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      Toto Wolff demands explanation from FIA as Mercedes boss launches ‘legal exchange’ with F1 governing body

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      TOTO WOLFF has demanded an explanation from the FIA after launching a “legal exchange” with F1’s governing body following accusations of a conflict of interest.Mercedes boss Wolff and his wife Susie, had been subjected to unprecedented scrutiny following an article citing that rival F1 teams were upset that the latter was working as Managing Director of F1 Academy.
      Toto Wolff has launched a ‘legal exchange’Credit: Alamy
      The FIA responded by publicly announcing they were investigating the unsubstantiated claim.
      However, it has since been quickly disproved following a display of unity from F1 teams, who released statements saying they had no issue with either’s positions.
      While the FIA have now performed a U-turn on their decision and since closed the case, both Toto and Susie Wolff are angry their integrity has been called into question and want an explanation.
      A statement from Wolff, who is team principal, CEO and co-owner of the Mercedes F1 team said: “We understand that there is significant media interest in the events of this week.
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      “We are currently in active legal exchange with the FIA. We await full transparency about what took place and why, and have expressly reserved all legal rights.
      “Therefore we ask for your understanding that we will not be commenting officially for now, but we will certainly address the matter in due course.”
      His statement came after his wife, a former racing driver and Formula E team boss herself, had posted on social media responding to the FIA’s short statement that they had ceased their investigation.She wrote: “When I saw the statement issued by the FIA yesterday evening, my first reaction was: ‘Is that it?’.
      “For two days, insinuations have been made about my integrity in public and through background briefings, but nobody from the FIA has spoken to me directly.
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      “I might have been collateral damage in an unsuccessful attack on somebody else, or the target of a failed attempt to discredit me personally, but I have worked too hard to have my reputation called into question by an unfounded press release.
      “We have come a long way as a sport. I was extremely thankful for the unified support of the Formula One teams.
      “I have worked with so many passionate women and men at F1 and the FIA, who have the very best interests of our sport at heart.
      “However, this episode has so far taken place without transparency or accountability. I have received online abuse about my work and my family.
      “I will not allow myself to be intimidated and intend to follow up until I have found out who has instigated this campaign and misled the media.
      “What happened this week is simply not good enough. As a sport, we must demand, and we deserve, better.”
      The bombshell dropped ahead of Friday night’s FIA lavish gala in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Merc’s Lewis Hamilton picked up his award for finishing third in the drivers’ championship.
      He skipped the award ceremony in 2021 after losing the title to Max Verstappen, earning a fine from the FIA. More

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      Ex-F1 champion lifts lid on secret talks in the F1 paddock after Lewis Hamilton to Red Bull rumours blew up

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      FORMULA ONE legend Jacques Villeneuve revealed secret backstage talks between rivals “always happen” in the paddock.This comes after sensational rumours suggesting Mercedes superstar Sir Lewis Hamilton sent someone to approach Red Bull team principal Christian Horner regarding a shock swap.
      Jacques Villeneuve revealed backstage talks between rivals ‘always happen’Credit: Splash
      Shock reports claim a member of Sir Lewis Hamilton’s camp approached Red BullCredit: Getty
      Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed Hamilton’s rep discussed a possible swapCredit: Alamy
      Villeneuve wasn’t stunned by those reports as he remembers similar incidents taking place during his glory years on a regular basis.
      However, the Williams great insists when the news come out a driver always has to make sure they negate those rumours.
      Villeneuve told Planet F1: “It gets a lot of print!
      “As a driver, you’re not allowed to talk to other teams while you’re under contract and all that. But talks always happen.
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      “Obviously, you cross people in the paddock or, sometimes, you’ll use someone who doesn’t work for you, but will still do the talk so you’re protected.
      “But, if the noise comes out, you have to negate it. Then who’s there to check?”
      In the lead-up to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Horner revealed a member of Hamilton’s camp had approached him to talk about a possible switch to his team.
      A Red Bull spokesperson then revealed that conversation had been with Sir Lewis’ father Anthony.
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      But both the British superstar and Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff quickly shut down those claims.
      Hamilton has vehemently denied those rumours and even claimed Horner was “just stirring things”.
      The seven-time F1 world champion added he had no knowledge regarding an approach from his camp. More

