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      F1 star Lewis Hamilton vows to fight for equality ‘as long as I have air in my lungs’ in Black Lives Matter rally cry

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has vowed to maintain his fight for equality ahead of the new Formula One season.
      Last year saw the seven-time world champion expand his anti-racism efforts, drawing a particular focus on motorsport.

      Lewis Hamilton has updated fans on his anti-racism effortsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      F1 bosses agreed to increase their own equality campaign with several drivers taking a knee alongside Hamilton before races.
      However, the 36-year-old will not stop there and continues to support the Black Lives Matter movement as well as causes such as the Justice for Breonna Taylor campaign.
      On Friday, he posted his latest thoughts on Instagram, and wrote: “Black Lives Matter. Last year some of us took a knee in support of equality which I am proud of.
      “My question is, what’s next? The inequities within our sport and within the world persist. Change is still needed.

      “We must keep pushing to hold ourselves and others accountable. We have to keep striving for equality for all, in order to continue to see true and lasting change in our world.
      “As long as I have air in my lungs, I will continue to fight for change in everything I do.
      “I will work to create pathways and opportunities for kids of colour, within sciences, engineering and creative disciplines.
      “Let’s keep pushing. What are you committed to?”

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

      Hamilton will attempt to secure a record-breaking eighth world title in the upcoming F1 season.
      Mercedes agreed a new £40million contract with the Brit earlier this month but there is speculation over his future beyond that.
      As well as the BLM post and a picture of his shadow standing with a fist raised in the air, he updated fans on another passion of his on Friday.
      Hamilton filmed a clip of his laptop and soundboard setup while mixing his own music, with the caption: “Back doing what I love.”

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      Lewis Hamilton could join Aston Martin F1 team next season with co-owner Lawrence Stroll labelling 2022 bid ‘tempting’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could receive an offer to join Aston Martin if he leaves Mercedes at the end of the season.
      The Formula One team’s co-owner Lawrence Stroll has admitted that he would be ‘tempted’ to try and land the world champion should he become available.

      Lewis Hamilton could enter the Formula One drivers’ market in 2022Credit: AFP

      Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll has admitted to being tempted by the BritCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ahead of the 2021 season, Canadian billionaire Stroll has brought in four-time title winner Sebastian Vettel to race alongside son Lance.
      But the possibility of putting Hamilton in an Aston Martin is one he could not ignore.
      Stroll, 61, told an interview with PA: “It’s definitely tempting.
      “Lewis in any car is great and I’m sure everyone would say yes because he is a seven-time world champion.

      “But right now, I am extremely focused on getting started this year.”
      Hamilton, 36, ended speculation over his future in F1 by signing a one-year deal with Mercedes earlier this month.

      The Anglo-German team have dominated the sport throughout the current era, winning seven consecutive constructors’ titles – Hamilton picking up six drivers’ crowns along the way.
      But a significant rulebook revamp ahead of the 2022 campaign could shake up the grid.

      One team hoping to launch a championship bid is Aston Martin, who rebranded from Racing Point over the winter after Stroll linked up with the historic British manufacturer.
      And he believes it is ‘realistic’ for the team to challenge for titles in the future.
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      There is no reason why world championships are not on the horizon.
      Lawrence Stroll

      The fashion magnate noted: “This team has outperformed itself with significantly fewer resources.
      “And I sincerely believe that with the same amount of people and the same budget, there is no reason why world championships are not on the horizon.
      “It is very realistic to think that.”

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      Formula E – 2021 Teams, drivers and stats guide ahead of new season

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      FORMULA E’s new season begins on Friday with its first ever night race in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      Ahead of the double header inRiyadh, SunSport have given you a break down of all the teams and drivers in what is a highly competitive grid.

      Formula E will begin the new season under the lights in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Formula E
      AUDI SPORT ABT SCHAEFFLER
      Races 69, Wins 12, Podiums 43
      Lucas DI GRASSI #11
      Races 69, Wins 10, Podiums 32
      René RAST #33
      Races 7, Wins 0, Podiums 1
      BMWi ANDRETTI MOTORSPORT
      Races 69, Wins 4, Podiums 14
      Maximilian GUENTHER #28
      Races 21, Wins 2, Podiums 3
      Jake DENNIS #27
      Races 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT
      Races 69, Wins 2, Podiums 9
      Nico MUELLER #6
      Races 10, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      Sérgio SETTE C MARA #7
      Races 6, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      DS TECHEETAH
      Races 48, Wins 12, Podiums 31
      António Félix DA COSTA #13
      Races 65, Wins 5, Podiums 11
      Jean-Éric VERGNE #25
      Races 67, Wins 9, Podiums 23
      ENVISION VIRGIN RACING
      Races 69, Wins 11, Podiums 29
      Robin FRIJNS #4
      Races 45, Wins 2, Podiums 7
      Nick CASSIDY #37
      Races 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      JAGUAR RACING
      Races 48, Wins 2, Podiums 6
      Sam BIRD #10
      Races 69, Wins 9, Podiums 19
      Mitch EVANS #20
      Races 48, Wins 2, Podiums 6
      MAHINDRA RACING
      Races 69, Wins 4, Podiums 18
      Alexander SIMS #29
      Races 24, Wins 1 Podiums 2
      Alex LYNN #94
      Races 27, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      MERCEDES-EQ FORMULA E TEAM
      Races 24, Wins 1, Podiums 5
      Stoffel VANDOORNE #5
      Races 24, Wins 1, Podiums 4
      Nyck DE VRIES #17
      Races 11, Wins 0, Podiums 1

