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      How Fernando Alonso became ultimate Formula One playboy as supermodel-loving star fuels rumours of Taylor Swift romance

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      FERNANDO Alonso lives life in the fast lane – on and off the track.The Formula One ace, 41, is back to his best this season racing for Aston Martin, and his love life must be keeping him busy when he’s not chasing podium finishes.
      Fernando Alonso is one of F1’s biggest starsCredit: Instagram
      The star has been a legend of the sport for two decades and has raised eyebrows with his cheeky antics. Pictured, with model Michelle Marsh at Silverstone in 2005Credit: EPA
      Fans were sent into a frenzy last week when Spanish magazines began linking Alonso to newly-single pop star Taylor Swift.
      The two-time world champion fuelled the flames last night when he posted a video of himself winking as he listened to one of the 33-year-old’s hit songs, Karma.
      It came just weeks after Alonso announced his split from long-term partner Andrea Schlager, explaining in a statement: “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.”
      Here, we steer a path through the flamboyant star’s long relationship history, from supermodels to a romance with one of his Formula One rival’s pals.
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      The rockstar wife
      Alonso and Raquel Del Rosario married secretly in 2006Credit: Reuters
      The singer performed in the Spanish rock band El Sueno de MorfeoCredit: Eyevine
      Alonso and singer Raquel Del Rosario – who was lead singer for Spanish rock band El Sueno de Morfeo – met in 2005 after she performed at a concert to mark his first F1 title.
      He told her on-stage in front of thousands of adoring fans that he was “single and romantic” – and it clearly did the trick.
      Spending their time living first in Oxford and then Switzerland, they married secretly in 2006 but only confirmed it publically two years later.
      In 2011, however, the couple confirmed their break-up in a jointed statement, saying: “This has been a very thought about and mutual decision.
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      “We are separating from marriage, but never as friends, and there is still a very strong affection and mutual admiration to ensure the happiness of the other.”

      The banker
      Alonso moved on with former Miss Switzerland runner-up Xenia TchoumitchevaCredit: BackGrid
      After his split from Raquel, Alonso quickly moved on with former Miss Switzerland runner-up Xenia Tchoumitcheva.
      The talented Russian model, who has a degree in economics, has had an even more colourful career than her ex.
      After bagging an internship at JP Morgan, she was offered roles at Merrill Lynch and Duet Group, but decided to swap the stock market for the pop charts – releasing a rap single.
      A JP Morgan worker told the Mail that Xenia ‘brightened up the office’ when she worked there, but sadly it wasn’t to be. Neither was her romance with Alonso, which ended in late 2011.
      The model
      His next relationship was with Russian model Dasha KapustinaCredit: Alpha Press
      The following year, Alonso found another Russian model, stepping out at the German Grand Prix with Dasha Kapustina.
      The besotted pair were snapped on a holiday in Majorca as they relaxed on board a private yacht and were frequently seen together around the paddock.
      In 2013, Alonso whisked Dasha off to Las Vegas ahead of the British Grand Prix, taking selfies along the strip and even enjoying a David Copperfield show.
      After two years together, though, their romance quietly fizzled out.
      The journalist
      Alonso was engaged to Lara Alvarez but the relationship didn’t lastCredit: Reuters
      Alonso quickly fell head over heels after meeting journalist Lara Alvarez in December 2014.
      The star popped the question to his fellow Spaniard, who was previously linked to Real Madrid footballer Sergio Ramos.
      But by 2016, the 16-month relationship had come to a sad end, as pictures emerged of Lara stepping out without her silver ring.
      A source told a Barcelona-based newspaper that there was no bad blood between them, citing “the distance and demands of their jobs” as the reason behind the split.
      The rival romance
      Viki Odintcova was linked with Alonso in 2016Credit: INSTAGRAM
      She previously told how she ignored Cristiano Ronaldo’s DMsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Alonso’s next flame, Viki Odintcova, has no shortage of admirers in the sports world – even claiming she ignored Instagram DMs from Cristiano Ronaldo.
      She said: “That happened… He (Ronaldo) even wrote to me. It was a long time ago. He wrote, ‘Hi, how are you?’
      “I deleted the message and didn’t reply.”
      The Russian model was rumoured to be dating Alonso in April 2016, but he would have risked the ire of her “most famous” pal.
      Viki previously told Russian TV: “The most famous person in my phonebook is Lewis Hamilton. The last time he messaged me was November 15, to congratulate me on my birthday.
      “I go to his races occasionally, the last time was in Sochi (at the Russian Grand Prix). We’ve been friends for three years. When I met him, I could barely speak English, I could only understand it.”
      The lingerie star
      Linda Morselli stuck by Alonso after his horror car accident in 2021Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Italian lingerie model Linda Morselli has a truly racy relationship history, having previously dated MotoGP rider and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
      After being snapped supporting Alonso at races in 2016, the pair confirmed their relationship with an Instagram post the following year.
      Linda – who was once crowned Miss Elegance at the Miss Italy beauty pageant – was there for her partner in 2021 when he was hit by a car on a roundabout while cycling in Switzerland.
      Alonso, who was training on a £5,500 road racer ahead of his return to F1 after a two-year absence, was rushed to a nearby hospital for X-rays and underwent surgery on his jaw.
      After half a decade together, the couple went their separate ways last year.
      The newest ex
      Alonso and Andrea Schlager announced they had broken up earlier this monthCredit: Instagram
      He met the journalist while she was working in the paddockCredit: Instagram / @andrea.m.schlager
      Alonso’s latest relationship was with Andrea Schlager, a sports commentator known for her work in F1 and MotoGP.
      The pair first met in the paddock while she was working as a sports presenter for ServusTV, dropping a series of cryptic clues on social media before going official.
      Just hours after Alonso secured a podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month, he released an Instagram statement announcing their break-up.
      In a statement, he wrote: “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended. 
      “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
      “As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
      “We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea.”
      Alonso’s cheeky video this week sent Taylor Swift fans into meltdown, with one TikTok user commenting: “Oh my god Taylor X Fernando confirmed????”

