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      Petition calling for Max Verstappen to have first F1 title WIPED OUT reaches 80k signatures in huge Lewis Hamilton boost

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      A PETITION to have Max Verstappen’s first F1 title stripped from him has gained more than 80,000 signatures.Since the Abu Dhabi GP in 2021, Lewis Hamilton fans have been lobbying for a change of decision that would see the British driver given the title.
      Lewis Hamilton missed out on his 8th F1 world title in 2021Credit: AP
      He was controversially beaten to it by Max VerstappenCredit: Reuters
      Hamilton seemed destined to win his 8th career title as he led in the race’s late stages.
      However, Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed, causing a safety car to be called onto the track.
      Verstappen drove into the pits and got fresh tires put onto his Red Bull.
      The move seemed to be futile as race director Michael Masi had instructed that cars that had been lapped could not overtake the FIA vehicle, as per F1 regulations.
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      That should have meant there would not be enough time for competitive racing to start again, and Hamilton would – somewhat anticlimactically – win the title behind the safety car.
      But after pressure from Red Bull boss Christian Horner, Masi changed his mind and allowed one lap of racing.
      And Verstappen was able to get past Hamilton on his quicker tires and win his first title.
      Mercedes instantly appealed the decision, but Mercedes principal Toto Wolff eventually dropped the objection.
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      However, Hamilton fans have not been so quick to drop the case as a petition has gained traction.
      Patel Gordon-Bennett started the petition on social media with the aim of getting the result overturned.
      On Tuesday morning, ‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ was trending on Twitter following a link to the petition being tweeted.
      The document now has over 82,000 signatures on it.
      However, there is very little chance of the FIA reacting, and Mercedes will have to stay focused on the current F1 campaign. More

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      Petition demanding Max Verstappen be STRIPPED of first F1 title reaches 100k signatures in huge Lewis Hamilton boost

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      A PETITION to have Max Verstappen’s first F1 title stripped from him has gained more than 100,000 signatures.Since the Abu Dhabi GP in 2021, Lewis Hamilton fans have been lobbying for a change of decision that would see the British driver given the title.
      Lewis Hamilton missed out on his 8th F1 world title in 2021Credit: AP
      He was controversially beaten to it by Max VerstappenCredit: Reuters
      Hamilton seemed destined to win his eighth career title as he led in the race’s late stages.
      However, Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed, causing a safety car to be called onto the track.
      Verstappen drove into the pits and got fresh tires put onto his Red Bull.
      The move seemed to be futile as race director Michael Masi had instructed that cars that had been lapped could not overtake the FIA vehicle, as per F1 regulations.
      READ MORE IN F1
      That should have meant there would not be enough time for competitive racing to start again, and Hamilton would – somewhat anticlimactically – win the title behind the safety car.
      But after pressure from Red Bull boss Christian Horner, Masi changed his mind and allowed one lap of racing.
      And Verstappen was able to get past Hamilton on his quicker tires and win his first title.
      Mercedes instantly appealed the decision, but team principal Toto Wolff eventually dropped the objection.
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      However, Hamilton fans have not been so quick to drop the case as a petition has gained traction.
      Patel Gordon-Bennett started the petition on social media with the aim of getting the result overturned.

      On Tuesday morning, ‘Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ was trending on Twitter following a link to the petition being tweeted.
      The document now has over 82,000 signatures on it.
      However, there is very little chance of the FIA reacting, and Mercedes will have to stay focused on the current F1 campaign. More

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      Max Verstappen hits back at ‘incorrect’ rival Lewis Hamilton after his claims about Red Bull

