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      Unemployed Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘lots going on’ as £40m Mercedes contract talks rumble on and F1 season gets nearer

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has delivered an update on his health since recovering from Covid-19 – but is saying nothing about his Mercedes contract.
      The unemployed star is out of contract and has yet to sign new terms with the Silver Arrows.

      Lewis Hamilton has provided an update after his Covid-19 battleCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton

      The star is still not providing any updates on his F1 futureCredit: Getty

      He’s currently away – presumably at his home in Colorado – where he gave an update on his winter training ahead of the new F1 season.
      The 36 year-old was and was forced to miss the Sakhir GP, while his weight dropped four kilos.
      However, he is now upping his training regime in the mountains after revealing the details on his Instagram.
      Hamilton said: “Hey World, I haven’t been on here for a while. I’m in the mountains training every day, getting my mind and body right.

      “I’m hiking to the top of the mountain every morning. 3 of those hikes I cross country ski once I get to the top which is at 3400m – killer!
      “I love altitude training, there is less oxygen high up so working out is much harder than at sea level, just walking up the stairs you feel it at 2000m.
      “Normally when I finish training here and return to sea level running is such a breeze.
      “I’m trying to find the right balance in cardio and strength building. On top of that, lots of work is ongoing in the background.

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

      “Many moving parts but just checking in to let you know I’m doing good, I’m healthy and mentally strong right now in my bubble.
      “I hope you are staying as positive as you can with all that is still going on. Keep your head up. I can’t wait to see you all again at some stage soon. Sending you love and light.”
      Mercedes say they have no concerns that the seven-time world champion will not commit to the team.
      But this is an unusual position to be in given contracts are normally resolved around August.

      Lewis Hamilton is by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £40m a year More

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      F1 season boost as Monaco Grand Prix organisers confirm race WILL go ahead despite coronavirus pandemic after axe

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      F1 chiefs have received a boost from the organisers of the Monaco Grand Prix – who say this year’s race WILL go ahead as planned.
      There was growing speculation street races would be forced to be scrapped for the 2021 season due to the ongoing pandemic.

      The Monaco GP WILL go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemicCredit: AFP – Getty

      That would rule out races in Melbourne, Baku, Singapore and Sochi as well as the principality.
      However, the Automobile Club de Monaco have rubbished suggestions their race on May 23 will be canned.
      A statement said: “Despite the latest rumors circulating on certain websites and social media, the Automobile Club de Monaco can confirm that the 78th Formula One Monaco Grand Prix will take place from May 20-23, 2021.
      “The ACM also confirms the 12th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and the 4th Monaco E-Prix.”

      The season opener in Melbourne plus the Chinese GP have been bumped from their original date as F1 plan to host the races later in the year.
      An F1 spokesman said: “We have set out the details of the revised 2021 calendar and there are no other changes.
      “The suggestion street races will not take place is completely wrong.”
      On Thursday, Charles LeClerc became the fifth F1 driver to test positive for Covid-19.

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

      The Ferrari ace had been on holiday in Dubai and upon his return to his Monaco home discovered that he had come into contact with a positive case.
      A subsequent test returned a positive result and the 23-year-old confirmed he was suffering with ‘mild symptoms’.
      He said on his Instagram: “I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19.
      “I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols.
      “Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with.
      “A subsequent test I took has come back positive. I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms.
      “I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”
      Lando Norris and F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton both also picked up the disease when in Covid-ravaged Dubai.

      Lewis Hamilton is by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £40m a year More

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      Eddie Jordan would ‘show Sir Lewis Hamilton the door’ if legend is driving too hard a bargain and says he is replaceable

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      EDDIE JORDAN claimed he would ‘show Sir Lewis Hamilton the door’ if the Formula One legend is driving too hard a bargain over a new contract.
      And the Irishman insisted the seven-time world champion is replaceable.

      Lewis Hamilton turned 36 earlier in January and is yet to sign a new Mercedes contractCredit: Twitter @LewisHamilton

      The Brit won Mercedes the world title last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hamilton, 36, is technically unemployed at the moment after his Mercedes deal expired on December 31.
      Talks over an extension worth a record £40million per year rumble on.
      But while the two-time Sports Personality of the Year does look set to stay with the Silver Arrows, Jordan is unimpressed by the way Hamilton is handling the situation.
      He spent 14 years as an F1 team boss and had the likes of Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher as drivers.

      So the now-TV pundit knows what it takes to secure contracts with the sport’s biggest stars – and believes Hamilton does not deserve special treatment despite his success.
      Jordan told F1 Insider: “Apparently the parties disagree on the terms. I just heard that Lewis wants more than Mercedes are willing to pay.
      “It’s also about sharing the team’s income and having an influential role in the Mercedes group.
      “If I were the boss of Daimler, I would show him the door – either you drive on our terms or you go.

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

      “I would also tell him what Bernie Ecclestone said after Ayrton Senna’s death.
      “Even though Bernie was shocked and sad like everyone else, he was the first to regain his composure and said to us, ‘Now stop whining – everyone is replaceable.’
      “Lewis should know that by now.”