      If the superstar is spotted in the paddock at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, they will truly go into overdrive. More

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      Fernando Alonso fuels Taylor Swift dating rumours as F1 legend posts hilarious TikTok video

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      FERNANDO ALONSO has fuelled rumours that he is dating Taylor Swift after a recent online post.The F1 legend shared a hilarious video on TikTok of him scrolling on his phone while sitting down.
      Fernando Alonso shared a cheeky video to TikTok of himself listening to Taylor SwiftCredit: TIKTOK – @fernandoalonso
      He then did a wink at the cameraCredit: TIKTOK – @fernandoalonso
      The F1 driver has been linked with the American singerCredit: Getty
      In the clip, the Aston Martin driver looks up and gives the camera a cheeky wink and smile.
      During the song Karma by Taylor Swift, 33, is playing in the background.
      Alonso, 41, commented on the video “Feeling 33”, which is thought to be a reference to the singer’s song “22”.
      The caption for the post says “Race week era”, along with a winky emoji in another reference to Swift’s current Eras tour.
      READ MORE ON MOTORSPORT
      The Spaniard was first linked with romantic ties to Swift after an post on the DeuxMoi Instagram account last week that quoted an anonymous email.
      It read: “A couple of Spanish magazines have been posting about TS [Swift] and Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso.
      “According to them, the couple has been seeing each other for a week now. Nothing serious tho since they are both recently single.”
      However, the account did list the post in a section titled “for entertainment purposes only” and joined it with the disclaimer that “some of the emails posted are complete BS”.
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      But this did not stop fans from getting excited by Alonso’s response.
      One TikTok user commented: “Oh my god Taylor X Fernando confirmed????”
      A second wrote: “Fernando please confirm or deny, was mastermind (A song by Swift) written about you.”
      A third said: “Never did we think in our Wildest Dreams this would happen.”

      Swift split from her boyfriend Joe Alwyn earlier this month at a similar time that Alonso announced that he had separated from girlfriend, Andrea Schlager.
      The former couple met in the F1 sports paddock.
      Alonso said in a statement: “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended.
      “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
      She is currently on tour after splitting from long-term boyfriend Joe AlwynCredit: The Mega Agency
      Alonso announced his split from Andrea Schlager earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM More

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      F1 set to vote through new rule changes for Azerbaijan GP with new qualifying time and slimmed down sprint races

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      FORMULA ONE bosses are expected to vote to revamp the weekend format —  and cut mind-numbing practice sessions.Team leaders, F1 and FIA chiefs will meet in Geneva on Tuesday morning where the proposed format is likely to be rubber-stamped.
      Big changes are set to be introduced for the Azerbaijan GPCredit: Reuters
      For the meantime, it would apply to the six sprint-race weekends this season and come into play this week at the first one, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
      And it will see the race make-up change as follows . . .

