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    Shakira and Lewis Hamilton ‘are in early stages of dating’ after sparking romance rumours with cosy dinners

    COLOMBIAN star Shakira and Formula One racer Lewis Hamilton are rumoured to be spending more time together.A source close to the couple told People that the two are in the beginning stages of dating after being spotted together multiple times.
    The pair were spotted cosying up after the Spanish Grand Prix
    The pop star and Hamilton have been at the centre of dating rumours
    The source said: “They’re spending time together and in the ‘getting to know you’ stage.
    “It’s fun and flirty.”
    The two were first spotted when Shakira attended the Miami Grand Prix last month, and they seem to have shared an intimate dinner afterwards.
    Videos appeared to show the Hips Don’t Lie singer and the Formula One legend mingling in the popular restaurant, Cipriani, in Miami.
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    The short video appears to show the singer being shepherded over towards Lewis, 38.

    Only days after the dinner, Lewis showed off his chivalry when he whisked the Colombian songstress off for a boat day with pals in Miami.
    Shakira was grinning as they cruised around Biscayne Bay with pals, before being dropped off at the dock of her £12million mansion.
    This week the two were photographed together at a dinner with friends, following Hamilton’s race at the Spanish Grand Prix – and Hamilton’s arm was wrapped around her.
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    The pair headed out for dinner after the race with singer Mustafa sharing snaps of the group on Instagram.
    Despite the rumours, other sources close to the couple claim they’re “just friends”.
    Shakira has seen some major life changes in the last year, after her bombshell split from ex Gerard Pique and her move to Miami.
    She told the audience at an awards show recently: “It’s been a year where I’ve realised we women are stronger than we think, braver than we believed, more independent than we were taught to be.
    “Because what woman hasn’t at some time in her life forgotten herself because she’s seeking the attention and love of someone else? It happened to me, more than once.”
    The couple split last summer as the Spanish World Cup winner ditched her for Clara Chia Marti, 23.
    The footie star has come under fire after it was reported she rumbled his alleged affair thanks to a jar of strawberry jam.
    Rumours have swirled that Shakira first smelt a rat after taking a look in her fridge at their five-storey mansion.
    The songstress is said to have returned home from a period of travelling to find a jar of her strawberry jam had been eaten.
    It’s been claimed that Pique follows a strict diet and would not have tucked into the jam – and neither would her children.
    The She Wolf singer is then said to have come to the conclusion that someone else – more specifically another woman – had been in her home, and her fridge.
    Read more on The Sun
    Now the pair’s two sons, Milan, ten, and Sasha, eight, are based in Miami with their mum.
    Representatives for Lewis and Shakira so far haven’t commented on the swirling rumours.
    Shakira was seen approaching his table while at dinner in a Miami restaurant
    The F1 star has been racing in Miami and Spain
    Shakira has been spotted at both races
    The two were also seen on a boat in Biscayne BayCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    Former Chelsea star looks unrecognisable as he dresses up as Super Mario character Luigi for go-karting stag do

    A FORMER Chelsea star looked unrecognisable as he dressed up as Super Mario character Luigi. The 31-year-old, who won two Premier League titles at Chelsea, took to his Instagram to share a group photo.
    The former Chelsea star donned a Luigi outfitCredit: Instagram / @thibautcourtois
    In the photo the star donned an impressive outfit as he wore a moustache and Luigi hat with green overalls and blue trousers.
    The shot-stopper is also an avid Formula One fan, featuring in a number of E-races during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
    He was even seen recently at the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, with Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle accidentally mistaking the star for a Spaniard when he is actually a Belgium International.
    Have you guessed who it is yet?
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    Well the Luigi Cosplayer can be revealed as, Thibaut Courtois.
    On the stories he shared to Instagram, Courtois was part of a “bachelor weekend” which saw him enjoying some karting at the Carlos Sainz karting centre in Madrid, Spain.
    And while wearing a red race suit, he was seen on the top step of the podium, lifting a trophy before spraying his friends with champagne.
    The Real Madrid star, who left Chelsea in 2018, was enjoying the party ahead of his wedding to model Mishel Gerzig.
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    The mystery star is Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Rex
    Courtois celebrated winning a race after a spot of kartingCredit: Instagram / @shirkadosh11
    The Real Madrid star sprayed champagne while on the podiumCredit: Instagram / @shirkadosh11
    Courtois shared pics from the bachelor partyCredit: Instagram / @shirkadosh11
    Mishel Gerzig was present ahead of their wedding
    Courtois and Mishel have been dating since 2021Credit: Getty
    And since then he has gone on to add two La Liga titles, a Spanish Cup and a Champions League medal to his cabinet.
    However, this season Madrid’s campaign was far from stellar.
    Courtois made 49 appearances, but could not help the Whites avoid a semi-final exit from the Champions League and limping to second in La Liga.
    Off the pitch, Courtois recently invested into Lewis Hamilton’s vegan burger chain, helping to push its value to over $100million (£80m). More