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      Who is Nicki Shields? TNT Sports Formula E presenter starring alongside Jermaine Jenas

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      NICKI Shield is the television presenter best known as the Formula E pit reporter.But who is she, and what do we know about her career?
      Formula E presenter Nicki Shields gave birth to her third child in August, 2023
      Who is Nicki Shields? 
      Nicola Shields was born on November 1, 1985, and is better known as Nicki. 
      She was born and raised in Twickenham, in west London, along with her brother. 
      Despite growing up competing in go-karting events, in a motorsports-mad family, Nicki took the academic path. 
      Nicki studied Biological and Zoological Sciences at the University of Bristol, graduating in 2007. 
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      She then took a job in finance at UBS, before leaving after just a year to start her own social media company. 
      Nicki’s new business led her to start her presenting career at science and technology events, which led to television opportunities. 
      What TV shows has Nicki Shields presented? 
      Nicki’s television career started in 2012, with a role presenting The Gadget Show Live. 
      The following year, she presented Escape to the Country on BBC, before she made the move to motorsports presenting, at Silverstream TV. 
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      Nicki went on to present Sky Sports F1’s Formula Kart Stars.
      Then in 2016, she started working as a pit-lane reporter for the FIA Formula E Championship, which later moved to ITV.
      In December 2023, it was announced that the former Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas will be joining Nicki as the new host of the Formula E coverage, which will be moving from Channel 4 to TNT Sports next season. 
      Rumours that Jermaine may be given the job were circulating from November 2023, after MOTDx was axed by the BBC. 
      Since 2014, Nicki has presented for Goodwood TV. 
      She also presents a series on CNN called Supercharged, which focuses on Formula E. 
      Is Nicki Shields married and does she have children?
      Nicki married her long-term boyfriend Mark Sainthill in Ibiza, and now lives in west London.
      The pair tied to knot after four years together, and have three children together.
      Their eldest, Arthur, was born in 2019, followed by brother Orlando, born in 2021. 
      The couple welcomed their third child, Alyra, in August 2023. 
      Nicki worked until near the very end of her pregnancy. 
      She posted a video of herself presenting while heavily pregnant with her 52.2k Instagram followers, adding: 
      “I did work until 39 weeks pregnant which I know isn’t the norm but I felt good and the baby was developing well, so I felt happy to continue…
      “And made sure I had a nice hot bath at the end of every day towards the end!”
      Read more on The Sun
      When Alyra arrived in August 2023, Nicki wrote on Instagram: “I can’t quite believe it. Am I really a mum of three?
      “It feels so surreal saying that out loud. I’m sure it was only yesterday we were getting married in Ibiza, partying without a care in the world!” More

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      Ex-FIA chief claims race that handed Lewis Hamilton F1 title was ‘rigged’

