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    Lewis Hamilton’s ex-trainer reveals biggest challenge of working with Mercedes star and names hardest F1 track

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S former trainer has revealed what the biggest challenge of training the Formula One great was. Antti Vierula was part of Hamilton’s support crew between 2011 and 2012 while the Brit was still with McLaren.
    Lewis Hamilton’s ex-trainer has revealed what the biggest challenge of working with him wasCredit: Splash
    Antti Vierula was Hamilton’s trainer between 2011 and 2012Credit: Getty
    Since then Hamilton has gone on to rack up a total of seven F1 world titles, six of which have come at Mercedes.
    However, speaking to OLBG, Vierula has now opened up on what the main challenge to working with him was.
    He said: “You try and get the best out of the time you have, and that’s the case for training any athlete.
    “The racing schedule is so demanding, and the biggest challenge is weaving training into that schedule.
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    “The training can’t hurt the athlete or stress them too much. Training also can’t deplete the energy levels. You learn a lot about the athletes you’re training as you spend time with them.
    “The coach has to adapt training to the specifics of the individual, but that’s something you naturally learn as time goes on.”
    Vierula, who now trains Hamilton’s former team-mate Valtteri Bottas, previously revealed the type of training they got up to.
    He told Grosvenor Sport how Hamilton loved running, while Bottas preferred cycling.
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    The workouts also included intense training for the muscles on his backside.
    Hamilton, 38, paired up with Angela Cullen in 2016, with the duo only going their separate ways ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix earlier this season.
    Following the split, Vierula backed Cullen’s comments that Hamilton “got the best out of everyone”.
    He said: “I liked working with Lewis, it was a joy, he’s a passionate guy on the track. He was brilliant in getting everything out of the car and engineers, he pushes people to get the best out of everyone.
    “He would work hard getting answers from engineers, giving his opinion about what he thinks is right. He had a brilliant will to improve.”
    Hamilton is staring down his second winless F1 season in a row, having always managed to win at least one race every season prior to 2022.
    His W14 Mercedes struggled at last weekend’s Brazil Grand Prix, and he admitted Max Verstappen and Red Bull would likely be the dominant force over the next couple of seasons.
    However, Vierula does not believe Brazil is among the hardest tracks to race on.
    Instead, Vierula declared Japan’s Suzuka Circuit was the most difficult track on the calendar.
    He said: “I’d say the hardest tracks are the ones with high-speed corners. There’s a lot of braking involved, and those kinds of tracks are the most demanding.
    “I’d say Suzuka is the hardest for the neck, the high speed corners give drivers a lot of work.
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    “Also Hungaroring is physically demanding, not many straights really, always turning somewhere.
    “Monaco and Singapore are tough as well, there are a lot of corners and not really any straight lines to rest. It requires a high level of focus all the time.”
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    Max Verstappen’s stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet branded ‘Miss Brazil’ by fans as she reveals bold new outfit

    KELLY PIQUET’S latest outfit has seen fans dub her “Miss Brazil” on Instagram.The Brazilian model and influencer posted the picture of her wearing a chequered dress and black blazer.
    Kelly impressed in a chequered dress and black blazerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/
    She also wore a pair of dark glassesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/
    Kelly is an international modelCredit: Splash
    She is also a columnist in BrazilCredit: Splash
    She also donned a dark pair of sunglasses as part of the collaboration with fashion designer Nati Vozza.
    Kelly Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet Sr.
    Her brother, Nelson Piquet Jr was also an F1 driver in the Noughties.
    As well as being a model and fashion columnist from Brazil, Kelly, 34, is also famous for dating F1 champion Max Verstappen.
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    Kelly is regularly spotted at Max’s races and recently reacted angrily when Verstappen was booed by Sergio Perez fans.
    Fans in her comment section were quick to praise her latest look.
    One fan wrote: “So pretty!”
    Kelly is a regular at Verstappen’s racesCredit: Getty
    The two have dated since 2021Credit: Getty
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    Another commented: “Beautiful Miss Brazil 😘😘😘😘”
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    A third wrote: “belíssimaaaaa as always”
    A fourth commented: “so beautiful!! 💕💕”
    While a fifth wrote: “OMG HOW BEAUTIFUL 😍😍”
    Kelly and Max went public with their relationship in 2021.
    A look back at some of Kelly’s best looks…
    Kelly and Max live a glamorous lifestyleCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/
    Her father is F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Kelly is a regular at Max’s racesCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquet
    And the two regularly holiday in exotic locationsCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquet
    Max and Kelly at a black tie eventCredit: instagram/kellypiquet
    Kelly relaxing at the beachCredit: Splash More

