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      Lewis Hamilton insists hold-up in Mercedes contract talks is NOT down to proposed £23m-a-year salary cap

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has rubbished suggestions his new Mercedes deal has hit a snag due to F1’s proposed salary cap.
      F1 bosses met last Monday where they raised the idea of limiting drivers’ wages to £23million a year.

      Lewis Hamilton made history with his record-breaking 92nd win at the Portuguese Grand PrixCredit: Reuters

      The motion has been waved through to the next agenda however, Hamilton, who is yet to sign his new deal – worth around £40million a year – says the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association should have their say.
      Hamilton, who has a 77 point lead in the championship but cannot win the title in this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna GP, was quizzed if the delay in signing his new deal was due to the suggested salary freeze.
      He said: “It has nothing to do with it. I did not know it was being discussed. From a drivers’ point of view, it was a surprise to us.
      “We heard of the idea a while ago, maybe last year in France, but it is the first we heard of it this week.

      “So I think it is important the GPDA work closely with Formula One to get in to discussions moving forwards.”
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also supported his driver in quizzing whether it was right to limit drivers’ wages.
      And Wolff believes that drivers should be included as part of the discussions as their wages reflect their worth to their teams.
      He added: “The discussion around this topic is an emotional one.

      “Formula One teams, in order to be sustainable long term and to be successful sport franchises, need to show profitability like any company. We all need to achieve that.
      “On the other side, it is clear that drivers in Formula One are the best in the world and should earn high salaries like all the other top stars in sport.
      “The day those salaries are limited or their income is limited to what they are getting from the team, because the scope of promoting the brand is very limited…
      “So that is why it will be interesting to do a deal with the representatives of the drivers and the drivers can say how can we align ourselves that everyone is benefitting from the rules.
      “US sports have done it without really harming future earnings of the drivers.”
      Wolff, whose team can win the constructors’ title for a seventh successive year this weekend, also said he was happy to hold off contract talks with Hamilton, through fear of “contaminating” him with covid.
      He said: “The truth is there is a lot of trust between us and we keep on saying we must find a day.
      “But the championship is more important and I completely understand that Lewis wants to concentrate on that.

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

      Lewis Hamilton’s new deal is worth around £40million per year Credit: Splash News
      “It seems that we have to get that done to find the time but I don’t want to contaminate either of the drivers with covid.
      “If you spend so much time together the worst would be they could miss a race or more.”
      Meanwhile, Lando Norris sent a private apology to Hamilton after initially being dismissive of the fellow Brit’s landmark 92nd win.
      Last weekend when he was quizzed about Hamilton’s new win’s record, Norris said: “It doesn’t mean anything to me, really. He’s in a car which should win every race, basically”.
      He later said sorry to the world champion and added: “I didn’t choose the right words to put it into context.

      “I apologised [on Twitter] but I also apologised to Lewis himself, I messaged him.
      “I don’t know if he knew about it at the time but I never meant to say something like that in a bad way or put any bad light on him at all.
      “I respect everything he’s done to achieve what he’s done.”

      Lewis Hamilton on his 92nd win and beating Michael Schumacher’s record More

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      Daniel Ricciardo says Lewis Hamilton’s racism fight has opened F1’s eyes as he praises brave Brit

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO admits Lewis Hamilton’s fight to end racism has been eye-opening – and he admires the Brit’s bravery.
      Hamilton is battling to make F1 more diverse and Ricciardo says the six-time world champion’s actions have led to drivers discussing the issue for the first time ever.

      Lewis Hamilton has been praised for his bravery in his fight to end racismCredit: Getty

      Daniel Ricciardo admits his F1 rival’s actions have been eye-opening and inspiringCredit: Getty

      Speaking to SunSport, Ricciardo said: “I think he’s done a really good job and put himself out there.
      “That’s the thing, everyone probably has thoughts or ideas in their head but not everyone lets them out and speaks their mind, because of fear and criticism.
      “I think he’s been really good to push it and to be vocal and to encourage drivers or members in the paddock to speak up or to try to educate themselves.
      “Which I have done and it’s been really cool. Especially when it all kind of first started I was like ‘Man, how don’t I know this and how could I be so ignorant?'”

      Ricciardo, 31, added: “We’ve discussed it in driver briefings, to try and find ways to be more inclusive. And we’ve never really talked about it and again kind of due to a bit of ignorance, I never realised the whole paddock was white.
      “It’s never been something I have kind of noticed, but when it’s actually put in front of you, you’re like ‘wow’. It’s kinda crazy.”
      Meanwhile, Ricciardo is feeling at the peak of his powers as he’s fourth in the standings, with 2016 being the last time he was above fourth place.

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

      The Aussie is behind the Mercedes duo of Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, as well as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

      And with only five races remaining, the Renault driver is determined to hold his position to become the best of the rest.
      He added: “If I could remain fourth, it would wrap up a phenomenal season.
      “There’s no prizes for fourth, but it’s a nice morale victory for sure.
      “Obviously Mercedes and Max [Verstappen] they’ve been the untouchable top three all year, so to be the next best guy above that would serve me pretty well.”
      DP World is the global logistics partner of Renault and provides supply chain solutions for the automotive industry.

