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    F1 star Sergio Perez hints at potential career change amid speculation over his Red Bull future

    SERGIO PEREZ has hinted at a career away from F1 after starring in a shock new music video.The under-fire Red Bull driver is facing an uncertain future, having endured a difficult season on the grid.
    Sergio Perez featured in a music videoCredit: Rex
    The Mexican is second in the Drivers Championship but faces speculation about his future – even though the team are adamant he is staying for next season.
    Perez, 33, has struggled this term and is already 266 points behind team-mate, and runaway title leader, Max Verstappen in the standings.
    He was also recently criticised by Red Bull’s advisor Helmut Marko, who later apologised for his comments.
    But now, the F1 ace – who has long been in Verstappen’s shadow – has been raising his profile in the world of music.
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    Perez starred as a taxi driver in ‘Por La Familia’ by Carin Leon and Borderkid, and was seen thrillingly driving Leon from an airport to a surrealist landscape.
    Perez eventually gets kitted out in Red Bull gear while the make-believe, flame-painted taxi travels to a pit stop at an isolated petrol station.
    Perez said: “Latin music is having a great time. People are enjoying it and it’s great to have our Latin music all around the world.
    “It’s great to have that in the F1 community and within the sport.”
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    Meanwhile, when it comes to his day job, Perez is aiming to consolidate second place in the overall standings to give Red Bull a one-two finish.
    His contract expires at the end of the 2024 season.
    And to make matters worse for the man fighting for his future, he crashed out of his home Grand Prix following a collision with Charles Leclerc.
    But team boss Christian Horner has insisted that Perez is not going anywhere.
    Horner said: “We’re doing our best to support Checo and help him to find the form we know he is capable of and demonstrated earlier in the year.”
    The Red Bull driver suffered a nightmare start to the Mexican GPCredit: AP More

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    Max Verstappen’s race engineer admits ‘biggest fear’ he’s ‘not looking forward to’ after Red Bull’s dominant F1 season

    MAX VERSTAPPEN’S race engineer has revealed what his biggest fear is in Formula One.Gianpiero Lambiase has been the three-time F1 champion’s engineer since he arrived at Red Bull in 2016.
    Max Verstappen has been with Gianpiero Lambiase since arriving at Red Bull in 2016Credit: Reuters
    Lambiase has revealed his biggest fear about the future of F1Credit: Getty
    F1 viewers will recognise his voice whenever Verstappen communicates with the paddock.
    Lambiase, nicknamed “GP”, has overseen all of the Dutchman’s 52 career wins, including a record-breaking 17 this season with another two races to go.
    However, that has not stopped relentless Verstappen from snapping at Lambiase a couple of times.
    The Belgian Grand Prix earlier this season saw Verstappen launch an X-rated rant at his engineer before apologising after the race.
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    But with the rest of the field always trying to close the gap, Lambiase has revealed he is not looking forward to seeing how Verstappen treats him when the pressure is really on.
    Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast with Verstappen next to him, British-Italian Lambiase said: “My biggest fear is the moment that we do have increased competition and we’re not winning every race.
    “Because, you see how he’s treating me at the moment and he’s winning every race! I’m really not looking forward to it.”
    The joke prompted laughter from Verstappen, who had earlier explained how he does not get bored of winning.
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    The 26-year-old said: “When do we get bored? Not winning. This motivates me every single day to come back here at the factory to prepare for the next races.
    “But also once you’re there, it’s the best feeling out there. So for me, it’s not boring at all.”
    With eight years under their belt together, they have a great working relationship and spend a lot of time together around the track.
    Indeed, in 2021 Verstappen threatened to quit the sport if Lambiase left F1.
    However, Lambiase explained that they do spend time away from one another in order to stay fresh.
    He said: “We’ve been together for eight seasons now. There are so many races and there’s so much time that you are forced to be together.
    “I think it would be unfair to expect Max to spend even more time with me or vice versa when he’s finally got a weekend off.”
    Verstappen added: “I come to the UK to do simulator stuff. Then I’m really happy to leave the UK to go back home.
    “Like GP says, we’re doing so many races together. It’s also nice to spend time with your close friends and family… when you have time.”
    Verstappen claimed another win at the Brazilian Grand Prix in what proved to be a nightmare weekend for 2021 title rival Lewis Hamilton.
    Hamilton has revealed he has given up booze in a bid to help him rediscover his race-winning form.
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    Although, given the struggles of the Mercedes W14 car, he could be waiting until 2024.
    The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in two weeks is not likely to provide a lot of joy for Mercedes either due to their slow straight-line speed.
    Verstappen and Lambiase have worked together for eight yearsCredit: Getty
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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    Lewis Hamilton reveals he’s quit booze and ‘may never drink again’ as struggling F1 legend slams peer pressure