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    I’m a double Premier League title winner but now I’m branching out into new sport after injury hell

    THIBAUT Courtois has revved up his off-field career – by founding a motorsports team.The former Chelsea keeper, now with Real Madrid, has set up TC Racing.
    Thibaut Courtois has founded his own racing teamCredit: AP
    The team received its licence on Thursday from the Spanish Automobile Federation and will compete in Formula 4 next year.
    Courtois, 31, has hired ex-Formula 1 driver Roberto Merhi as team principal.
    The Spaniard, 32, took part in 13 Grand Prix races for Marussia in 2015.
    Belgium international Courtois posted a promotional film for the team on Instagram, announcing: “Here we are.”
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    He has yet to nominate TC Racing’s drivers for the 2024 season.
    F4 recruits young drivers from the world of go-karting among others, and trains them towards an F1 career.
    The Spanish F4 championship includes five races on home soil, plus further events in Belgium and Portugal.
    Courtois won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, in 2015 and 2017.
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    He also helped the Blues lift an FA Cup and a League Cup.
    Signed from Genk in 2011, he spent three successful seasons on loan to Atletico Madrid before making his name at Stamford Bridge.
    Real Madrid paid £35million for the 6ft 6ins keeper five years ago.
    Courtois has since won eight major trophies with Los Blancos, including the Champions League and two La Liga titles.
    He is currently sidelined following a knee operation in August. More

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    What is George Russell’s net worth?

    GEORGE Russell is one of Formula One’s rising stars. But what’s his net worth? Here’s what we know about the British racecar driver.
    Norfolk-born George Russell started driving for Mercedes in 2022.Credit: Splash
    Who is George Russell?
    George Russell is a British racecar driver, for the Mercedes F1 team. 
    He was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, to father Steve, and mother Alison. 
    His father had a seed and bean company, that he reportedly sold to support George’s driving career. 
    Russell has two older siblings, a sister called Cara, who works as his personal assistant, and a brother, Benjy. 
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    Russell grew up in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, and took up karting as a child at the age of 6, following in older brother Benjy’s footsteps, who was also a keen karting driver, often competing — and winning.
    Russell has previously said that his brother “was a brilliant driver”, but despite starting at only 11 years old, it was already too late for him to pursue a career in the sport. 
    The budding driver moved up to the karting cadet class in 2010, becoming the MSA British champion and British Open champion.
    In 2014, Russell participated in Formula Renault 2.0 Alps championship, finishing fourth, and also the BRDC Formula 4 Championship with the Lanan Racing team.
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    After winning the Formula 4 Championship, he became the youngest-ever driver to win the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, earning a £100,000 cash prize.
    In his debut Formula 3 championship in 2015, Russell scored three podium finishes.
    After winning the Formula 2 championship driving with the French team ART Grand Prix, Russell moved on to Formula 1, debuting with the Williams team in 2019, at the Australian Grand Prix finishing sixteenth.
    His first win came three years later at the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix after he’d joined the Mercedes team.
    As for his love life, Russell started dating Seychelle de Vries, once linked to Max Verstappen, in 2017. 
    The pair were reportedly together for three years, before a 2020 split. 
    Russell is now dating Carmen Montero Mundt, a finance professional based in London. 
    Carmen shares romantic snaps with boyfriend Russell with her 318,000 Instagram followers, for example, some exotic holiday photos, and a summer trip to Wimbledon. 
    Russell largely sticks to professional driving shots on his Instagram, where he has 3.8 million followers, but posted a photo with Carmen at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 
    What age is George Russell?
    Russell was born on February 15, 1998 – making him 25 as of November 2023. 
    In 2023 he is driving alongside fellow Brit and F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985 and 13 years his senior.
    In an interview with The Times, Russell said of his teammate: “He is so experienced, whereas I’m a 25-year-old who is just totally focused on trying to be the best F1 driver I can be. I’m pretty inspired by what he has achieved.”
    When did George Russell join Mercedes?
    Russell joined the Mercedes F1 team in 2021, replacing Valtteri Bottas.
    In his first race in a Mercedes car, the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, Russell qualified ninth and finished fourth.
    He took his first podium spot with Mercedes at the 2022 Australian Grand Prix.
    What is George Russell’s net worth?
    Russell has an estimated net worth of $16million, approximately £13.1million.
    His move to Mercedes earned him a £5million payday.
    He previously rented a flat in an affluent part of London, but moved to Monaco, like many other F1 stars before him. 
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    Russell enjoys lavish trips away with girlfriend Carmen to holiday spots St Barts and Santorini.
    Off the racing circuit, the driving star gets around in a  £140,000 car — unsurprisingly, a Mercedes AMG GT. More

