it.
      The perky kid from Stevenage, who could never be told he wasn’t good enough, is now standing atop the podium for all-time Formula One world titles.

      Lewis Hamilton took a stunning victory at Istanbul to secure the Drivers’ ChampionshipCredit: Getty – Pool

      The win equalled Michael Schumacher’s seven F1 titles recordCredit: AFP

      Alongside Michael Schumacher, the Brit now holds seven Drivers’ Championship crowns.
      It all started in dramatic circumstances with McLaren in Brazil, overtaking Timo Glock at the final corner to shock home hero Felipe Massa.
      Fast forward 12 years and five more titles, and Hamilton reigned supreme once again as he drove through the wet in Istanbul to secure a trademark victory.
      Here, SunSport recounts the seven titles that the 35-year-old calls his own.

      #1 – 2008
      Hamilton took his maiden F1 title in dramatic circumstances.
      The Brit passed Timo Glock on the final lap in Brazil to finish in fifth place and clinch the title by a point. Ferrari’s Felipe Massa breaks down in tears at missing out to the McLaren man.

      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his first crown with mentor Ron Dennis and brother NicolasCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A fresh-faced Lewis with his first Championship trophyCredit: Reuters
      #2 – 2014
      Hamilton won his second title and Mercedes’ first of the new hybrid-turbo era, beating Nico Rosberg to it.
      Hamilton went into the final race with a 17-point lead but the season is denied a grandstand finish as Rosberg suffered reliability issues and Hamilton won in Abu Dhabi.

      A move to Mercedes was proven successful with the first of many titles in 2014Credit: PA:Press Association

      The Brit struck up a strong working relationship with Merc team principal Toto WolffCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      #3 – 2015
      A crushing win for Hamilton as he secured the title with three races to go. The Brit’s victory in the US GP stopped Rosberg’s challenge dead.
      However, the German did still win the remaining three races of the season in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

      Hamilton pulled off a second consecutive title in 2015Credit: PA:Press Association

      Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg would snatch the crown in the following year’s epic battleCredit: PA:Press Association
      #4 – 2017
      After being denied n 2016 by Rosberg, who subsequently retired, Hamilton joined Sebastian Vettel on four world titles the following year.
      He won it in Mexico, with two races to go as he traded wins with the German over the course of the season.

      With Rosberg out of the picture, Hamilton stormed to victory in 2017Credit: Reuters

      This triumph levelled Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel’s tallyCredit: PA:Press Association
      #5 – 2018
      Another crushing win for Hamilton, who finished the season with 11 victories. He wrapped the title up in Mexico and finished a whopping 88 points clear of second-placed Vettel.
      The defining moment came when Vettel crashed out of his home GP and Hamilton, who started 14th, won the race.

      Mexico was again the destination as Hamilton won again in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ferrari star Vettel put up a good fight in the pair’s race to a fifth crownCredit: AFP or licensors
      #6 – 2019
      A straightforward season for Hamilton as the early threat to his crown initially posed by Bottas quickly dropped away.
      Hamilton was unchallenged as he romped to the title as Ferrari’s engine advantage was stopped by the FIA, following an investigation that remained private.

      Hamilton’s domination of the British GP personified his title superiorityCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mercedes continued to lead the pack amid Ferrari’s challengeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      #7 – 2020
      The coronavirus-affected season produced an incredibly unusual F1 season – but Hamilton took it all in his stride.
      Social justice issues became a focal point of the veteran’s persona and he beat Schumacher’s race victories record before levelling the German legend’s titles tally.

      Hamilton has become a powerful speaker off the track in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Formula One awarded a Michael Schumacher race helmet after he matched, and later surpassed, the legend’s 92 race winsCredit: AFP

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      Lewis Hamilton in tears as he wins 7th world title in Turkey to match Michael Schumacher record

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      LEWIS HAMILTON sat in his Mercedes’ cockpit with his hands covering his face as fought back the tears.
      He’d just won a record-equalling seventh world style in typical style but was desperate not to show any weakness to his rivals.