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed he’s given up alcohol as he looks to transform his fortunes in Formula One.The seven-time world champion has criticised the peer pressure involved with booze despite his vast world experience.
    Lewis Hamilton has revealed he’s quit alcohol for goodCredit: Getty
    The seven-time world champion declared there’s too much pressure involvedCredit: Getty
    Hamilton recently launched a new non-alcoholic tequila drink, with the Brit expanding his empire off the track.
    The 38-year-old has now revealed he’s gone sober as he looks to get back to his best following Red Bull’s dominance over the past two seasons.
    Hamilton admitted he’s seeking “that extra one per cent”, as he continues to perform at the top level of the sport.
    The British legend told Vogue: “I don’t know if I’m going to drink again.
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    “Since I’ve stopped drinking, I’ve just been feeling so much better, so much more clarity.
    “There is pressure to drink within a social setting. You have one shot and feel like ‘Damn, why did I do that?’ when you get home.
    “I was like, wow, that’s kind of crazy how I’m feeling pressured.
    “And I realised, how can I be feeling pressure at 38? Imagine young 18 year olds.”
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    Hamilton has endured another frustrating season with Mercedes, with the British star lying third in the World Championship standings.
    The Silver Arrows’ torrid time was epitomised at the Brazil GP last week, after Hamilton finished eighth and George Russell retired on lap 58 of 71.
    Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has cruised to the world title with the Dutchman leading on 524 points following 17 race wins.
    The penultimate race of the season will see Las Vegas’ debut in the sport on November 18, with the Abu Dhabi hosting the 2023 finale on November 26.
    Mercedes and Hamilton suffered another devastating weekend in Sao Paulo More

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    Luisinha Oliveira bares bum in sexy bikini snap and fans think she’s back with F1 star Lando Norris after spotting pic

    LUISINHA OLIVEIRA has fans speculating she’s rekindled her relationship with Lando Norris.The stunning model shared a picture of herself soaking up the sun in a yellow bikini.
    Luisinha Oliveira wowed in a bikiniCredit: Instagram
    Fans believe Lando Norris is at the same beach as he uploaded this snapCredit: Instagram @landonorris
    Luisinha, 23, posted the picture on her Instagram account for her 375k followers.
    Many fans lauded the picture as it quickly gained over 40,000 likes.
    However many fans drew a connection between the picture and a post that Norris put up on his own social media.
    The F1 star shared a snap from a beach in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which they believe to be the same beach that Luisinha is visiting.
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    Norris has been in South America following last weekend’s Brazil GP at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo – where he finished second, just eight seconds behind Max Verstappen.
    One fan commented: “Luisinha and Landinho from Brazil.”
    A second wrote: “Lando just posted on this same beach.”
    A third said: “Sao Paulo with Lando?”, as another joked: “Hi Lando!”
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    The pair dated for a yearCredit: Getty
    They broke up in September 2022Credit: Instagram/luisinhaoliveira99
    The McLaren driver dated Luisinha for a year before they broke up in September 2022.
    She had been a regular at the F1 races during their relationship as she showed her support for Norris.
    One recent post saw her once again rock a low-cut outfit as she posed in a corset on Instagram.
    Meanwhile, another bikini snap had fans branding Luisinha the “prettiest girl in the world” as she soaked up the sun on a boat.
    Inside Luisinha’s glamorous life as a model and former F1 Wag…
    Luisinha would often watch Norris raceCredit: Getty
    She is a popular modelCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
    She has 375k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @luisinhaoliveira99
    Luisinha often updates her fans on social media with her lifeCredit: instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
    Luisinha often visits beachesCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
    She is a also a fan of bikini picturesCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99 More

