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    Lewis Hamilton piles praise on Mick Schumacher for his huge role in Mercedes’ first double podium of 2023 at Spanish GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON reserved special praise for Mick Schumacher after Mercedes secured their first double podium of the season.Following upgrades brought in prior to the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton and team-mate George Russell were able to show off what their newly-improved car can do in Barcelona yesterday.
    Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both secured a place on the podium in BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Mick Schumacher has drawn praise for his contributions as reserve driverCredit: Rex
    Hamilton, 38, rolled back the years to secure second place, while Russell finished third.
    After standing on the podium with Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton made sure to give Mercedes reserve driver Schumacher a mention.
    Sir Lewis said of the German: “He did a very good job in the simulator.
    “That played a part in the fact that we were able to perform like this today.”
    READ MORE ON F1
    Prior to arriving in Barcelona on Saturday, Schumacher was back at base in Brackley working in the simulator.
    According to Bild, Mercedes have been very pleased with the 24-year-old’s contributions as reserve driver this season.
    Schumacher, son of F1 icon Michael, was let go by Haas after two seasons at the end of last year but is hoping to return to the grid in 2024.
    He endured a difficult start to life In Formula 1, with Haas possessing an uncompetitive car in his first season – before a series of unfortunate incidents in his second.
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    Haas elected to replace him with veteran Nico Hulkenberg this term, with team principal Guenther Steiner complaining at the cost of damages caused by Schumacher’s crashes.
    The Italian revealed in his book that Schumacher’s various smashes had cost the team £1.7million, before adding: “We lose a car after five minutes and now have to build another.
    “I cannot have a driver who I am not confident can take a car around safely on a slow lap. It’s just f***ing ridiculous.”
    Bristling at one particular crash that cost £550k to repair, he added: “How many people could we employ with $700,000 (£550,000)?
    “And I have to now find that money.”
    There’s no love lost between Schumacher and Guenther SteinerCredit: AFP More

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    Ben Chilwell left in stitches as his mate ‘becomes famous’ with confused F1 fans at Spanish GP

    CHELSEA defender Ben Chilwell was left in stitches after his friend was mistaken for a celebrity at the Spanish Grand Prix.The England star, 26, was in attendance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend with Blues team-mates Joao Felix, Reece James and Mason Mount.
    Chilwell’s friend posed for pictures with fansCredit: INSTAGRAM/BENCHILWELL
    Some fans had mistaken him for a celebrityCredit: INSTAGRAM/BENCHILWELL
    Chilwell’s friend, Harvey Diack, was also in Spain to enjoy the weekend with the stars.
    But, after the race, he got caught up in a group of fans.
    While Mount was posing for a photo with one person, another came over to ask his friend for a picture, mistaking him for a celebrity.
    Diack then went on to take pictures with two other fans before joking with Chilwell.
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    The Chelsea defender was quick to post the video on his Instagram story with a caption that read: “@HarveyDiack somehow became famous this weekend,” with a laughing emoji.
    Chilwell was questioned about the future of Mount, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, ahead of Sunday’s race.
    When speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s none of my business personally but he is my best mate so I would love him to stay.”
    Formula One presenter Martin Brundle then caught up with the pair when completing his grid-walk.
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    The 64-year-old attempted to ask Mount if he will leave Chelsea to join Manchester United this summer, to which the midfielder responded: “I’m here to just enjoy the race today.
    “Amazing day, I can’t wait to watch it.”
    Mount has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks.
    He reportedly agreed personal terms with Man Utd last week, but the Red Devils will have to fork out £70million plus add-ons if they want to secure his signature.
    Mount, Felix and Chilwell were all at the Spanish GPCredit: Getty
    James was also in attendanceCredit: Getty More

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    Lewis Hamilton poses with his arm around Shakira at cocktails as newly single singer cosies up to F1 legend