      Eddie Jordan would show Hamilton no special treatment and ‘show him the door’ if he was too demandingCredit: Getty Images

      F1 star Lewis Hamilton wakes up on birthday unemployed as new £40m-a-year Mercedes deal rumbles on More

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      Pierre Cherpin dead at 52: Dakar Rally rider dies from horror crash injuries while being flown to France for treatment

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      PIERRE CHERPIN has died at the age of 52 following injuries sustained in the Dakar Rally.
      Organisers of this year’s event in Saudi Arabia confirmed the tragic news on Friday morning following his crash earlier in the week.

      Pierre Cherpin was a 52-year-old amateur rally rider competing in his fourth Dakar RallyCredit: Alamy

      The Frenchman was being flown home after suffering serious head injuriesCredit: EPA

      Cherpin was found unconscious during Sunday’s seventh stage across the Arabian Desert.
      After undergoing surgery on ‘severe head trauma’ in the town of Sakaka, he had been placed in a coma before travelling back to France for further treatment.
      The 52-year-old then passed away during a medical plane flight from the Saudi city of Jeddah.
      A Dakar Rally statement read: “During his transfer by medical plane from Jeddah to France, Pierre Cherpin died from the injuries caused by his fall during the seventh stage from Ha’il to Sakaka.

      “The driver crashed at km 178, around 1:00 pm.
      “Doctors found him unconscious when they reached him by helicopter. Taken to Sakaka’s hospital, the medical report revealed a severe head trauma with loss of consciousness.

      Cherpin (left) pictured competing in the 2015 Dakar RallyCredit: Alamy

      The Frenchman had previously spoken of his ‘exciting’ time racing as an amateurCredit: AFP or licensors
      “Urgently operated in neurosurgery, he had since then been kept in an induced coma, his condition having remained stable over the past few days.
      “He was airlifted from Sakaka to Jeddah’s hospital from where he was going to be transferred to Lille’s hospital.”

      The Frenchman was racing on a Husqvarna 450 motorbike in his fourth Dakar Rally.
      His death comes after two competitors lost their lives in the 2020 event, Portuguese motorcyclist Paulo Goncalves and Dutch rider Edwin Straver.
      Already in this year’s race, a number of competitors had suffered injuries including Indian rider CS Santosh who was placed in an induced coma after a crash left him with head trauma and a dislocated shoulder.
      The famous endurance event takes place over 14 days with 322 entrants taking part in a range of vehicles including bikes, trucks, cars and quad bikes.

      I am an amateur, I don’t want to win but to discover landscapes that I would never have had the opportunity to see otherwise.
      Pierre Cherpin

      The Dakar statement added: “This 52-year-old entrepreneur and sailing enthusiast, had no other ambitions than to live an adventure, without really worrying about the podium.
      “[He once said]: ‘I am an amateur, I don’t want to win but to discover landscapes that I would never have had the opportunity to see otherwise. Everything is exciting: riding the bike, living your passion, getting to know yourself’.
      “The entire Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family, relatives and friends.”

      F1 hero Alonso flips car twice down huge sand dune in Dakar Rally but amazingly carries on without windshield More

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      Charles LeClerc becomes fifth F1 driver to test positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating with mild symptoms

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      CHARLES LECLERC has become the fifth Formula One driver to test positive for Covid-19.
      The Ferrari ace had been on holiday in Dubai and upon his return to his Monaco home discovered that he had come into contact with a positive case.

      Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc has tested positive for Covid-19Credit: PA:Press Association

      A subsequent test returned a positive result and the 23-year-old has now confirmed he is suffering with ‘mild symptoms’.
      He said on his Instagram: “I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19.
      “I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols.
      “Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with.

      “A subsequent test I took has come back positive. I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms.
      “I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”

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

      Lando Norris and F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton both picked up the disease when in Covid-ravaged Dubai.
      Sergio Perez missed two races at Silverstone last season.

      While Lance Stroll was forced to sit out of the Eifel Grand Prix after complaining of being unwell, which was later diagnosed as coronavirus.

      Charles Leclerc reveals girlfriend Charlotte Sine had to join Twitch to get him to open door after he left her stranded for 25 mins More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes to keep anti-racism black livery for new season despite doubts over unemployed Brit’s future

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S Mercedes car will once again be painted black for the new season despite continued doubts surrounding the Brit’s future.
      The 36-year-old urged his team’s hierarchy last year to change its traditional silver livery in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

      Lewis Hamilton had urged Mercedes to change its traditional silver liveryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The German manufacturer will keep black livery for the 2021 seasonCredit: Daimler AG

      Hamilton revealed last month that BLM gave him ‘extra drive’ to win races.
      He was also seen at races wearing T-shirts and masks with anti-racism slogans and took the knee on the winner’s podium.
      And Mercedes will continue to show their support by retaining the same colour scheme when Hamilton targets a historic eighth world championship.
      But before March’s opening race in Bahrain, the racing icon must sign a new contract after his deal with the German manufacturer expired last year..

