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    Lewis Hamilton gives up on winning F1 race this season and tells Mercedes to be ‘realistic’ in battle with Red Bull

    SIR LEWIS HAMILTON believes he has little chance of winning an F1 race this season.The Mercedes star has won a race every year since he turned pro, stretching back 15 years, but he thinks that run will come to an end.
    Sir Lewis Hamilton has given up hope of winning a race this yearCredit: AP
    Mercedes have struggled this year with Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell also failing to pick up a win.
    The team have lost out on the Constructors Championship for the first time in eight years to Red Bull.
    Hamilton, 37, acknowledged it has been impossible to compete with Red Bull and tips Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to dominate the last three races.
    Speaking about his chances of a victory, Hamilton told Sky Sports: “I think we really need to be realistic.
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    “The Red Bull car has been the fastest car by far all year and it is still the fastest car.
    “So [in USA] we were in the position we were in through reliability. If Charles [Leclerc] was there, if [Sergio] Perez was there for example, it would have been a different race because they would have been ahead of us. We would have been on the third row.
    “It was great to start third and be in a position to fight, but on true pace they were ahead of us and they will be the next three races.
    “Unless something drastic happens to any more of them, it’s highly unlikely we’ll have the true pace to be able to compete with them.
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    “We’ll give it everything we’ve got and we’re working on a car to be able to fight with them.”
    Hamilton finished second at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on Sunday.
    But he feels Mercedes are no closer to competing with their rivals and that could mean he fails to set a new record by winning a race in 16 consecutive years.
    He is tied on 15 with Michael Schumacher but has the chance to go one better in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi over the next few weeks. More

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    F1 icon Lewis Hamilton rocks trendy double denim to film Jimmy Kimmel Live in Hollywood after thrilling defeat at US GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON rocked a trendy double denim outfit as he arrived to film Jimmy Kimmel Live in Hollywood.The 37-year-old pulled up in a striking green outfit, while also donning black boots and shades.
    Lewis Hamilton arrives to film Jimmy Kimmel LiveCredit: Getty
    The F1 superstar donned a green double denim outfitCredit: The Mega Agency
    Hamilton, 37, signs autographs for fansCredit: Getty
    Hamilton, 37, made the appearance after last weekend’s second-place finish at the United States Grand Prix.
    The seven-time champion led for much of the race, only to be picked off by Max Verstappen’s far speedier Red Bull with six laps remaining.
    His latest result means that, while performing well in his Mercedes, Hamilton is running out of time to extend his run of having won a race in every season of his career.
    He will have three more shots at it, starting at this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.
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    Following that will be Brazil and Abu Dhabi next month.
    Off the track, Hamilton has launched his own film and TV company.
    As reported by DEADLINE, Hamilton’s new company will be called Dawn Apollo Films.
    The first of two upcoming projects will see a thus-far untitled F1 film from Top Gun: Maverick director Joe Kosinski that will star actor Brad Pitt, while the second one will be a documentary detailing Hamilton’s personal journey.
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    Gearing up for his new role, Hollywood superstar Pitt was in attendance at the US Grand Prix last weekend.
    The American awkwardly snubbed Sky’s Martin Brundle during his pre-race grid walk.
    After launching his new venture, 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…
    “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.”
    Brad Pitt attended last weekend’s United States GPCredit: Splash More

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    What Lewis Hamilton told F1 rival Max Verstappen in US Grand Prix ‘cool down’ room with Brit making clear admission