      Friday morning would be FP1 as usual. A 60-minute  session will now be the ONLY practice of the weekend and after it cars are placed in parc ferme,  meaning no more major changes can be made to them.
      Friday afternoon would now be qualifying for Sunday’s GP.
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      The session will be cut into the regular Q1, Q2 and Q3 segments, with the five slowest drivers eliminated in Q1 and then five more in Q2.
      The top-ten shootout is in Q3 and the fastest driver  claims pole position.

       Saturdays are  a stripped-down sprint event, separate from the rest of the GP.
      And  Saturday morning will be qualifying for the short sprint,  rather than a practice session. While it follows the usual Q1, Q2 and Q3 format like regular qualifying, the sessions are shorter, with eight minutes allocated for Q3.
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      That means drivers would only get one or two attempts at setting their best times.

      Saturday afternoon will  be a shorter 100km race, where points are awarded to cars  in the top eight.
      The first-place driver receives eight points — and  the number then decreases for each spot.

      Nothing changes for Sunday, which is reserved for the GP.  There will be 51 laps in Baku with usual rules applied.
      F1 has been accused of ­meddling  in the DNA of the sport but I like the proposals.
      Practice sessions have become dull and meaningless, while  this revised format means there are now four things to fight for over the weekend    — two qualifying  sessions and two races.
      It might take a while to get your head around it, however more action can only be a good thing.
      For the time being, this is just for the races in Baku, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Sao Paulo.
      But if it goes well, I would not be surprised to see this become the regular format for all race weekends in 2024. More

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      Meet Lewis Hamilton’s best friend Miles Chamley-Watson, who partied at Coachella with the F1 Ace and is an Olympic hero

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      EVERY man needs a wingman.For Lewis Hamilton, that guy is fencing star Miles Chamley-Watson.
      Best friends Lewis Hamilton Miles Chamley-Watson cut fine figures at the Met GalaCredit: Getty
      Hamilton and Chamley-Watson were recently spotted at the Coachella festivalCredit: Instagram
      The 33-year-old was born in London, but competed in the Olympics for the USA, where he has mostly lived.
      Recently, the racing driver and his best buddy, a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, were spotted in the dessert enjoying the festivities of the Coachella music festival.
      A trendy pair, they are also regulars at the Met Gala in New York, where they rub shoulders with other celebrities and fashionistas from around the globe.
      But while we know so much about Hamilton, Chamley-Watson remains somewhat more of a mystery.
      Read more Lewis Hamilton news
      SunSport looks into the seven-time F1 champion’s friendship with the renowned fencer, as well as tell you a little bit about who he is.
      Sporting prowess
      Chamley-Watson has scored plenty of success in the world of fencing.
      Born in London, he moved to the US when he was eight and took up the sport he would later make his name in at the Knox School just a year later.
      It shaped his formative years, earning him a scholarship to Pennsylvania State University.
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      By the time of his senior year in 2011, Miles would earn himself top spot on the United States’ Olympic Fencing team as a foil fencer.
      He competed in the 2012 Games, but was defeated in the second round by Egyptian Alaaeldin Abouelkassem, who would go on to win a silver medal in the individual event.
      A year later, Chamley-Watson won the World Championship – becoming the first American to achieve such a feat.
      Four years later in Rio de Janeiro, Chamley-Watson would walk away with a bronze medal in the team event for the USA.
      Chamley-Watson celebrates at Rio 2016Credit: AFP
      The fencing star won bronze at the 2016 GamesCredit: Getty
      Sponsors for Chamley-Watson include Mumm’s Champagne
      Blessed with good looks, and standing at a mountainous 6ft4in, he has also become the poster boy for his sport – earning sponsorships with Nike, modelling for Coach, Richard Mille watches, and Mumm’s champagne.
      His aim was to bring fencing to the mainstream – inspiring kids who were once like him, restless, bullied and misunderstood.
      Back in 2021, he told Robb Report: “I want to show kids what they can do.
      “I’m even working on new outfits and a scoring system with flashing lights to get fencing on primetime TV.”
      Birthday beats
      Hamilton and Chamley-Watson’s paths crossed at the Met Gala in 2016 and immediately hit it off.
      They have been regulars together ever since, cutting fine figures on the red carpet of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute.
      The two have been seen jogging on the beach together at Byron Bay, before last month’s Australian Grand Prix.
      They are also happy to share a cryotherapy chamber treatment in unison, where participants can be exposed to temperatures as low as -200°C.
      Back in January, Miles spelled out his love for Hamilton in a gushing birthday message.
      Sharing a suited and booted picture from their 2021 Met Gala appearance, he wrote: “My brother. Happy Birthday. This is gonna be an incredible year for you I know it. Love man’s to the moon and back. Everyone go wish my bestie the best of birthdays! Man’s is also aging backwards.”
      Last week, Justin Bieber was allowed to join in on their bromance in Indio valley, as they partied at Coachella.
      Hamilton and Chamley-Watson are often joined at the hip
      Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton and Chamley-Watson jogged together at Byron BayCredit: Instagram / @fencer
      Chamley-Watson has been seen in the paddock at F1 races cheering his pal on
      He’s a catch
      Despite appearing to live the free and single life, the US tabloids have linked Chamley-Watson with American actress Madelaine Petsch in the past.
      The beautiful redhead, 28, is best known for starring in teen drama Riverdale as Cheryl Blossom.
      They were spotted together in Los Angeles in 2021, but kept their romance private.
      They do not share photos on social media together – adding to the mystery of their relationship furthermore – but they still follow one another on Instagram.
      It is unknown if they continue to date one another today.
      Madelaine Petsch and Chamley-Watson were once linked to one another
      Stunning Petsch stars in US teen drama Riverdale
      Not giving up on his dream
      For now, Chamley-Watson is focused on fencing, appearing at the 2024 Olympics and helping kids from all backgrounds compete in fencing.
      He told fashion website Highsnobiety: “I have an Olympic gold to win and 2024 is around the corner.
      “For my sport, I think most of my foundation, which is going to promote fencing. We’re gonna take care of four to eight kids a year and pay for their training.
      “Also, we’re gonna put on a couple competitions live next, actually, this year as well as next season on Facebook, NBC and Redbull TV.
      “So, think big. Fencing is never gonna be the same after I’m done with it. Exposure-wise, my goal is to get a million kids fencing. Also, just like bringing an audience to fencing.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I don’t want the same kids fencing, I want to mix where kids come from.
      “Rough backgrounds with kids who have privilege. I think that’s the way people grow and connect.”
      Chamley-Watson is going for gold at the 2024 Olympics More