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      JEAN TODT has claimed that the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008 was “rigged” and should have “been cancelled”.The result of the race had major consequences as Lewis Hamilton, 38, went on to win the World Championship.
      Jean Todt claims that the 2008 Singapore GP ‘should have been cancelled’Credit: Getty
      Felipe Massa suffered a dodgy pit stopCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Renault’s Fernando Alonso won the race after Ferrari’s Felipe Massa suffered a pit-stop error that saw him drive off with the fuel hose still attached to his car.
      In 2009, it was revealed that during the controversial race, the Enstone team ordered Nelson Piquet Jnr to crash his car, which helped boost Alonso’s strategy.
      Alonso has never given any indication that he had knowledge of the plan.
      Massa, 42, had been leading the race in Singapore but ended up finishing 13th after his pitstop, which would not have happened if it was not for Piquet’s crash.
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      Hamilton finished third in the race and confirmed his title win in the last race of the season in Brazil.
      Conversation around the controversy has arisen this year after former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone suggested that the FIA and F1 were aware of Renault’s actions before 2009.
      Todt, the former Ferrari Formula 1 team principal, has claimed that the FIA and F1 should have come down harder on the result.
      The 77-year-old told La Stampa: “I don’t get into the controversy.
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      Lewis Hamilton won the title due to the resultCredit: EPA
      “For him [Massa], psychologically, it was very hard.
      “Maybe we [the FIA] could have been tougher when the story came out.
      “There is no doubt that the Singapore Grand Prix was rigged and should have been cancelled.”
      Massa has since opted to challenge for the title in court by arguing that the GP should have been cancelled.
      If he were to succeed then he would claim the title for that year.
      Hamilton has been urged to speak on the ongoing legal battle.
      Mercedes team principle Toto Wolff fears F1 will be plunged into “disarray” if Massa wins his legal battle.
      However, he does not think the ex-Ferrari man has a case.
      Massa has opened up a legal battle to contest the resultCredit: AP
      Wolff said: “I don’t think he has a case, to be honest. We are signing up to sporting regulations.
      “They’re very clear, and you commit as a licence holder.
      “If everybody were to open up situations, then the sport would be in disarray, and especially when you look at the full championships.
      “There are so many things that have an influence whether you win or lose that I don’t see the case to be honest.
      Read more on The Sun
      “On the civil case side, I don’t know. Let’s evaluate whether there are some damages that could be claimed.
      “This is like watching a soap opera playing out in front of me.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton admits he’d ‘love to drive’ F1 rival’s car as he opens up on ‘two difficult years’ at Mercedes

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted he would love to drive Red Bull’s Formula One car.Mercedes have had a challenging couple of years since the new era of F1 car designs were introduced into the sporting regulations.
      Lewis Hamilton has admitted he would ‘love’ to drive the Red Bull F1 carCredit: Alamy
      Max Verstappen enjoyed unprecedented success behind the wheel this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Brackley-based team have won just won race in the last two seasons, with that sole win coming with George Russell in Brazil 2022.
      And that has left seven-time world champion Hamilton without a race win for two years, having previously won a race in every season he had featured in beforehand.
      Hamilton showed his quality by finishing the best of the rest in the 2023 drivers championship, but was still unable to snatch a race win thanks to the unprecedented dominance of Red Bull.
      Indeed, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was the only driver not in a Red Bull to take a chequered flag this season as Max Verstappen hoovered up a record-breaking 19 race wins and Sergio Perez landed two.
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      Red Bull brainiac designer Adrian Newey has already claimed their car evolution plan next year will be “so difficult for anyone to catch up”, so Hamilton’s challenge may get even harder.
      NOT that the 38-year-old is backing down from the challenge, but he believes every driver on the grid would love driving the “most dominant car of all-time”.
      As quoted by F1i.com, he said: “Every driver here looks at the Red Bull car and would love to drive that car, and I am not saying that I wouldn’t love to drive that car and feel how good it is, every driver would feel that.”
      However, he also backed Mercedes to recreate the winning formula which allowed Hamilton to land six of his seven world titles.
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      He said: “We’ve had two difficult years, and if we work towards beating that car, it is going to be a way better feeling than stepping into the best car.
      “That wouldn’t do much for me, in the sense of stepping into the car that is the most dominant of all-time.
      “Working with my team to build and be able to beat them, that would be better for my legacy.”
      Despite this, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has backed Hamilton to be fighting for the title in 2024, so long as the team deliver a car capable keeping up with Red Bull.
      When asked by Sky Sports as to whether they can bridge that gap next season, Wolff said: “New season starts with a completely new car and that gives opportunities but also risks.
      “I think we’ve got to be realistic.”
      He added: “If we are able to give him the car, then he will be fighting for a world championship.
      “I have no doubt. It’s clear that when you have a Formula 1 car like we have now, you are never at ease with it.”
      Verstappen broke a number of records with Red Bull in 2023, including the sport’s longest race-winning streak with ten and becoming the first driver to ever lead 1000 laps in a season.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Susie Wolff slams ‘misogynistic’ allegations as F1 Academy chief accused of sharing info with Mercedes boss husband Toto