    LEWIS HAMILTON put his rivalry with Max Verstappen aside as they assessed the United States Grand Prix together – and the Brit admitted the Red Bull car is simply too good.Hamilton, 37, desperately tried to hold off the 25-year-old in the closing stages in Austin after a bodged pit stop for the Dutchman.
    Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen exchanged pleasantries after the United Stated GPCredit: Splash
    But the newly-crowned world champion, helped by fresh medium tyres, closed the gap on the Brit.
    And he eventually overtook him with six laps to go, denying the Stevenage star his first race win of the season.
    Despite the disappointment, Hamilton remained polite and engaging in the cool down room behind the scenes before stepping out on the podium with Verstappen and third-placed Charles Leclerc.
    Speaking to Leclerc about Verstappen, Hamilton said: “It’s so hard to stay ahead of him.”
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    Leclerc replied by asking about tyre degradation: “Were you losing the front or the rear?”
    Hamilton confirmed it was his rear tyres.
    Leclerc then asked about his Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz, who started on pole but spun out on the first corner of lap one.
    The Monegasque ace said: “What happened to Carlos?”
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    Hamilton confirmed: “Erm, George [Russell] took him out.”
    Verstappen then entered the waiting room after celebrating sealing the 2022 constructors’ championship for Red Bull with his team.
    And Hamilton was left dumbfounded at how good their car is this year – with the Mercedes model too far off the pace to secure even one chequered flag yet.
    Hamilton, who has three races to avoid his first-ever winless season in F1, told the man who famously pipped him to the 2021 title: “You came from so far back!
    “We can’t compete with you on the straights.”
    The Sky Sports cameras and microphones in the room did not pick up Verstappen’s reply.
    Leclerc then complained about one specific section of the track and said: “Turn 11 was so bad, the grip,” with which his fellow drivers seemed to agree.
    Verstappen moved on to 391 points on Sunday as he landed a record-equalling 13th win of the season.
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    Leclerc is second on 267 with Hamilton back in sixth on 198 with just the Grand Prix in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to come.
    The Merc man put his weekend disappointment behind him quickly, though, as he celebrated his dog Roscoe’s birthday.
    Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were overheard holding a private conversation before Verstappen joinedCredit: Twitter
    The trio then headed out on to the podium for the trophy presentationCredit: AFP More

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    Lewis Hamilton launches his own film and TV company and already has Brad Pitt lined up for major role

    LEWIS HAMILTON has launched his own film and TV company. The seven-time Formula One champion has diversified his portfolio in recent years, buying shares in NFL team Denver Broncos.
    Lewis Hamilton has set up his own TV and Film production companyCredit: Splash
    Actor Brad Pitt will star in a feature F1 movie by Hamilton’s companyCredit: Splash
    And now he has added an entertainment company to his list.
    As reported by DEADLINE, Hamilton’s new company will be called Dawn Apollo Films.
    The Brit – who paid tribute to his beloved bulldog Roscoe as he turned 10 – set up the production company with talent outfit Copper, which is run by his manager Penni Thow.
    And some big names are already in the pocket of the company with a pair of big projects already in the works.
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    The first will see a thus-far untitled F1 film from Top Gun: Maverick director Joe Kosinski that will star actor Brad Pitt, while the second one will be a documentary detailing Hamilton’s personal journey.
    On the reasoning behind 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…
    “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.”
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    Hamilton has been a massive advocate for social change throughout his time as an F1 driver, pledging to donate £20million to help under-represented young people in Britain as part of the self-made “Hamilton commission.”
    On the upcoming projects, Hamilton added: “We have a couple of great projects in the works with Apple TV+.
    “One is the documentary and the other is the F1 movie we’re making with Brad Pitt and Joe Kosinski.”
    Formula One 2022Everything you need to know about F1 this season

    Pitt was involved in an awkward interaction with Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle as he snubbed an interview with the ex-F1 driver during the grid walk for the US GP, which was won by Max Verstappen.
    Hamilton himself almost claimed his first victory of the season, but he was unable to hold off the Dutchman’s superior pace and was overtaken agonisingly close to the end of the race.
    Hamilton has a previous link with director Kosinski, revealing: “I actually had an opportunity to work with Joe on Top Gun: Maverick.
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    “Tom (Cruise) put me on the phone with him and Joe moved heaven and earth to create space for me to be one of the pilots in the film, but I wasn’t able to make it work, which I regret every day.” 
    The 37-year-old also said he had spoken to Star Wars creator George Lucas and former Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg in order to “pick their brains” on how best to navigate his new line of work. More

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    Christian Horner breaks down in tears as he hugs Spice Girls star wife Geri Halliwell after Red Bull win F1 title