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has responded to Lewis Hamilton’s claim that Red Bull’s 2023 car is quicker than any version of his dominant Mercedes.Verstappen, 25, has won two of the opening three races of the season in Bahrain and Australia.
      Lewis Hamilton has claimed Max Verstappen’s Red Bull is faster than any Mercedes he has drivenCredit: Getty
      Red Bull have won all three races at the start of the 2023 seasonCredit: Getty
      And his team-mate Sergio Perez claimed the other Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.
      Verstappen is seeking a third successive world title after years of Mercedes glory.
      The Silver Arrows claimed seven championships in a row between 2014 and 2020 – with Hamilton winning six of them.
      But after Red Bull’s one-two in Saudi Arabia last month, the Brit, 38, insisted he had never seen a car as quick as this year’s runaway leaders.
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      When asked if Red Bull’s dominance could be bad for the sport, the seven-time champion said: “I don’t know, it’s not for me to say, but I’ve never seen a car so fast.
      “When we were fast, we weren’t that fast. That’s the fastest car I’ve seen compared to the rest. I don’t know why or how but he came past me with serious speed.
      “I didn’t even bother to block because there was a massive speed difference.”
      Now Verstappen has had his say on those comments.
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      And the Dutchman believes the numbers show that Hamilton’s theory is not true.
      He told RacingNews365 NL: “I think if you look at the statistics, then those statements are not correct.
      “But we also do have a very good car. Nothing wrong with that, of course. Still, we are not as dominant as Mercedes has shown some years.
      “I don’t pay much attention to that, that doesn’t get you anywhere.
      “Whatever we have done in the eight years that Mercedes is so dominant, we also tried to close the gap. That’s the only thing you can do.”
      Next up for both drivers is a trip to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on April 30.
      But Mercedes are not expected to add any significant upgrades to their car until Imola, Italy, in May.
      Hamilton has managed two fifth places and a second place so far this season.
      But Mercedes and the rest of the grid are still a long way adrift of Red Bull’s blistering pace. More

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      Max Verstappen’s stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet warns F1 ace not to get FAT as a ‘pudding sandwich’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed his desire to get “as fat as a pudding sandwich” when he retires – but his stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet has other ideas. The Dutchman is currently at top of his game in F1 as he looks to chase down his third straight drivers’ championship.
      Max Verstappen is the heavy favourite to win this the driver’s crown this seasonCredit: The Mega Agency
      Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen have been dating for over two yearsCredit: AP
      The Brazilian model is the daughter of former F1 driver Nelson PiquetCredit: Splash
      But competing at the pinnacle of motorsport comes with its sacrifices.
      Verstappen has to abide by a strict diet and fitness regime to keep in top physical shape.
      But the 25-year-old let slip plans to loosen his belt once he hangs up his racing gloves.
      However his girlfriend – the daughter of F1 driver Nelson Piquet – has different ideas.
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      They were speaking in a new Viaplay documentary about Verstappen’s career.
      The racer told filmmakers: “When I am forty, then I will no longer race. Then I will eat what I want.
      “I’m getting as fat as a pudding sandwich.”
      But an unamused Kelly repeatedly says “no” to his suggestions of cutting loose.
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      Verstappen indicated earlier this month that he could cut his ties with F1 sooner rather than later over his frustrations with format changes.
      The Red Bull driver has been vocal about his issues with proposed sprint race altercations in the latest attempt by motorsport bosses to spice up race weekends.
      Whatever tweaks are introduced, it is hard to see anything disrupting Verstappen’s momentum this season.
      He has won two of the opening three races with his teammate Sergio Perez claiming victory in the other after Verstappen was hit with mechanical issues in qualifying.
      Kelly can often be seen cheering on Max from the Red Bull garage on race weekendsCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquet More

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      F1 star Charles Leclerc begs fans to stop ‘crossing boundary’ by gathering outside his apartment after address is leaked

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      CHARLES LECLERC has pleaded with fans to stop gathering outside his home after his address recently became public. The Ferrari driver said he has been inundated with fans gathering outside his apartment hoping to get a picture and autograph from him.
      Charles Leclerc has suffered two retirements in the opening three races of this seasonCredit: Getty
      Leclerc had his watch stolen whilst signing autographs for fans at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2022Credit: Rex
      Leclerc said he is happy to stop for photos in the street or at the race track but insisted that there are boundaries when it comes to his private life.
      The 25 year old released a short statement on his Instagram story on Sunday morning pleading with fans to stop ringing the doorbell to his apartment.
      It read: “For the past few months, my home address has somehow become public, leading to people gathering beneath my apartment, ringing my bell, and asking for pictures and autographs.
      “While I’m always happy to be there for you and I truly appreciate your support, please respect my privacy and refrain from coming to my house.
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      “I’ll make sure to stop for everyone when you see me on the streets or at the track, but I won’t be coming downstairs if you visit my home.
      “Your support, both in person and on social media, means the world to me, but there is a boundary that should not be crossed.”
      The Monegasque previously had his watch stolen whilst signing autographs at the Emilia Romagna in 2022.
      Two arrests have since been made in connection with the incident after Italian police raided the property of one of the suspects.
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      Leclerc has endured a tough start to the 2023 season with two retirements from the opening three rounds.
      The Ferrari man currently sits 10th in the standings with Ferrari occupying fourth in the constructor’s championship. More