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      SUSIE WOLFF has slammed allegations that she exchanged confidential information with husband and Mercedes team principal Toto as “misogynistic”.A report in Business F1 magazine claimed rival team bosses had raised concerns that Wolff was sharing confidential information from her employer Formula One Management (FOM).
      Susie Wolff, right, has slammed allegations she has shared confidential information with husband TotoCredit: Rex
      Wolff is employed by F1’s commercial rights holder FOM and in her role as the director of the sports all-female series, F1 Academy, reports directly to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
      On Tuesday, the FIA announced its compliance unit had opened an investigation into the pair’s conduct relating to the claims.
      The FIA statement said: “The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel.
      “The FIA Compliance Department is looking into the matter.”
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      Neither party were named by the FIA in the statement, but both Wolff and Mercedes F1 rebutted the claims.
      In a social media post, Wolff, 41, said she was “deeply insulted but sadly not surprised” by the allegations.
      She added: “It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities.”
      Meanwhile, a Mercedes spokesperson said: “We note the generic statement from the FIA this evening, which responds to unsubstantiated allegations from a single media outlet, and the off-record briefing which has linked it to the team principal of Mercedes-AMG F1.
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      “The team has received no communication from the FIA compliance department on this topic and it was highly surprising to learn of the investigation through a media statement.
      “We wholly reject the allegation in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly impinges on the integrity and compliance of our team principal.
      “As a matter of course, we invite full, prompt, and transparent correspondence from the FIA compliance department regarding this investigation and its contents.”
      A further statement from F1 said they had not been briefed on the governing body’s statement before its release.
      An F1 spokesperson added: “We note the public statement made by the FIA this evening that was not shared with us in advance.
      “We have complete confidence that the allegations are wrong, and we have robust processes and procedures that ensure the segregation of information and responsibilities in the event of any potential conflict of interest.
      “We are confident that no member of our team has made any unauthorised disclosure to a team principal and would caution anyone against making imprudent and serious allegations without substance.”
      Wolff was the last woman to drive in an F1 practice session and was appointed the director of F1 Academy in March 2023.
      She married Toto in 2011, several years after first meeting, in a Capri wedding.
      The pair have a son together named Jack.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      F1 announce huge 2024 calendar update set to leave world champion Max Verstappen fuming

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      FORMULA ONE have announced a huge update to the 2024 season calendar.Next season is set to feature a record-breaking 24 races, one up from the 23 held this season.
      Sprint Races are returning for the 2024 seasonCredit: Alamy
      Max Verstappen has a well known dislike for Sprint RacesCredit: Getty
      Scroll down to see full 2024 Sprint Race calendar
      However, F1 bosses have pressed forward with plans to expand the divisive Sprint Race format.
      F1 held six different weekends featuring a Sprint Race in the 2023, with varying degrees of success.
      There will once again be six weekends which feature Sprint Races, including two tracks holding one for the first time.
      The Chinese Grand Prix, which saw its 2023 race cancelled due to difficulties with Covid-19, has been pencilled in as one weekend to hold a Sprint Race.
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      The other new venue for a Sprint Race is Miami. Returning tracks for the format are Austria, America (COTA), Brazil and Qatar.
      However, this move is likely to upset reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who is well known to not be a fan of Sprint Races.
      On the race format, he previously said: “I’m not a fan of it at all.
      “When we do all that kind of stuff the weekend becomes more intense and we’re already doing so many races. So that’s not the right way to go about it.
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      “I understand of course they wanted to have every day exciting but then it’s maybe better to reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.”
      He has even gone so far as to threaten to QUIT F1 if sport bosses keep making changes to the rules.
      Finer details of the Sprint Races are yet to be finalised with sport bosses set to discuss potential changes to the format, including revised timings and parc ferme regulations.
      On next year’s sprint calendar, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I am delighted to announce six exciting venues for next season’s F1 sprint events, including two new hosts China and Miami, both of which will be fantastic additions and provide great racing for all our fans at the race and watching at home.
      “Since its creation in 2021, the sprint has been consistent in delivering increased audiences on TV, more on track entertainment for the fans at events and increased fan engagement on social and digital platforms, and we are looking forward to the exciting events next year.”
      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “I’m pleased to confirm the six sprint events for next season and am looking forward to the return of four host venues that have provided some thrilling action in the sprints this year.
      “The addition of Shanghai will be a challenge for the teams and drivers as Formula 1 heads back to China for the first time since 2019, while a sprint in Miami will add a new dimension to an enthralling weekend.
      “We must continuously develop and adapt to ensure we are doing what is best for the sport, and as such we are working with FOM and the teams to define the future direction of the sprint format.”
      The 2024 Sprint Race calendar in full
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Iconic F1 GP set to be moved after 35 years to incredible street track with stars to race past world’s best footballers

