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    We live by former Formula 1 headquarters – now it’s turning into a holiday park, it’ll revitalise our area

    RESIDENTS living next to a former Formula 1 headquarters have claimed plans to turn it into a holiday park will revitalise the area.Developers are bidding to construct a luxury holiday park at the deserted Leafield Technical Centre in Langley, Oxfordshire.
    The Leafield Technical Centre in Oxfordshire could be redevelopedCredit: West Oxfordshire District Council
    Caterham driver Kamui Kobayashi of Japan driving in 2014Credit: AP:Associated Press
    The former headquarters of the Caterham Formula 1 team – which raced from 2012 to 2014 – has now been targeted by developers.
    Its eerie halls have been abandoned since the Caterham team went into administration nine years ago.
    Some 51 holiday homes and eight barn-style cabins will be built on the site.
    And two loft houses will be converted from an existing building.
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    There’ll also be an indoor swimming pool, spa, outdoor hot tubs, a bar, restaurants and studio space, according to developer Cabu.
    But the application has had a mixed response, drawing 19 objection comments and 11 in support.
    Concerned locals are worried about increased traffic because of the lack of public transport.
    One neighbour said: “If this were a greenfield site, no one would believe that a sustainable development of it was possible, given its lack of sustainable connectivity.
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    “There is no reason to believe the development would be sustainable just because it is on a brownfield site.” 
    But the holiday park will be “highly attractive” and could generate millions in revenue, according to agent Clerkenwell Estates (Cotswolds) Ltd.
    It added that the park would “result in a significant betterment compared to the existing industrial built form”.
    And it’ll create 116 jobs on site once it’s open.
    “It will generate at least £2million for the local economy directly through visitor, staff and resident expenditure,” the statement added.
    If the development is given the go-ahead site preparation work could start as early as September 2023.
    It’ll take around 24 months to build and the park is expected to open from September 2025.
    The area was originally built as a radio transmission station.
    But it was redeveloped in the late 1980s and then used by British Telecom as a residential training centre for 15 years.
    From 1993 the renamed Leafield Technical Centre was expanded into an iconic specialist motorsport facility.
    Before that the site also provided the base for the also defunct Arrow and Super Aguri Formula 1 teams.
    It comes as another set of residents are furious at plans to build 100 new homes on their doorstep, saying: “It will be just horrible.”
    Fed-up locals fear they will be bombarded with deafening noise, and insisted they cannot take on anymore people.
    Meanwhile, Wales could become home to a £250m holiday resort featuring forest lodges, zip wires, and canyoning experiences.
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    Work is underway to build a lavish holiday park in the Afan Valley in Wales.
    The holiday park will sprawl across the former headquartersCredit: CABU/ West Oxfordshire District Council
    Some 51 holiday cabins could be built on the siteCredit: CABU/ West Oxfordshire District Council More

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    Mick Schumacher to drive dad Michael’s Mercedes in emotional event as F1 star looks forward to ‘spectacular’ ride

    THE Schumacher name will return to the seat of a Mercedes after it was announced Mick Schumacher will drive his father’s old Formula One car.Michael Schumacher made a U-turn on his retirement by joining the Silver Arrows from 2010 until 2012.
    Mick Schumacher will drive his father’s old F1 car at the Goodwood Festival of SpeedCredit: Rex
    Michael Schumacher drove the W02 in 2011Credit: PA:Press Association
    Schumacher raced against Lewis Hamilton, left, in the W02Credit: PA:Press Association
    The car he drove in 2011 – the W02 – is set to return to the track at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
    And it has now been announced by Mercedes that reserve driver Mick will be in attendance at the event for the first time.
    On the chance to drive the car once raced in by his father, he said: “It’s going to be spectacular to run in my dad’s 2011 car, the W02, even if it is only a short run.
    “Just experiencing this generation of cars will be mega. Knowing that he raced this car makes it extra special, and there will be many emotions coming with it.
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    “I have been lucky enough to drive one of his Benetton cars and some of the Ferraris he raced.
    “But this will be the first time behind the wheel of a Mercedes he drove. I am sure I will get out of it with a big smile on my face.”
    Schumacher, 24, lost his place with Haas on the F1 grid last season after scoring just 12 points.
    He drew praise from Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for his work in helping to prepare Mercedes before their first double-podium of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix.
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    And he will likely be in the simulator a lot in coming weeks as Mercedes prepare to bring two new upgrades, including a “big one” at Silverstone.
    The W02 was the second car designed and built by the Brackley-based constructor following their buyout of Brawn – who won the Constructors’ title in 2009 with Jenson Button winning the drivers’ title.
    It was a regular points scorer en route to a fourth-placed finish in the constructors’ standings that season, with Schumacher scoring 76 points and 2016 champion Nico Rosberg 89.
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    Inside Christian Horner’s country pile that Red Bull F1 boss shares with Spice Girl Geri and three miniature donkeys

