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      Lewis Hamilton makes political statement on day one of new season as he wastes no time in taking advantage of F1 U-turn

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has made a political statement on day one of the new F1 season.The Brit is ready to roar into action on Sunday at the Bahrain GP.
      Lewis Hamilton made a political statement ahead of the Bahrain GPCredit: AFP
      The Mercedes ace wore a helmet with a rainbow flag for the LGBTQ+ communityCredit: AFP
      And Hamilton hopes he can finally close down Red Bull star Max Verstappen.
      But the Mercedes ace turned heads for a different reason on Friday.
      As Hamilton prepared for practice, he emerged wearing a driver’s helmet decorated with a rainbow.
      The symbol is globally acknowledged as the flag for the LGBTQ+ community.
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      Bahrain has been criticised for its stance on homosexuality, which is criminalised.
      While homosexual activity is not specifically a criminal activity in private in Bahrain, there are several laws that are used to target homosexuals.
      Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa recently stressed the kingdom’s rejection of homosexual practices.
      He said: “We assure everyone that we will not allow it in any way to prejudice our system of values and traditions.”
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      And Hamilton made his feelings known after the FIA vowed drivers would be able to freely “express their views.”
      Last season they had looked to ban stars from “political, religious or personal statements.”
      But a U-turn was performed following a backlash.
      And Hamilton looked to take advantage immediately.
      The seven-time world champ wore the same helmet in Bahrain last season, drawing praise from fans.
      And supporters were equally thrilled this time too, with one saying: “Love Hamilton’s LGBT helmet.”
      Another declared: “Hamilton’s helmet is everything. My king.”
      One noted: “Hamilton running the rainbow, love it.”
      Another added: “Lewis’ helmet never misses.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton has also been boosted after being given a medical exemption to wear his nose studs.
      F1 chiefs banned drivers from wearing jewellery last season, but no action will be taken against Hamilton for his nose piercings.
      He is now looking forward to starting his season with a big display.
      And Hamilton admits he is also ready to commit his future to Mercedes despite concerns over his car.
      He said: “[Mercedes] are not where we wanted to start the season. I knew from the moment I drove the car where we were and the challenges we are facing.
      Whether or not we have a difficult year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a teamLewis Hamilton
      “On a positive note, not having bouncing is a huge plus and trying to understand what the problems were while having bouncing made it difficult to work out what those are.
      “We don’t have that now and we can focus on pure performance. This still is a multi-championship-winning team and group of people.
      “Ultimately people are creating rumours without facts. It’s never helpful. And you would have thought they would have both known by now.
      “I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. Having a difficult year; whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a team.
      “I love the challenge of finding solutions. I still believe I’m able to put the car in places that others are perhaps not able to, and I love that challenge.
      “Of course I wish that we start the season with a great car. But it’s the journey that really counts.
      “So there is no hold up with our contract. I’ve always been very, very relaxed. I don’t feel like I’ve got to get it done right this second. I’m in a very fortunate position.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’ll get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes, and we fully support each other.
      “I’m really excited about the future together. I’m really proud of the work that we’re doing on and off the track, and the potential things we can do going forward. We’ll get there.” More

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      Christian Horner names Red Bull’s direct rivals for 2023 and makes prediction for the F1 season ahead

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      RED BULL team principal Christian Horner is expecting a fierce tussle with Mercedes and Ferrari this season.After romping to the F1 constructors’ championship last year, all points return to zero ahead of this weekend’s opening Grand Prix in Bahrain.
      Christian Horner expects a fight from Ferrari and Mercedes
      Red Bull go into 2023 as the strong favouritesCredit: Getty
      Red Bull are favourites again, but Horner knows “our opponents are fiercely competitive and they won’t be standing still”.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Horner said: “Our biggest threats this year would have to be both Ferrari and Mercedes. They are going to be fiercely competitive.
      “With the quality of their drivers, both of those teams are always dangerous.”
      Ferrari finished second last year, with Mercedes’ run as eight-time consecutive constructors’ champs crashing to an end with Toto Wolff’s team in third.
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      Both teams were over 200 points behind Red Bull in the standings as Max Verstappen won the drivers’ title with four races to spare.
      Red Bull looked most impressive during testing last week but it’s hoped 2023 could prove more competitive than last year.
      On the final day of testing in Bahrain, Sergio Perez topped the time-sheets with Lewis Hamilton in second and Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz fourth and fifth.
      Horner also predicted that those outside the top three teams could be more of a threat.
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      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      He said: “The competition will be very stiff from the front running teams.
      “I think the grid as a whole, in this second year of these new regulations, will start to converge and I’m expecting some really competitive racing.”
      The issue of porpoising, where cars would bump up and down, was a major issue for teams last season and updates to resolve the issue are sure to have an impact on the order according to Horner.
      He said: “The core specifications will inevitably have an effect (on results) and of course it is whichever team manages to deal with those regulation changes. The best will prevail.”
      Horner admits that topping last year in which Verstappen won his second consecutive drivers’ championship will be a tough ask.
      Speaking as PokerStars launch their 2023 partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, Horner said: “2022 was the most incredible year for us and the most successful season in our history. To retain the drivers’ championship and to reclaim the constructor’s championship after an eight-year absence was a monumental performance by the whole team.
      “I think it will be very difficult to beat the season we had in 2022 but of course you must always try to do better.
      “You’re always learning in this business, applying the lessons that you learnt from last year and implementing them into the following year.”
      The 2023 season will see 23 Grand Prix across the globe, with the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar which is something Horner is looking forward to.
      He said: “The race that will generate the most interest in 2023 is unquestionably Las Vegas.
      “The introduction of Vegas to the calendar made a lot of noise, it is a big venue and everyone has immense expectations.”
      The team principal cut a relaxed and confident figure during testing but if Mercedes and Ferrari can show they’re in the fight it will be a different story come lights out on Sunday.
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      He said: “5 minutes to 2pm is when I feel most anxious!”
      PokerStars’ partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing will see even more community rewards and epic experiences during the 2023 F1 season. For details visit: PokerStars.com
      Red Bull get their season under way on Sunday More

