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      Azerbaijan GP practice SUSPENDED as F1 star’s car catches fire and smoke engulfs city street circuit

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      PRACTICE for the Azerbaijan GP has been SUSPENDED after Pierre Gasly’s car caught fire.After a four-week break drivers were finally back behind the wheel getting some practice in ahead of the qualifying session this afternoon.

      The Azerbaijan GP was suspended after Pierre Galsy’s car caught fireCredit: AP
      Lots of smoke was coming out of the carCredit: Reuters
      Gasly was able to get out unharmedCredit: AP
      However, it was abruptly stopped after the Alpine driver’s car had to pull over as smoke started to come out of the back of it.
      A red flag was immediately brought out to stop the racing.
      Gasly was able to get out of his car and get to a safe distance.
      A response team was quick to the incident and used fire extinguishers to put out the fire.
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      The fire had started 15 minutes after the start of the first practice session in Baku.
      Despite being unhurt from the fire, Gasly appeared frustrated as he made his way from the car.
      Once the track was cleared and the driver was safe, practice was able to resume.
      Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen finished the first in the session.
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      However, Gasly remained in the Alpine garage as repairs were being made to his car.
      The Frenchman has four points from the first three races this season.
      He finished ninth back-to-back at the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia GPs. More

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      Lando Norris was born into wealth with dad worth £205m, is an F1 star, but split with model Luisinha Oliveira

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      LANDO NORRIS is fast-becoming the poster boy of F1.The British-born driver, 23, was in the points at the Melbourne Grand Prix, and will be looking to add to his tally in the Drivers Championship in Azerbaijan this Sunday.
      Lando Norris was shot by Vanity Fair for a fashion magazine spreadCredit: Nick Riley Bentham/Vanity Fair
      Norris is the rising star of F1 and is tipped for more successCredit: Rex
      His talents, and boyish good looks, were recognised by fashion bible Vanity Fair, who had him front and centre of a glossy photoshoot with fellow drivers, Daniel Ricciardo, George Russell, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
      He was born in Bristol to wealthy dad Adam – who amassed a £205million fortune – and mum Cisca from Belgium.
      His professional life seemingly knows no bounds, although his love life suffered a set back when it was announced he had split with stunning Luisinha Oliveira – a Portuguese model who accompanied him to the Brit Awards last year.
      Idolised Valentino Rossi
      Norris was raised in South-West England, attending school in Somerset.
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      However, he left without sitting his GCSEs and later studied physics and maths with the help of a personal tutor.
      His burning desire was to follow in the footsteps of Valentino Rossi, as he developed a love of motorsport.
      But when his father took him to watch a round of the Super 1 National Kart Championships, he was hooked on four wheel racing.
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      Like many F1 drivers, a sport for the rich and famous, Norris grew up affluently.
      Dad Adam amassed a personal wealth of £205million after selling his successful pensions advising company.
      Today, he continues to build on his success with his investment group, Horatio Investments Ltd and in 2016 was 18th in the Bristol Rich List.
      Big break
      Karting was the making of Norris. In 2013, he won the CIK-FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series in the KFJ class, while, in 2014, he gained the most prestigious title, the CIK-FIA Karting World Championship in the main KF category.
      With a natural flair for winning, he followed up that success in more powerful vehicles – landing the MSA Formula championship in 2015, and the Toyota Racing Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup in 2016.
      It made McLaren take note. He signed a junior driver contract in 2017, and could scarcely believe his achievement.
      “I never knew (I could make it),” he told Autocar.
      “Even in F2, I never went ‘I’ve got this, 100 per cent, I can do this’. You always have a bit of doubt. But the biggest thing was joining McLaren, and my first test in Hungary.”
      He set the second fastest lap in the second day of testing at the Hungaroring.
      Adam Norris is Lando’s dad, who has amassed a £205million fortuneCredit: Alamy
      Like many F1 stars, Norris got his grounding in go kartingCredit: Alamy
      In 2019 Norris made his F1 debut at the Australian GP and became youngest ever British driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Two years later, he would partner Carlos Sainz Jr as a McLaren driver in the World Championship.
      Making his debut in the Australian Grand Prix, he would become Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver at 19 years, four months and four days old.
      His debut campaign, finishing eleventh, was enough to convince McLaren Norris was their future.
      Success story
      It was in 2021 where Norris really kicked on.
      At one point, it appeared he would challenge for the title after finishing fourth in the British Grand Prix.
      It moved him into third place in the drivers’ championship.
      Although he faded away in the remaining eight races, he did record four podium finishes in his first 14.
      His highest position – second at the Italian Grand Prix secured the top two positions for McLaren with Daniel Ricciardo eventually winning the race.
      Norris finished sixth in the drivers’ championship in the end, which convinced McLaren to offer him another deal.
      Last season, Norris earned four podium finishesCredit: Rex
      Norris signed a four-year contract worth £80m with McLarenCredit: Splash
      Interestingly, only Max Verstappen has a longer contract in the sport at the moment – with Norris inking a four-year contract worth a staggering £80million.
      But still, he lives frivolously.
      Free ride
      Astonishingly, for someone so wealthy Norris doesn’t actually own a car.
      As is one of the perks of the job, McLaren has loaned him several over the years.
      Speaking to Scott Mills and Chris Stark on their BBC Sounds podcast, however, he confessed his not materialistic.
      Lando said: “I don’t own many things. I’ve not really treated myself.”
      Famously, Norris lived modestly in Woking before moving in the winter to the millionaire’s playground Monte Carlo.
      “It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do, and especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill,” he revealed.
      “I still have to look after my life and things for my future so that’s why I had to make the decision.
      In 2021 Norris moved to Monte Carlo’s Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty
      Norris doesn’t own a car but is loaned his motors by McLaren
      “I went with my managers and my trainer and we had a little look around a few different apartments and stuff.
      “I was like ‘I don’t want to be in the same place as Max!’. I don’t know where Lewis is? He’s on the opposite side… I don’t know anybody else over there.
      “But I’m around that area in Fontvieille, which is a nice, quiet place.”
      Model Ex
      Norris cemented his status as F1’s rising star on the showbiz circuit – where he took the red carpet for the Brit Awards.
      Later, he would join Jamie Winstone on stage to hand out an award to pop superstar Dua Lipa.
      As he rubbed shoulders with music glitterati, alongside him stood his beautiful former girlfriend, Luisinha.
      A month earlier, he confirmed his romance with the fashion model on social media during a trip to Dubai.
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      Portuguese model Luisinha Oliveira used to date Norris
      Norris and Oliveira shared an intimate moment together on social media in 2022
      Norris and Oliveira attended the Brit Awards together – but their romance didn’t lastCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Sharing a photo of them kissing in the desert, he captioned the post “my sunshine”.
      Sadly, the pair called time on their romance at the tail-end of last year, and he is officially single. As F1’s most eligible bachelor, expect there to be plenty of takers. More