    RED BULL chief Christian Horner is used to living life in the fast lane working in F1.But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
    Red Bull boss Christian Horner lives a life of luxury in the countryCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    Horner poses on the grounds of their Oxfordshire farmhouse with son MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    He shares TWO stunning country homes with wife, Spice Girl Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire and their brood.
    The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
    Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
    For Horner, living on a farm offers the ideal existence away from the stresses of the F1 circuit.
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    Back in 2019, he told Luxury London that the sprawling country abode was the “perfect home to relax in.”
    “Restoring the farm has been my hobby – the way I put racing out of my mind,” he added.
    “The main house is finished but now the barns are being converted. We’re currently putting the finishing touches to an indoor swimming pool.”
    Certainly, it’s the property in Oxfordshire that gets the most love from Geri on Instagram, who regularly shares candid snaps of her family life.
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    Horner, who last year celebrated Max Verstappen regaining the F1 Championship, is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 17, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 6.
    He also has another daughter, Olivia, 10, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
    Christian has been spied alongside his boy riding matching John Deere tractors.
    He’s also been seen standing with his vintage Aston Martin DB5, which was Sean Connery’s car of choice as James Bond in Goldfinger.
    F1’s Horner poses on the steps of the home with daughter Olivia from his previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    Son Montague and dad have matching John Deere tractorsCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    An Aston Martin DB5 sits proudly in Horner’s garage
    Horner is married to Spice Girl GeriCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Geri shows off the home’s swimming poolCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Geri appears happy to play the role of housewife, often sharing photos in the kitchen rustling up treats.
    A budding chef, she has shown off her baking skills by crafting cakes using a customised Ginger Spice KitchenAid mixer, which Christian had specially designed for her.
    And with four separate ovens to choose from with the AGA range the kitchen boasts, she has plenty of space for her other favourite pastime – making bread.
    You can bet, Christian, who also loves using the outdoor barbecue, and the kids are well fed in the Horner household with Geri’s production line of cakes and bread.
    Geri is often spied in the kitchen and loves bakingCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Christian shows off his grilling skills with the outdoor barbecueCredit: Instagram @christianhorner
    Christian and Geri have a number of reception rooms to entertain from.
    However, the most popular one appears to be where a £16,000 original Wurlitzer can be found.
    When she celebrated her 45th birthday, Geri posted a video online singing along to Michael Jackson hit Billie Jean while thanking Christian for the music, which suggested it was a gift for her.
    Another living room shows off a stunning chandelier, as well as a marble fireplace.
    A £16,000 vintage Wurlitzer can be seen in a reception room, which was a gift from Christian for Geri’s 45th birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The Oxfordshire property boasts several reception roomsCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    A spacious dining room was seen when Montague celebrated his birthdayCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The glam couple also have a bar space in their propertyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The family love taking advantage of the huge grounds on offer at their farmhouse.
    And why not when you’ve got an incredible duck pond so big you can go boating on it.
    Horner and Geri can even take their dogs for a walk around the expansive gardens.
    The pair have even been seen zooming around on a quad bike, as well as picking raspberries in the garden with Montague.
    Miniature donkeys live in the stables
    The grounds are vast on the Horner’s Oxfordshire plot
    The Horners show off their horses and have their own stableCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Geri picks raspberries with Montague in their lush gardenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    The duck pond on the property has its own boat
    Christian and Geri live the country life away from the racing circuitCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
    Of course, no farm would be complete without animals either.
    And Christian and Geri boast three miniature donkeys that are housed in the stables, as well as some goats.
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    The singer often shares videos online when it’s feeding time.
    Clearly, you can forget the fancy racing circuit of heading to places like Dubai or Monte Carlo. A farmhouse is where it’s at. More