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    Martin Brundle’s Sky Sports F1 grid interviews Walk of Shame from dismissive Pep Guardiola to bizarre Machine Gun Kelly

    MARTIN BRUNDLE’S iconic grid interviews have become a much-loved part of the build-up to a Grand Prix.The Sky Sports reporter is given the tough task of chasing celebrities around the track prior to the race.
    Martin Brundle has been awkwardly snubbed by celebs countless timesCredit: Sky Sports
    The broadcasting hero is loved by F1 fansCredit: Getty
    Brundle has become a master of pushing his way to the front over the years and has had brilliant chats with the likes of David Beckham, Ed Sheeran, Will Smith and Kylie Minogue to name a few.
    However, the broadcasting legend does not always get so lucky and occasionally has to do the walk of shame away from a star if they snub his interview attempt.
    SunSport take a look back at some of the most awkward and dismissive encounters we have seen.
    Machine Gun Kelly
    The American’s chat with Brundle was one of the most uncomfortable watches in the 2023 season.
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    After initially struggling to get particularly interesting answers from MGK, he asked the rapper about his own music career, only for him to respond by demanding the presenter does an air guitar.
    Brundle refused and Machine Gun Kelly stormed off and gave the cameras a thumbs down.
    Fans called it the “most awkward interview ever” and the ever-confident host joked: “I don’t think I’ll be on his Christmas card list”.
    MGK did not enjoy his time with BrundleCredit: Sky Sports
    Cara Delevingne
    Brundle approached the model and actress last year but got a firm “no”.
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    He swiftly hit back, saying: “The deal is that everybody has to talk on the grid.”
    Delevingne then claimed she couldn’t hear anything and by that point Brundle gave up and had the last laugh as he brutally quipped sarcastically: “I’m sure it would have been extremely interesting.”
    Brundle brutally hit back at Cara DelevingneCredit: Sky sports
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    Megan Thee Stallion
    One of Brundle’s most iconic grid moments came when he tried to speak to Megan Thee Stallion.
    He was swatted away by heavy-handed bodyguards before being invited in by the rap sensation herself.
    Brundle shouted “I think she is happy” before being rudely barged by another member of her entourage.
    After getting criticism off one of Megan’s team, the F1 legend laughed: “I can do that because I just did.”
    Pep Guardiola
    The Manchester City manager turned into a man of few words as the 64-year-old presenter approached him.
    Guardiola claimed he had already spoke to Sky Sports multiple times at the Abu Dhabi GP in 2022.
    Brundle then asked the Spaniard a question about City, but he replied: “No talking about football today.”
    Thinking on his feet, he then tried to chat about F1 but the manager simply walked off before he was moved on by security.
    Guardiola snubbed Brundle and walked offCredit: sky sports
    Brad Pitt
    Guardiola is joined in the walk away club by Pitt.
    The Hollywood legend snubbed Brundle ahead of the US Grand Prix last year despite him trying to get answers about his upcoming film based on F1.
    Pitt seemed to have no time for interviews as he wondered off up the grid.
    Brundle later revealed he got an apology from the actor, who was unaware of his cult hero status in the sport.
    He said: “Got a note from Brad Pitt explaining what happened with our near miss on the Austin grid. Unnecessary, but nice of him.
    “Absolutely nobody is obliged to talk to me on the grid, but as I endeavour to make 10/12 minutes of live and unscripted sports TV I’m obliged to at least ask.”
    Brad Pitt later apologised to Martin Brundle
    Williams sisters
    Venus was slammed by some F1 fans for not even acknowledging Brundle as he tried to get a few words from the tennis hero in 2016.
    And he had similar misfortune with Serena as she awkwardly gestured with a wave that she didn’t fancy a chat years after his sister’s encounter.
    Brundle did not let the snubbing get under his skin, saying: “It’s a double fault, it’s a double fault.”
    China GP stewards
    In a bizarre turn of events in 2007, Brundle was seemingly booted off the grid on his way to locate Jenson Button.
    He was intercepted by two stewards that then attempted to block his path.
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    Brundle and the staff had a blazing row live on TV as raged: “You can’t do that.”
    However, he was not allowed to continue and had to turn back after being ushered away. More