      NIO 333 FORMULA E TEAM
      Races 69, Wins 2, Podiums 6
      Oliver TURVEY #8
      Races 58, Wins 0, Podiums 1
      Tom BLOMQVIST #88
      Races 8, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      NISSAN E.DAMS

      Races 69, Wins 17, Podiums 37
      Oliver ROWLAND #22
      Races 25, Wins 1, Podiums 3
      Sébastien BUEMI #23
      Races 67, Wins 13, Podiums 29
      ROKiT VENTURI RACING
      Races 69 Wins 1 Podiums 6
      Edoardo MORTARA #48
      Races 33, Wins 1, Podiums 3
      Norman NATO #71
      Races 0, Wins 0, Podiums 0
      TAG HEUER PORSCHE
      Races 11, Wins 0, Podiums 2 D
      André LOTTERER #36
      Races 36, Wins 0, Podiums 6
      Pascal WEHRLEIN #99
      Races 17, Wins 0, Podiums 1
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      Formula E – 2021 season seven guide: Everything you need to know – Driver changes, race calendar and rule changes

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      FORMULA E is planning to dazzle in the dark as the series kicks off season seven with their first night race.
      Set on the streets of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, the 2.49km track will be illuminated by energy-saving LED bulbs.

      Mercedes’ FE enter their second season in the all-electric seasonCredit: Formula E

      Friday evening’s race will be the first in a double-header in Diriyah, which promises the most competitive line-up in motor racing.
      With 12 teams, including 10 manufacturers, there are a total of 24 drivers looking to take the title, currently held by Antonio Felix Da Costa.
      What is new for 2021?
      There are three new drivers as 25-year-old British racing driver, Jake Dennis has joined BMW i Andretti Motorsport swelling the UK’s representation to seven.
      New Zealand’s Nick Cassidy has joined British team Envision Virgin Racing while Frenchman Norman Nato has signed for Monaco-based ROKiT Venturi Racing.

      Any other moves?
      Brit Sam Bird has joined Jaguar from Virgin while former F1 driver Felipe Massa has left Venturi.
      René Rast has been promoted to permanent driver for Audi, replacing axed Daniel Abt.
      Pascal Wehrlein has joined TAG Heuer Porsche and Alexander Sims is now driving for Mahindra Racing and has been joined by fellow Brit Alex Lynn.
      Sérgio Sette Câmara was signed by Dragon / Penske Autosport on a permanent basis while Tom Blomqvist has replaced Ma Qinghua at NIO 333.

      Two-time FE champion Jean-Eric Vergne during testing under the lights in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Formula E
      Any new races?
      Two new destinations are expected to host ePrixs this season, although the calendar is still subject to change.
      Nonetheless, there is another first in that FE are poised to race on a permanent track for the first time – as opposed to a temporary street circuit.
      The Valencia ePrix is scheduled for April 24th and will take place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
      The Seoul ePrix is also due to make its debut on the calendar after the race was postponed last year.
      So there are two new races, but there will be no French ePrix, as that has already been cancelled.

      Formula E calendar – next season

      1) Diriyah Saudi Arabia February 26, 2021
      2) Diriyah Saudi Arabia February 27, 2021
      3) Rome* Italy April 10, 2021
      4) Valencia* Spain April 24, 2021
      5) Monaco* Monaco May 8, 2021
      6) Marrakesh Morocco May 22, 2021
      7) Santiago Chile June 5, 2021
      8) Santiago Chile June 6, 2021
      *Subject to circuit homologation

      Anything else?
      Powertrains – battery and motors to everyone else – have also seen a tweak to the rules.
      To help team’s financially, they have been offered one of two solutions.
      The cheaper option of sticking with their powertrain from the 2019/2020 season and bringing a new package later in the season.