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      F1 star Fernando Alonso breaks silence on rumours he’s dating Taylor Swift ahead of Azerbaijan GP

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has avoided answering a question about whether or not he is dating Taylor Swift.The F1 driver has been linked to a romantic relationship with the popular musician following their respective splits from partners.
      Fernando Alonso is rumoured to be dating Taylor SwiftCredit: Splash
      The singer is currently on tourCredit: PA
      Alonso gave off a cheeky smile when asked about the rumoured relationshipCredit: TIKTOK – @f1
      Alonso, 41, announced his split from girlfriend Andrea Schlager earlier this month at a similar time that Swift, 33, separated from long-term partner Joe Alwyn.
      There have seen been rumours that the two are seeing each other, with Alonso fuelling the gossip with a post on TikTok.
      He also commented on the video “Feeling 33”, which is thought to be a reference to the singer’s song “22”.
      In the viral video is listening to the singer’s hit song ‘Karma’ before winking at the camera.
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      And now he has refused to comment on the rumours during an interview ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.
      A reporter said to Alonso during an interview, “I have to ask this one or I would be leaving a Blank Space but and I know it is potentially your Love Story and nobody else’s..”

      But before he could finish his question, Alonso deflected in his reply to the Grand Prix: “Obviously, no I have nothing to say. I answered already.
      “I have nothing to say. It is so complicated, the Baku format already, I am sure you have a lot of questions.”
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      He had more candidly addressed the rumours to Marca as he said: “I usually keep my personal and professional life apart.
      “I prefer not to comment on it.”
      The Aston Martin driver has earned a reputation as a bit of a playboy over the years after a number of high profile relationships.
      He has had a good start to the current F1 season as he has finished third in each of the three races so far.
      Alonso is third in the driver’s championship heading into the race in Baku this weekend. More

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      Lando Norris’ ex-girlfriend Luisinha Oliveira sizzles in lingerie as model shows F1 star what he’s missing