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    People are just noticing Lewis Hamilton’s bizarre steering wheel technique as F1 mechanic gives explanation

    FORMULA ONE fans have just noticed Lewis Hamilton’s bizarre steering wheel technique.And a Mercedes mechanic even felt the need to give an explanation.
    Hamilton has a unique technique at the start of racesCredit: Getty
    Mercedes mechanics have explained why Lewis Hamilton holds the steering wheel the way he does at the start of every raceCredit: https://twitter.com/ahmed_baokbah/status/1671788678056751104?s=20
    Most drivers grip their steering wheels with one hand either side, holding onto the handles.
    But eagle-eyed fans on Twitter have noticed that Hamilton does thing differently.
    In a clip, seven-time World Champion Lewis is seen with his left hand OVER the wheel.
    An F1 enthusiast on Twitter said: “I don’t think much has been said about this, but Hamilton’s first lap gear shift holding arrangements are unique.
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    “No other driver adopts this position – not even his team-mate.”
    In response to the tweet, fans who were given a tour of the Mercedes pit showed a video where his unconventional grip is explained.
    The mechanic says: “Do you know why Lewis starts like that?
    “Why? What do you think?
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    “Is he showing you something? Or is he holding [the lower gear paddle] so he can’t go down a gear.
    “If you put your hand there, you can’t go down a gear.”
    Hamilton uses this grip only at the start of races, where shifting up the gears is vital – he then returns to a conventional set-up.
    Hamilton is the only driver currently using this grip, and it is apparently because he favours a much thinner shift paddle compared to other drivers.
    It is a recent change in technique for Hamilton, with the driver only adopting the grip during the 2020/21 season.
    Hamilton placed third in Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix behind Fernando Alonso in second and Max Verstappen in first.
    Verstappen is running away with the drivers championship, sitting 69 points ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez.
    His win in Canada saw him match Ayrton Senna’s 41 race wins. More

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    F1 planning major clampdown after Neymar ‘broke rules’ at Spanish Grand Prix

    THE FIA are reportedly planning changes to the the rules on grid access during Formula 1 races.The proposed changes come following an incident at the Spanish Grand Prix this year involving PSG star Neymar.
    Neymar and other celebrities and guests were allowed on to the grid as usual
    Neymar met F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali during the Spanish Grand Prix
    Despite celebrities often being seen walking around the grid before races, a number of guests including Neymar were still on the edge of the grass on the main straight as the formation lap began to take place according to Autosport.
    As a result of the incident it is reported that the FIA are looking to restrict access to the grid before races.
    The president of FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has spoken out about the proposed changes.
    He said: “We must take learnings from the incident at the Spanish Grand Prix.
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    “The FIA has been assured by Stefano Domenicali [CEO of F1] that measures are being taken to ensure that there is no repeat of the incident.
    “It is an issue not just in Formula 1 but also in Formula E and World Endurance Championship and other categories from my recent experiences with too many people on the grid at some events.