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      Inside Michael Schumacher’s beautiful childhood village now a ghost town with just 12 inhabitants thanks to grim reason

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      A VILLAGE where Michael Schumacher spent his childhood has turned into a ghost town with just 12 residents left thanks to a grim reason.The Formula 1 legend grew up in Manheim, Germany, which once had a functioning go-kart track but is now laid to waste because of industry.
      Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher married his wife Corrina in Manheim, Germany, his childhood villageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The country town once had a population of about 1,700 people in its primeCredit: Getty
      Today, only 12 people live there after its liveability was destroyed by industryCredit: Alamy
      Manheim is a ghost townCredit: Getty
      Most residents relocated and left their homes to be destroyedCredit: Getty
      Only 12 people inhabit the town in the district of Kerpen, which is about 366 miles southwest of the capital, Berlin.
      Pictures showed abandoned streets and empty houses that have been left in ruin.
      It is a far cry from the once bustling regional centre that homed the Schumacher family.
      Michael, brother Ralf and parents Rolf and Elisabeth were four of around 1,700 people that used to live in Manheim.
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      In 1995, Michael and Corinna were even married at the community centre.
      The building, however, is now long gone.
      Josef Valder, a remaining resident, told Focus: “I knew everyone here and remodelled my parents’ house.
      Josef said: “My daughter went to school with Ralf Schumacher.
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      “But about 50-years-ago our teacher told us that we would have to move away at some point.”
      The mass migration has been caused by the development of the Hambach mine.
      It is the largest open-pit mine in Germany, spanning more than 8,300 acres and produces about 40 million tonnes of lignite annually.
      As the coal mine continued to grow, it has consumed the country town and in 2024 it is set to expand even further.
      Josef said: “Ten years before the resettlement began, the place died out.
      “Pubs and shops closed and many children decided to start over somewhere else.”
      Ralf Schumacher is regularly seen in Kerpen because he held onto the family home.
      He told German newspaper Bild: “I grew up with a lot of animals – of course that has an impact.
      “And since, thanks to the Greens, my entire hometown hasn’t fallen victim to lignite mining.
      “I took the opportunity to restore my parents’ house to how it used to be.
      “Luckily, thanks to the new plans, the go-kart track is still there.”
      The Erftlandring go-kart track, which was operated by father Rolf, will be preserved by the local council.
      Ralf said: “Until recently, I was a youth leader but now someone else does it, which makes sense because I can’t always be there.
      “But I’m glad the go-kart track is still there.
      “It was repaved and parts of her lie on the ground that’s mine.
      “We try to support young Germans, which is difficult enough in Germany at the moment.”
      Last year was the 10th anniversary since Michael’s retirement.
      The seven-time world champion has not been seen or heard from since a horror ski crash back in 2013.
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      But fellow F1 racer Mick, who recently left Haas and became Mercedes’ reserve driver, has continued to show support for his father.
      Last November, he shared an old photo of him and his dad on Twitter.
      The land that is now used for an open-pit coal mineCredit: Getty
      Michael and his brother Ralf grew up in ManheimCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Their father, Rolf, operated the local go-kart track, picturedCredit: Alamy More

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      Toto Wolff addresses Lewis Hamilton retirement speculation and whether Mercedes chief has ‘Plan B’