      Lewis Hamilton celebrates with his trophy after victory in TurkeyCredit: Getty Images

      The Brit was in tears after winning his seventh world titleCredit: AFP

      Hamilton celebrates with Sebastian Vettel and Sergio PerezCredit: Getty Images

      Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff on the podiumCredit: Reuters

      Victory number 94 came as he crossed the line a whopping 31.6 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez.
      Hamilton said: “My whole life I’ve secretly dreamt as high as this.
      “I remember watching Michael winning those championships. We always hear just to get 1 or 2 or even 3 is so hard to get – 7 is just so unimaginable.
      “There’s no end to what me and this team can do together. What a day. A lot to take in.

      “I feel like I’m only just getting started. I feel physically in great shape and mentally this year has been the hardest year for millions of people and it’s no different for us athletes.
      “I’m a bit lost for words. I think naturally I have to say thank you to the team. The journey we’ve been on is monumental.
      “I want to say also a big thank you to team LH for sticking with me all these years. And to my family who dreamed of this when we were young and watching the grand prix. This is way beyond our dreams.
      “It’s so important for kids out there to see this and know that don’t listen to anybody who tells you you can’t achieve something. Dream the impossible and speak it into existence. You’ve got to work for it, chase it and never give up.”

      Hamilton wipes away the tears of joyCredit: AFP

      Lewis Hamilton tosses the trophy in the air as Sebastian Vettel looks onCredit: Reuters

      Brit Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titlesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lewis Hamilton raises his fists in delight after a seventh world titleCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Only needing to ensure he finished ahead of his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, who had a stinker and was left dizzy after a number of spins, Hamilton could have played it safe.
      But if there is one thing we have learnt about the 35-year-old during his career is that he doesn’t do things the easy way.
      Instead of coasting home, he thumped on the accelerator and thumped the brake pedal like his life depended on it.
      There is an argument that he only wins races because he has the best car. But in these wet slippery conditions it is simple; it was the best driver that won.
      Before the race, there were some worried faces as the dark clouds gathered over the Istanbul Park circuit and the heavens opened.
      The rain had caused havoc the previous day to result in an unlikely first pole position for Lance Stroll.
      But there was one man who looked an oasis of calm, despite what was at stake as Hamilton stuck to his usual pre-race routine.

      The rain continued to fall and caused some spins on the way to the grid as Antonio Giovinazzi and George Russell both found the barriers before limping back to the start.
      As for the start itself, it was like these 1,000bhp cars were stuck in treacle as they sluggishly pulled away from the line.
      It was like being at your local rink watching people take to the ice for the first time, taking pigeon steps as they tried to get their balance.
      Max Verstappen, pent up having missed out on pole the previous day, barely moved forward as Hamilton quickly went from sixth to fourth.
      By contrast, Bottas was tagged by Esteban Ocon and sent into the first of many spins for the day.
      The Finn was powerless as he slid into a 360 degree spin that dropped him down to 18th.
      It was game over from Turn One on Lap one.

      Hamilton won his seventh world title on Sunday in TurkeyCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Brit nursed his Mercedes home in the rain to win another world crownCredit: AP:Associated Press
      With Hamilton in fourth, he played out a thrilling duel with Sebastian Vettel over a handful of laps, as the German rolled back the years by finishing in the top three.
      When Bottas stopped for intermediate tyres at the end of lap seven, he had hauled himself back to 15th.
      But he soon started going backwards again as he spun again – so much for all that rally experience he did over last winter.
      Then it was Hamilton’s turn to have a nervy moment.
      He bailed out of an attempt to overtake Vettel on Lap 16 and ran wide, allowing Alex Albon to pass, dropping Hamilton down a place.
      Out in front, Stroll was being caught by Perez and Verstappen until the Dutchman proved a little too keen and sent into a terrifying spin at 200mph.