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    F1 faces THIRD race cancellation of the season with Canadian Grand Prix at risk amid raging forest fires

    FORMULA ONE chiefs have spoken out amid fears that forest fires across Canada could force a THIRD race of the season to be cancelled.The circuit is set to return to Canada for the seventh race of the 2023 season on June 18.
    The Canadian GP is at risk of being cancelled due to wildfires across QuebecCredit: AFP
    Canada would be the third race cancelled or postponed this season after Imola and ChinaCredit: Reuters
    But a reported 160 fires are burning throughout the Quebec region, north east of where the race is held in Montreal.
    More than 15,000 Quebec residents have been forced to evacuate the area, which could cause problems for the race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is closely monitoring the situation according to reports.
    Bosses have attempted to calm fears that the race could be called off.

    An F1 spokesman said on Thursday: “The event is not at risk, and we have been assured by all the relevant information that the situation in Montreal is different to other parts of the country and northern US”.
    The situation in Canada comes just a few weeks after F1 was forced to cancel the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix due to heavy flooding.
    While the Chinese Grand Prix was cancelled before the season even began due to COVID-19.
    The provisional record 24-race calendar could be reduced to 21 if the race is cancelled in Montreal.
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    According to Canada’s Emergency Minister Bill Blair, 9.4 million acres have already burned, which is larger than the US state of Maryland.
    Smoke from the wildfires has been thrown as far west as Chicago and as far south as New York City.
    The situation has prompted worries that a change of wind direction could impact Montreal, which is due to hold the GP next weekend.
    Blazes across Canada have thrown smoke across North America – reaching New York CityCredit: AFP More

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    F1 legend spots ‘good sign’ for Lewis Hamilton ahead of Canadian GP as Brit icon targets record eighth world title

    LEWIS HAMILTON’s positivity about his upgraded car is a “good sign”, says F1 legend Damon Hill.The Silver Arrows demonstrated their best car performance in the Spanish Grand Prix, with both Hamilton and George Russell finishing on the podium.
    Hamilton finished second in the Spanish GPCredit: Alamy
    F1 Champion Damon Hill spotted a good sign for HamiltonCredit: Getty
    Hamilton, 38, finished second behind only Max Verstappen, as Red Bull showed there is still some way to go before they can be caught. 
    Mercedes brought its first major upgrade package of the season, including a new bodywork, revised floor and front suspension configuration.
    The seven-time world champion revealed it was the best he’d felt in the car for 15 months.
    F1 legend Damon Hill said: “it is a good sign” that Hamilton is positive about his car again after his public criticism of his Mercedes team this season.

    Hill said: “To hear Lewis say ‘I’m enjoying driving the car’. That’s a good sign.
    “They have gone and done what he has been pleading with them to do and they have seen some progress, so well done Lewis.”
    He added: “Mercedes showed in the race they’ve leapfrogged the threat from Aston Martin and Ferrari on a circuit.
    “I think there are encouraging signs there for Mercedes definitely”.
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    There is renewed optimism that the Silver Arrows’ revised car design can help deliver them a much needed boost in the form of a victory.
    Both Hamilton and team-mate Russell managed to hold off Sergio Perez, who started 11th on the grid.
    Rivals Ferrari continued to struggle for pace, and Aston Martin were not as competitive as they have been at other circuits this season.
    This comes as Hamilton made no attempt to hide his dissatisfaction with the lack of progress made from last season.
    Speaking to the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast in March, he said: “Last year, I told them the issues related to the car.
    “Like, I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need.”
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year

    The double-podium finish at the Spanish GP will be encouraging for the 38-year-old.
    Mercedes can continue to improve for next season, where they hope to challenge for the title – which would be a record eighth for Hamilton.
    It comes after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confidently insisted he will keep leading the team until Hamilton gets his historic eighth championship.
    Read more on The Sun
    The British icon has achieved 2 podium finishes so far this season and is fourth in driver standings, 83 points behind leader Verstappen.
    And he will look to get on the podium again at the Canadian GP next week on June 18.
    Hamilton achieved their first double podium of the season at the Spanish GPCredit: Rex More