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      TOTO WOLFF has insisted that Mercedes does not have a “Plan B” should Lewis Hamilton leave the Formula One team.The British driver’s contract with Mercedes is set to expire at the end of the season.
      Toto Wolff has admitted there is no ‘Plan B’ should Lewis Hamilton leave MercedesCredit: Rex
      However, there appears to have been little progress on renewing the seven-time world champion deal with the F1 giants.
      And Hamilton has recently been hinting that he could retire from racing.
      This is cause for concern for Mercedes as team principal Wolff admitted there is no backup plan should he leave.
      He said: “I think it may sound naive, but I really struggle to think of a Plan B, if my Plan A is still the one that is my favourite.
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      “I don’t want to engage in discussions with other drivers, because I’m happy with the ones that are in the team, that’s for sure.
      “At the moment, there is no Plan B. It’s Lewis.”
      The Austrian also insisted that should Hamilton leave the team then he would be given plenty of notice.
      He added: “I think that he would tell us early enough.
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      “I don’t think that Lewis would say, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I’m out of here tomorrow.’
      “He would always feel the responsibility for the team. He wouldn’t leave the team alone. Drivers can always take decisions [like that], but he wouldn’t let us down.
      “But then, I think if you believe that you’re a team that is attractive for others, you will find solutions.”
      Meanwhile, Mercedes technical director James Allison believes there is reason to be optimistic about the performance, with the team now “quietly” believing they are the second-best car in the field.
      Reflecting on the Australian GP, Allison said: “Overall, [there is] a sense of quiet satisfaction that we have moved the car forward.
      “That, from a performance point of view, we probably got as much as it is able to give right now.
      “That happiness, of course, is tempered by the disappointment that we only got one car to the flag and that George [Russell] was not able to show what he was capable of in the car on race day, having performed very strongly up to that point in the weekend.
      “We didn’t have huge breakthroughs, but we moved forward a little bit.
      “We put a small amount on the leaders Red Bull, and we are starting to get on terms with, and maybe just nose a whisker in front of, the Ferraris and the Aston Martins.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘picks Brad Pitt’s co-star for F1 movie’ in major update after actors put through gruelling auditions

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has selected Brad Pitt’s co-star for his upcoming Formula One movie, according to reports. Seven-time world champion Hamilton has been working on an as-yet-untitled F1 movie.
      Brad Pitt’s co-actor has been selected for the upcoming F1 filmCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton is acting as a producer on the movieCredit: Rex
      According to Deadline, prospective actors have been put through a gruelling selection process.
      This has included auditioning and several days of driving tests.
      And now Hamilton – who is acting as a producer – and filmmakers Jerry Bruckheimer and Joe Kosinski have reportedly made their selection.
      Damson Idris is the person who reportedly has been picked to star alongside Pitt.
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      The 31-year-old played the co-lead in Netflix’s sci-fi action film Outside the Wire and currently stars in crime drama Snowfall.
      The British-Nigerian actor, who was born in Peckham, South London, has also starred in Black Mirror and Casualty.
      On the film selection process, Hamilton told Autosport: “We’re going through a process right now of selecting the character that will be alongside Brad, which is exciting,
      “Basically that’s the process of watching [the auditions]. We have recordings of them doing certain scenes and we got through it.
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      Outside the Wire star Damson Idris will reportedly star in the movieCredit: Getty
      “I’ve sat in the office with Jerry, Joe and Brad and we’ve been watching them and kind of given our inputs and what we think.”
      Hamilton, an outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion, said he felt a “responsibility” to make his cast diverse.
      He added: “I want to make the movie, in terms of like having diversity and representation, I want it to be as Formula One should be in the future – or should be now, but will be in the future.
      “I want to see female mechanics. We would love to see a female driver. We haven’t gotten to that point just yet. But why not?
      “Right now, we’ve still got the script. We’ve gone through quite a few different iterations of it.
      “We’re still waiting for a new rewrite, and that’s the whole process. But I was doing that throughout Christmas.
      “It’s exciting. I’m excited to get the next end of the script. I was talking to Brad last night about the characters that we have coming.”
      Hamilton launched his entertainment company, Dawn Apollo Films, in October last year.
      Apple have already thrown their support behind the venture.
      Following the move, Hamilton told Deadline: “I’ve always been into movies. I watch a lot. I find it a real escape. There are a lot of movies I find inspiring…
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      “The goal is to make impactful stories and ultimately to inspire people through movies and storytelling.
      “A big part of the new company will be about social impact, community and causes.” More