      Michael Schumacher won seven world titles during his own dominant careerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The German dominated in the early 2000s in his FerrariCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Somehow, he managed to keep on the blackstuff and avoided contact with the barriers.
      Another two spins for Bottas dropped him even further back as Hamilton kept things clean, despite keeping up the pace.
      It was like when the TV cameras at The Open cut to the engraver writing the name of this year’s winner on the Claret Jug.
      No need for nervousness as Hamilton was handed an unexpected double boost.
      First, Vettel makes a slow pitstop before Albon spins, allowing the champ into third place.
      A pitstop for Stroll promoted Hamilton to second on lap 36. He was in P1 a lap later after overtaking Perez.

      Drivers started on the wet tyres after rain lashed down in IstanbulCredit: Getty Images

      Valtteri Bottas spun on the opening lap to all but end his chances of extending the world championshipCredit: Getty Images
      So much for taking it easy.
      As for Bottas, he was sent into another THREE SPINS, and with 12 laps to go there was the ultimate indignity, as Hamilton lapped his teammate.
      The Finn made life more difficult for the Brit as he refused to move off the racing line.
      Bottas, who trundled home in 14th place, was left wondering – like others before him – if he will ever get the better of his teammate.
      On being told he had four laps to go, the dead-pan Bottas replied: “I wish it was less.” And who could blame him?

      The threat of a rain shower on the final few laps nearly added another twist as Hamilton warned his team that the worn intermediate tyres would not work.
      But the rain stayed away and as he conducted his post-race interviews a beautiful rainbow arched its way across the paddock.
      Hamilton had conjured this win out of nothing, the pot of gold was a seventh title at the end of 14-year long rainbow. 

      The drivers take part in a message against racismCredit: Getty Images

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      F1 Turkish Grand Prix: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and schedule for race TODAY

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON is world champion for a record seventh time after a stunning drive in Turkey.
      Hamilton LAPS Bottas after teammate spins on opening corner.
      Stroll starts on pole but fails to get on podium.
      1st Hamilton 2nd Perez 3rd Vettel
      Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…

      ‘I’M JUST GETTING STARTED’
      Hamilton is ready to go again…
      “There’s no end to what me and this team can do together. What a day. A lot to take in.
      “I feel like I’m only just getting started. I feel physically in great shape and mentally this year has been the hardest year for millions of people and it’s no different for us athletes.”

      LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN
      If you’re just joining us, Lewis Hamilton has made history.

      LECLERC TURNS AIR BLUE
      It wasn’t a day to remember for the Ferrari driver who handed a podium finish to teammate Sebastien Vettel by messing up three corners from the line.
      Leclerc blasted through team radio: “I did a s*** job. A s*** job.”
      Understandably, he’s calmed down now and although frustrated at his own performance has congratulated Hamilton on his triumph.

      And of course, a huge congratulations to @LewisHamilton for being a seven times World Champion. What an achievement!
      — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) November 15, 2020

      HOW THE RACE WAS WON
      Instead of coasting home, Hamilton thumped on the accelerator and thumped the brake pedal as if his life depended on it, writes Ben Hunt.
      And in treacherous conditions too. He battled his way through the field, taking heart-in-the-mouth risks, to cross the line 31.6 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez in second place.
      There is an argument that he wins because he has the best car. At this race, with conditions a real leveller, the best driver won.
      It is as simple as that.
      Before the race, there were some worried faces as the dark clouds gathered over the Istanbul Park circuit and the heavens opened.
      The rain had caused havoc the previous day to result in an unlikely first pole position for Lance Stroll.
      But there was one man who looked an oasis of calm, despite what was at stake as Hamilton stuck to his usual pre-race routine.

      GROUP EFFORT
      The entire Mercedes team were going berserk as Hamilton crossed the line – and an emotional driver went to celebrate with them in the pits.

      IN CASE YOU’RE LATE TO THE PARTY…
      Lewis Hamilton clinched his record-equalling seventh world title by putting in a vintage performance to win the Turkish Grand Prix.
      It was win 94 in his glorious F1 career and yet another master class.
      With his only rival, Valtteri Bottas sinking like a stone after so many spins that he was probably left dizzy, Hamilton didn’t even need to complete this race.
      Hamilton said: “My whole life I’ve secretly dreamt as high as this.
      “I remember watching Michael winning those championships. We always hear just to get 1 or 2 or even 3 is so hard to get – 7 is just so unimaginable.
      “There’s no end to what me and this team can do together. What a day. A lot to take in.”

