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      George Russell reckons Williams 2021 F1 car can score points and move team back up the grid again

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      GEORGE RUSSELL says this year’s Williams has more potential to score points than any other car he’s driven for the team.Williams hit a new low last year after ending the season without a point for the first time in their history.
      George Russell is confident that Williams can fight for points this seasonCredit: Reuters
      But the team’s future is looking brighter under the new ownership, as Russell looks to secure his first point for Williams.
      He said: “I believe this year’s car definitely has more potential than the last two cars that I’ve driven.
      “We came close a number of times last year and I’d like to think we will be able to scrape into the points at some point this season.
      “You know 23 races, a lot can happen, difficult conditions and our competitiveness will be a little up and down this year, as it is for a lot of teams out there.
      “So we need to make sure the times we are competitive, we capitalise on that.
      “I don’t necessarily think it will be this weekend, I think it will be a very tricky weekend for us, with the conditions that are on the forecast.
      “But I do believe at some point this year, in more normal conditions, we will see the true pace of the car and that will be more positive.”
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      Williams didn’t manage a single point last season for the first time in their historyCredit: Rex

      During the off-season Russell became a new director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, following the departure of Romain Grosjean.
      The 23-year-old will work alongside Sebastian Vettel who is a fellow director, as the two will represent the drivers’ interest in the paddock.
      Russell said: “I wanted to take on this role because what the GPDA has done over so many years has been great for the sport.
      “Whenever we have had our briefings, between all of the drivers which in 2019 was common once after every two grand prix.
      “We would stay after the drivers’ briefing and we would all talk about certain issues, or ways we can improve the sport.
      “I was always quite vocal, I always quite enjoyed putting my opinion forward.

      “I guess having a voice for the drivers is something I am quite proud of, so I am looking forward to that.
      “I think I have got a very good relationship with a lot of the younger drivers.
      “So I guess Sebastian [Vettel] is almost representing the older half of the grid and I’m potentially representing the younger half of the grid.”
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      F1 in chaos before season starts with staff put into quarantine after positive Covid-19 test caught by new strict rules

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      FORMULA ONE staff in Bahrain have been placed into quarantine after a positive test for Covid-19.SunSport understands that members of a British team are currently in isolation awaiting the results of second tests.
      Covid test results of team staff travelling to Bahrain have come back positiveCredit: Getty
      F1 has adopted strict protocols again this season where anyone is tested before being allowed entry to the paddock.
      The Bahraini authorities also have a vigorous testing process for all arrivals to the Gulf Kingdom.
      All incoming passengers are subjected to a test upon landing before being told to isolate in their hotel room while they wait for their results.
      It is believed that this is when a positive result was discovered and that member of staff, plus their bubble, are in quarantine as a precaution pending a second test.
      SunSport understands those affected are not key members of the team and that all protocols have been followed.
      And there is no risk posed to the season-opener in Bahrain, which will go ahead as planned this weekend.
      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1

      Last year, despite the pandemic, F1 was able to hold 17 races safely after conducting 78,000 tests of which there were just 78 positives. A rate of 0.1 percent.
      Practice for the inaugural race of the 2021 season is due to get underway at 11.30am on Friday.
      Lights out on the Grand Prix is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday as Lewis Hamilton begins his quest for a record-breaking eighth world title.
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      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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      F1 calendar 2021: Grand Prix times, practice and qualifying schedules plus venues ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix opener

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      THE Formula 1 season is upon us once again – and Lewis Hamilton is going for his record EIGHTH world title.The Brit, 36, moved level with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles last year and will become the outright top dog if he collects the most points across this season’s races.

      Lewis Hamilton is aiming to become the outright most successful driver of all timeCredit: Getty
      Hamilton and his fellow drivers begin the 2021 calendar schedule in March, with the season ending 23 races later in December.
      The Australian Grand Prix was due to take place on the weekend of March 21, but was put back to November 21 because of coronavirus restrictions Down Under.
      Turkey and China are still hoping to host races in 2021, meaning the calendar could be expanded and Saudi Arabia is awaiting official approval of its circuit as the season gets under way.
      Here is how the F1 calendar unfolds in 2021 with our race by race schedule.
      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1
      F1 calendar 2021
      All timings below are UK time.
      🇧🇭 Bahrain Grand Prix

      Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
      Friday, March 26: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (3pm)
      Saturday, March 27: Practice 3 (12pm), Qualifying (3pm)
      Sunday, March 28: Race (4pm)

      🇮🇹 Italian Grand Prix

      Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola
      Friday, April 16: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, April 17: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, April 18: Race (2pm)