    CHRISTIAN HORNER broke down in tears and was comforted by wife Geri Halliwell after Red Bull sealed another title. The team boss was snapped after Max Verstappen crossed the line to win the US Grand Prix on an emotional weekend for the team.
    An emotional-looking Horner left the pitwall with wife Geri HalliwellCredit: Grab
    It was an emotional weekend for Red Bull with the death of their founder and their first Constructors’ Championship win in nine yearsCredit: Rex
    Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz died at the age of 78 ahead of the race in America.
    Throughout the weekend, the team paid tribute to his huge contributions to Red Bull and motorsport as a whole.
    Verstappen then dedicated his victory to the late Austrian billionaire with his win – alongside team-mate Sergio Perez’s fourth-place position – sealing the Constructors’ Championship.
    The victory is Red Bull’s first team crown since 2013 and follows Verstappen winning the Driver’s Championship in Japan last month.
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    Horner was spotted by Sky Sports’ cameras looking teary as he left the pitwall alongside wife and Spice Girls star Geri.
    Shortly after the race win, Horner said over team radio: “Max Verstappen you are the world champion. We are the world champions.
    “Thank you so much and thank you to Dietrich Mateschitz.”
    It had been a hard-fought victory for the team and far from the straightforward procession Verstappen has enjoyed in other races this season.
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    The Dutchman beat pole-sitter Carlos Sainz off the start line and would have seen the Spaniard being spun around by George Russell in his rearview mirror.
    But then he had Lewis Hamilton on his tail as the pack were bunched together after two safety cars – the second of which came after a high-speed collision between Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.
    Verstappen’s day then took a turn for the worse after a botched pit stop saw him fall behind Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
    But the 25-year-old fought back and showed impressive speed to pass both drivers, with his move on Hamilton coming only six laps from the end. More

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    Inside Lewis Hamilton’s birthday celebrations for beloved dog Roscoe with special cake and chilling out with movie

    LEWIS HAMILTON paid tribute to his beloved pet Roscoe as the bulldog celebrated his 10th birthday. The F1 legend, 37, pulled out the stops to make sure it was a special day, serving up cake and relaxing with a movie.
    F1 star Lewis Hamilton hailed his ‘best friend’ Roscoe as the dog celebrated his 10th birthdayCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Hamilton and Roscoe enjoyed a movie together to mark the star’s birthdayCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Roscoe’s Instagram page shows he was presented with a delicious-looking birthday cakeCredit: Instagram @roscoelovescoco
    Roscoe can often be seen trailing close behind Hamilton as he strolls around the paddock during race weekends.
    The seven-time world champion hailed his “best friend” in an Instagram post, where he also shared pictures of the two together.
    He wrote: “[Roscoe] turns 10 today. We’ve been through so much together, feels like we’ve grown up together.
    “Can’t tell you how many nights he’s kept me up with his snoring.
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    “But he’s still my best friend and such blessing in my life. Roscoe, Dads loves you.”
    Hamilton shared snaps of him and his dog as they enjoyed the birthday together.
    One picture shows a relaxed-looking Hamilton sat next to Roscoe, with the driver holding a yellow tennis ball in one hand.
    Another snap sees the Brit sat on a skateboard opposite his beloved pooch.
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    His Instagram story also reveals how they spent the special day, with Hamilton presenting Roscoe with a huge birthday cake.
    The pair then spent some time relaxing front of a movie.
    Like Hamilton, Roscoe is vegan and can often be seen in videos caught in the misadventures of the Mercedes driver.
    The dog has become so popular with F1 fans he can even boast an impressive 666,000 followers himself.
    Not long before Roscoe’s birthday celebrations, Hamilton was in Austin battling for victory in the US Grand Prix.
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    He was pipped to the chequered flag by his former title rival Max Verstappen with only six laps to go.
    He now has three races left to try to win to avoid his first ever winless season in F1.
    Roscoe can often be seen trailing behind Hamilton in the F1 paddockCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    Hamilton and Roscoe both enjoy vegan dietsCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton More

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    Fernando Alonso set for showdown talks with FIA after 200mph US Grand Prix crash saw F1 star given brutal 30sec penalty

