Motorsport

VALTTERI BOTTAS pulled out a stirring performance at Imola to snatch pole position off Lewis Hamilton.
The Brit had looked on course for a tenth pole of the season in his run to a seventh world title.

Lewis Hamilton (right) starts second after Valtteri Bottas pulled out a strong final lapCredit: Getty – Pool

Bottas earned his fourth pole of the year at ImolaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

But Bottas went one tenth quicker to maintain Mercedes’ dominance of Formula One qualifying in 2020.
The Finn, 31, has two race wins this year but neither came from his three previous poles.
Yet a disappointed Hamilton does not expect sparks to fly in Sunday’s race with it tough to overtake at the classic Imola circuit.
He said after qualifying: “It’s beautiful to drive but I’m pretty certain you’ll see a pretty boring race tomorrow.

“Once you get into Turn 1 it’s a train.”
On Bottas, he said: “Valtteri did a great job, it was a pretty poor lap from myself!
“These things happen, the track is unbelievable – especially the speed we are going round it.”
Max Verstappen starts third with Pierre Gasly taking an impressive fourth, and Daniel Ricciardo fifth.

A spark plug issue had left Verstappen furious as he dawdled home from his first Q2 run, with Red Bull performing a quick turnaround to save his session.
Likewise, Alex Albon suffered a Q2 spin before securing his place in the final round at the death, going on to qualify sixth.
Sebastian Vettel, 14th, fell early after losing his best time due to a track limit breach, one place behind George Russell who celebrated his new Williams contract with a strong performance.
Track limits around the old school Italian circuit were a constant worry for many drivers, in particular claiming Kimi Raikkonen in Q1 before Vettel and Lance Stroll in Q2.

One Ferrari fan stole a view as Charles Leclerc bagged seventh at ImolaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Pierre Gasly took fourth while donning a tribute to Ayrton SennaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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LEWIS HAMILTON made history last weekend in Portugal, beating Michael Schumacher’s F1 win record after a terrific drive.
Taking the chequered flag on the Algarve means that the Brit is now in complete control of the Driver’s Championship as he goes for a seventh title.

Lewis Hamilton stormed into the record books in PortugalCredit: Splash News

This week the F1 season returns to Italy and the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at the iconic Imala.
When is the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the F1 calendar has undergone a number of changes to the usual schedule.
Imola is back on the F1 circuit for the first time since 2006.
Bosses had hoped for spectators to be in the stands, but rising levels of Covid-19 in Italy have seen them U-turn on that decision.
And in a change, the schedule will be over TWO days, not three.
There will be just ONE practice session on Saturday, October 31 at 9am GMT.
Qualifying follows at 1pm the same day, before the big race on Sunday at 12.10pm.
Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
Sky Sports F1 will show every minute of the race weekend from Imola live.
Tune in from 9am on Saturday for coverage of practice.
And big race coverage will begin at 11am on Sunday.

Highlights of qualifying will be shown on Channel 4 at 5.15pm on Saturday and of the race itself 6.30pm on Sunday.

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

THE F1 season continues this weekend in Italy as Imola hosts Formula One for the first time in 16 years.
Lewis Hamilton is looking to extend his lead at the top of the Driver’s Championship after beating Michael Schumacher’s race win record in Portugal.
Practice start time: 9am
Qualifying: 1pm
TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV

Follow all the latest from Imola with our blog below…

F1 heads to Imola as Lewis Hamilton looks to continue his excellent form after beating Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of race wins in Portugal last week.
The track hosted the San Marino Grand Prix before it was scrapped in 2006 however this weekend’s race will be named the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix after the region in Italy where Imola is actually located.
And Mercedes have an extra incentive to perform this weekend as they can pick up the Constructors’ Championship with four races to spare.
All that needs to happen for Toto Wolff’s team to win a fourth straight title is for one of their drivers to finish fourth.
If, as is likely, that does happen, not even a Red Bull one-two would be enough to delay the inevitable until the Turkish Grand Prix in two weeks.
Lewis Hamilton, who has never raced in F1 at Imola before has said he is very moved to be driving at the track where his childhood hero Ayrton Senna lost his life.
The Brit commented: “It is still very surreal for me when I go to places, where you drive through the tunnel at Monaco or the British GP where the greats of the past have raced.
“The fact that earlier on I was in an area where 26 years ago Ayrton was here doing what he loved, as I am, that is heartwarming to know that I am able to be here and do what he was doing.”

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LEWIS HAMILTON made history last weekend in Portugal, beating Michael Schumacher’s F1 win record after a terrific drive.
Taking the chequered flag on the Algarve means that the Brit is now in complete control of the Driver’s Championship as he goes for a seventh title.

Lewis Hamilton stormed into the record books in PortugalCredit: Splash News

This week the F1 season returns to Italy and the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at the iconic Imala.
When is the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the F1 calendar has undergone a number of changes to the usual schedule.
Imola is back on the F1 circuit for the first time since 2006.
Bosses had hoped for spectators to be in the stands, but rising levels of Covid-19 in Italy have seen them U-turn on that decision.
And in a change, the schedule will be over TWO days, not three.
There will be just ONE practice session on Saturday, October 31 at 9am GMT.
Qualifying follows at 1pm the same day, before the big race on Sunday at 12.10pm.
Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
Sky Sports F1 will show every minute of the race weekend from Imola live.
Tune in from 9am on Saturday for coverage of practice.
And big race coverage will begin at 11am on Sunday.

Highlights of qualifying will be shown on Channel 4 at 5.15pm on Saturday and of the race itself 6.30pm on Sunday.

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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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“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

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