    F1 star Lewis Hamilton posed up for a photo with his arm wrapped around Shakira as the duo was pictured having cocktails last night.The Colombian singer was spotted cheering on the Mercedes driver at the Spanish Grand Prix, amid rumours they are dating.
    The pair was spotted for cocktails on SundayCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
    Hamilton had his arm around ShakiraCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
    The pop star was seen smiling at the Barcelona circuitCredit: Getty
    Shakira dramatically returned to Barcelona for the first time since she left to start a new life in Miami.
    The pop star was seen watching the race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as Hamilton scooped second place following Max Verstappen.
    Wearing a patterned shirt, neon pink sunglasses and a white skirt, Shakira was beaming as she watched her pal on the track.
    The pair headed out for dinner later with singer Mustafa sharing snaps of the group on Instagram.
    read more on shakira
    He simply wrote in the caption: “May God protect the engineers.”
    It comes as rumours about a romance between the duo have been sparked after they were spotted on several outings.
    The singer was spotted on a boat day with Hamilton and his pals in Miami after he picked her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion late last month.
    He made sure Shakira didn’t have too far to walk as she trotted down her private dock for the day out on the open-top cruiser.
    Most read in Motorsport
    The Mercedes driver, 38, quickly climbed out of the boat to lend the newly single mum a hand as she joined the group onboard.
    Lewis later ensured she made it home safe as he dropped her back off at her plush new pad, where she counts the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Matt Damon as her neighbours.
    Shakira’s repeated rendezvous with Lewis have caused a stir since they enjoyed a dinner together at the lavish Miami restaurant Cipriani.
    Smiling at each other, Shakira appeared to join 92-time race winner Lewis and pals at his table in a short video snapped by a fan.
    But sources insist the F1 star and the “Hips Don’t Lie” are just “good friends” and there is no “romantic connection”.
    Shakira appeared in high spirits when she was seen mingling with Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix in May.
    Spanish media reported that the Mission Impossible star, 60, was “absolutely mesmerised” by the singer and had even told a close circle of friends that he felt a connection with her.
    Sources claimed that Tom was “giddy” after the chat while adding that the interactions were similar to “how he acted” when he first got with his ex-wife Katie Holmes.
    An insider told Page Six that there was “chemistry” between the pair – with Tom sending her flowers after the meeting.
    Read More on The Sun
    But Shakira reportedly shot down his advances and instead begged the actor to leave her alone and stop flirting with her.
    The global superstar is reportedly “focused on her family” rather than dating anyone at the moment.
    Hamilton scooped second place on Sunday
    The F1 star picked up Shakira from her £12 million beach mansion last monthCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    F1 Canadian Grand Prix 2023: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and schedule as Verstappen eyes fourth straight win

    MAX VERSTAPPEN was victorious at the Spanish Grand Prix and significantly increased his lead at the top of the F1 driver standings.The Dutchman claimed his fifth win out of a possible seven – with all of this season’s Grand Prix being won by team Red Bull.
    Max Verstappen celebrating winning the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: GETTY
    Lewis Hamilton finished runner-up in Barcelona, while teammate George Russell claimed third, securing a double podium finish for Mercedes.
    Sergio Perez will be hoping to claim a podium finish in Montreal after failing to do so in the last two Grand Prix.
    The Red Bull driver has Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso breathing down his neck in the driver standings.
    When is the Canadian Grand Prix?

    The Canadian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, June 18.
    The race is scheduled to begin at 7pm BST.
    The Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal is the track.

    READ MORE IN F1
    What channel is the Canadian Grand Prix on and can it be live streamed?

    The Canadian Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
    Sky Sports customers can live stream the race via the NOW app, which is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all of the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

    Canadian Grand Prix schedule
    Friday, June 16

    Practice 1 – 6.30pm – 7.30pm BST
    Practice 2 – 10pm – 11pm BST

    Saturday, June 17
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    Practice 3 – 5.30pm – 6.30pm BST
    Qualifying – 9pm – 10pm BST

    Sunday, June 18

    Grand Prix – 7pm BST

    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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    Lewis Hamilton will hold showdown talks with Mercedes over new contract as he eyes staggering deal