    FERNANDO ALONSO is on collision course with the FIA as Formule One prepares for another row with the race stewards.The Spaniard was launched into the air at 200mph during Sunday’s race following a dangerous move from Lance Stroll.
    Fernando Alonso’s Alpine was launched into the air after the high-speed collisionCredit: Sky Sports F1
    Alonso managed to miraculously drag his damaged car up the grid despite the crashCredit: Rex
    ⚠️ SAFETY CAR! ⚠️There’s a high-speed collision between Alonso and Stroll, and we have another Safety Car! Stroll is out of the race. Both drivers are okay. pic.twitter.com/81IgKXe0iR— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 23, 2022

    Amazingly, Alonso carried on racing to come home in seventh place, despite suffering excruciating back pain as a result of the shunt.
    However, following a post-race protest from the Haas team, the two-time world champion was slapped with a whopping 30-second time penalty that dropped him down to 15th.
    Haas argued that Alonso’s car was in an unsafe condition as its right-hand wing mirror became loose and fell off following his collision.
    Alonso’s Alpine team have now launched an appeal which will be heard this week ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.
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    He wrote on Instagram: “Thanks for all the messages I received yesterday and today.
    “It’s one of those rare times in sport that I feel we are all on the same page and share the same opinion towards the rules and regulations.
    “Therefore Thursday is an important day for the sport that we love so much, as the decision will dictate if we are going in the right direction for the future. Thanks again for all your support.”
    Alpine criticised the decision and are also expected to argue that Haas’ submission came too late.
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    A statement said: “BWT Alpine F1 Team is disappointed to receive a post-race time penalty for Car No14 from the United States Grand Prix, which unfortunately means Fernando moves to outside the points positions.
    “The team acted fairly and deemed the car remained structurally safe as a result of Fernando’s incident with Lance Stroll on lap 22 of the race with the right-side rear view wing mirror detaching from the chassis as a result of accident damage caused by Stroll.
    “The FIA has the right to black and orange flag a car during the race if they consider it unsafe and, on this occasion, they assessed the car and decided not to action the flag.
    “Moreover, after the race, the FIA technical delegate considered the car legal.
    “The team also believes due to the protest being lodged 24 minutes past the specified deadline, it should not have been accepted and therefore the penalty should be considered as invalid.
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    “As a result of this point, the team has protested the admissibility of the original Haas F1 Team protest.”
    The row comes after a succession of blunders and delays from the FIA while Red Bull are at loggerheads with the governing body over their cost cap row. More

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    Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s private chat after US Grand Prix caught on TV after Brit ‘tried hard’ to win race

    LEWIS HAMILTON and Charles Leclerc were caught on camera having a private chat after the thrilling US Grand Prix.The seven-time world champion, 37, was in the lead in the closing stages of the race before fierce rival Max Verstappen surged past him with just six laps to go.
    Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were overheard holding a private conversation after the US Grand PrixCredit: Twitter
    Hamilton’s dogged performance in his Mercedes gave him a chance of victory but it eluded him in the endCredit: Rex
    The nail-biting race had an unpredictable ending as safety cars and botched pit stops left the Grand Prix in the balance.
    Hamilton, who hasn’t won a race all season, looked set for victory before being caught by his old title rival.
    After the race he told Leclerc, who finished third, how much he was pushing for the win.
    And Sky Sports cameras picked up their conversation in the cool down room.
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    Hamilton said: “I tried so hard to stay ahead and beat him.”
    Leclerc then asked about his Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz, who was tapped and spun off the road by Hamilton’s pal George Russell.
    The Monegasque racer said: “What happened to Carlos [Sainz]?”
    Hamilton responds bluntly: “George [Russell] took him out.”
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    Their collision was the first act of an entertaining race in Austin.
    Sainz took a superb pole on Saturday but his hard work came to nothing when Verstappen took the lead through the first corner – and was then tapped by Russell.
    The spin was enough to force the Spaniard to retire.
    Multiple safety cars then raced onto the scene to recover Valtteri Bottas’ beached Alfa Romeo after the Finn spun off track.
    Only a few laps after the restart, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso were involved in a terrifying crash, with the race again grinding to a halt.
    A botched pit stop on Verstappen’s car then saw Hamilton take the lead.
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    But the Red Bull driver – who was crowned this season’s champion earlier this month – passed Leclerc and then his Brit rival for victory.
    Hamilton has since praised his team for their efforts after a difficult season. More