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      Lewis Hamilton enjoys night out with Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex Irina Shayk days after her cosy dinner date with Tom Brady

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      LEWIS HAMILTON enjoyed a Parisian night out with Irina Shayk – just days after she was papped with Tom Brady.The F1 legend was spotted heading to a luxury venue with the stunning Russian model on Friday night.
      Lewis Hamilton stepped out for a night out in Paris with Irina Shayk on Friday nightCredit: BACKGRID
      Russian model Shayk donned an all-black outfit for their night on the tilesCredit: BACKGRID
      The pair were spotted heading into a luxury vehicleCredit: BACKGRID
      Hamilton donned an oversized and puffy cream hoody with baggy brown trousers and black sunglasses as they headed for a night on the tiles.
      Shayk, 38, also went for the oversized look – completing her all-black outfit with a large black leather trench coat.
      But she made sure to add some colour to her chic look with a bright but small red clutch bag.
      Shayk’s Paris rendezvous with Hamilton comes just days after she was spotted on a dinner date with NFL icon Tom Brady in New York.
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      The pair have been romantically linked for some time, although Shayk has refused to be drawn on rumours they’re an item.
      When recently probed on their rumoured romance, the ex of footie icon Cristiano Ronaldo said: “No comment.
      “I share my work stuff because I decided to keep my personal life personal.”
      Seven-time Super Bowl winner Brady is said to have not dived head-first into a relationship with Shayk due to all of his business commitments.
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      A source close to the 46-year-old reportedly told The Daily Mail: “If Tom had more time for love, he would be all about it and would likely still be dating Irina.
      “He really thinks she is great.
      “But Tom is keeping himself busy with his businesses.
      “Being a part of the sports teams he owns, getting ready for his commentating job next year, and being a father.
      “Everything he does, he wants to give it 110 per cent.
      “He knew he wasn’t able to give his full attention and time to Irina and she is such a good person, that he didn’t want her to feel less than in his world.
      “Maybe they will find each other in the future, but right now, it is easier for them to be friends.”
      Shayk is one of the world’s top modelsCredit: Mega
      Irina Shayk was recently spotted out on a dinner date with NFL legend Tom BradyCredit: Getty More

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      Mercedes re-hire chief who oversaw Lewis Hamilton’s success in desperate bid to bring back F1 glory

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      MERCEDES have followed up Toto Wolff’s new three-year deal by signing technical director James Allison to a new long-term contract.Wolff, who is three-way owner of the team along with Mercedes-Benz and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has recently committed his future to the team.
      James Allison has committed his future to MercedesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lewis Hamilton is bidding to return to winning ways next seasonCredit: Rex
      And now the Silver Arrows have moved to tie-down his chief designer ahead of another major rule change planned for 2026.
      Wolff said: “I am thrilled that James has committed his long-term future to the team.
      “Put simply, he is the most impressive technical leader in our sport.
      “His gladiator spirit, along with his knowledge, experience, and determination, make him second-to-none. His influence and impact, however, goes so much further than that.
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      “Since joining in 2017, he has been a key ally and sparring partner for me personally.
      “We can challenge each other openly and honestly; an embodiment of the ‘tough love’ culture of the team that is vital in helping us all perform at our very best.
      “Most importantly though, James is a true friend you can rely on, not only in times of success but in difficult moments too.
      “It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past seven years and I look forward to doing so for many more to come.”
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      Allison joined the team in 2017 as technical director and oversaw Lewis Hamilton’s successful spell with the team where he won four drivers’ titles and five consecutive constructors’ championships.
      After a brief spell working on INEOS’ America’s Cup project he returned to the F1 team in April last year to cure the team’s dreadful performance.
      He has now been ringfenced for the F1 operation as Mercedes try to catch runaway leaders, Red Bull.
      Allison said: “F1 has brought me a lot of good fortune, but none greater than answering Toto’s call to join Mercedes in 2017.
      “It is a great privilege to continue this adventure, working alongside brilliant colleagues and fighting together for championship success.”
      Toto Wolff is thrilled to have tied Allison down to a longer dealCredit: PA More

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      Major Michael Schumacher health update as stricken F1 legend ‘may attend daughter’s wedding’ after location is revealed