      Or choose a new powertrain and stick stick with the design for two years.
      Audi, Virgin, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW i Andretti, Mahindra, Mercedes, Venturi and NIO have all taken the second option to bring new powertrains.
      DS TECHEETAH, Nissan and Dragon meanwhile have decided to start the season with their current equipment and play their hand later this season.
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      Brit Sam Bird hopes to continue Formula E record as he eyes first world title

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      SAM BIRD is looking to extend his wins record in the hope of becoming Formula E’s first, proper world champion.
      The Brit has won a race in all six of the previous season in Formula E and he can now take that record into season seven, which kicks off in Saudi Arabia today.

      Sam Bird joined Jaguar in the off season after six years with VirginCredit: Formula E

      Until this year, Formula E had been failed to be classified as a world championship by motorsport’s governing body, but that ruling has now been overturned.
      He said: “The goal is to become the first official Formula E world champion and in order to do that you have to win multiple races.
      “So that would mean keeping that record up. I am the only person in FE who has won a race in every year, so let’s see how we do.
      “We have not even turned a wheel yet, so it is too early to speak about performances but so far I have been impressed by what we have been able to achieve in such a short space of time.”

      Bird, 34, will be racing for Jaguar this season after cutting his ties with Virgin.
      And he says it was time for a change after being with his former team since the start of the series in 2014.

      Sam Bird has won a race in every single Formula E seasonCredit: Formula E
      He added: “Virgin were amazing for me for six years. I have some great memories but in motorsport, to stay anywhere for six years is quite a long time.
      “There comes a point where you feel like you need a new challenge. A change of scenery.

      “I have watched Jaguar improve over the last three or four years and I have been impressed by what they do and I thought, British brand, British driver, so I am glad to be here.
      “We are all pretty close as drivers but if a driver picks the right team at the right time, he can go on and win a lot of things.
      “I believe in what we are doing at Jaguar and in the package we have brought to the table.”
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      Racing icon Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals ‘enjoy a few nights out’

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      FUN-LOVING motor racing icon Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals: “Enjoy a few nights out.”
      The Formula One legend, who died last April aged 90, gave the order among a string of big-hearted legacies to 18 of his nearest and dearest.

      Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his willCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      The gifts included £1,000 handed to a couple to spend on dinner at Miami, Florida, restaurant Joe’s Stone Crab.
      And he dished out his favourite paintings, model cars and even a lucky silver rabbit’s foot to others.
      He left the bulk of his fortune to his wife since 1980 Lady Susie, 66, plus daughter Allison, 53, and son Elliot, 40.
      Probate office figures showed the star, who lived in Mayfair, central London, left £22.08million in his will but this did not include US assets.

      The daring racing style of Sir Stirling, who won 16 of 66 F1 races from 1951 to 1961, led speeding motorists when stopped by police to be asked: “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?”

      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last yearCredit: AFP or licensors

      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last year with Lady Susie at his bedside.She paid tribute, saying: “It was one lap too many.
      “He died as he lived, looking wonderful.
      “He simply tired in the end and closed his beautiful eyes and that was that.”

      Sterling has been married to Lady Susie since 1980Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      List of Sir Sterling’s legacies

      £1,000 to a pal (now dead) for him and his wife “to enjoy a few of our usual nights out” and two trophies
      £10,000 and a Marcel Lebrun painting to his former secretary
      A hand-carved Birdcage Maserati sculpture by artist Dennis Hoyt to a male pal
      A John Brierley model train to another male friend
      £2,000 and his Mercedes Benz boxed edition Silver Arrows, given to him by Mercedes Benz in 1998, to a male pal
      A Talbot model to a male friend
      £1,000 to a married London couple to “enjoy at Joe’s Stone Crab” restaurant in Miami, US
      £1,000 to a female friend
      A Cooper model to a male pal
      £5,000 to a married couple
      Another £5,000 to a US friend
      His silver rabbit’s foot – given to Sir Stirling in 1954 by friends – to his ex-psychotherapist for “giving me more than luck”
      £1,000 to a female friend “to help towards her telephone bills”
      £1,000 to another female friend
      £10,000 to his niece to “put towards buying another horse”
      £5,000 to a married couple as “my thanks for their loyalty”
      A painting of Hyde Park by artist Dexter Brown to “remind her of her many numbered bottles enjoyed after walks through that park”.
      £10,000 to his rally driver sister, Pat, who sadly died in 2008
      £20,000 to his god-daughter

      Stirling Moss wins Grand Prix d’Europe in 1957
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      Max Verstappen tight-lipped over replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes as F1 star prepares for season with Red Bull

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is staying tight-lipped about his chances of taking Lewis Hamilton’s world crown – and he’s not the only one.
      The Dutchman got behind the wheel of Red Bull’s new motor for 2021 on Wednesday but is giving nothing away.