    “I have no doubt that in all cases, the promoter will adhere to the FIA requirements on safety and security.
    “It is the duty of the FIA to ensure a safe environment for all. Safety in motor sport is the Federation’s main priority.”
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    The news comes as the FIA World Motor Sports Council are also still awaiting the findings of a report following the Australian Grand Prix in April.
    The event saw a number of fans invading the track before the race had ended. More

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    Lewis Hamilton boost as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff promises F1 star two upgrades to car including ‘big one in Silverstone’

    LEWIS HAMILTON could be in for a timely boost as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff promised two upgrades to his car.The British driver has struggled to challenge leader Max Verstappen this year and is already 93 points behind the Red Bull star in the F1 standings.
    Toto Wolff has promised two upgrades to the Mercedes F1 carCredit: Alamy
    This could boost Lewis Hamilton’s chances of winningCredit: Reuters
    It has not been much better for team-mate George Russell in the Mercedes.
    The Brit has also struggled for top points as he is currently in 6th place, two spots behind Hamilton on the leaderboard.
    Hamilton has managed to get on the podium three times while Russell has finished in the top three just once, while neither have won a race this season.
    However, there could be an improvement coming for the Silver Arrows as they can still make two upgrades to the car.
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    The car has been slow on the straights and when accelerating out of slow corners, something that Hamilton has commented on.
    He said via Auto Moto Sport: “We need more downforce in the rear, better traction and less air resistance.”
    And Wolff is set to respond by helping his two drivers with making the upgrades to the cars before the summer break.
    He admitted that they are targeting the “big one” at the British GP on July 9.
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    He said: “But we’re getting better and better there too.
    “The new platform we have now helps us there.
    “And we have two more races in the next few races.
    “A big one at Silverstone, the other before the summer break.”
    There are four more races until the summer break, including the Austria GP on July 2, the British GP, the Hungary GP on July 23 and the Belgium GP on July 30.
    After the break, the teams will reconvene for the Netherlands GP on August 27 ahead of the final nine races of the season. More

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    How unheralded F1 hero has more titles that Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso COMBINED as he hints at retirement

    AMID all the celebration over Red Bull’s 100th win and Max Verstappen equalling Ayrton Senna’s record of 41 victories, there was a wonderful humble interview with Adrian Newey.Much was made about Verstappen being on the podium with fellow multiple champions Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton.
    Adrian Newey has designed F1 cars responsible for 200 victoriesCredit: Rex
    Fernando Alonso, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey, Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ ace Lewis Hamilton are all legendsCredit: AFP
    Combined they have a total of 11 world titles, but to their right stood a man who has designed cars that have won 13 titles.
    With Red Bull’s victory in Canada, he can now lay claim to having designed F1 cars that have achieved an incredible 200 wins.
    “It’s been an amazing journey,” said Newey. “My dream always from a kid was to be in engineering and motor racing.
    “So when I got my first job in motor racing and got my first salary, that was really the big moment. Everything else has been a bonus.”
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    Newey’s first job in F1 came in 1988 when he was signed as chief designer for the March f1 team.
    But his first win came at the 1991 Mexican GP with Nigel Mansell’s first place for Williams.
    He added: “They’re [the wins] obviously all special. The ones that of course stand out are the first one in Mexico, and then the ones where the championship has gone down to the wire.
    “You can argue that is the end of the championship, so, of course, it’s that race – Abu Dhabi with Sebastian [Vettel] against Fernando, 2010] and then Max against Lewis [Hamilton, 2021].”
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    The crucial part of the interview on Sky F1 came when he was asked about when he would call time on his career.
    Newey is now 64 and he gave a surprising answer, saying the “countdown” to his F1 retirement had “realistically” started.
    He said: “I’m lucky enough to be doing what I have always wanted to do and enjoy the job. I’ve loved it.
    “Of course, my career can’t go on forever, so I think as long as the team want me and I keep enjoying it, I’ll keep going.
    “But that’s got to be…realistically, it’s on a countdown. Exactly when that day is, I don’t know.”
    Put simply, Red Bull – and indeed Vettel and Verstappen’s successes are down to Newey’s car designs – and that makes him in my eyes the most important man in F1.
    To hear him even mention retirement will be a concern for all those at Red Bull.
    But for the rest, and I mean this in the nicest sense, it could be somewhat of a blessing, as others get the chance to win again.
    Another FIArce
    IT would not be a proper F1 race weekend without some bizarre decision from the FIA and in Montreal Lando Norris fell victim.
    Brit Lando Norris picked up a bizarre penalty at the Canadian GPCredit: Getty
    Inexplicably the stewards delved into their unfathomable rulebook to pluck out a five-second penalty for “unsportsmanlike conduct”.
    Only I am not even sure the crime exists within the rules. Surely, they aren’t making it up as they go along again?
    Claws for concern
    THEY say Red Bull “gives you wings” but I am not sure they mean the ones Max Verstappen picked up in Canada.
    On his way to glory, Verstappen struck a bird midway through the race, which got lodged in the cooling ducts for his brakes.
    It had to be removed by one of the mechanics after the race, who pulled out half a bird’s carcass with a wing attached.
    Ricc to what you are best at
    IT really is depressing watching the supremely talented Daniel Ricciardo reduced to performing TV stunts for a living.
    The Aussie, who for reasons unknown to himself, turned down the chance to drive in F1 this season to become Red Bull’s reserve driver and marketing clothes-horse.
    In Canada he was co-hosting a live watch-a-long with the race alongside Canadian actor Will Arnett, which Sky F1 dubbed “Gogglebox for F1”.
    Please, Daniel, get back to racing cars, it’s what you are best at…
    Jor-dropping MotoGP title hunt
    IF you are finding F1 a procession, maybe switch on the MotoGP, for it was another thriller.
    In Germany at the Sachsenring, Jorge Martin crossed the line just 0.064 seconds ahead of world champion Francesco Bagnaia.
    Martin is now just 16 behind Bagnaia in the championship.
    Honda woes rise
    MORE worrying times for Honda after Marc Marquez’s inexplicable crash during warm-up for the German MotoGP.
    The Spaniard slid off track and crashed into Johann Zarco during last Friday’s practice.
    The collision ripped the Pramac Racing bike in two. It has led to concerns about the Honda machinery.
    LCR Honda rider Takaaki Nakagami said: “I couldn’t see anything wrong with his riding. The speed was good. I didn’t see, from behind, that he did anything wrong.
    “But he lost the rear. The bike doesn’t stop that spin. I was scared because we use the same bike!