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      I’m a former F1 racer whose career ended after just one lap – it was nice to be a driver for the weekend

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      ANDRE LOTTERER’S Formula One career lasted just one lap when his dream debut swiftly ended in a nightmare.The German was called up out of the blue in 2014 when Caterham decided to replace Kamui Kobayashi at the Belgian Grand Prix.
      Andre Lotterer’s F1 cameo lasted just a lapCredit: Getty
      He replaced Kamui Kobayashi in the CaterhamCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Lotterer thought his F1 career was never going to take off after becoming a test and reserve driver for Jaguar.
      But after winning three of the previous four Le Mans 24-hour titles, he was thrust onto the starting gird.
      Lotterer became the oldest F1 debutant in over 20 years, aged 32-years-old.
      However, his cameo did not go to plan despite finishing above team-mate Marcus Ericsson in qualifying.
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      Lotterer was forced to retire from the race, having completed only one lap due to a technical fault.
      He told the Daily Star: “I was happy. I did a good qualifying, was in front of my team-mate without testing anything, so it was good.
      “A fuse popped over the curb, so I only managed to last 1.9 laps. It was (frustrating), but it is like that sometimes.
      “I knew it was just going to be a one-off. They actually asked me to race in Monza the race after, then Abu Dhabi for the final, but I didn’t do it.
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      “With my age and because I was racing with Audi at the time, being on the top of my game in endurance, it might sound weird, but I was not interested.
      “I knew there was no shot for me to go into a good team and I had no interest in being in a back-marker team just to be in F1.
      “It was nice to be an F1 driver for a weekend, but I was already established in endurance and knew I would not be able to be an F1 driver.”
      Lotterer has now moved to Formula E and he drives for Andretti. More

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      Brad Pitt set to race F1 star Lewis Hamilton in British Grand Prix as he films latest blockbuster