      THE CHAMP SPEAKS
      An emotional Hamilton has taken to his socials…

      7X Formula 1 World Champion. Wow. To everyone that has supported me along the way, this is for you. To my incredible family, where do I even start? I am eternally grateful for your unconditional love, sacrifices and support… https://t.co/Uwb34qzCx2
      — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 15, 2020

      RAW EMOTION
      This is what it feels like to be a seven-time world champion…

      TEAM-MATE TRIBUTE
      Valtteri Bottas: “He deserves it, he was better than us on average and fully deserves it. I’ll try and beat him next year.”

      THE STATS
      Here it is, the comparison between 7-time world champions…

      DREAM BIG
      Lewis Hamilton talking to Mark Webber: “My whole life I’ve secretly dreamt as high as this.
      “I remember watching Michael winning those championships. We always hear just to get 1 or 2 or even 3 is so hard to get – 7 is just so unimaginable.
      “There’s no end to what me and this team can do together. What a day. A lot to take in.
      “I feel like I’m only just getting started. I feel physically in great shape and mentally this year has been the hardest year for millions of people and it’s no different for us athletes.”

      MORE FROM LEWIS
      “There was a point when Seb was pulling away from me but I just kept my head down and kept believing I would pick up pace at some stage and that’s what I did.
      “I couldn’t figure out what it was. I was checking my temperatures.
      “Seb pitted and I knew that wasn’t the right choice and stayed out.
      “I lost a world championship in the pit lane so I learned my lesson from 2007. I felt like I had it under control and deal with the rain if it dropped.”

      ‘DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE’
      An emotional Hamilton: “I’m a bit lost for words. I think naturally I have to start with saying thank you to the team. The journey we’ve been on is monumental.
      “I want to say also a big thank you to team LH for sticking with me all these years. And to my family who dreamed of this when we were young and watching the grand prix. This is way beyond our dreams.
      “It’s so important for kids out there to see this and know that don’t listen to anybody who tells you you can’t achieve something. Dream the impossible and speak it into existence. You’ve got to work for it, chase it and never give up.”

      TOP 10
      Here’s how they finished after a brilliant race in Turkey.

      SEB’S BACK
      Vettel on the podium as well. How refreshing to see.

      HAMMER TIME
      Hamilton on team radio: “For all the kids out there who dream the impeccable, you can do it too just believe in yourself.”
      He sounds emotional, too, and why wouldn’t he be?

      HAMILTON WINS!
      Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time world champion.
      One of his best race wins of the season.
      Stunning driving from a stunning champion – one of Britain’s finest ever.

      LAP 57
      No, Hamilton overrules. He’s staying out.

      LAP 56
      Hamilton told that rain is expected to hit turn 8.
      And the Brit responds to say that these tyres won’t work if there’s rain.
      Mercedes are in the pit lane to get him an insurance stop.

      LAP 54
      A little bit of rain here would put a spanner in the works for Hamilton.
      Time for an insurance pit stop?

      LAP 53
      Rain possibly on the way? It will have to be quick to make a difference here.
      Hamilton from Perez, Leclerc in third, Vettel fourth, Sainz fifth.

      LAP 51
      Seven laps to go and it looks like Hamilton and Perez are taking these intermediate tyres all the way.
      Their tyres are basically slicks now with no grip left for the water.
      It there’s any more rain they might have a sticky final few laps.

      LAP 48
      Mercedes solve the problem by boxing Bottas for new tyres.
      His looked very worn.
      Hamilton is 19 seconds ahead of Perez in second now. That’s almost a full pit stop.

      LAP 46
      Hamilton on team radio says Bottas has blue flags, someone might want to tell him to get out of my way.
      Slightly amusing… but not for Bottas I’m sure.