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      FORMULA ONE’S Spanish Grand Prix could be moved to a stunning new circuit in Madrid.Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – which underwent a revamp ahead of the 2023 race – has hosted the event for the last 35 years.
      The Spanish Grand Prix is set to have a new additionCredit: Getty
      The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to have a sister circuit in 2026Credit: Getty
      How the proposed new track in Madrid will look
      But it appears a new track in Madrid is set to be introduced to the calendar in 2026.
      Reports from Spanish outlet OK Diario claim F1 is set to announce the new “Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix” after registering trademarks with the name.
      F1 reporter Joe Saward said the announcement will see the Madrid circuit hold races for at least ten years from 2026.
      Saward adds the race will take place on a semi-permanent track around the Ifema convention centre close to Barajas Airport and next to Real Madrid’s training ground Ciudad Real Madrid.
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      The centre is located around 7km away from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium — which itself has undergone a face lift in recent months.
      F1 chiefs have been looking at Madrid as a new host for some time.

      Saward reports the race will be fully accessible by public transport including the city’s metro network, a move which would contrast the restricted viewing fans saw at the Las Vegas GP.
      Madrid last hosted an F1 race at Jarama in 1981, with Barcelona hosting the country’s race since 1991.
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      The reported new track will run by Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: AFP
      It means drivers will go past some of the world’s best footballersCredit: Getty
      The new track will also be close to the Santiago BernabeuCredit: Getty
      The Catalunya circuit’s deal runs until 2026 with Madrid and Barcelona set to initially both host races.
      It is understood to be unlikely that the Barcelona track with continue to host Grands Prix beyond then.
      Although F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously suggested there is a chance two Spanish races could stay on the calendar.
      Valencia has previously hosted the European GP alongside the Catalunya race.
      Speaking at the launch of an F1 exhibition in Madrid earlier this year, Domenicali said: “They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular.
      “Two races in Spain of course is very difficult, so we are happy with Barcelona who have a contract and a strong relationship – but it is true that Madrid wants a race so we will see. All of this is good for F1.”
      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also hinted at this move, saying: “It is a matter of meeting around a table and negotiating what is best for F1, also on the commercial side.”
      Asked about Spain hosting two races, he added: “I think so. We have to study the commercial part, but I am sure that Formula 1 will be doing that. And then it will work very well.”
      It comes after Domenicali also suggested that F1 could have as many as 30 races over the course of a season.
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      This season had 23 races and was a record in of itself, though the current Concorde agreement between teams and F1 maxes this number out to 24.
      However, that deal only runs until 2025 and could pave the way for F1 to return to Africa and head to new venues.
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have openly backed the idea of a Madrid GPCredit: Rex
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More