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    Lewis Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff and rival Max Verstappen slam F1’s Drive to Survive on Netflix ahead of new series

    MAX VERSTAPPEN and Toto Wolff have expressed concerns over Drive to Survive with the hit series days away from its fifth season release. The fly-on-the-wall documentary series follows all 10 teams and provides fans with an insight to the drama that is missed by standard TV coverage.
    Drive to Survive is widely believed to have boosted F1’s popularity among younger audiences
    It has proven to be a huge hit and is often cited as a factor in F1’s popularity boom in recent years.
    But the series is not everyone’s cup of tea, including those at the centre of the drama.
    Verstappen, 25, initially refused to do any talking head interviews despite his boss, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, being one of the series’ main protagonists.
    But the Dutchman has dropped his boycott this year despite the unflattering review he provided ahead of the fourth season’s release previously.
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    He said: “They faked a few rivalries which don’t really exist. So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show.
    “I am not really a dramatic show kind of person, I just want facts and real things to happen.
    “The problem is they will always position you in a way they want, so whatever you say, they will try to make you look reckless or trying to make you… whatever fits the story of the series.
    “So I never really liked that. I prefer to just have a one-on-one interview with the person who would like to know me.”
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    Lewis Hamilton’s boss Wolff revealed similar misgivings last year.
    He said: “It’s scary how much we let them in. You hate to see yourself in there. They create a spin to the narrative – they put scenes together that didn’t happen.
    “I guess you’d say as an insider, ‘well that’s different than how it was’. But we’re creating entertainment, and that is a new dimension of entertainment.”
    The most recent series of Drive to Survive followed F1’s most dramatic and explosive title race ever with Hamilton and Verstappen’s rivalry resulting in huge crashes and unprecedented last-lap drama.
    The upcoming series – which is released on February 24 – will review the 2022 season which saw Verstappen dominate, Mercedes struggle and Ferrari unravel. More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell ready to take on Max Verstappen for F1 title in 2023 season

    GEORGE RUSSELL is ready to take the fight to Max Verstappen this season.The Brit won his first Grand Prix last year in Brazil as he finished fourth in the drivers’ championship behind champ Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
    Mercedes’ George Russell is up to take on Red Bull superstar Max VerstappenCredit: PA
    However, after coming to terms with racing for a top team — and beating his Mercedes team-mate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton — Russell says his goal this season is to battle Verstappen for the title.
    Speaking at the launch of this season’s predominantly black Formula One car, 25-year-old Russell was in a bullish mood.
    He said: “I’m going into my fifth year of Formula One.
    “I have had three difficult years at the back of the grid and I feel like last year was a good taste but I feel absolutely ready within myself and the team I’ve got around me to fight.
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    “We want to put that fight against Max. I’m sure Ferrari are going to come out the blocks fast too, so we want to fight against those guys and go for it.
    “This is why I had the dream of being an F 1 driver and what I’m working towards every single day, so we are going to be doing our best to achieve that.
    “We need to see what the car feels like. I was happy with how we maximised last year, in terms of getting the most out of a difficult package.
    “The great thing with this sport is it’s constantly evolving and it’s a new challenge every single year, because of the challenges you face, with the new tyres and the new car.
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    “I definitely feel I still have room to improve and that fills me with confidence because I still felt like I was performing at a very high level ,even though I know that I’ve got a lot more in my pocket.
    “I was on quite a steep learning curve but I feel like we’ve got a lot to come.”
    Russell made a stunning start to his Mercedes career with nine consecutive top-five finishes, including three podiums.
    But he admits he learned more from his poor races than he did his successful ones and that sometimes he was simply trying too hard.
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    He added: “That was a big lesson I learned is that sometimes the harder you try, the more you push, sometimes the result isn’t better.
    “You’ve got to be very disciplined with yourself sometimes in your approach for knowing how hard to push.”
    Both Russell and Hamilton have got in some crucial running ahead of this week’s pre-season testing in Bahrain.
    The pair took part in a tyre test for Pirelli in Spain at the start of this month and drove during a filming day at Silverstone this week, which was  limited to 60 miles.
    Hamilton, 38, said: “I got in the car, I did 160 something laps in Jerez and I felt good.
    “As always, after the first day of running the back of your neck is always a sore part.
    “I’m sure, still, after the first days that we’re running, your body is still getting accustomed to the forces, as the car should hopefully be quicker this year.
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    “It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard.
    “I’m incredibly grateful for all the effort.”
    Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell is confident ahead of next seasonCredit: AFP More