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    F1 icon Jenson Button reveals plans to return to motorsport ‘he loves’ including iconic race

    JENSON BUTTON has lifted the lid on plans to return to motorsport next year. Button was appearing on ITV programme This Morning to promote new Disney+ show Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story.
    Jenson Button lifted the lid on plans to race again next yearCredit: Alamy
    Button was appearing on This MorningCredit: Rex
    Button won the F1 title with Brawn GP in 2009Credit: Getty
    The Brit, who had fans gushing over his appearance, won his only Formula One title in 2009.
    The 49-year-old raced his final race in the sport in 2017.
    Following his F1 exit, Button has competed in a number of other motorsport category’s.
    These include Nascar, Super GT and Endurance racing.
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    And while on the show, Button revealed he would once again be returning to endurance racing and was eyeing another go at one of the most famous races in motorsport.
    Quizzed on if he would be driving again, he said: “Yes.
    “I will be racing next year in endurance racing.
    “For me that’s where it’s at, I love that team atmosphere [and] fighting for that victory.”
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    Asked specifically about one race, Button confirmed: “Le Mans”.
    The first time Button competed in the event he failed to finish the race.
    Earlier this year he competed in the 24 Hour race for the second time with Hendrick Motorsports in the Innovative class but only finished 39th.
    The 2023 race was won by former F1 rival Antonio Giovinazzi with Ferrari AF Corse.
    During his TV appearance Button also opened up on his mental health struggles throughout the 2009 F1 season and how he tried to leave the team before the season began.
    Button first raced in the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race in 2018Credit: AP
    He then competed again this year but only finished 39thCredit: Getty
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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    Jenson Button reveals he ‘tried to get out’ of F1 team and spoke to Red Bull chief before winning maiden title

    JENSON BUTTON has revealed he tried to leave his Formula One team before winning his maiden title.In 2009 Button’s F1 career was thrust into uncertainty with news of Honda’s withdrawal from the sport.
    Jenson Button has revealed he tried to leave Brawn GP before the 2009 F1 seasonCredit: EPA
    Button revealed he held discussions with Red BullCredit: Getty
    Button was appearing on This MorningCredit: Rex
    However, ex-Benetton and Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn stepped in and rescued the team when he bought it for just £1, rebranding it to Brawn GP.
    While appearing on This Morning, Button revealed he actually tried to leave the team before the season with his manager even speaking to Red Bull chief Christian Horner over a potential switch.
    Asked whether he had any idea if the team were going to be as successful as they were, the 49-year-old said: “No. I mean I tried to get out of it because the team didn’t look like it was going to exist.
    “So I asked around and my manager spoke to Christian Horner about a drive at his team and the junior team (Toro Rosso) and they said no all the contracts are done.
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    “So then it’s like okay let’s work hard to make this happen.”
    He added: “We found some people who were interested in owning the team but I don’t think it would have worked out that way.
    “Ross coming in and actually buying the team for a pound with his leadership was a big reason why it worked out.”
    Button went on to win eight races from a possible 17 that season, including six of the first seven.
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    The Brit opened up on his mental health struggles throughout the season as results began to turn sour in the second half of the year.
    However, Button and Brawn held on to claim the drivers and constructors titles, which would prove to be Button’s only title in his F1 career before he raced in the sport for the last time in 2017.
    Brawn had a 75.1 per cent stake purchased in it by engine supplier Mercedes at the end of the season.
    While on the ITV programme, Button also revealed plans to return to motor racing next year.
    Button won his only F1 title with Brawn GP in 2009Credit: Getty
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    My girlfriend dumped me because I bought a Porsche when I retired… now I’m a millionaire and married to a Spice Girl