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      MICHAEL Schumacher could be set to attend his daughter’s wedding after spending the last 10 years hidden from the public.The location of the wedding has finally been revealed as fans of the former F1 legend eagerly wait to see if Michael will turn up.
      Michael Schumacher could be set to attend his daughter’s wedding, according to reportsCredit: AFP
      His daughter Gina, 26, is getting married to Iain Bethke at the family home in Majorca, Spain later this summerCredit: Rex
      According to Corriere della Sera, Schumacher could be going to his daughter’s wedding as it’s being held in one of the family homes set up with Michael’s specialist equipment.
      Gina-Maria Schumacher, 26, and her boyfriend, Iain Bethke, 27, are set to tie the knot later this summer in a huge celebration.
      The wedding is reportedly due to take place at a luxury £27million mansion owned by the Schumacher family over in Majorca, Spain.
      It is already used by Michael frequently after it was transformed to make his care and recovery easier after being purchased in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
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      Among the 15,000 square metre estate is two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.
      The ex F1 icon has been protected by his wife Carinna and close circle of friends ever since his tragic ski accident with almost no updates on his health being released.
      Despite the world eager to see what condition Schumacher is in after 10 years, the family have managed to prevent any photos of him being leaked.
      German magazine Bunte said this will continue even if he is at the wedding as the Schuey clan looks to keep his privacy intact.
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      The family are reportedly looking at hiring a large security team to keep photographers away from the event and prevent any photos of the 55-year-old coming out.
      The family are still yet to confirm if Michael will be at the wedding at all.
      Plans for the huge day have already started to be revealed after it was reported that a wedding planner from northern Germany has been hired.
      Their job is to put the “finishing touches” on the celebration and make it the best possible wedding despite the families tough circumstances with Michael’s health.
      Bunte says the couple will say “I do” under an arch of flowers at the family villa as a country music band is set to play in the evening at an open-air ceremony.
      With Spanish temperatures set to soar this year, male guests have reportedly been encouraged to not wear ties.
      As rumours around whether or not Michael will be in attendance increase, the other members on the guest list is also a hot topic.
      Since 2013, Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery – including forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the great man and those who can’t.
      Schumacher has regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer and manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after his accident.
      Ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, 42, is regarded by the Schumacher family as “Michael’s younger brother” is allowed to see his old pal.
      The third member of the so called inner circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.
      The pair reportedly watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.
      Michael’s son Mick was also recently allowed to bring his girlfriend, Laila Hasanovic, 23, into the home to see Michael for the first time.
      But there are also a list of names who are almost certainly not expected to be at the wedding.
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      Corinna was forced to cut certain people out of the driver’s life for his sake as she feared information being leaked out.
      Some of these people include ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello, former manager Will Weber and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.
      Michael’s wife Corinna has spent the last ten years protecting her husband’s privacy as he continues to recover from a tragic ski accidentCredit: Rex
      The former Ferrari icon hasn’t been seen in over a decade as his health status is kept private and only his ‘inner circle’ can see himCredit: Getty More

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      Antony Gobert dead aged 48: Eight-time World Superbike race winner passes away after long battle with addiction

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      ANTHONY GOBERT has passed away at the age of 48.The eight-time World Superbike race winner had struggled with addiction for a long time.
      Anthony Gobert has passed away aged 48Credit: Crash.net
      Gobert’s mother announced the Austalian’s passing in a statement on social media.
      She wrote: “My heart is breaking as I write this as my first born beautiful son Anthony has passed late this afternoon.
      “I loved him from the moment he was born until the day I die.
      “At times he was challenging to say the least but he always had a kind heart and cared for everyone.
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      “Sadly he was a victim of addiction which runs deeply in our families. He tried many times to get better but he couldn’t quite make it.
      ” I am so proud of him and thank all those good people who added to his life. You know who you are.”
      The heartbreaking news comes after Gobert’s brother Aaron had recently announced the star was in palliative care.
      Gobert was known as “The Go Show” during his career that saw him become the youngest ever race winner in World Superbike history in 1994.
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      Tributes have poured in for the superbike superstar with many taking to social media to pay tribute to Gobert.
      One wrote: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Anthony Gobert, an exceptionally talented motorcycle racer with a career full of accolades many could only dream of.”
      While another added: “Anthony Gobert was always entertaining, both on and off the bike. A real character and a prodigious talent who endured some difficult times in later life. RIP Go Show.”
      Gobert struggled with drug and alcohol abuse in his later life as well as during his career.
      The Aussie sensation lost his ride with the Suzuki factory 500cc Grand Prix team in 1997 after he failed a drugs test.
      The Go Show won eight races during his time on the track and made the World Superbike podium 16 times throughout his career. More

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      Legendary F1 Grand Prix set to move cities after 45 years with announcement of stunning new circuit just days away