      LAP 44
      Hamilton has a whole pitstop advantage now to Leclerc in third so is looking very good for the win here.
      He was frustrated for most of the afternoon and is now 16 seconds clear of second place Perez.
      What must Racing Point be thinking? They had a 1/2 on the cards and now might have to settle for one podium.

      Load more entries… More

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      Who is Lewis Hamilton’s mum Carmen Larbalestier, and how often does she attend F1 races?

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S mum has been something of an elusive figure throughout his sensational F1 career.
      While dad Anthony was regularly seen by his side, particularly in his younger days, Carmen Larbalestier has typically kept her distance.

      Lewis Hamilton celebrated his world title with his mum in MexicoCredit: PA:Press Association
      Who is Lewis Hamilton’s mum?

      Carmen Larbalestier was born in 1955.
      In 1985 she gave birth to Lewis Hamilton, but her and his father Anthony separated when he was just two years old.
      Lewis was raised by his mum until he was 12 years old, along with half-sisters Nicola and Samantha, when he moved to live with father Anthony, stepmother Linda and half-brother Nicolas.
      How is Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with his mum?
      Lewis Hamilton has an excellent relationship with his mum.

      While she has been out of the limelight, she has made appearances at some of the bigger races.
      At the Chinese Grand Prix in 2008, two weeks before he became a world champion for the first time, Larbalestier was seen embracing her son and his stepmother Linda.
      And Hamilton’s mum shared another hug with him after he secured his fourth world title in Mexico.
      The world champ also went to the trouble of holding a surprise 60th birthday party in London in 2015 and getting Jessie J to sing for it.

      Hamilton shared a number of pictures from the party on his Instagram account with one captain saying: “So much planning and hard work, all to surprise the most amazing woman in the world, and it was so worth it!! Love you Mum. Happy birthday.” More

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      Where does Lewis Hamilton need to finish to win F1 World Championship in Turkey TODAY?

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is on the brink of winning a joint-record seventh F1 World Championship this weekend.
      The 35-year-old can tie legendary racer Michael Schumacher’s tally with a win at the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday.

      Only Valtteri Bottas can catch Hamilton in this year’s championship race.

      Hamilton can only be caught by his Mercedes team-mate Bottas Credit: AFP
      But on Sunday, there are multiple ways in which Hamilton can secure himself a sweet victory over his Mercedes team-mate.
      Hamilton already leads Bottas by 85 points so if he outscores his Finnish rival this weekend, the race to title supremacy is finished.
      Even if Bottas manages to outscore his Brit rival, then there are still multiple ways in which Hamilton can get the job done.

      Hamilton can finish as low as 10th on Sunday in TurkeyCredit: 2020 Getty Images

      Hamilton is looking to win his seventh F1 World ChampionshipCredit: Splash News
      If Bottas wins the Turkish Grand Prix and gets the fastest lap, the title race will continue on to the Bahrain GP.
      But Hamilton will win it all on Sunday if he comes second and Bottas fails to nab the fastest lap.
      Should Bottas finish second and obtain the fastest lap, Hamilton only needs to finish fourth.
      Hamilton can also finish fifth if Bottas ends up in third place with the fastest lap.

      If Bottas ends the day in fourth place, Hamilton can finish in seventh or eighth WITH the fastest lap.
      Hamilton can also afford to slip to eighth, so long as Bottas ends his day in fifth position.
      Bottas finishing sixth with the fastest lap would allow Hamilton to finish ninth.
      And a lowly sixth place finish for Bottas would see Hamilton secure his seventh title as long as he finishes in 10th place or higher.

      That same pattern continues all the way down to a seventh or lower finish for Bottas, which would see Hamilton clinch the title wherever he ends up.
      Hamilton spoke about the potential achievement and noted that matching Schumacher would be something to be ‘incredibly proud’ of.
      “Matching an icon like Michael; I’d be incredibly proud of that,” Hamilton said.
      “But it’s more the message it sends to not just kids, but mostly kids, that you have to dream bigger than you think you can dream and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t go for that.” More

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      The inside track on F1’s ‘Rashford on wheels’ Hamilton as he stands on the cusp of history from those who know him best

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      LEWIS HAMILTON can equal Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One titles today at the Turkish Grand Prix.
      Having already passed the German’s record of race victories, he can rightly lay claim to being F1 greatest-ever racing driver.