      Lewis Hamilton on his 92nd win and beating Michael Schumacher’s record More

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      F1 star Max Verstappen says he meant no offence to TV viewers with his controversial remarks about Lance Stroll

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN claims he did not mean to offend TV viewers with his controversial comments towards fellow racer Lance Stroll.
      The two collided in the Portuguese GP last weekend.

      Max Verstappen says he meant no offence to TV viewers with his controversial remarks about Lance StrollCredit: Getty

      The Red Bull man blasted the Canadian over the team’s radio calling him a ‘retard’ and a ‘mongol’.
      The politically incorrect terms went unpunished by the FIA but fans were quick to condemn the Dutchman on social media.
      And speaking ahead of this weekend’s race in San Marino, while stopping short of a full retraction, Verstappen did apologise for causing offence.
      He said: “First of all, I never intended to offend anyone. That’s not what I wanted.

      “It happened in the heat of the moment and when you are driving at those speeds things like that can happen.
      “I don’t say that the words I chose were the right ones, I also know they are not correct and I never meant to offend anyone with that.”
      Verstappen says he was also quick to clear the air with Stroll after this collision in Portimao, where he finished in third place.
      He added: “Of course I was swearing at Lance but I saw him straight away after and that’s what racing drivers are as well.

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

      “We can be angry at each other and then after five minutes when we talk to each other and when we look each other in the eyes, it is forgotten.
      “So sometimes things get a bit heated up from the outside world.
      “I never meant to hurt anyone in particular, so I don’t think they need to make it bigger than it is.”

      Lewis Hamilton on his 92nd win and beating Michael Schumacher’s record More

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      Lewis Hamilton wears stunning all pink denim outfit as Mercedes’ F1 superstar scoots around at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

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      LEWIS HAMILTON turned heads as he rocked up to this weekend’s race track in a bright pink denim outfit.
      The British superstar cruised around the circuit on his scooter ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

      Lewis Hamilton whizzed around the track on his electric scooterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Fashion icon Hamilton made sure he stood out from the crowd when he arrived on Friday.
      The 35-year-old could be seen a mile off in his bright pink double denim outfit.
      He completed the look with a white t-shirt, white trainers and his sunglasses.
      Hamilton kept his ‘Black Lives Matter’ face mask on as he sped around the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari track.

      The F1 champion had his hair slicked back in braids just days after he showed off a frizzy new look.
      Hamilton made history last weekend as he surpassed Michael Schumacher’s win race record.
      He moved one step closer to title No7 by winning his record-breaking 92nd Grand Prix in Portugal.
      But he has also hinted that he is not far off retirement which could happen at the end of the next racing calendar year.

      Lewis Hamilton kept his face mask on as he went for a ride on the trackCredit: Splash News

      Lewis Hamilton was joined by his beloved pet pooch Roscoe on FridayCredit: Splash News

      He told Sky Sports: “I still want to continue to race but I don’t know how much longer it will be.
      “It’s definitely not going to be a long time before I stop, so this is a period of time where I’ve got to slowly work out what the future holds.”
      Despite talk of retirement, Hamilton has revealed he is keen to sign a new deal with Mercedes.

      The British superstar has hinted that he is not far away from retiringCredit: Reuters

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

      Lewis Hamilton on his 92nd win and beating Michael Schumacher’s record More

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      F1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix: Why is there no practice today at Imola?

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      THE F1 season is reaching a crescendo – and this week teams and drivers are back at one of racing’s most iconic circuits.
      Imola plays host to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton will look to tighten his grip on the Driver’s Championship.

      Preparations for this weekend’s GP are underway in ItalyCredit: AFP

      But you may have noticed that the race schedule is over two days than the usual three.
      Why is there no practice today at Imola?
      The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc with the Formula One calendar and the past few weeks have been gruelling.
      As a result, a number of tracks that wouldn’t usually have been on the schedule have been added to minimise travel.
      One of these is Imola, which hasn’t seen F1 racing since 2006.

      F1 Grand Prix weekends are usually held over three days, with two practice sessions on Friday morning and afternoon.
      But at Imola this weekend, the race schedule will include NO racing on Friday and practice instead moves to Saturday morning, before qualifying in the afternoon.

      Lewis Hamilton is favourite to tale the chequered flag at ImolaCredit: AFP
      The decision to do this is purely logistical – teams are burned out from the gruelling schedule and this seemed a perfect opportunity for bosses to trial a two-day race weekend.
      After moving from Germany to Portugal, this triple-header race without a break has been seen as detrimental to the drivers ability to perform.

      As such, the decision was taken to make the Emilia-Romagna GP a two-day event and reduce the strain on the racers.
      If the calendar is expanded in the future – as expected – it could yet become the norm going forward.

      What is the race schedule?
      Saturday, October 31
      Practice – 9am to 10.30am
      Qualifying – 1pm to 2pm
      Sunday, November 1
      Race – 12.10pm More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals he DOES want to sign new Mercedes contract and hints it will be completed when F1 title is sealed

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has stated that he DOES want to continue in Formula One as he hunts down another of Michael Schumacher’s records.
      A 77-point lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship looks to be unassailable in his pursuit of a seventh world title.