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      HOLLYWOOD superstar Brad Pitt is set to live life in the fast lane by driving in the British Grand Prix.The actor, 59, has got special permission to complete the first parade lap at Silverstone against the likes of F1 ace Lewis Hamilton as he films his latest blockbuster.
      Brad Pitt is to race Lewis Hamilton in the first parade lap at the British Grand Prix as he films for his new movie
      Pitt is playing a veteran F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger hotshot in the film, which Hamilton will executive produceCredit: Getty
      The risky move, which places billions of pounds of cars on the line, was pushed by bosses to ensure footage is as realistic as possible in the as-yet-untitled movie.
      Seven-times world champ Lewis, 38, is executive producing.
      A movie insider says: “Watching Brad Pitt leading the field in the British Grand Prix will be an incredible and surreal moment for TV viewers and fans at Silverstone this July.”
      Brad plays a veteran F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger hotshot.
      read more on brad pitt
      The film is being made by Dawn Apollo Films, Lewis’s new production company.
      He will help with casting and says: “It’s a cool project . . . [and] spending good time with Brad is pretty epic.”
      The movie is set for release next year.
      Pitt has got special permission to complete the first parade at SilverstoneCredit: Getty
      Movie bosses want to ensure footage in the F1 movie is as realistic as possibleCredit: Splash More

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      F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023: Stream, TV channel, UK start time and full schedule ahead of HUGE race in Baku

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      FORMULA ONE returns to our screens this weekend as Red Bull look to continue their dominance this season. Red Bull have won the first three Grand Prixs of 2023, with reigning champion Max Verstappen winning two of them.
      Christian Horner will be hoping Red Bull can continue their dominant startCredit: Alamy
      Lewis Hamilton finished in second place at the Australian Grand PrixCredit: Splash
      After a poor start to the year for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton picked up an impressive result at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month – finishing in second place just behind Verstappen.
      Fernando Alonso has finished in a podium spot in every Grand Prix this year, so he’ll be looking to get a memorable win for Aston Martin this time out.
      A sprint race will be featured for the first race weekend this season.
      When is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

      The Azerbaijan Grand Prix race will take place on Sunday, April 30 at the Baku City Circuit.
      The race will get underway at 12pm BST.

      Read More Formula 1
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be shown on Sky Sports F1.
      You can also live stream all of the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The race will also be streamed on F1 TV depending on your location – if your area is not eligible, download a VPN, connect to a server location showing F1 TV and head to the F1 site.
      Highlights from every Grand Prix this year will be aired on Channel 4.

      F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix FULL SCHEDULE
      Friday, April 28

      First Practice Session – 10:30am BST
      Qualifying Session – 2pm BST

      Saturday, April 29
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      Second Practice Session – 10:30am BST
      Sprint Race – 2:30pm BST

      Sunday, April 30

      Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023 – 12pm BST More

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      Lewis Hamilton blasted as a ‘spoiled little boy’ and a ‘whiner’ in vicious unprovoked attack by ex-F1 team manager

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been slammed as a “whiner” and “spoiled little boy” by a former McLaren and Ferrari employee in a shock and unprovoked attack. The seven-time Formula One world champion has made a disappointing start to the campaign and has been vocal about his car’s lack of pace.
      Lewis Hamilton has been called a ‘whiner’ in a shock attackCredit: Rex
      Joan Villadelprat has blasted the Brit in an unprovoked blastCredit: Getty
      Hamilton called for “accountability” from Mercedes after they ignored his advice on what was needed for his motor last year.
      The team’s chief Toto Wolff then even admitted after those remarks that they were going to scrap their current ‘zeropod’ design.
      However, ex-F1 team manager Joan Villadelprat has now blasted Hamilton for being too outspoken in a scathing attack.
      He told El Confidencial: “Hamilton is fed up and, if he doesn’t win, he’s like a spoiled little boy: you either win or you break the toys.
      READ MORE F1
      “He’s a whiner, you know. The tyres, the strategy, he questions everything, and he has screwed up. When you have a [teammate] who is faster than you, it is normal to be quiet and put your head under your wing.
      “I think he hasn’t lost but, after seven titles… What motivates you? Well, win another. And you’re not going to risk your skin if you don’t have that car.
      “What is evident is that Hamilton is not the same as his first or second championship.”
      Hamilton ended up finishing behind team-mate George Russell in the Drivers’ Championship last season.
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      That is only the third time the legend has been behind a colleague in the final standings.
      However, the 38-year-old is currently ahead of his fellow Englishman after the first three races this term.
      Hamilton is still waiting to secure his first F1 win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. More