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      Why do F1 drivers get weighed and what is the requirement?

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      FORMULA ONE is arguably the most technical sport in the sporting industry – even what drivers weigh matters.Fans are gearing up for what is expected to be a sensational 2023 F1 season.
      Max Verstappen won the 2022 F1 championshipCredit: AFP
      And Lewis Hamilton in particular will be determined to dethrone reigning champion Max Verstappen having failed to win a single race in 2022.
      But the racers are obliged to be weighed before they get behind the wheel.
      SunSport has the reasons why.
      Why do F1 drivers get weighed?
      Formula One drivers are weighed to see how much weight the racer has lost during the race.
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      And drivers tip the scales to make sure that themselves and the car surpass the minimum weight requirement as the lighter the car, the faster it will go.
      F1 racers are weighed immediately after the race with all of their gear on which includes their helmet, gloves and full race suit as it contributes to their ‘seat weight’.
      Furthermore, drivers are prohibited from eating or drinking until their weight measurements have been recorded.
      The FIA implemented the rule in 2019 and the racers believe that it makes the circuit fair.
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      What is the minimum weight requirement?
      All drivers must weigh a minimum of 80kg which includes their drivers seat.
      There are usually no exceptions for this requirement and consequences come for those who fail to meet the minimum weight.
      Max Verstappen being weighed before the first race of the season in BahrainCredit: Getty
      What happens if drivers do not meet the weight requirement?
      Drivers who are found to be under the weight limit after the race receive an automatic disqualification.
      The rule is in place to make it fair for everybody to compete and it also forces drivers to maintain a healthy weight. More

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      Lewis Hamilton gives fans major update on F1 future after retirement rumours

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he’s “a fighter” and will not walk away from F1 – even if he’s not winning races.Hamilton will kick off his 17th year in the sport on Friday at the season-opening Bahrain GP.
      Lewis Hamilton addressed rumours regarding a retirement from Formula OneCredit: Getty
      Last year he went winless for the first time in his career.
      And former world champions Jenson Button and Damon Hill have questioned whether he will lose the desire if that poor run goes on.
      But Hamilton, 38, who has made no secret of the fact he wants to extend his Mercedes deal beyond this season, is confident he will agree new terms with boss Toto Wolff.
      He said: “Ultimately people are creating rumours without facts. It’s never helpful. And you would have thought they would have both known by now.
      Read More on F1
      “I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. Having a difficult year; whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a team.
      “I love the challenge of finding solutions. I still believe I’m able to put the car in places that others are perhaps not able to, and I love that challenge.
      “Of course I wish that we start the season with a great car. But it’s the journey that really counts.
      “So there is no hold up with our contract. I’ve always been very, very relaxed. I don’t feel like I’ve got to get it done right this second. I’m in a very fortunate position.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “It’ll get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes, and we fully support each other.
      “I’m really excited about the future together. I’m really proud of the work that we’re doing on and off the track, and the potential things we can do going forward. We’ll get there.”
      There were mixed messages from Mercedes after last week’s three days of testing but Hamilton says that from the very first lap at a shakedown at Silverstone that he knew of the challenges he would be facing this season.
      While the bouncing has been cured, there is still some way to go before he feels he can catch up to Red Bull and Ferrari.
      He added: “We arrive here with a much better understanding of the challenges that are ahead.
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      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton insists he will not retire from Formula OneCredit: Getty
      “We’ve had a few really good days of digesting the data and I’ve been on calls every day with the team.
      “Everyone’s been working so hard to make sure we arrive here as best prepared we can with the information we have.
      “I knew from the moment I first drove the car where we were and the challenges that we would be facing.
      “On a positive note, not having the bouncing this year is a huge plus and now we can focus on just pure performance.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m encouraged to see the focus and courage of everyone with the team on getting us back to the top.
      “We’re not where we wanted to start a season but this still is a multi-world championship-winning team and group of people I believe in.” More

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      Who is Michael Schumacher’s nephew David?