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      FORMULA ONE is gearing up for a major change to its calendar by introducing a new Spanish Grand Prix circuit in Madrid, reports suggest.Spain’s current F1 host Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya sees its licence to hold races expire in 2026.
      Formula One is in line for a track change in SpainCredit: AFP
      The announcement of the first Madrid Grand Prix in 45 years is reportedly about a week awayCredit: Getty
      Multiple reports from the country now suggest the track’s days on the calendar are numbered due to the introduction of a new venue, with F1 long been rumoured to be gearing up for a location change.
      In December reports alleged how F1 had registered its trademarks with the name: “Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix.”
      That deal now appears to be on the horizon of being announced, according to a new report from AS.
      The outlet says Madrid will host F1 from 2026 – the first time it would do so since its Jarama circuit in 1981 – with confirmation on the deal potentially coming as early as next week.
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      Isabel Diaz Ayuso, president of the community of Madrid, revealed January 23 as the proposed date for the announcement.
      At a New Year speech, Ayuso said: “On January 23 there will be a big announcement.”
      The proposed semi-urban Madrid track will pass by the training ground of Real Madrid and will be located 7km away from the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.
      Barcelona – which underwent a revamp ahead of the 2023 race – has hosted Spain’s F1 event since 1991.
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      But after 2026 that status looks set to be revoked after F1 chief Stefano Domenicali suggested two races could not be held in the same country in Europe.
      Domenicali told AS in June: “I don’t think in the medium term, after 2026, we will be in that situation of having two races in Europe in the same country unless something changes and is different.”
      Elsewhere, reports suggest Japan may undergo a change of its own with Osaka wanting to host an F1 street race.
      The 2024 F1 season’s first race at Bahrain will be on March 2, though McLaren has wasted no time in unveiling their livery for the new season.
      How the new Madrid circuit may look More

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      Lando Norris set for huge McLaren pay rise on £13million F1 salary as rivals Mercedes and Red Bull circle British driver

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      McLAREN want to tie up Lando Norris to another long-term contract to fend off interest from Mercedes and Red Bull.In the second half of last season, Norris was the second-highest points scorer behind champion Max Verstappen.
      Lando Norris could see his salary rise by £7m per yearCredit: Getty
      McLaren CEO Zak Brown has explained how he wants to ensure Norris remains with his teamCredit: Getty
      The Brit, 24, is under contract until the end of 2025 but that has not put off McLaren’s rivals from checking on the highly-rated racer’s availability.
      Norris is currently on a deal worth around £13m per year and a new extension could see him earn £20m per year from 2026 onwards.
      McLaren CEO Zak Brown has signed key design staff, such as David Sanchez and Rob Marshall from Ferrari and Red Bull respectively, as the team make progress off track.
      Speaking at the launch of the team’s livery for 2024, Brown says he now wants to turn his attention to signing up his drivers to their long term project to win championships again.
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      He said: “My primary role is to get the right people in place, give them the right resources, and the support.
      “Of course when you’re building a team that has desires to get back to winning the world championship, you need the management, you need the technology, the infrastructure, and of course you need the two grand prix drivers.
      “I think we have all of those in place. We have Lando under contract for another couple of years. Of course, we’re in dialogue with him on a continuous basis as he’s starting to think through as we are, we’re very focused now here, obviously on the short term.
      “But also 2026 isn’t far away, and we recognise that being able to retain Lando and Oscar [Piastri] for the foreseeable future is definitely a key element and something that is a high priority for us.”
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      Norris is yet to win his first race but has come agonisingly close. He has taken 13 podiums and finished the championship in sixth place last season.
      And Brown says it is not down to his driver’s failure to see out the result but because the team have let him down, something he wants to rectify in 2024.
      He added: “The first victory is always somehow the most important, because when you have it, some confidence comes with it, so other things come slightly easier.
      “At the moment, I would say the main reason why this has not been possible is because we haven’t put Lando in condition to consistently compete for the victory.
      “So when Lando wins his first race, it will be a beautiful moment. He’s ready for that. It’s more about us being ready in delivering the car that allows him to take the opportunities.
      “At the moment, like actually we’ve been leading races but we couldn’t consolidate the result up to the chequered flag, so we look forward to that win, and hopefully we’ll have the opportunity in 2024.”
      While Brown is optimistic about his team’s chances coming into the new season he has raised concerns about the partnership between Red Bull and their sister team, AlphaTauri.
      And the McLaren chief thinks it could disrupt the playing field if the two teams are allowed to operate too closely and has subsequently voiced his fears.
      He said: “I am concerned over the AlphaTauri/Red Bull alliance.
      “AlphaTauri is, from what I understand, moving to the UK, which I think will benefit both teams.
      “So this A/B team and co-ownership, which is a whole other level of A/B team, is a big concern to us and the health and fairness of the sport.
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      “The A/B team co-ownership is a serious issue for the fairness of the sport for the fans.
      “That’s why it’s pretty much not allowed in any other form of major sport, and I’d like to see us as an industry focus on that before it gets to a level of being where F1 once was, which was very out of balance because people are playing by the rules but a different set of rules.”
      Norris made the podium an impressive 13 times last yearCredit: Getty More