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    Lewis Hamilton makes bleak F1 prediction for 2024 season as Mercedes’ struggles go from bad to worse

    LEWIS HAMILTON has made a bleak Formula One prediction for the 2024 season – as Mercedes struggles go from bad to worse.The seven-time world champion claimed that Red Bull will continue their dominance over the “next couple of years.”
    Lewis Hamilton makes bleak F1 prediction for the 2024 seasonCredit: Splash
    Since the 2022 regulations for F1 cars were introduced Mercedes have deeply struggled to fight for the top position.
    While the Silver Arrows have attempted to close their gap to rivals Red Bull they have only won a single race in the last two seasons.
    Meanwhile, Red Bull has dominated the leaderboards in record-breaking style as leading driver Max Verstappen has achieved the highest win percentage of any driver in a single season.
    With Verstappen’s victories not coming to an end any time soon, Hamilton gave his call on how the next few seasons will turn out.
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    He said: “The Red Bull, I think, is so far away. I think they’re probably going to be very clear for the next couple of years.”
    Verstappen so far this year has 17 victories from 20 races while accumulating three straight drivers’ titles.
    The Belgian’s victory in Sao Paulo at the weekend was a sharp contrast to the dismal performance of Mercedes.
    Mercedes suffered one of their lowest moments in recent history at the Interlagos.
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    The British racing team have had issues with their cars for a while now but this weekend was a horror show for Toto Wolff’s side.
    Hamilton ended up miles off the podium and finished eighth after being overtaken by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in the final laps.
    While fellow Brit and team-mate George Russell was forced to retire the car on lap 58 of 71.
    But before the race had even begun the 103-time race-winner sensed trouble looming.
    Hamilton continued: “I knew that we would have a difficult day. Nothing changed in the car from yesterday to today, so I knew it would be tough.
    “The tyres were overheating, the car was slow on the straights, no grip in corners. Ultimately, all I can do is try and remain optimistic.”
    Mercedes team-mate George Russell was forced to retire his car at the Brazillian Grand PrixCredit: Splash More

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    Ex-F1 engineer Rob Smedley launches new karting series for kids, with supporting cast that includes Idris Elba.