    CHRISTIAN HORNER has revealed the time he was dumped by his ex-girlfriend after splashing out on a Porsche.The Formula One Red Bull boss recalled how he was not in the good books of one of his ex-girlfriends’ mothers.
    Christian Horner opened up on his when he was dumped by his ex-girlfriendCredit: AFP
    Horner went on to marry Spice Girls member Geri HalliwellCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The couple got married in 2014
    Horner shared how her mother wanted her daughter to date a responsible guy with a proper job.
    However, Horner did the opposite when he received his first paycheck while still trying to make his way as a racing driver.
    Speaking on the eff won with DRS podcast, he said: “I had a girlfriend at the time and I remember her mother going, ‘You need to be thinking of being with somebody else, you need a guy with a proper job that’s going to be able to get a mortgage, going to buy a house’.
    “The first paycheck I ever got, I went and bought a Porsche, I’ve shown no responsibility at this point.
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    “I was thinking, ‘You know what, if all goes wrong, then at least I’ve given it a go’.
    “I got £60,000 out of a deal when I stopped racing and the first thing I did was go and buy a car.
    “And that was when the girlfriend dumped me, or the mother told her to dump me.”
    Horner went on to quit from motor racing at the age of 25 when realising he did not have the commitment to make it to the top.
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    It came after he saw ex-F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya go through a high-speed corner at Estoril circuit, Portugal, in 1998.
    The 49-year-old then moved into team management, where he would go on to become the Team Principal of Red Bull racing.
    Under his watch the team have landed seven driver’s titles – four with Sebastian Vettel and three with Max Verstappen – and six constructor’s titles.
    Meanwhile, Horner himself went on to marry Spice Girls member Geri Halliwell, now, Geri Horner, in 2014.
    Horner is estimated to have a net worth of £41.4million.
    Horner has guided Red Bull to six constructor titlesCredit: Getty
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    Fans lose their minds over Jenson Button’s This Morning appearance and can’t believe how good F1 icon looks for his age

    JENSON BUTTON had fans losing their minds with his appearance on This Morning.The 2009 Formula One champion was appearing on the ITV show to promote the new Disney+ show Brawn: The Impossible F1 Story.
    Fans went wild for Jenson Button on This MorningCredit: Rex
    Button was appearing on This Morning to promote Disney+ show Brawn: The Impossible F1 StoryCredit: Rex
    Button won the world championship with the team in 2009Credit: EPA
    Button, 43, won the driver’s world championship with Brawn amid a stunning backstory for the team which had been bought for just £1 by Ross Brawn, before it eventually sold for £150million.
    It is widely seen as one of the biggest shocks in F1 history.
    And while speaking on This Morning, Button revealed the four-part series was the brainchild of Keanu Reeves’ after the Hollywood superstar heard about the remarkable tale.
    Reeves even narrates the upcoming series.
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    During his appearance on This Morning, Button opened up on his mental health struggles during that year and how he had also tried to get out of the team before the season started, even speaking to Red Bull chief Christian Horner.
    However, fans online were more focused on Button’s appearance and how well he appears to have aged.
    Reacting on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “Jenson Button has just got better looking since his F1 days!!!!!!!!!!!”
    A second said: “JB looks in fine fettle.”
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    A third said: “Just Googled Jenson Button’s age… And f*** off – he’s not 43!”
    Another said: “Jenson Button is pretty hot.”
    Button also revealed he would be racing in endurance racing next year, including the iconic Le Mans race.
    The speedster is married to Brittny Ward, a model and previously appeared in Playboy.
    Button with wife Brittny WardCredit: Getty
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More