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      MICHEAL SCHUMACHER holds the second most F1 wins of all time behind Lewis Hamilton.His nephew David Schumacher will be hoping to make his way onto the F1 grid in the future.
      Ralf Schumacher with son David Schumacher
      There have been plenty of motorsport drivers within the Schumacher family.
      Ralph Schumacher, brother to Micheal and father to David, was also an F1 racing driver.
      He drove for teams such as Jordan, Williams-BWM and Toyota.
      The German driver won all six of his F1 Grand Prix wins with Williams-BMW.
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      His first win came in 2001 at the San Marino Grand Prix, with the last win of his career coming at the France GP in 2003.
      Who is David Schumacher?
      David Schumacher is a 22-year-old aspiring Formula 1 driver.
      His most recent race was in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters at Hockenheimring.
      Unfortunately, during this race, the German was involved in a crazy crash with Thomas Preining.
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      He subsequently suffered a broken spine but didn’t require an operation.
      David Schumacher is also a former Formula 3 racer. His best year came in 2021, with an eleventh-placed finish.
      Who is David Schumacher’s cousin?
      Mick Schumacher, son of Micheal, is a former F1 racing driver.
      He was recently released by Haas at the end of the last F1 season, in which he finished in 16th place.
      Mick Schumacher at Bahrain Grand Prix
      Although Schumacher was dropped by Haas in 2022, he will still be on the grid as a third driver for Mercedes.
      The 23-year-old’s best finish in a race was 6th place in the 2022 Australian Grand Prix.
      When does the 2023 F1 season start?
      The new Formula 1 season is almost upon us, with the Bahrain Grand Prix kicking off the campaign on Sunday, March 5th. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick shares unseen family photo – and fans are all saying the same thing

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s son has shared an unseen family photo and fans are all saying the same thing.The adorable picture of daughter Gina-Marie was shared by Mick, who’s also an F1 driver, on Instagram.
      Gina-Marie wearing her dad’s t-shirt in the pictureCredit: Instagram
      Fans of Michael are all saying she looks like her dad in the photoCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Mick Schumacher shared the picture on his sister’s birthdayCredit: PA
      The picture shows Gina-Marie with reindeer antlers on and wearing her dad’s Mercedes t-shirt, which comes past her knees.
      In the comments, fans of F1 legend Michael all agree that his daughter had an “uncanny” resemblance to him.
      “She is her father’s double,” wrote one user while another added “she looks just like him in that last photo it’s insane!”
      “The female version of dad Michael,” summed up what many were saying.
      READ MORE ON MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
      Mick shared the picture on his sister’s birthday with an affectionate message.
      “Happy birthday to the best sis in the world. I’m proud of you!,” he wrote.
      Gina Maria Schumacher was born on February 20, 1997.
      In an interview with German broadcaster NDR, she revealed that she could have followed in her famous father’s footsteps after pursuing karting for a season.
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      But she’s admitted that she “preferred the horses”, and has put her passion to fine use in the sport of Western riding.
      It comes after a heartwarming video of Schumacher and a young Max Verstappen has moved Formula 1 fans to tears.
      The star spent a lot of time growing up with the Schumacher family as his dad Jos Verstappen and seven-time champ Michael were close friends.
      He’s opened up about his close relationship with the man he called “Uncle”.
      The two families’ connection features in episode 4 – Like Father, Like Son? on Netflix’s Drive to Survive.
      Footage released as part of the show’s latest season features Michael talking about young Mick and Max and discussing with Jos whether they would allow their children to become F1 drivers.
      One clip in particular, in which Schumacher bends down and pats Verstappen on the head, has moved Formula 1 fans.
      “This moment makes me cry every single time I see it,” Tweeted a Verstappen fan account.
      In the clip Schumacher can bee seen smiling at the youngster, who he’s clearly very fond of.
      Several other fans responded with tear emojies to the clip, with one writing “that’s so adorable”.
      Michael, one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, continues his recovery after his horror ski crash in 2013.
      He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012 – a second act of his career which saw him become instrumental in setting up the dominant Mercedes team.
      The German won five world championships with Ferrari and two for Benetton.
      Schumacher retired in 2012, but just a year later he was involved in the life-changing skiing accident while on the slopes with Mick.
      He was left in a medically induced coma before being released home and then ever since it has been near silence on the driver’s condition.
      He has not been seen in public ever since.
      Read More on The Sun
      His family, led by wife Corinna, closely protect Michael’s privacy and offer him a quiet life.
      Gina-Marie Schumacher is a talented horse riderCredit: Instagram
      Michael and wife Corrina, who has been caring for him since his accidentCredit: AFP More