    LEWIS HAMILTON will meet Mercedes boss Toto Wolff tomorrow to thrash out terms over a new deal.SunSport understands that Mercedes have only offered Hamilton, 38, a one-year extension, taking him to the end of the 2024 season.
    Hamilton is set to hold contract talks with Mercedes on MondayCredit: Getty
    The Brit finished second in the Spanish GP on SundayCredit: Getty
    However, the seven-time world champion is eyeing up at least a two-year contract, worth around £100 million.
    Hamilton was quizzed about his future after he finished second in the Spanish GP and said: “I haven’t signed anything yet. But we’re meeting with Toto on Monday, so hopefully we can get something done.”
    When pressed by SunSport on the details of the meeting, Hamilton added: “It wasn’t a subtle hint, we’ve had so many meetings.
    “It’s just another one of the meetings we’ve been having. You can see today my result, my performance isn’t affected by that.”
    Read More on Lewis Hamilton
    Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 in a shock move from McLaren but he has won six of his seven titles with the Silver Arrows.
    Hamilton has struck up a solid relationship with boss Wolff, who is now one part in a three-way ownership of the Mercedes F1 team.
    The two both currently live in Monaco and have made it clear that they intend to commit to extending their partnership.
    There had been concerns about Hamilton’s desire to remain in F1 as he has been hamstrung in his fight for wins by Mercedes’ poor car.
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    However, he maintains that he has never lost his fight – but does admit that getting a deal signed will give him an added boost.
    He said: “It is always something at the back of mind, so once it [the contract] is done you can focus on the future.
    “But I am working as hard as I can with this team and I can see so much strength.
    “The podium was special to see the excitement with all the people I have worked with for such a long time.
    “There will be some great energy in the office but soon after that people will be back to the books and thinking about how to win the next race.
    “My hunger has never shifted. I am in a great place in my life and really happy with the team I have around me.
    “I have all my ducks in a row. All the guys are doing a fantastic job. I feel fit and healthy and that was a solid race.
    “I want to keep going but I want to be where Max is and I am super focused on getting to that point. There is a long way to go but there is still time.”

    SunSport asked Mercedes if the hold up on the deal was due to the length of the deal.
    A spokesperson said: “There are no stumbling blocks.” More

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    Shakira spotted at F1 Spanish Grand Prix as rumours swirl over relationship with Lewis Hamilton after split from Pique

    SHAKIRA was seen beaming at the Spanish Grand Prix today as rumours swirl over her relationship with Lewis Hamilton. The popstar was among spectators cheering on her close pal Hamilton as he roared around the track.
    Shakira was spotted looking stunning as she watched the Spanish Grand PrixCredit: Getty
    She showed her support for rumoured beau Lewis Hamilton on SundayCredit: Splash
    The songstress sported a huge grin as she enjoyed the racing in BarcelonaCredit: Twitter
    She stayed on the sidelines to watch him scoop second place after Max Verstappen triumphed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
    Although she didn’t don overalls and join the Mercedes pit crew, Shakira’s presence alone was enough to set tongues wagging.
    The Colombian songstress wore a funky patterned shirt, neon pink sunglasses and a white skirt, ensuring she was a glam addition to the audience at the Grand Prix.
    She has dramatically returned to Barcelona for the first time since she ditched Spain to start a new life in Miami.
    READ MORE ON SHAKIRA
    Her sons Milan, 10, and Sasha, 8, joined her for the gruelling journey before she was set to hand them over to her footballer ex Gerard Pique.
    But it seems Shakira may have killed two birds with one stone by scheduling the trip to coincide with Lewis’ F1 race.
    The alleged couple have been seen enjoying a string of cosy outings together in the wake of her messy split from Pique.
    Lewis legend showed off his chivalry when he whisked her off for a boat day with pals in Miami – by picking her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion late last month.
    Most read in Motorsport
    He made sure Shakira didn’t have too far to walk as she trotted down her private dock for the day out on the open-top cruiser.
    The Mercedes driver, 38, quickly climbed out of the boat to lend the newly single mum a hand as she joined the group onboard.
    Lewis later ensured she made it home safe as he dropped her back off at her plush new pad, where she counts the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Matt Damon as her neighbours.
    Shakira’s repeated rendezvous with Lewis have caused a stir since they enjoyed a dinner together at the lavish Miami restaurant Cipriani.
    Smiling at each other, Shakira appeared to join 92-time race winner Lewis and pals at his table in a short video snapped by a fan.
    But despite being seen hanging out with the most successful F1 driver of all time, The Sun Online understands the duo are just friends.
    Her attendance at the international racing event in recent weeks has invited a host of speculation surrounding her love life.
    Shakira appeared in high spirits when she was seen mingling with Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix in May.
    Spanish media reported that the Mission Impossible star, 60, was “absolutely mesmerised” by the singer and had even told a close circle of friends that he felt a connection with her.
    Sources claimed that Tom was “giddy” after the chat while adding that the interactions were similar to “how he acted” when he first got with his ex-wife Katie Holmes.
    An insider told Page Six that there was “chemistry” between the pair – with Tom sending her flowers after the meeting.