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    Inside Lewis Hamilton’s intense six-hour a day training sessions and unique diet to get ready for F1 title battle

    LEWIS HAMILTON is in incredible shape as he prepares to hunt a record-breaking eighth F1 world championship.The Mercedes star trains up to six hours a day, five times a week to get in such amazing physical condition.
    Lewis Hamilton shows off his amazing physique
    Lewis’ dog Roscoe helps him in the gym
    The Mercedes star also loves being active even on holiday
    He is never afraid to try his hand at other sports
    Hamilton, 38, is seemingly getting in even better shape with age, recently showing off his abs in a photo posted by the Silver Arrows.
    He hasn’t just had it gifted to him, however – Hamilton works extremely hard on his body.
    The Formula 1 superstar often works out in his home gym, assisted by trainer Angela Cullen and kept company by dog Roscoe.
    Lifting the lid on his workout priorities, he told Men’s Health: “I like lifting weights, but I have to make sure that I don’t overdo it.
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    “Formula One drivers can’t be too heavy: more muscle means more kilos.
    “It’s also disadvantageous to put too much muscle on your shoulders and arms, because you need to have a low centre of gravity in the car.”
    On another area of focus that the layman might miss, Hamilton revealed: “Your neck is where– is probably the one that fatigues the most.
    “Your helmet and your head weigh a lot.
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    Hamilton poses alongside Roscoe
    Hamilton glides across the water
    Sir Lewis’ travels have taken him to some amazing places
    Sir Lewis loves to ski
    “It’s about 22 pounds, and obviously, six times that weight through a corner for a sustained period of time is heavy.”
    The seven-time world champion is also a champion of plant-based diets – having adopted one during his time in New York.
    Explaining a key food that even petrolheads may miss, he gushed to Vanity Fair: “I used to look at hummus and I was like, ‘No way would I ever eat hummus!’
    “And I love it now. It’s my go-to thing every day.”
    In a 2020 Instagram post, Hamilton showed off his ripped abs in a mirror selfie, while also diving into how he keeps his body and mind in pristine shape.
    He wrote: “Every year I try to find the right balance between being the fittest athlete I can be, a good businessman and deliver on all platforms.
    “It is far from easy but I give it my all. I listen to my body, fuel it to the best of my knowledge. This year, I’ve managed to push further and be fitter and stronger than the years before which I’m so happy about.
    ‘HEALTH IS WEALTH’
    “I feel more ready than ever as I embark on my journey to the first race of the season. I just want to encourage you all out there, your body and mind are one.
    “Take care of it, feed your body and your mind with the right ingredients. Health is wealth! If you believe you can’t do something that is just the wrong attitude because you can do anything you put your mind to.
    “You need to develop a positive frame of mind and working out will help you do that and feel better about yourself. I know you can do it, now you need to know it too!!”
    Hamilton also enjoys taking part in other sports.
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    He has been spotted surfing and skiing during his down time.
    While the adrenaline junkie also jumped out of a plane in 2021. More

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    FIA U-turns in Lewis Hamilton battle as it agrees F1 drivers CAN make political statements… with one catch

    FORMULA ONE’S governing body have backed down in their row over banning drivers from making political statements.The FIA angered F1 drivers by changing the International Sporting Code in December to stop them from making political, religious or personal statements or comments without written authorisation.
    The FIA have softened their stance on political statements in a boost to Lewis Hamilton and CoCredit: AP
    Like Hamilton, McLaren’s Lando Norris blasted the FIA’s initial moveCredit: AFP
    Lando Norris claimed it made drivers feel like school children while Lewis Hamilton was defiant and said he would continue to make personal protests and comments that were relevant to him.
    The growing pressure has now forced the FIA to act and they have backtracked in a note to drivers that has allowed them to continue to make protests – but not at certain times during a race weekend.
    An FIA Spokesperson said: “A guidance note has been issued to participants that sets out the scope of the updates made to the FIA International Sporting Code in December.
    “The updates cement the FIA’s longstanding commitment to protecting motor sport’s neutrality, and will particularly ensure neutrality during key moments across all motorsport competitions, such as podiums, national anthems and official activities ‘on the field of play’.
    READ MORE ON LEWIS HAMILTON
    “It does not impose any additional restrictions on individuals expressing their views outside of these times.”
    The change to the rules now reads that drivers “can express their views on any political, religious or personal matter before, during and after” the race and in “their own space” such as social media.
    However, it adds that drivers are not allowed to air their views “during FIA press conferences (except in response to direct questions from accredited journalists) or during events such as the drivers’ parade, national anthem or podium ceremony.
    The FIA maintain that by changing the rules they want to ensure the sport remains politically neutral.
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    The new F1 season gets underway at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5, with this year set to have a record-breaking 23 races on its calendar.
    A supercomputer has given its verdict on how the season will go including who will win the championship.