    “It’s going downhill and I was losing it, a couple of times, having the same feeling.
    “It was difficult to manage. The bike had less grip. We need to find a solution for a safer bike.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton handed brutal warning by F1 rival Fernando Alonso after ‘slow’ jibe leaves pair in hysterics

    LEWIS HAMILTON received a hilarious warning from Fernando Alonso after their battle at the Canadian Grand Prix.Seven-time Formula 1 champion Hamilton, 38, got the better of ex-team-mate Alonso, 41, with a lightning fast start in Montreal.
    Lewis Hamilton brilliantly mocked Fernando Alonso for his slow startCredit: Twitter

    Alonso took the jibe in good jest and fired back with a remark of his ownCredit: Twitter
    But the Spaniard ended up having the final say as he worked his way back into second place, pushing Hamilton down to third.
    And the pair, who boast nine F1 world titles between them, enjoyed a friendly, competitive exchange while conducting separate interviews after the race.
    An interviewer began by telling Hamilton: “Hi Lewis, another podium and it was a phenomenal start. You immediately overtake this guy [Alonso].”
    Alonso was stood next to Hamilton conducting his own media duties when Hamilton turned to him and said: “Yeah, his reaction’s a little bit slower because he’s a bit older now. It’s an age thing.”
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    Alonso acknowledged the comment, before Hamilton and Alonso broke into laughter.
    The Aston Martin driver then responded: “In Austria, two weeks time.”
    The Austrian GP is the next race on the F1 calendar at the Red Bull Ring on June 30.
    Alonso sits third in the drivers’ championship on 117 points – 15 ahead of Mercedes man Hamilton in fourth.
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    Sergio Perez’s advantage over Alonso has been cut to just nine points following his disappointing sixth place in Canada.
    But reigning world champion Max Verstappen is already running away with the world title after securing yet another victory on Sunday.
    The Dutchman, 25, has now won six of the eight races in 2023 and each of the last four.
    He sits 69 points clear of Red Bull team-mate Perez – who has won the only other two races so far this season.
    Alonso, back, and Hamilton, front, enjoyed a superb battle on SundayCredit: AP More