      🇵🇹 Portuguese Grand Prix

      Venue: Autodromo Internacional do Algarve
      Friday, April 30: Practice 1 (11.30am), Practice 2 (3pm)
      Saturday, May 1: Practice 3 (12pm), Qualifying (3pm)
      Sunday, May 2: Race (3pm)

      🇪🇸 Spanish Grand Prix

      Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
      Friday, May 7: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, May 8: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, May 9: Race (2pm)

      🇲🇨 Monaco Grand Prix

      Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo
      Thursday, May 20: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, May 22: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, May 23: Race (2pm)

      🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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

      🇨🇦 Canadian Grand Prix

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

      🇫🇷 French Grand Prix

      Venue: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet
      Friday, June 25: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, June 26: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, June 27: Race (2pm)

      🇦🇹 Austrian Grand Prix

      Venue: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
      Friday, July 2: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, July 3: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, July 4: Race (2pm)

      🇬🇧 British Grand Prix

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

      🇭🇺 Hungarian Grand Prix

      Venue: Hungaroring, Budapest
      Friday, July 30: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, July 31: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, August 1: Race (2pm)

      🇧🇪 Belgian Grand Prix

      Venue: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
      Friday, August 27: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, August 28: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, August 29: Race (2pm)

      🇳🇱 Dutch Grand Prix

      Venue: Zandvoort
      Friday, September 3: Practice 1 (10.30am), Practice 2 (2pm)
      Saturday, September 4: Practice 3 (11am), Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, September 5: Race (2pm)

      🇮🇹 Italian Grand Prix 2

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

      🇷🇺 Russian Grand Prix

      Venue: Sochi Autodrom
      Friday, September 24: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
      Saturday, September 25: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
      Sunday, September 26: Race (1pm)

      🇸🇬 Singapore Grand Prix

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

      🇯🇵 Japanese Grand Prix

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

      🇺🇸 United States Grand Prix

      Venue: Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas
      Friday, October 22: Practice 1 (5.30pm), Practice 2 (9pm)
      Saturday, October 23: Practice 3 (7pm), Qualifying (10pm)
      Sunday, October 24: Race (8pm)

      🇲🇽 Mexico City Grand Prix

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

      🇧🇷 Brazil Grand Prix

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

      🇦🇺 Australian Grand Prix

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

      🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

      Venue: Jeddah Street Circuit
      Friday, December 3: Practice 1 (12.30pm), Practice 2 (4pm)
      Saturday, December 4: Practice 3 (1pm), Qualifying (4pm)
      Sunday, December 5: Race (4pm)

      🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

      Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
      Friday, December 10: Practice 1 (9.30am), Practice 2 (1pm)
      Saturday, December 11: Practice 3 (10am), Qualifying (1pm)
      Sunday, December 12: Race (1pm) More

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      Watch shocking moment drag-racing car crashes into fans in North Carolina leaving woman with serious injuries

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      THIS is the shocking moment a drag-racing car crashes into fans in North Carolina.One woman was left with ‘serious injuries’ after the horrific incident which occurred at Wilkesboro Dragway last weekend.
      One woman was injured after a drag-racing car crashed into a guard rail
      Amber Garner suffered four breaks to her arm and needs multiple surgeriesCredit: GoFundMe
      Stunned spectators watched as a Ford Mustang lost control before crashing into a railing in front of them.
      It then ripped apart against the metal pole of a scoreboard, cleaving the vehicle in two, with one person heard exclaiming: “No way.”
      Incredibly, the driver of the vehicle suffered no injuries as he crawled from the wreckage, and he even declined treatment from paramedics.
      But one woman in the crowd, later identified as 22-year-old Amber Garner, suffered a broken arm in four places as well as an open wound.
      She was immediately rushed to hospital and, as of last Saturday, was set to undergo at least two surgeries.
      A GoFundMe page has been created to cover Amber’s medical costs, which has so far raised $8,700 of a $100,000 goal.
      A note from her sister Ashley read: “My family needs help raising money to help my sister. 
      “We were at a drag race at Wilkesboro and a car lost control and struck her. She will need multiple surgeries and physical therapy.
      [embedded content]
      The driver lost control at the race in North Carolina last weekend
      The car hit the guard rail before splitting against the metal post of a scoreboard

      “Her arm is broken in four places and broke her knuckle. We would really appreciate any donations since she does not have insurance.
      “She is such a fun-loving amazing person and didn’t deserve this. Anything helps!”
      A picture on the GoFundMe page showed Amber in a neck brace waiting to be transferred to hospital.
      And she has since described the traumatic scene in an interview from her hospital bed.
      Amber told Fox 8: “There were two cars that were racing and I guess one of them lost control.
      “It hit the guardrail where I was at and went over it and hit me on the side of my arm.
      Just saw the wreck from the dragstrip in Wilkesboro yesterday. Hope everyone is okay..— Save The Speedway (@savethespeedway) March 21, 2021