      Hamilton has led the way in F1 in promoting racial equalityCredit: AFP or licensors

      His on-track achievements aside, he has juggled them with his quest to promote diversity, challenge racism and raise awareness to environmental issues – and has consequently been dubbed “Marcus Rashford on wheels”.
      Here, SunSPORT quizzes those people who have worked closest with the 35-year-old to discover his extreme competitiveness that has helped him win all those titles – plus we can reveal a compassionate side that few people get to witness.
      We go back to his debut F1 season in 2007 with McLaren where on a team bonding exercise at the Finnish Olympic Institute, he showed his determination to be a champ.
      McLaren’s Number One Chief Mechanic at the time, Marc Priestley, was on that week-long team building exercise where Hamilton surprised the team by taking part.

      Priestley said: “We went away for a team building week at the Finnish Olympic Institute, which was a thing we did with the race team and the drivers used to come.
      “But on this occasion, we knew that Fernando Alonso, who was the other driver, was not scheduled to attend and we did not know who the other driver was going to be.
      “So we went to Finland but the next day after the announcement was made Lewis surprised us to turn up in Finland.
      “He had taken it upon himself to integrate himself in the team. It was an important thing to do but it was also brave, because we were a well-established group of pretty boisterous, macho guys and he was just a young boy.

      Lewis Hamilton has used his platform to highlight issuesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “So to step into that world was a brave thing. I remember him being very polite. He went around shaking everyone’s hand and introducing himself.”But the one thing that stuck out on that trip was just how competitive he was and how desperate he was to win.
      “We went tenpin bowling and Lewis was just incredible. He was getting strike after strike, spinning it down the lane, and we were like ‘have you done this before?’ and he was like ‘nope’.
      “However, as it turns out, the night before we did the bowling, he had gone in for some private lessons.”He had taped up this expert and had been having one-on-one coaching. It was all in an effort to ensure he was the best and the next day he smashed everyone.”
      Matt Bishop, currently Communications Director at W Series, held the same title at McLaren from 2008 to 2017 and worked closely with Hamilton.He is able to pick out many standout achievements on track, pointing to his nine successive podiums in his debut season, as one.
      But it was two phone calls 12 months apart that Bishop recalls that give his truest insight into what Hamilton is really like.

      Hamilton won his Formula 1 Championship with McLaren in 2008 before making the difficult decision to leave a few years laterCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He added: “Some people think Lewis is a wannabe rapper. Rich as croesus but he is a good human. These stories don’t get told, but they show what a great heart he has.
      “In 2012 my mother was dying of terminal cancer and I was giving Lewis a media briefing. I was called away but left my phone on the table.
      “While I was out of the room, my mum called my mobile and he saw it flash up that she was calling me.”He took it upon himself to answer the phone and said “hello Mrs Bishop, this is Lewis, you son’s away from the phone at the moment”.
      “He then went on to say, ‘you know you should be very proud of him, he does a great job and I know you are not well and I am saying, stay strong, keep fighting and that we are thinking of you here’, and put the phone down.
      “I came back and I did  not even know he’d done that. It was not until I spoke to my mum some days later that she told me that story.”Part two is that in 2013, when he was not even at McLaren anymore, so there was nothing to be gained with me, and my mother died.
      “It was 10pm, Lewis was at the German GP so 11pm where he was, and my phone rang.

      Hamilton struggled in a chaotic and wet qualifying session ahead of the Turkish Grand PrixCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “It was Lewis and he said, ‘I have just heard this moment your mother had passed away and I wanted to call you immediately to say that if you are with your family, please pass on my condolences to all of them. I will remember your mother in my prayers tonight’.
      “He didn’t need to do that but it shows what a thoroughly decent person he is.” Bishop admits that there were times when he was difficult to manage.His relationship with pop-star Nicole Scherzinger made him front and back page news either side of the Atlantic.
      But Bishop says those days were all part of his growing up process to the figure he is today.He said: “It is since those days we have seen him grow into this statesman like man who stands for Black Lives Matter and is Marcus Rashford on wheels.
      “Lewis’s maturation from sports boy to statesman was an unstoppable evolution.”I think not only the sport but the world should be grateful for what Lewis does and what he stands for and for what he is yet to achieve.”It has now got to a stage where F1 needs Lewis Hamilton more than Lewis Hamilton needs F1.
      “When he does retire, the sport will miss him and we won’t realise how much we miss him until he has gone.”