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      LANDO NORRIS’ ex-girlfriend Luisinha Oliveira wowed fans as she posed in lingerie on social media.The Portuguese model, 23, uploaded the snaps to her 364,000 Instagram followers.
      Luisinha Oliveira sizzled in nude lingerieCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrjIl7nufQu/
      The 23-year-old Portuguese model split from F1 star Lando Norris last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrjIl7nufQu/
      Luisinha and Norris went public with their relationship in January 2022Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrjIl7nufQu/
      Luisinha sizzled in nude coloured lingerie, promoting Italian brand Intimissimi.
      And she sent her followers wild with the snaps.
      One commented on Luisinha’s post: “Wow.”
      A second said: “You’re so beautiful.”
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      Part of another comment read: “Gorgeous always.”
      And a fourth gushed: “Inspiration for millions.”
      Luisinha and F1 driver Norris, 23, announced they were an item in January 2022 after months of speculation.
      McLaren star Norris then confirmed the pair had gone their separate ways last September.
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      Norris wrote on his Instagram story at the time: “Hello everyone.
      “After time and consideration, Luisa and myself have mutually decided to end our relationship but remain good friends.
      “I wish her the world and have so much respect for her and all she does as an amazing and strong woman with nothing but kindness.
      “Please respect our decision and respect our – but more importantly and especially her privacy moving forward.
      “Thank you for your endless support.”
      Norris announced in September that the pair had gone their separate waysCredit: Getty
      Luisinha has 364,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      She models for Portuguese modelling agency Central ModelsCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Luisinha regularly wows fans with her social media uploadsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/luisinhaoliveira99/?hl=en
      The model posts snaps of her travels from around the globeCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99 More

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      F1 star Charles Leclerc begins shock new career in music – and gets off to roaring start

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      CHARLES LECLERC has kickstarted a shock new career in music.The Ferrari F1 driver released his debut single on Tuesday titled AUS23 (1:1).
      Charles Leclerc has released a debut singleCredit: Getty
      [embedded content]
      The four-minute classical song features Leclerc, 25, playing the piano.
      And the Monegasque driver has enjoyed a fast start after venturing into the world of music.
      According to ESPN, Leclerc spent time inside the Top 10 of the Worldwide iTunes song chart following the release of his song.
      The title of the track, AUS23 (1:1) is a tribute to the Australian Grand Prix, where the song was born.
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      Leclerc did not start playing the piano until the Covid-19 pandemic, but has “fallen in love with the instrument” after spending time playing it.
      The Ferrari star said on his Spotify page: “I’m excited to share with you a piano song that I’ve been working on, born out of my passion for music and created as a way to disconnect from racing and relax in between races.
      “I’ve created this song around the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix which is why I called it AUS23 (1:1). This is the way we call the Australian Grand Prix in my Formula One team and thought it would be a nice connection to the racing world.
      “After posting a story on Instagram of me playing that piano piece I had composed, I had a lot of positive feedback from the fans that inspired me to record it, making it easier for fans to enjoy my music.
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      “My love for music has always been there, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I started playing the piano.
      “With more time at home, I decided to buy a piano and learn to play. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the instrument and find myself playing it whenever I’m at home.”
      Leclerc’s piece has earned raved reviews from fans on social media.
      One gushed on Twitter: “Tbh it’s a beautiful song.”
      Another added: “What a beautiful song. @Charles_Leclerc You should be so proud, what a masterpiece.”
      A third wrote: “This new Charles Leclerc song is fire.”
      And a fourth said: “Magic is what this song is. Thank you @Charles_Leclerc.”
      Leclerc retired from the Australian GP at the start of the month after spinning out on the very first lap on the race.
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      He has completed just one race out of three so far this season, finishing P7 in Saudi Arabia last month.
      And Leclerc will be hoping for better luck when he returns to the wheel at the Azerbaijan GP this weekend. More

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      F1 boss says he would NOT sign Lewis Hamilton for bizarre reason – before immediately contradicting himself

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      F1 BOSS Guenther Steiner has claimed he would not sign Lewis Hamilton – because the star is too old. The seven-times world champion turned 38 in January but continues to race at a high level for Mercedes.
      Popular Haas boss Guenther Steiner picked which drivers he would hypothetically want to join his teamCredit: Splash
      Haas team principal Steiner, who has became popular for his starring role in Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, was asked the hypothetical question of which driver he would take for his team.
      He rejected Hamilton for age-related reasons but appeared to contradict himself straight away as he weighed up Fernando Alonso, who is the oldest driver on the grid at 41.
      Steiner told Sky Sports: “I wouldn’t say Lewis. Because he’s getting on with age but there is another one which he is very good. 
      “This is Fernando. I mean, the guy is over 40 and, man, he knows how to drive.”
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      The Haas boss instead considered some of the younger drivers on the grid for his hypothetical choice, including Hamilton’s teammate.
      He said: “I think it will be controversial, but I can be open about it because they are not coming to drive for me anyway! That’s solved that problem of the controversy.
      “I think it would be Max [Verstappen] for sure. And either Charles [Leclerc] or George Russell.
      “I think [Verstappen], in the moment, is just a driver, which talent wise and mentally wise, is just on a peak. He’s just on top of the wave, he can do anything with a car in the moment.
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      “Everything seems to be going right for him.”
      Haas’ current line up is Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.
      The former pulled off one of the stories of last season when he took a shock pole position in Brazil while Hulkenberg has returned to a full-time drive after years on the sidelines. More