    EX-F1 engineer Rob Smedley is trying to change the future of motorsport – with a little bit of help from Hollywood star Idris Elba.Smedley, who worked at Ferrari and Williams, has launched the Global Karting League, an electric go-kart series targeted at youngsters – whose parents don’t have deep pockets.
    Rob Smedley wants to do something ‘more purpose driven’ after leaving F1
    The Wire and Luther actor Idris Elba, seen here at the wheel of a Formula E racing car, is helping out the karting scheme via his academyCredit: Getty
    A junior karter gets to grips with the electric kart
    The series, which kicks off in the UK, will offer kids the chance to turn up and race electric go-karts for a fraction of the price of traditional petrol karts.
    Smedley, who is also working with the Idris Elba Speed Academy, hopes Global Karting League will give young racers the opportunity to reach F1 from different demographics.
    He said: “I’ve spent all my life in Formula One and when I stopped with the teams I wanted to do something more purpose driven.
    “One of the things that really interested me was how the majority of the drivers in F1 come from privileged backgrounds.
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    “And that only seemed to be getting more and more prevalent. I spent a lot of time looking at why and it comes down to grassroots level.
    “If you want to participate and be successful, you’ve got to have a huge budget and that’s just prohibitive. A huge barrier.
    “If you want to race at national level, you are getting into £100,000 and the next level and race in Europe, that’s £250,000 a year and it’s not open to anyone but ultra high net worth families.
    “We started with a blank sheet of paper and wanted to massively reduce the cost and complexity and that’s how the Global Karting League was born.
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    “It is about nurturing talent, creating a credible pathway through karting from the very grassroots and kids who’ve never done it before, to eventual world champions.”
    Smedley says that unlike football, many potential star drivers have never had the opportunity to try their hand at racing.
    He added: “If football was costing tens of thousands of pounds, we wouldn’t have found the immense talent across the years from different corners of the Earth.
    “You wouldn’t have found Leo Messi, you wouldn’t have found David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne or George Best.
    “We also have the Idris Elba Speed Academy. He’s somebody like myself who wants to give back.
    “He wants to represent those underrepresented communities. We had 400 kids try out and we filtered that down to 12 kids with the highest potential and put them into the Global Karting League, and they are all fully-funded.”
    One junior karter on the series is Sienna Greene, 15, from Coulsdon, who has the ambition of reaching F1.
    She said: “I first tried karting at a birthday party when I was about nine and I won and a little later I joined a cadet programme at my local track.
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    “Working with Idris has been fun. He’s a lovely person, and he’s really down to earth.
    “I prefer racing the electric karts to the petrol ones because if I do make a mistake, I find it easier to fix, compared to a petrol kart which takes longer to get back up to speed.” More

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    Toto Wolff may not be joking about shock Man Utd move as F1 boss struggles to show appetite for Mercedes rebuild

    TOTO WOLFF has a massive job on his hands – and one that will ultimately determine his F1 legacy.The Austrian was unapologetic in his condemnation of this season’s Mercedes car following Lewis Hamilton’s eighth-place finish in Sao Paulo while George Russell retired from the race.
    Toto Wolff has made positive noises about joining Sir Jim Ratcliff at Manchester UnitedCredit: Splash
    After all, this was the race the team had won last year and was supposed to signal their upward development curve after decent performances in Austin and Mexico City.
    There was no sugarcoating this miserable performance and Wolff was left sounding like a broken record as he again said “We’ve got to develop that better for next year”.
    He added: “There is something fundamentally wrong mechanically. It’s not a rear wing and it’s not the car being slightly too high. Because we are talking a millimetre or two.
    “That is performance but it is not the explanation for a total off-weekend.”
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    The problem is however, we don’t know if he is capable of leading the team’s resurrection so that they can again challenge for championships.
    If we look back when Wolff joined Mercedes from Williams, he did so alongside Niki Lauda, the three-time F1 world champion who commanded so much respect.
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    It is also worth noting that Wolff also inherited the bulk of the team from Ross Brawn – who had turned his £1 purchase from Honda to world champions in 2009.
    It is all very well being praised for your management skills during the good times and the periods of domination, as Wolff was, but it requires another skill set to turn things around when they go bad.
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    That’s something Brawn had done, and too Christian Horner at Red Bull, who after the success of Mercedes, has overseen his team become the dominant force once again.
    Under Wolff’s watch, Mercedes have lost several key personnel, such as engine chief Andy Cowell, who have not been sufficiently replaced.
    They have lurched from bad design to bad design and while it is not Wolff in the aerodynamics department, he is ultimately the boss and the buck stops with him.
    Ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, he was quizzed about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover at Manchester United, with Wolff making positive noises about joining him.
    I just wonder whether that could be the Austrian’s next play?Rumour has it he was in Brazil only by virtue of missing two races earlier after undergoing a knee operation and felt that he needed to attend to show face.
    He has already spoken about reducing his attendance at races for next season, which will see a record 24 races.
    It all makes me wonder if he has the appetite – and the ability – to turn the slump around. More