      Hamilton enjoys – and then quickly regrets – a ‘shooey’ with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo after his latest win at Imola two weeks ago Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hamilton, of course, has yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes, but he is loving his life with the Silver Arrows.
      And while he might always come across in a positive light when he has not won a race, he is a different character when he is away from the race track.
      Mercedes’ Trackside Engineering Director, Andrew Shovlin, who also worked with Schuamcher, said: “For any famous drivers – when you look at Michael he was exactly the same – the reason they can appear a bit standoff-ish or rushing and not having time for people is because they cannot get away from this constant pressure to sign autographs and pose for a selfie.

      “But Lewis has a very compassionate side to him and when you see the real Lewis, which with all drivers, when you see them at the circuit it is not what they are really like as a person.
      “You can see it is not out of any sense of obligation it is just that he enjoys their stories and speaking to them and if he can inspire him, then he will.”At the circuit, that’s the time you really see him fully relax because all other times he has a job to do as an elite sportsman.” More

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      Alex Marquez goes flying over motorbike in high speed crash but walks away unhurt in Valencia Moto GP qualifying

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      SPANISH Grand Prix motorcycle racer Alex Marquez was lucky to walk away unhurt after a horrific crash in Valencia during the qualifying for the Moto GP.
      The 24-year-old was thrown over the handlebars of his motorbike at high speed after misjudging a tight turn.

      Alex Marquez is thrown off his motorbike in qualifying for Valencia Moto GP

      25-year-old Marquez face-planted the track and skidded off

      Landing on his coccyx first, he flipped onto his shoulder and then face as he skidded off the track.
      Paramedics were immediately on hand to rush to Marquez’s aide as the incident unfolded.
      Incredibly though, the younger brother of eight-times world champion Alex Marquez was next seen walking away from the track – seemingly unhurt – from the horror moment.
      The Repsol Honda man even returned to the track moments later after being catapulted from his motorbike.

      It’s not the first time Marquez’s life has flashed before his eyes on the track.
      In fact, before the Valencia qualifying round he had suffered two successive crashes.
      The rookie revealed beforehand he was hoping to finish the season as best he can.

      Incredibly, Marquez escaped unscathed

      Marquez returned to the track after his horror accident Credit: AFP or licensors

      “We have a lot of things to improve in view of the season finale,” Marquez revealed.

      “I have to try and have more confidence with the bike and at the same time have a fast lap in qualifying.”
      On Sunday, Marquez will start from 20th on the grid at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. More

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      F1 Turkish Grand Prix qualifying LIVE RESULTS: Stroll ON POLE for first time, Hamilton only SIXTH – latest updates

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      LANCE STROLL will start the Turkish Grand Prix on pole after a superb drive on a sopping wet Instanbul circuit.
      The Mercedes drivers both struggled in the terrible conditions and Lewis Hamilton will start sixth on the grid after an action-packed qualifying session.
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV
      Grid positions: 1st Stroll 2nd Verstappen 3rd Perez 4th Albon

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      TURKISH DELIGHT

      F1 QUALIFYING RESULTS

      STROLL IN THE PARK

      MERCEDES PRAISE

      You won’t hear any excuses or clever quotes from us today.
      We were absolutely nowhere near pole.
      Today belongs to @RacingPointF1 and @lance_stroll 👏👏👏
      We’ll be down with a bottle of champagne later. You guys deserve it!
      — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) November 14, 2020

      MAX POWER
      Max Verstappen has spoken of his disappointment at missing out on pole.
      He said: “Already in Q1 when we tried to go out on the inters we had no grip.
      “The track was a lot better in Q3 but for us the inters were horrible. 
      “The extreme tyres were good and was very comfortable. Not good.
      “I’m a bit disappointed, of course. In the race tomorrow we can do well but when you’re first all the time and then you come second it’s not what you want.”