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

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    Supercomputer predicts 2023 F1 season but will Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes close gap on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull?

    A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the outcome of the new Formula One season as Lewis Hamilton looks to end Max Verstappen’s winning run. The Dutchman has claimed the last two Drivers’ Championship crowns with no one getting even close to the dominant Red Bull driver this season.
    Max Verstappen is the reigning World Champion after a dominant 2022 campaignCredit: Reuters
    Lewis Hamilton is suited and booted as he looks to claim a record-breaking eighth titleCredit: PA
    With all ten teams hard at work improving their cars over the winter, it can be difficult to judge the strengths and weakness of the field ahead of next month’s opening race in Bahrain.
    But a supercomputer from BonusCodeBets has chewed up all the available information ahead of the new season and expects Verstappen to triumph again.
    The 25-year-old was in the form of his life in 2022 and won 15 of the 22 Grand Prix last season.
    He wrapped up the title with four races to go and left all of his rivals in his dust.
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    Hamilton has been tipped to finish second in this year’s table.
    The supercomputer believes the Mercedes man will miss out on a record-breaking eighth world title but improve on his sixth-place from last season.
    Meanwhile, the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are predicted to finish 3rd and 5th with Hamilton’s teammate George Russell sandwiched in between them.
    Brit racer Lando Norris is expected to be the best of the rest behind the dominant Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari teams.
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    A supercomputer is predicting Hamilton to miss out on the title again
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    While his new teammate Oscar Piastri has been tipped to have the best season out of all the rookies with a 11th-place finish.
    Also new to the grid is Alpha Tauri’s Nyck de Vries, who is expected to come 14th, while fellow newbie Logan Sargeant has been predicted to finish bottom in his Williams.
    Pre-season testing gets underway next week before the first race in Bahrain on March 5. More

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    Michael Schumacher fans outraged at cruel ‘dead man walking’ jibe at F1 star son Mick in Netflix’s Drive To Survive

    MICHAEL Schumacher fans have slammed a Netflix show for featuring a comment calling his son a “dead man walking” after the ex-F1 star’s horror ski accident.Creators of the latest season of docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive – which drops next week – have been branded “tone deaf” over an episode focusing on Mick Schumacher.
    Michael Schumacher fans have hit out at Netflix for including a ‘vile’ comment about his sonCredit: PA:Press Association
    Mick pictured with dad Michael Schumacher in 2008Credit: PA
    In one clip, Gene Haas – owner of Haas F1 Team – can be heard calling the German racing driver a “dead man walking” while on the phone to team manager Guenther Steiner.
    The US businessman was slating the 23-year-old’s performance in the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022 after he lost control of his car on lap 27 before the motor split in half.
    But fans have called the inclusion of the comment “vile” given his dad suffered a near-fatal skiing accident.
    Viewers also fumed over how the soon to be released episode is titled Like Father, Like Son?.
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    One fan said: “The fact that Netflix titled the episode about Mick ‘Like Father, like son?’ and refer to Mick as a ‘dead man walking’ is truly disgusting and vile??
    “How didn’t anyone in that meeting think that that’s maybe not the best idea.”
    Another social media user commented: “That’s horrible to both Mick and Michael.”
    A third wrote: “Wow that is so tone deaf and disrespectful.”
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    Mick’s legendary dad Michael Schumacher was put into a medically induced coma for six months after suffering a catastrophic brain injury in December 2013.
    He fell and hit his head on a rock while crossing an off-piste area on the slopes above Méribel in the French Alps while skiing with son Mick – who was 14 at the time.
    Schumacher, who had 91 Grand Prix wins, suffered a serious head injury despite wearing a ski helmet.
    Doctors said he would most likely have died had he not been wearing the safety gear, and the world champ was airlifted to Grenoble Hospital.
    The ex-F1 champ has not been seen or heard from since his accident.
    It comes after Mick paid a touching tribute to his father at Mercedes’ car launch.
    The F1 team unveiled the new-look car for the 2023 season on Wednesday.
    And Mick paid tribute to his dad by wearing the same helmet as the seven-time champion.
    The gold helmet was adorned with black stars on the top and has a Mercedes logo in the middle.
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    Schumacher drove for Mercedes at the end of his career between 2010-2012.
    And now his son is part of the team, signing up as the third driver following his exit from Haas.
    Gene Haas called Mick a ‘dead man walking’ after a raceCredit: Getty
    Haas was blasting Mick’s performance in the 2022 Monaco F1 Grand PrixCredit: Reuters
    An upcoming episode of Formula 1: Drive to Survive focuses on MichCredit: The Mega Agency
    Schumacher, pictured in 2003, suffered a near-fatal ski accident nine years agoCredit: AFP More