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    Sky Sports suspend two F1 commentators after sexism storm which saw female reporter fume at colleague on live TV

    SKY SPORTS have suspended two Formula One commentators after sexist remarks made live on air.Matteo Bobbi, who spent three years as a Minardi test driver in F1, and Davide Valsecchi, an Italian former racing driver and the 2012 GP2 Series champion, have been temporarily stood down from their Italian channel by the broadcaster.
    Sky Sport Italy have suspended F1 commentators Matteo Bobbi and Davide Valsecchi for sexist remarks on airCredit: Sky Sport Italy
    From the studio Bobbi pointed to a woman behind Valsecchi, in the paddock, and called her an ‘upgrade package’Credit: Sky Sport Italy
    Co-host Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and looked fumingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
    She then read out a viewer’s comment that led to more jokingCredit: Sky Sport Italy
    It comes after comments they made during the post-race analysis of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.
    The former drivers were talking about the race when Bobbi, 45, began a sexist joke with his colleague.
    He was in the studio speaking to 36-year-old Valsecchi, who was in the paddock at trackside, when he pointed to a woman in the background and referred to her as an “upgrade package”.
    That led to Valsecchi responding: “I already know them but they told me I can’t test them. So I raise my hands.”
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    But their exchange on Sky Sport Italia went down like a lead balloon with the other broadcasters they were working with.
    Federica Masolin was standing alongside Valsecchi and instantly produced a stern stare towards him before telling the pair to “be careful”.
    As the joke continued, she grew more furious, and that led to her adding: “Can we watch some interviews instead of these two?
    “Let’s hear from Carlos Sainz, please. I’m going to censure you two.”
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    Masolin continued to read a viewer’s comment after the interview clip that said: “Fabio is concerned for your physical safety, Matteo and Davide.
    “Will they be safe and sound, after this gag, at the next Grand Prix. Appreciated by all their wives?”
    Bobbi responded with: “Well when I get home I’ll get a beating, probably. Sorry, Davide.”
    Valsecchi continued to joke, adding: “Well you know I’ve had eye surgery twice because I’ve been losing sight since I was a child, looking at those things.”
    Both individuals have now apologised over their comments with Valsecchi writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry, because on Sunday in the post-race I fell into an exchange of bad-tasteful jokes and used unsuitable and disrespectful words. And I’m not.
    “This is why I would like to apologise to those who felt offended, to women and to Sky. Really.”
    Bobbi also said: “After the race I was the protagonist of a joke that came out in a completely unhappy way, although it was not in my intentions I generated an unpleasant moment that made the sensitivity of some people suffer. I ended up in gravel.
    “Being anything but a disrespectful person I sincerely apologise to those who felt offended by reiterating my total and deep respect for everyone and towards women, particularly starting with the beautiful woman next to me.
    “For 10 years I have been commenting on F1 with the friends of Sky, a family now and in 10 years I had never found myself in such an unpleasant situation.

    “I’ve always thought that from mistakes you understand, learn and start again. What happened will lead me to try to improve further as a man and as a professional.”
    Now both men will be absent from the coverage for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. More

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    Major Grand Prix ABANDONED after F1 U-turn in blow to Lewis Hamilton’s ‘huge dream’

    SOUTH AFRICA’S hopes of returning to the F1 calendar have been dealt a blow due to the country’s links to Russia.Bosses at the Kyalami circuit just north of Johannesburg had hoped to take a spot on the 2024 calendar – possibly in place of the Belgian GP, which is in the final year of its contract.
    Lewis Hamilton’s ‘dream’ of racing in South Africa has suffered a blowCredit: Reuters
    However, after meeting F1 chiefs in London there is a fear from inside the sport that South Africa’s political links to Russia could see them hit with sanctions due to the country’s war with Ukraine.
    In February, a Russian flagship frigate equipped with hypersonic cruise missiles arrived in the South African port of Richards Bay.
    And last month a Russian cargo ship also arrived in the country, with questions over the consignment, with US reports alleging it collected weapons heading for Moscow.
    South Africa last held an F1 race in 1993 and the Kyalami circuit has undergone substantial investment and redevelopment but the political situation has caused F1 some concerns.
    READ MORE ON F1
    South African GP bosses are now believed to be concentrating on 2025, which could again come at the expense of the Belgian GP.
    Lewis Hamilton said ahead of the Miami GP this year that it would be a “huge dream” for him to race in Africa.
    He said: “I’ve been chatting about having a race in Miami and the next one I’ve been talking about is South Africa, that’s what I’m pushing for in the background.
    “Hopefully you’ll see that come to light soon as well. It’s a really big dream for me to race in South Africa.
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    “To race in Africa in my career is a huge, huge dream for me. I know I have a big following out there.
    “I know a lot of people are into Formula One now, so I’m pushing as hard as I can in the background and I’m going high up to make sure we have that race happen.”
    When asked by SunSport, an F1 spokesperson declined to comment on the 2024 F1 calendar.
    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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    I’m an F1 world champion watched by millions – yet many people don’t know who I am, says Lucas Blakeley