      “As soon as it did hit me, I guess I fell on the ground.
      “I blacked out so I don’t know exactly. I thought that it [my arm] was gone.”
      The owner of Wilkesboro Dragway, Phil Halbedel, has since claimed Amber ‘should not have been’ standing by the scoreboard, The Journal-Patriot reported.
      And he added that the crashed Mustang was a ‘poorly-made car’.
      A statement released by Wilkesboro Dragway on Saturday read: “Unfortunately we have had an accident at the track and will need to call of test and tune for tomorrow.
      “We have some sensor issues and guard rail damage. Please say a prayer for the racer and for the lady that is injured.”
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      Lewis Hamilton will be allowed to continue anti-racism stance and highlight Black Lives Matter by F1 chiefs

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will be allowed to continue his anti-racism campaign ahead of F1 races this season.Last year, the reigning world champion used the moments ahead of the national anthems to highlight causes, such as the Black Lives Matter movement.
      World champ Lewis Hamilton took the knee whereas some rivals did not and sought to raise awareness of the Breonna Taylor deathCredit: Getty
      Brit Lewis Hamilton did more than most global sports figures to raise awareness of important issuesCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton will be free to express himself for the new seasonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton also wore a t-shirt bearing the words “arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” at the Tuscan Grand Prix to raise awareness of the woman who was shot by police in her own home.
      Hamilton also chose to take a knee before the races but his decision was not universally copied, with six of the 20 drivers choosing to remain standing.
      There was some criticism that it diluted F1’s We Race As One campaign, used to promote anti-racism and equality.
      The issue was raised by F1’s new CEO Stefano Domenicali during testing earlier this month in Bahrain and the sport will make some tweaks to its pre-race procedure.
      The rainbow will be dropped from their message and the sport will use time on the grid to raise awareness to a number of issues, such as sustainability and diversity.
      However, drivers have been told they are free to express themselves during the message.
      That means Hamilton can again take a knee if he wishes to do so.
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      An F1 spokesman said: “The whole of Formula 1 is united in its support for #WeRaceAsOne and the drivers will all show their own support for the initiative ahead of the grand prix.
      “The drivers will be free to show their commitment in their own way before the race and there will be no requirement for them to make a specific gesture.
      “The important thing is all of them being together in full support of our initiatives on sustainability, diversity and inclusion and community.”

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      Valtteri Bottas has hilarious dig at Lewis Hamilton after F1 rival caught singing and says ‘I think he’s better driver’

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS hilariously teased his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton by rating his driving skills above his singing.In a clip from the latest series of Netflix’s F1 documentary Drive to Survive, Bottas is talking when Hamilton, 36, can be heard belting out a tune from the room next door.
      Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton are team-mates at MercedesCredit: Getty
      And with Bottas presumably used to the Brit singing when he’s winning, The Finnish driver was quick to suggest his colleague’s F1 talent outweighs his musical passion.
      A smiling Bottas said: “I think he’s a better driver than a singer.”
      The 31-year-old has largely had to play second fiddle to the seven-time world champ.
      Hamilton – who previously dated pop star Nicole Scherzinger – has comfortably outperformed his Merc pal in each of their four seasons together.
      Bottas added: “I’m not just a No2.
      “Finland is a pretty good contrast to F1 world, there’s no pressure.
      “Lewis is a big worldwide star compared to me.
      “Pretty much everyone knows the name Lewis Hamilton, but not so many people know the name Valtteri Bottas.
      “But my strength against him is that I want the title more than him.”
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      The Netflix cameras were following Bottas in Russia and he came up trumps with a race victory after Hamilton’s penalty for an illegal practice start.
      But it was another incident in the same country that almost caused him to QUIT the sport altogether.
      Bottas was leading the Sochi Grand Prix in 2018 when Mercedes gave a controversial team order to allow Hamilton to pass him.
      The Brit was engaged in a fierce battle for the F1 title with then-Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel.
      Bottas complied with the command from the top but revealed he was so angry he was thinking of quitting.
      On the Netflix show, he said: “Sochi 2018, that was a pretty tough race. It was tough to accept. I was pretty angry.
      “Honestly I was thinking ‘Why do I do this?’. I was thinking of quitting [F1], of giving up. Straight after the race, I said I would not do it again.”
      Lewis Hamilton ‘a bit grumpy’ during pre-season Sky filming and ‘seemed unhappy’ at Mercedes negotiations More