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      McLaren stun F1 rivals by launching 2024 car earlier than ever before ahead of record-breaking season

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      McLAREN have beaten the rest of the F1 grid by being the first team to unveil their livery for 2024.The ambitious team have surprised their rivals by going early with their car launch for this coming season.
      McLaren are the first team to unveil their liveryCredit: McClaren
      The Woking-based team have surprised their rivals by going early with their car launchCredit: McClaren
      The new McClaren car flaunts the papaya orange and black liveryCredit: McClaren
      SunSport was invited to a top-secret event at the team’s MTC on Monday to get a sneak peek of the papaya orange and black livery which was officially launched at 5pm on Tuesday.
      The Woking-based team made a strong end to last season, with British driver Lando Norris scoring the second-most points in the second half of the season behind champion, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
      This follows after a bold new social media campaign where the team rebooted their Instagram account, starting from scratch to see in the new season.
      Zak Brown the team’s CEO said: “I’m feeling confident. I feel all the men and women at McLaren have done a fantastic job in the off-season.
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      “It’ll be continued development, we’re not done, we’re just done with our launch-spec car, but expect continuous improvement through the course of the year.
      “I think the car looks spectacular, it’s in response to the feedback that we get from our fans.
      “Obviously papaya is very important to us so we want to make sure we’re distinctive.
      “So when you see our car you know it’s a McLaren. We clearly want to continue to close the gap.
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      “We finished up last year second or the third quickest team depending on which circuit you’re at.
      “The car development has been strong but then Red Bull certainly seems like they didn’t develop last year to the level they could if they wanted to, so that could be an unpleasant surprise for all of us.”
      The new F1 season kicks off in Bahrain on Saturday, March 2 – the first of a record-breaking calendar that has 24 races.
      McLaren’s Lando Norris scored the second-most points in the second half of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Carles Falcon dead aged 45: Spanish motorcyclist passes away after suffering horror crash during Dakar Rally

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      SPANISH motorcyclist Carles Falcon has died after suffering a serious crash during the Dakar Rally.The 45-year-old racer was rushed to hospital in a helicopter in a “serious condition” after crashing during the second stage of the famous rally on January 7.
      Carles Falcon has passed away aged 45Credit: Rex
      Carles Falcon was competing in the Dakar Rally when he suffered ‘irreversible neurological damage caused by cardiovascular arrest’Credit: Reuters
      On Friday he returned to Spain, still in an induced coma, on a medicalised plane and was admitted to an intensive care ward in his native region of Catalonia.
      Today it was confirmed he had lost his fight for life.
      Carles’ team, the TwinTrail Racing Team, said in an emotional statement: “This Monday January 15th Carles has left us.
      “The medical team has confirmed the neurological damage caused by cardiovascular arrest at the time of the accident is irreversible.
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      “Carles was a smiling, always active person, who enjoyed with passion everything he did, especially motorcycles.
      “He’s left us doing something that was his dream, competing in the Dakar. He was enjoying himself, he was happy on the bike.”
      “We remember him for his smile and for the happiness he created in everyone.
      “He trained as a computer engineer and his passion was being a motorcycle instructor and motorcycle tour guide.
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      “There are many who have learned by his side. He taught with patience, energy and happiness and made everyone enjoy motorbikes.
      “This is what he has left us and we will always keep with us, all of us who have been close to him, family, friends, team-mates and supporters.”
      Falcon had to be resuscitated after he was found without a pulse by doctors in the Saudi desert during the off-road endurance event.
      Race director David Castera said he “hit his head on the ground” after he fell on to the rocky track.
      The crash was seen by another racer who notified officials.
      He was taken to Al Dawadmi General Hospital in Saudi Arabia where he underwent emergency surgery.
      As well as a cerebral edema he suffered several fractures including one in his C2 cervical vertebra.
      A statement from Twin Trail Racing said after his accident and before his transfer to Spain: “Over the next few days Carles will be kept sedated to control the development of the edema he has suffered in his head.
      “Team-mate Isaac Feliu will not continue in the race and has moved along with the midfield team to be able to stand by his side.
      “As soon as we have news, we will report on their condition and development.
      “From the team and family we appreciate all the messages of support received.
      “Team-mate Isaac Feliu has decided not to finish the race out of solidarity with Falcon.”
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      The motorbike enthusiast was taking part in the world’s toughest rally for the second time.
      One well-wisher said after hearing the news of his death: “I’m really sorry. A hug to all the family.”
      A statement from his team said he would be remembered ‘for his smile and for the happiness he created in everyone’Credit: Rex More