      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes contract expires at the end of the yearCredit: Splash News

      That would draw the Brit level with Ferrari legend Schumacher, whose 91 race wins Hamilton topped with victory in Portugal last weekend.
      After that race, Hamilton insisted Mercedes’ dominance of the sport can continue – with himself behind the wheel.
      The six-time champ told Sky Sports: “I definitely don’t think it’s over.
      “I want to continue.

      “I think once we get the job done and the stress of the bubble and everything passes on, we can get to whatever comfortable or uncomfortable position we need to be in and we’ll get it done so we can continue.”
      Hamilton, 35, has admitted that it is ‘not going to be a long time’ before he hangs up his steering wheel.
      With his current £40million-a-year contract up at the end of the season, the star admitted he was not previously in the right headspace to sit down with Merc boss Toto Wolff and thrash out a deal.
      Yet, with the hindsight of the coronavirus pandemic, he does acknowledge that it may have been a good idea to sign on a year ago.

      Hamilton noted: “Naturally I think already last year, in Hungary last year I think Toto was talking about signing a contract.
      “Of course the pandemic wasn’t then and you look back and you’re like maybe I should have signed it then.
      “But the thing is I just think things happen at the right time and I definitely wasn’t ready mentally at the time.
      “I wanted to give myself the space mentally to really think about what I want to do, think if there’s any adjustments for me and for the team, how can we get more out of each other – how can I give them an easier time.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team on verge of F1 constructors title… with all 1,200 staff in line for at least £10k bonus

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      ALL Mercedes’ 1,200 staff will scoop a £10,000-plus bonus if Lewis Hamilton’s team seal a seventh straight F1 constructors’ title on Sunday.
      Runaway championship leader Hamilton or teammate Valtteri Bottas need only come fourth at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in San Marino to clinch more glory for the Silver Arrows.

      Brit Lewis Hamilton or team-mate Valterri Bottas need only finish fourth this weekend to spark a tasty bonus for all Mercedes’ staffCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Flying Finn Valterri Bottas is second-placed in the F1 drivers’ table, 77 points behind six-time champ Lewis HamiltonCredit: Alamy Live News

      And Hamilton’s earliest chance to win his own seventh world title could arrive as early as the Turkish GP, with three races to spare.
      Mercedes lead Red Bull by 209 points with 220 still available.
      The Brackley-based team are currently F1’s fourth most successful team but can pass WIlliams with just another two victories.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Nonetheless, Damon Hill fears Hamilton’s astonishing 92 wins could fail the test of time due to a lack of competition.

      While Hamilton was pushed to the wire by his former teammate Nico Rosberg, his current partner Bottas, cannot match the Brit for speed.
      Hill, who won the title in 1996, said: “There is a risk that Lewis’ achievements will be measured against the intensity of his competition.
      “He had to fight hard against Nico but he pretty much had the upper hand on him most of the time.
      “Valtteri is doing a solid job but he cannot keep up with Lewis during the races.

      “Mercedes have totally dominated this era and Lewis is not being challenged.
      “He demolishes everyone but we are missing the chance to see the best of him because if he had to fight hard that is when you see the great drivers shine.
      “You cannot keep saying look at the king’s lovely new coat over and over again.”

      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team will get more than fringe benefits if he or Valtteri Bottas help wrap up the constructors’ crown on SundayCredit: Instagram

      Lewis Hamilton on his 92nd win and beating Michael Schumacher’s record More

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      Lewis Hamilton shows off his stunning frizzy hair as Mercedes’ F1 legend says ‘just one of them days’

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      FORMULA ONE superstar Lewis Hamilton has switched up his look for his 20.4million followers… and it appears to be an instant hit with fans.
      The Brit took to Instagram to show off his curly locks during a day off ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in San Marino.

      Lewis Hamilton showed off his new hairstyle on InstagramCredit: Instagram

      Alongside an image of his impressive frizzy hair, Hamilton captioned it: “Just one of them days #grateful.”
      A host of his celebrity friends complimented his style including former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert.
      The Dutchman replied: “Nice do bro haha.”
      Model Naomi Campbell added: “What a mane Lil bro.”

      Hamilton is basking in the glory after creating history by breaking Michael Schumacher’s win race record.
      The 35-year-old, arguably Britain’s greatest ever sportsman, eclipsed the German legend with his 92nd race win in Portugal on Sunday.
      He will also equal Schumacher’s seventh world champion haul when he envitably defends his crown this season.

      Lewis Hamilton picked up his 92nd race win on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hamilton also hinted that he is not far off retirement which could happen at the end of the next racing calendar year.

      He told Sky Sports: “I still want to continue to race but I don’t know how much longer it will be.
      “It’s definitely not going to be a long time before I stop, so this is a period of time where I’ve got to slowly work out what the future holds.”

      Lewis Hamilton on his 92nd win and beating Michael Schumacher’s record More