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      McLaren snap up karting sensation Ugo Ugochukwu, 13, to help teen follow in Lewis Hamilton’s footsteps to F1 stardom

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      FORMULA ONE team McLaren have signed a long-term agreement with teen karting sensation Ugo Ugochukwu.The American, 13, has caught the eye with his performances on the track and won the 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship.
      McLaren have a signed a deal with karting starlet Ugo Ugochukwu
      The F1 team will provide guidance and retain options on the 13-year-old
      The deal sees the British marque retain options on the youngster’s future and echoes the arrangement between Lewis Hamilton and Ron Dennis as the seven-time world champion began his career.
      A young Hamilton approached McLaren’s then-boss about racing for him and was soon signed up and guided towards F1 glory – a story that the team would be keen to repeat with Ugochukwu.
      After the agreement was announced, the racer said: “I’m honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in my career.
      “To have the support of McLaren is fantastic and what any young driver dreams of. I’m focused right now on developing as a driver and racer, so having McLaren by my side can only help me on and off the track.”
      Ugochukwu was born in New York to Nigerian supermodel Oluchi Onweagba and Italian fashion designer Luca Orlandi.
      He is also said to have signed up to the same management agency that represents F1 star Lando Norris.
      His mother, who has modelled for Gucci, Victoria’s Secret and many others, welcomed the news with an enthusiastic Instagram post.
      Onweagba, 40, wrote: “Thank you GOD! Angels in the heavenlies thank you! Watch over your Son.”
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      Ugochukwu has won several karting titles including the 2020 FIA European Championship
      The youngster is following in Lewis Hamilton’s footsteps in signing up with McLarenCredit: PA:Press Association

      McLaren’s young driver programme has helped the likes of Hamilton, Norris, Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne race in F1.
      Team CEO Zak Brown said: “We’ve been watching Ugo’s progress with interest, so when the opportunity to sign an agreement with him became available, we had no hesitation moving on it.
      “Now we’ll focus on giving Ugo the right support when he needs it to help him fulfil his potential.”

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      Bernie Ecclestone claims Black Lives Matter USING Lewis Hamilton for money and ex-F1 boss wouldn’t let drivers take knee

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      BERNIE ECCLESTONE has controversially claimed Lewis Hamilton is being used by Black Lives Matter – and says he would ban the F1 champ from taking a knee.Following a row with the Mercedes superstar last year, the former F1 boss has again criticised his links to anti-racism campaigners.
      Lewis Hamilton donned a number of Black Lives Matter shirts last yearCredit: Getty
      Bernie Ecclestone has continued his criticism of the campaignCredit: Getty
      Hamilton, 36, made a number of statements in support of BLM and other causes, including the Justice for Breonna Taylor campaign, en route to winning a seventh world title in 2020.
      But Ecclestone, 90, hit back at suggestions of racism in the sport.
      After being told by the Brit that he ‘lacked understanding of the deep-rooted issues’ being campaigned against, Ecclestone doubled down.
      And in an interview with the Telegraph ahead of the 2021 season commencing in Bahrain on Sunday, he continued his criticism of BLM.
      The Suffolk-born businessman said: “I don’t think he really understood what I was saying.
      “I agree we need to give more people a chance. Don’t forget I was the first person to put a black guy in a Formula One car.
      I’ve said: ‘Lewis is being used by the people who are supporting this BLM and they are taking a lot of money from it’.Bernie Ecclestone
      “And I supported him and have supported an awful lot of black people. But Lewis is entitled to his view.
      “But I’ve said to his father, ‘Lewis needs to be careful. Because he’s being used by the people who are supporting this Black Lives Matter and they are taking a lot of money from it. And nobody knows where it goes’.”
      Sports Personality of the Year winner Hamilton was asked last year if he was afraid how people would react to him taking a public stand.
      He insisted: “There is no way that I could stay silent.
      “And once I said that to myself, I didn’t hold any fear”.
      Ecclestone would not allow F1 drivers to take a knee, were he still in charge of the sportCredit: Getty

      Hamilton will continue to show his support for anti-racism causes in the new season although it is not known whether drivers will take a knee before races as many of them did during 2020.
      And Ecclestone, a huge figure in F1 since the 1970s, says he would ban the champ’s displays were he still in charge.
      He added: “If I’d have still been around there wouldn’t have been anyone wearing [anti-racism] T-shirts on the podium, that’s for sure.
      “One hundred per cent, there wouldn’t have been this business of kneeling before races.
      “I agree the sport should do more to encourage diversity but it shouldn’t be used as a [political] tool.”

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