      MORE FROM STROLL
      “I’m shocked. We didn’t look to competitive in final practice but I’m so happy right now, I really put that lap together at the end, I only had one lap to do it on the inters. 
      “I had the confidence in the car and I just nailed pretty much every corner, pieced it together nicely and such a nice way to bounce back after a few tough weeks.
      “To put it on pole is a special moment for me, one of the biggest of my career.”

      STROLL SPEAKS
      On pole for the first time, you can see the beaming smile even behind the face mask.
      “I can’t really put it into words right now, I’m shocked!
      “It’s one of the biggest highlights of my career for sure, we dream about these moments growing up and it’s pretty special!”

      SHOCK GRID
      What a qualifying session – if the race tomorrow is half as good, we’re in for a treat.

      SOME RESULT FOR STROLL
      He has been under fire of late for some poor results, but he pulled that out of the bag.

      AND NOW STROLL
      Unbelievable finish as Stroll takes pole position.
      Max Verstappen is in P2.
      Perez in P3.
      Hamilton is down in 6th place – Bottas in P9.

      PEREZ IS LOOKING GOOD FOR POLE HERE
      But Hamilton is down in 8th

      THREE MINUTES TO GO
      It is Perez, Verstappen, Raikkonen, Stroll, Ricciardo, Bottas, Albon, Hamilton, Giovinazzi, Ocon.

      SWAPPING FOR INTERMEDIATES
      With the track drying, there is a flurry of action in the pitlane as Merc and Red Bull pit their drivers for the quicker intermediate tyres.
      Still too damp for slicks.

      ALL DRIVERS ON WETS
      Apart from Ocon and Ricciardo. The two Renault boys are trying their luck on the intermediate tyres.

      Q3 IS GO
      Looks like we will get this session done after all. Results all pending investigations into the lap times set in Q1 under yellow flags.
      But, let’s say this is the shoot out for the top 10 nonetheless.
      Can Verstappen take pole ahead of Hamilton?

      FLAG IS OUT
      And those drivers eliminated are Gasly, Leclerc, Sainz, Vettel and Norris.
      The two Alfa Romeos of Raikkonen and Giovinazzi are through to the top 10.

      UNDER THREE MINUTES TO GO
      In the drop zone are – Sainz, Gasly, Vettel, Leclerc, Norris.

      RIDICULOUSNESS OUT OF THE WAY
      The flags have gone and qualifying resumes at full speed.
      Verstappen again goes quickest, Raikkonen in P2.
      But these times will now drop as the rain has stopped and the track starts clearing up.

      Q2 IS GO
      But under yellow flags in sector 2 as marshals removed Latifi’s beached Williams. That seems very strange and illogical.
      Not too sure what is going on in Race Control today.

      ELIMINATED FROM Q1
      Latifi, Grosjean, Russell, Kvyat, Magnussen.

      THAT WAS CLOSE FOR THE CHAMP
      And it might not be over yet.
      Kevin Magnussen is quizzing how the other drivers improved their times when there were yellow flags.
      He has a point.

      CHEQUERED FLAG IS OUT
      Verstappen sets the benchmark. A brave lap of 1:57.485 in these terrible conditions. He will be safe with that.
      Hamilton cut that fine as he aborted his final lap and ends the session in 14th place.

      IN THE DROP ZONE ARE
      Latifi, Russell, Gasly and Leclerc. Verstappen is only in P15.

      Q1 IS GO….AGAIN Pt2
      A little over 2 minutes to go. Grosjean is out but who are the other four drivers who will be eliminated at the first hurdle?

      RED FLAG
      Grosjean spins, is stuck in gravel and the session is stopped.
      This is turning into a real nightmare.
      Leclerc also has an off in the gravel but bumps his Ferrari forward to get back on track.

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