      Max Verstappen remained tight-lipped over replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Red Bull held a filming day at Silverstone, but only released images of their RB15 car from 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And his team aren’t either after releasing 76 images from their official filming day at Silverstone – none of which show the RB16B, only the RB15 from 2019.
      Verstappen said: “Mercedes had the dominant car towards the end of the season so we know we have to keep improving.
      “We have made good steps with Honda but the competition does not stand still so we have to wait and see if it is competitive enough to fight for wins.
      “I am always very realistic and it makes no sense to talk about stuff now. I don’t like to talk it up.

      “We know where we want to be, and where we want to get to and that is what we have to now try to realise.
      “We worked a lot with Honda throughout the winter and it is all looking promising but it makes no sense at the moment trying to hype it up.
      “I want to stay low-key and we should do the talking on the track, not next to the track. We want to make it more difficult for Mercedes because they must be the favourites.”
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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Verstappen was third behind Merc’s Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas last season, while Red Bull finished second in the constructors’ championship.
      He has been linked with a move to Mercedes should Hamilton call time on his F1 career at the end of this season.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitted his star driver would be at the top of Merc’s wanted list.

      But for the meantime the 23-year-old says he is not bothered about the speculation surrounding his future.
      He added: “At the end of the day, I don’t know what Lewis is going to do so I just focus on myself.
      “I am very focused on this year and making that a success. It is still very early in the season, so those kind of things I am not thinking about at this stage.”

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      Mercedes dominance has KILLED what F1 is all about and Lewis Hamilton’s endless wins are boring, slams Haas team owner

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      THE DOMINANT Mercedes engine has ‘killed’ Formula One’s competitive foundation, Gene Haas has claimed.
      The 68-year-old and owner of the Haas team believes that races have become stale during the hybrid era, which has seen Mercedes claim seven consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

      Lewis Hamilton won 11 of the 17 races as he cruised to the 2020 titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gene Haas (centre) has seen his team drop back amid Ferrari’s woeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lewis Hamilton romped to the world championship in 2020 and is heavy favourite to do so again this year.
      Potential challengers Ferrari, who supply much of the Haas car, have floundered of late, starving the car of power and aiding the Mercs’ hegemony.
      Haas told Racer: “In 2020 when Ferrari had a reduction in their horsepower, it was pretty obvious that all of the Ferrari engine cars had horsepower deficits compared to Mercedes, Honda and Renault.
      “Our boat’s tied to the Ferrari ship, so when they’re going slow we’re going even slower – I don’t think there’s much you can do about that.

      “We have no control over the parts that we obtain from Ferrari. We have faith that Ferrari can fix the problem.
      “And not only does Ferrari have this problem, but so does Honda and Renault – everyone’s at a deficit to the Mercedes engine.
      “They built an extremely high performance, high fuel efficiency, durable engine that no other team’s been able to come close to.
      “To me, it’s really killed what Formula One’s all about.

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      “More power to Mercedes for being able to dominate so much of the thing, but who wants to go to a race when you know who’s going to win every friggin’ race that’s out there? That just gets boring.”
      The coronavirus pandemic has led to F1’s next rulebook shake-up being delayed to 2022, which will be the most likely window for a new challenger to emerge.
      Haas is content for his cars to leave Ferrari to fight for the title, noting that his team, the youngest on the grid, is financially stable and enjoying the brand benefits of being in F1.
      Confident that he will remain in the sport for ‘at least the next five years’, the American admitted that the coming season will be another tough one for the team that claimed just three points in 2020.
      He added: “I’m optimistic about the future.
      “I know that this year’s going to be difficult because we basically have the same car as last year, and the power plant from Ferrari is going to be very similar to last year, so we know that’s not going to give us any competitive advantage.

      It’s also participating in races and drivers and the whole other aspect of the glory of Formula One racing. Which is fun!”
      Gene Haas

      Haas are set for another tough year after finishing ninth in the 2020 constructorsCredit: Getty – Pool

      “So I think that we have the mindset of realizing our position is always going to be probably three of four positions behind Ferrari. It kind of tells us where we’re going to be racing.
      “And that’s OK, this is Formula One, the pinnacle of motor racing.
      “We know we’re not going to be beating any of the Mercedes teams, so we just have to take what we have and learn to make the best of what we’ve got, which isn’t bad.
      “This whole sport is a lot more than just the engineering challenges and the engine development and all that stuff, it’s also participating in races and drivers and the whole other aspect of the glory of Formula One racing. Which is fun!”

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