    LUCAS Blakeley is a Formula 1 world champion watched by millions – yet many people don’t know who he is.The Scottish-born competitor races for McLaren’s F1 Esports team and was crowned world champion last year.
    Lucas Blakeley races for McLaren’s F1 Esports team and was crowned world champion last yearCredit: Twitter
    Lucas, now in his twenties, started go-karting at seven years oldCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    He finished third in the 2021 season with Aston Martin and beat four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel in the Race of Nations Cup in 2022.
    The racing superstar most recently knocked out Mika Hakkinen and Valtteri Bottas at the 2023 Race of Champions.
    Lucas, now in his twenties, started go-karting at seven years old and was inspired by Lewis Hamilton winning the championship in 2008.
    His dream was to become an F1 driver, but he had to stop for financial reasons.
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    “That’s the harsh reality for many racing families out there,” he told the BBC.
    More than 45 million people watched at least one Esport race in 2022, according to Gfinity.
    With fans watching major competitions on Twitch, Lucas said the ‘the pressure is immense’.
    He continued: “Mentally that’s the hardest part, the results in F1 esports can change in a literal flash of an eye.
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    “You also learn about yourself. How do you react to pressure? How does your body respond? How does your mind respond?”
    Lucas also previously described his racing style as ‘calculated’ and commented on the rigorous training regime in Esports.
    “It’s a lot of dedication. You’ve got to be prepared to put in the hours because you can’t leave any stone unturned. The training needs to be in-depth and unrelenting,” he told McLaren.
    “The second complacency seeps in is when things start to go wrong. During the day, it involves a lot of driving.
    “You’re driving for eight, nine, 10 hours a day, sometimes more when you’re gathering data, going through video footage, or looking at telemetry. If you want to get to that point, you need to really work hard for it.”
    His dream was to become an F1 driver, but he had to stop for financial reasonsCredit: Twitter More

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    Max Verstappen laughs at George Russell blunder during chat with Lewis Hamilton after Spanish GP podium finish

    MAX VERSTAPPEN was left in stitches after hearing of George Russell’s bizarre Spanish Grand Prix blunder.The Dutchman cruised to his fifth win of the season on Sunday, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second and Russell crossing the line in third.
    Russell admitted a mid-race blunder to Verstappen in the cooldown roomCredit: Getty
    Verstappen found it hilarious
    After the race, the trio took to the cooldown room to discuss some key moments.
    And one particular comment from Russell appeared to give Verstappen the giggles.
    While most weather forecasts had threatened rain for the race, the circuit stayed dry throughout – much to the relief of all 20 drivers.
    However, at around lap 30 Russell began to worry about the weather.
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    The 25-year-old informed his team that it had started to rain, but nobody else on the grid had reported it.
    A few laps later, he then admitted that it was actually SWEAT from the inside of his helmet.
    Over the Mercedes team radio, he said: “Is anyone else reporting rain? I think it’s sweat from the inside of my helmet.”
    To which somebody responded: “Sounds like it’s just you that’s reporting rain. I suspect it might be the sweat.”
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    Russell referenced the blunder in his cooldown room conversation with Verstappen.
    He admitted: “I thought it was raining at one point but it was sweat under my visor!”
    Verstappen appeared to find it hilarious as he let out a bark of laughter.
    When speaking to the press after the race, Russell explained how he got mixed-up.
    He revealed: “I had my hair dangling down in the first stint. I didn’t quite get it in my balaclava and that was sort of annoying me because it was sort of in my peripheral vision.
    “And then as I was sweating, because it wasn’t in my balaclava, it was sort of dripping down onto my face.
    “And then when I was braking, it was coming onto my visor. So with the grey clouds, and then the sort of spots of water on the visor I thought it was rain so that was a bit of an embarrassing one, but moving on…”
    Verstappen won the Spanish GP to extend his lead at the top of the championshipCredit: Getty More