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      Lewis Hamilton shoots down rumours he could quit Mercedes and be replaced by F1 rival

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has scoffed at suggestions Mercedes are looking to poach Charles Leclerc from Ferrari.Hamilton has yet to agree new terms with the team and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton insists he is happy at Mercedes and does not plan to leaveCredit: Reuters
      The 38-year-old insists he is only interested in re-signing for the Silver Arrows but that has not stopped reports that Merc boss Toto Wolff has been speaking to Leclerc about replacing the Brit.
      But when quizzed about it ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan GP, Hamilton gave short shrift to the rumour saying it had “no impact” on his own contract negotiations.
      He said: “I think maybe some of the drivers all have different relationships with different bosses and stuff.
      “I like where I am, I love my team, and I’m grateful for the journey we’ve been on and what we’re working on moving forwards. So, it doesn’t have any impact, no.”
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      This weekend sees the introduction of the new format for the sprint race weekends.
      Practice has been limited to just one session on Fridays and qualifying for Sunday’s GP will also take place today tomorrow rather than on Saturday.
      It means the sprint qualifying – known as the ‘sprint shoot-out’ – and the sprint race itself will take place both on Saturday.
      And Hamilton says he is a fan of the revised plan for the six sprint races, starting in the high-speed Baku street circuit.
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      He added: “It’s going to be tough for everybody but we’re all in the same boat, what a track to do it at.
      “We have good races here. It’s definitely difficult to have just 20 laps then straight into qualifying.
      “Before [in the sprint race], where you finished was where you qualified for the race. Now it is a practice session but there are points at the end of it.
      “I don’t think we will be going more [aggressive] than we have done in the past. What I do think is it is great that we are doing these different format weekends.”
      Hamilton has also supported Mercedes’ decision to bring back design whizz James Allison to help out Mike Elliott, with the two swapping jobs.
      It comes as Mercedes try to recover from a slow start to the season where they admitted their car design was flawed.
      Hamilton said: “James has always been a part of the team. He was obviously focused on another area before.
      “Having him step back in, to support and work alongside Mike, it will strengthen the team.
      “He has an amazing amount of experience. Moving forwards it’s great for the team – for the things we want to achieve on track, and off track.”
      Charles Leclerc has been linked with taking Hamilton’s seatCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen told to quit moaning or ‘pack up and LEAVE’ by F1 legend in astonishing blast

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been told to LEAVE Formula One if he keeps moaning about sprint races. The astonishing blast comes from Ralf Schumacher ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where a new “Sprint Shootout” format will be used for the first time.
      Max Verstappen is not a fan of F1’s sprint racesCredit: Reuters
      But Ralf Schumacher has told him to stop moaning or leave the sportCredit: Rex
      Reigning world champion Verstappen has been an outspoken critic against sprint races and an increased calendar.
      Earlier this month, the Dutchman said: “‘I am not a fan of it at all. When we do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes very intense and we already do a lot of races.
      “We are heading into seasons where we could have 24 or 25 races and if you then start adding more it is not worth it for me. I will not enjoy that.”
      In response, Schumacher, brother of F1 Goat contender and seven-time champ Michael, called out Verstappen’s quit threat.
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      The 47-year-old, who won two races in F1, told Sky Sports in Germany: “The past, the present and the future have shown or will show that Formula 1 is much bigger than any one individual.
      “Bernie Ecclestone is also gone and without him Formula 1 wouldn’t even exist and yet now it’s more successful than ever.
      “So Verstappen should either pack up and leave or just accept it as it is.
      “But I do understand his attitude because there are a lot of risks. But still, he gets paid to do it.
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      “If he wants to go, then he should go. As much as I love him, it won’t kill Formula 1.”
      Earlier this month he also added: “Max’s retirement threat is very unusual.
      “It is kind of strange to hear, isn’t it? I mean, what’s he going to do with himself? He should stop now, really. Stop now, he’s done it.
      “I think there’s an element of this with Max with him wanting not to waste his time on superfluous things that really are just invented for novelty reasons.”
      Verstappen’s concerns regarding an expanded calendar may be felt if plans for a 30-race calendar in 2030 from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali come to fruition.

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