    But Shakira reportedly shot down his advances and instead begged the actor to leave her alone and stop flirting with her.
    The global superstar is reportedly “focused on her family” rather than dating anyone at the moment.
    Lewis picked Shakira up from the back of her Miami mansion for a boat dayCredit: RM/MEGA
    Shakira has enjoyed several outings with the F1 legend since her split from PiqueCredit: Splash
    Max Verstappen triumphed in Sunday’s Grand PrixCredit: AFP More

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    Fans love Sky Sports presenter Naomi Schiff’s ‘gorgeous’ outfit for Spanish GP as they say ‘she’s the reason I watch F1’

    SKY SPORTS presenter Naomi Schiff was praised on social media by Formula One fans during the coverage of the Spanish Grand Prix.Schiff is a former racing driver who began her career at the young age of 16 and raced across multiple formats, including the W Series.
    Naomi Schiff earned a raft of compliments on social media
    Schiff was praised while covering the Spanish Grand Prix with Sky Sports
    Schiff was applauded for her insight as well as her outfit during the event
    Schiff appears regularly as a presenter covering the biggest events in Formula One
    Following her retirement, the 29-year-old veteran now appears as a TV presenter and has amassed more fans thanks to her motorsport knowledge.
    The Belgium-born driver also attracts a raft of compliments on a regular basis thanks to her style.
    This time Schiff appeared in a beautiful white outfit alongside her co-hosts.
    And her fans flooded social media praising her choice of outfit, and more importantly her insight.
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    One fan tweeted: “Whoever decides on @NaomiSchiff’s outfits deserves a raise bcuz she always looks so good.”
    Another commented: “Naomi Schiff is probably the leading reason I watch F1 nowadays.”
    A third posted: “Can we please just take a second to appreciate @NaomiSchiff.
    “Absolutely gorgeous, knows her stuff, great role model for girls out there and a genuine nice lady!!”
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    This fan said: “Man, Naomi Schiff is so pretty.”
    And that one stated: “Divine as always!!”
    Schiff has also proven to be a very inspiring figure within the world of motorsport.
    Since retiring from racing, she was appointed as the diversity and inclusion ambassador for the W Series.
    Schiff has repeatedly been complimented for her styleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Schiff is a former racing driver that started competing at the age of 16Credit: Instagram / @naomischiff
    Schiff mainly competed in W Series events before her retirementCredit: Instagram / @naomischiff More

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    F1 Spanish Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Full driver standings as Max Verstappen wins GP with Lewis Hamilton finishing second

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has won the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix and extended his lead at the top of the F1 driver standings.Lewis Hamilton finishes runner-up, with teammate George Russell coming third, completing a double podium finish for Mercedes in Barcelona.

    Result: 1 Verstappen, 2 Hamilton, 3 Russell, 4 Perez, 5 Sainz, 6 Stroll, 7 Alonso, 8 Ocon, 9 Zhou, 10 Gasly, 11 Leclerc, 12 Tsunoda, 13 Piastri, 14 De Vries, 15 Hulkenberg, 16 Albon, 17 Norris, 18 Magnussen, 19 Bottas, 20 Sargeant.
    TV channel: Sky Sports F1
    Live stream: NOW

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    Stay up to date with all the latest in our live blog…
    Red Bull gives you wins
    Max Verstappen will look to continue his world tour of Formula One wins as the calendar moves on to Canada.
    Last year he had a titanic battle with Carlos Sainz, winning the race just 0.9 seconds ahead of the Spaniard.
    The Dutchman will be looking for another win in Canada this season.
    Credit: Reuters
    Nightmare for Norris in Spain
    Lando Norris went into today’s race full of optimism following his third place on the starting grid.
    When he came together with Lewis Hamilton, they day turned into a living hell for the McLaren driver.
    Having to pit so early, Norris found himself in last position only four laps into the grand prix.
    Credit: AFP
    Dutch driver claims clean sweep in Spain
    Max Verstappen won the Spanish Grand Prix and also claimed the extra points for the fastest lap.
    The Dutchman seemed to enjoy today’s victory.
    He is now 53 points clear in the 2023 driver’s championship.
    Credit: AFP
    Credit: AP
    Spanish Grand Prix ‘driver of the day’
    Lewis Hamilton was awarded the driver of the day award.
    After starting the race fourth on the grid, Hamilton was able to improve upon it, finishing second.
    Although he would have liked to be closer to Verstappen, Hamilton put in a great shift in Spain.
    Credit: @F1
    Spanish Grand Prix top ten
    Here are the full list of drivers who got amongst the points today at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya:
    Credit: @F1
    Verstappen continues F1 dominance
    It seems his competitors have given up on catching the Dutch driver as he clocks up his 40th Formula One victory.
    He controlled the race today and was never under any pressure.
    We hear the Dutch and Austrian national anthems which are becoming a regular fixture at the podium now.
    Credit: AFP
    Mercedes step up to the plate
    It was a good day for Mercedes at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
    With Hamilton finishing second and Russell third, Mercedes pick up some much needed points.
    This is what they were aiming for, to put some pressure on the Red Bulls.
    Spanish Grand Prix results
    As Max Verstappen wins the race some 24 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second place.

    Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
    Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
    George Russell (Mercedes)
    Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
    Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

    Max Verstappen wins Spanish Grand Prix
    Lap 65/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    This has been another quiet day at the office for Verstappen.
    No one has really challenged him at all today.
    All of the top four drivers are on soft tyres for this final push.
    Lap 63/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Max Verstappen puts in the fastest lap of the day.
    The Red Bull is now 19 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.
    Sergio Perez is given the order to go all out in his pursuit of George Russell.
    Lap 61/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Fernando Alonso is in seventh place, only 1.1 seconds behind his teammate Lance Stroll.
    He tells his team on the comms that he is not going to overtake Stroll.
    Verstappen is shown a chequered flag for breaching track limits.
    Lap 59/66 – Verstappen leads, Russell third
    George Russell can feel Sergio Perez breathing down his neck now.
    He is only five seconds behind the Mercedes now.
    Lando Norris, who started in third position, is currently in eighteenth place.
    Not a good day for him.
    Credit: Splash
    Lap 57/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    The only thing that could throw the cat amongst the pigeons now would be some rain before the end of the race.
    Sergio Perez puts in a fastest lap as he looks to try and put pressure on George Russell.
    With under ten laps to go it seems Max Verstappen is assured another grand prix victory.
    Lap 55/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    George Russell is now 5 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton.
    Sergio Perez has clocked the fastest lap in fourth place.
    Carlos Sainz is two seconds behind the Red Bull now.
    Lap 53/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    George Russell has gone from the hunter to the hunted now.
    He holds third position with both Sainz and Perez looking to hunt him down.
    Max Verstappen takes the opportunity to pit again.
    As he re-enters the race, he still has a 16.2 second lead over Lewis Hamilton.
    Lap 51/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    George Russell is gaining a second per lap on Sergio Perez.
    He tells his team via the comms that he feels he can catch him.
    Lewis Hamilton heads into the pits as does Sergio Perez.
    Perez comes back out of the pits in fifth place.
    Lap 49/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    George Russell clocks the fastest lap once again.
    Perez, Russell and Sainz have their own mini grand prix as they battle for the final podium place.
    As it stands, Perez has a 11.2 second lead on Russell.
    Credit: EPA
    Lap 47/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Kevin Magnussen clocks the fastest lap of the day.
    Sergio Perez now moves into third as he takes George Russell.
    Only Verstappen, Hamilton and Perez have pitted only once now.
    Lap 45/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Lewis Hamilton now has a 10.2 second lead over George Russell.
    Max Verstappen keeps improving his times and extending his lead over the Mercedes cars.
    Fernando Alonso takes the chance to pit once again and comes out in ninth position.
    Lap 43/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Carlos Sainz enters the pits and comes back out in sixth.
    Charles Leclerc follows suit but re-enters the race in fourteenth place.
    Fernando Alonso now moves into fifth position.
    Lap 41/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Charles Leclerc has worked hard to move into seventh place.
    Fernando Alonso is in sixth position.
    George Russell still holds the fastest lap of the day.
    Lap 39/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Verstappen has opened up a 15.4 second lead over Hamilton.
    Russell is 9 seconds behind his Mercedes teammate.
    Sergio Perez has moved into fifth position and looking to close in on Carlos Sainz.
    Credit: Reuters
    Lap 37/66 – Verstappen leads, Russell third
    Russell is putting in some fast laps as he looks to close in on teammate Hamilton.
    His team tell him on the comms that his taking of Sainz was ‘solid work’.
    Russell cheekily replies ‘just solid work?’
    Lap 35/66 – Verstappen leads, Hamilton second
    Russell is putting some pressure on as he overtakes Sainz on the bend.
    Mercedes occupy second and third place now.
    Verstappen continues to open up his lead and having pitted can more than likely continue until the end of the race without having to pit again.
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