      Hamilton – technically currently unemployed – has always maintained his desire was to stay with the Silver Arrows with a new deal expected to be worth £40million a year.
      And Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently claimed he’s unfazed by Britain’s seven-time world champion still not agreeing a new contract.
      He told Autosport: “It doesn’t worry me at all, because I will always respect Lewis’s decisions.
      ‘Whether this is staying with us for a long time, or whether that means leaving the sport and pursuing different interests.

      “I think we need to be ready for all kinds of curveballs being thrown at us.
      “But at the same time, we talk a lot, and we are very transparent with each other. I think there is more to achieve together.”
      In contrast to the delays over Hamilton’s deal, Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas sorted out an £8m one-year contract last August.

      F1 star Lewis Hamilton wakes up on birthday unemployed as new £40m-a-year Mercedes deal rumbles on More

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      F1 chiefs refuse to delay introduction of new rules to make races more competitive after Lewis Hamilton’s dominance

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      FORMULA ONE chiefs will not delay the introduction of their new rulebook for another season – despite the ongoing pandemic.
      New car design rules were set to be brought in for 2021 to make the racing more competitive with world champion Lewis Hamilton continuing to dominate.

      World champion Lewis Hamilton has dominated F1 in recent yearsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      However, those regulations were shelved until 2022 due to the difficulties caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.
      There were some suggestions that F1 could defer them an extra year to 2023, however, the sport say they will not wait another 12 months.
      An F1 spokesperson said: “Any suggestion the 2022 regulations will be delayed is wrong and has not been discussed.
      “The new regulations are designed to improve competition on track and give our fans closer racing.

      “This combined with the new financial regulations will improve Formula 1 and create a healthier and stronger business model for the whole sport.”
      Meanwhile, Aston Martin boss Otmar Szafnauer has backed Sebastian Vettel’s experience to help deliver success to the newly-rebranded team.
      Szafnauer says the German, who was axed by Ferrari, can also benefit his team-mate Lance Stroll.
      He added: “In Sebastian, we have a proven four-time world champion with experience of helping teams become race-winning and championship-contending outfits.

      “That’s why he is such an important signing for us. He brings a winning mentality and we will all undoubtedly learn a lot from him on this journey.
      “In Lance, we have a young and talented, hard-working driver who enjoyed his best campaign to date last year and really made strides in all areas of his racing.
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      “We know if we give him the tools, he’s more than capable of helping the team reach its goals.
      “We also think Sebastian will bring out the best in Lance, with Lance pushing Sebastian hard in return, so we’re delighted with our 2021 line-up.
      “It’s the ideal blend of experience, race-winning knowhow, and raw talent.”

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

      F1 star Lewis Hamilton wakes up on birthday unemployed as new £40m-a-year Mercedes deal rumbles on More

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      Lewis Hamilton by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £40m a year, way ahead of rivals Alonso, Verstappen and Vettel

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is set to once again be Formula One’s top earner on a truly staggering £40million pay packet.
      Mercedes star Hamilton – who tops the Sunday Times’ Sports Rich List – will earn well over twice as much as every other driver when he agrees to a contract for 2021.

      Sebastian Vettel was the second highest-earner in 2020 but has traded his £37m Ferrari pay packet for a more modest £12.5m at Aston Martin.
      Returning legend Fernando Alonso is set to pocket £15m when he gets back into the Renault, known as Alpine in 2021.
      Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is on a £14m contract that will likely dwarf new team-mate Sergio Perez’s deal.
      The Mexican’s 2021 salary is unknown but expected to be around the £2.5m he earned at Racing Point last year.

      Daniel Ricciardo comes in at fifth on a £12.5m deal with McLaren, a reduction on his £16m Renault wage with a heavily bonus-based agreement at his new home.
      Charles Leclerc’s £8m Ferrari salary puts him sixth, ahead of Valtteri Bottas at world champions Merc on £6.5m.
      Scuderia newboy Carlos Sainz is one of few drivers to earn a pay rise ahead of 2021 with a bump up to £5.3m as he swaps Ferrari from McLaren.
      Kimi Raikkonen, Lance Stroll and Esteban Ocon are the only other drivers thought to earn seven-figure sums.

      Lewis Hamilton just needs to put pen to paper on his £40million deal to race in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association

      The new season will see a handful of rookies enter the paddock in Mick Schumacher, Nikita Mazepin and Yuki Tsunoda.
      Racing gets underway in Bahrain on March 28 with a three-day test set for the Sakhir circuit from March 2-4.
      The Australian Grand Prix has been put back to November with Imola remaining on the calendar after a successful return to the historic venue in 2020.
      Saudi Arabia and the Dutch circuit Zandvoort are on the calendar, with no place for the highly anticipated Vietnamese GO.

      F1 star Lewis Hamilton wakes up on birthday unemployed as new £40m-a-year Mercedes deal rumbles on More