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      Lewis Hamilton excites F1 fans with bold statement about new season as he poses for model photo shoot

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      LEWIS HAMILTON told fans to “expect it all” this year as he geared up for the start of the 2023 Formula 1 season with a modelling shoot.The seven-time world champion, 38, is hoping to bounce back after a difficult 2022 campaign in which he went the entire season without winning a Grand Prix for the first time in his career.
      Lewis Hamilton is in Bahrain ready for the F1 season openerCredit: Getty

      The Brit is beginning his 17th successive season on the F1 gridCredit: Getty
      Following testing in Bahrain, Mercedes still appear to be playing catch-up to Red Bull and Ferrari.
      But Hamilton remains a formidable presence on the grid as he seeks a record-breaking eighth title.
      And on Wednesday, as the opening weekend of the season prepares to get underway in Asia, the Brit shared a couple of pictures taken from a photo shoot.
      Alongside the snaps shared on Instagram, he added the message: “If you’re on this journey with me, thank you.
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      “Expect to see it all this year. The highs and the lows.
      “Now’s the time for us to breathe, dig deep, focus, and get after it.”
      Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Let’s goooo Lewis Hamilton, this journey is a blessing and thank you for the inspiration to keep going everyday. ❤️🙌”.
      Another added: “This year’s yours man. I know it 🏎️🔥”.
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      A third responded: “Right behind you every step of the way – the good and the bad!!! But obviously only looking for the good – let the games begin!”
      And a fourth replied: “Good luck this weekend Lewis Hamilton. Last year you proved why you are a seven-time world champion, you never give up no matter what. So take that eighth title and keep showing that anger and aggression is never the right way!”.
      The F1 season kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix – a race Hamilton has won five times in the past.
      But 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill believes Hamilton could choose to quit the sport if he is no longer fighting for victories. More

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      Top five most popular F1 Wags revealed including Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet and George Russell’s partner

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      AS Formula One revs back this weekend, here’s a steer to the drivers’ most popular partners.But while the stars behind the wheel are being judged by the clock, the fame of their Wags has been measured by Tiktok.
      Max Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet drew admirers in her PrettyLittleThing swimsuit on Miami Beach while on holiday two months agoCredit: Splash
      Carmen Montero Mundt has been dating Brit George Russell for three yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Isabel Hernaez is the long-term girlfriend of Carlos SainzCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Portuguese model Kika Gomes stunned in the sun as boyfriend Pierre Gasly prepared for the 2023 F1 campaignCredit: Instagram / @francisca.cgomes
      Italian model Elena Berri is the partner of Alpine ace Esteban OconCredit: Instagram @elenaberri_
      Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet has a legendary but controversial F1 dad in Brazilian Nelson Piquet.
      So it’s no surprise the world champion’s partner is out of sight in front on 169.9million views per hashtag.
      The next four on the list compiled by TopRatedCasinos only have a third of Kelly’s popularity when COMBINED.
      Isabel Hernaez, who has been with fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz for at least six years, notches 31.6m per hashtag.
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      That figures because promotion is a particular skill of Isabel, given that she’s a press officer with a degree in bilingual journalism.
      Next on 14.1 comes Pierre Gasly’s partner, Portuguese model Kika Gomes.
      The Frenchman reportedly met Kika while dancing in a nightclub last year.
      Esteban Ocon’s long-term girlfriend Elena Berri is an equally-gifted communicator.
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      You can take it as red that Elena Berri is one of F1’s most popular WagsCredit: Instagram/@elenaberri_/
      The model from Turin is said to speak several languages, including English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
      Elena’s 6.5m views per hashtag just beats the 6.2m of George Russell’s partner Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Carmen has been dating Lewis Hamilton’s F1 team-mate since 2020.
      The business management and finance graduate from the University of Westminster became an investor relations associate last year.
      But overall, just as Red Bull ace Verstappen is tipped to retain his F1 crown, his partner Kelly has lapped her rivals when it comes to TikTok success.
      Kika Gomes has come out of the shade on TikTokCredit: Instagram / @francisca.cgomes
      Isabel Hernaez has been with Ferrari star Sainz since at least 2017Credit: INSTAGRAM
      Kelly Piquet was resting in Miami in January ahead of Fashion month and the new F1 seasonCredit: Splash
      Business graduate Carmen Montero Mundt follows George Russell on his globetrotting F1 career but has a busy careerCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Isabel Hernaez and Sain are coy about being pictured together but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming one of F1’s most popular WagsCredit: INSTAGRAM More