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    Lewis Hamilton claims Mercedes are NOT copying Red Bull despite rival cars having similarities ahead of 2023 F1 season

    LEWIS HAMILTON says Mercedes will never copy Red Bull… despite many other Formula 1 teams doing so.The Silver Arrows launched their new W14 car this week.
    Hamilton is raring to go ahead of the new F1 seasonCredit: PA
    Mercedes launched their new W14 car this weekCredit: PA
    Hamilton’s new motor features a return to the sleek black livery sported in the 2020 and 2021 seasons – while focusing on being lighter and more aerodynamic.
    Toto Wolff and Co have avoided going down the route of making their car more like Red Bull’s high performing RB18 – with Hamilton proud of Merc’s own creativity and innovation.
    Amid the likes of McLaren taking inspiration from Red Bull’s sidepods – Hamilton said: “Of course you can see that some of the cars are approaching what a Red Bull might look like, perhaps with the exception of Ferrari.
    “I don’t think we’ve ever been a team that copied other people.
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    “We’ve always had our own mind and have always been a team that’s incredibly creative and innovative and likes to do it our way.
    “And I think that’s worked in the past.”
    After Mercedes’ encouraging finish to last season, fans will be excited to see Hamilton and team-mate George Russell back in action in Bahrain on March 5.
    Speaking at the launch of the W14, team principal Wolff said: “Last year was difficult but it came with lots of learnings.
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    Many teams have taken inspiration from Max Verstappen’s motorCredit: Getty
    “I hope 2023 will be proof that we have understood how to unravel the problems and improve the package of the car.”
    He then continued: “W13 certainly had performance which we never were able to unlock and put all its downforce on the ground.
    “Our car performed very well at the end of the season.
    “However, we still had the famous bouncing at some circuits and the car never gave the drivers good feedback, which limited them in being able to really push.
    “We have tried to keep all the goodness of the W13 and address its weaknesses.”
    McLaren launched their MCL60 this weekCredit: AFP More

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    Micah Richards left red-faced after he’s ‘completely blanked’ by A-list celeb he claimed was his ‘best mate’

    MICAH RICHARDS has a flourishing bromance with fellow footie pundit Roy Keane, but the same can’t be said of Lewis Hamilton.The ex-Man City defender gets awkwardly blanked by the F1 champ during the opening episode of A League Of Their Own Road Trip: Southeast Asia, despite bragging the pair are mates.
    Micah Richards was blanked by Lewis HamiltonCredit: PA
    It all happened during the opening episode of A League Of Their Own Road Trip: SoutheastCredit: Reuters
    It all happened ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, much to the delight of Jamie Redknapp, his co-star on the Sky Max panel show.
    He lapped up seeing Micah snubbed by Mercedes driver Lewis as they crossed paths near the pit lane.
    Jamie said: “He got completely blanked by Lewis Hamilton, someone he says he’s best mates with and that they message each other.”

    The new series starts tonight at 9pm and also features Alan Carr and Big Zuu.
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