F1

HUNT and Lauda, two of the most famous names in F1, are set to battle on track in a one-off special race for charity.Freddie Hunt, son of 1976 F1 champion James Hunt, will take on Mathias Lauda, son of three-time world champion Niki Lauda, in a race to raise funds to support Ukraine refugees.
Young and old, the rivalry endures as Mathias Lauda and Freddie Hunt prepare for their highly anticipated race, following in their famous fathers’ footsteps
SunSport reported how eight-year-old go-karter Jarlath Sayer came up with the idea to stage a LeMans-style endurance race at Lewis Hamilton’s old track, Rye House in Hertfordshire.
And now Hunt has signed up for the race on June 28 – and wants to face Lauda, just as their fathers’ famously battled on track for the 1976 F1 title.
Both drivers are the subject of a new film, Sons of Speed, which is due to be released in the summer.
Hunt said: “I will enter one team and have two others from the crew of the Sons of Speed film and hopefully Mattius will be in another team, although he’s not confirmed it yet.
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“We have a good relationship. We first met in 2009 but only spoke for five or 10 minutes and then we raced against each other in 2014, which is when the filming for the Sons of Speed started.
“We are now friends but when we are on track, of course we want to beat each other.
“Like Dad and Niki, they were mates too but our rivalry is not the same as our fathers, because we aren’t fighting for world championships, but we are still fighting to win.”
Hunt, 34, says that living up to his famous’ father’s surname “screwed” his early career as he “put too much pressure” on himself to succeed.
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He is now racing in the European Le Mans Series championship and also co-presenter on the Amazon series, Car & Country.
The kart race will start the build up to the 2022 British Grand Prix with a total of 26 teams competing over three hours.
Oliver Norris, brother of Lando Norris, is setting up a race simulator from his company, Cool Performance, with the F1 star setting a lap time for others to beat.
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 team are also understood to be donating prizes. More

LEWIS HAMILTON has been left frustrated by his miserable start to the season.Hamilton, who was pipped to a record eighth world title in last year’s final race in controversial circumstances, has struggled to keep up with the Ferraris and current F1 champ, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
Lewis Hamilton has revealed his frustration over his miserable start to the seasonCredit: Splash
The Brit took part in his first practice session ahead of the Australian Grand Prix earlierCredit: AFP
There was more doom and gloom in Melbourne as he was only 13th quickest around Albert Park in practice and he was over a second off the pace of the leaders.
He groaned: “Just nothing we change on the car makes a difference at the moment. So that’s the difficult thing.
“You get in [to the track] very optimistic, make changes, and then it doesn’t seem to be wanting to improve.
“So we made some changes going to P2 and it ended up being a bit harder for me. I don’t know. It is just a tricky car.
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“There is not a lot we can do. This is the way it is. I just have to drive with it.
“That’s the frustrating thing, you’re trying to push and catch and even when you do a decent lap, it’s 1.2s down so it’s difficult.”
Hamilton, who finished down in 10th place last out in Saudi Arabia, was beaten in practice – but only just – by new team-mate George Russell.
And Hamilton has rubbished suggestions from former F1 champ Jacques Villeneuve that Russell has the advantage because he was used to driving a poor car at Williams.
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Hamilton hit back saying: “I find it amusing some of the things that come out of his mouth….
“I remember my first go-kart was fifth hand. I have driven lots of different cars and found myself relatively adaptable, so I should be good.”
Hamilton also says his relationship with Russell, 24, is excellent after he replaced Valtteri Bottas in the team after five seasons.
He added: “It’s good to be with someone younger, you know, I was just saying earlier on how old Valtteri is!
“I think George has been great. I think he’s been great for the team. It was obviously an amazing journey that Valtteri and I had working together and George was already a part of the team before that.
“So it’s been going really well. We were surfing together the other day and he’s blended really well into the team.”
Meanwhile, the 37-year-old has welcomed the news that F1 will race in Las Vegas in 2023 but says he would like to see a GP in South Africa as Africa remains the only continent without a race on the current schedule.
He said: “It’s amazing the relationship we have now, three races on one continent. I think that’s going to be awesome.
“I think it will be good for the business, Vegas will be an awesome addition.
“The one I really, really want to see is South Africa. That’s the one I really want to hear next that gets announced.” More

LEWIS HAMILTON and title rival Max Verstappen put their differences aside to joke about the champion’s nipple piercing amid the FIA’s jewellery warning.Formula One drivers were issued with a reminder yesterday ahead of the Australian Grand Prix that they are banned from wearing jewellery during races.
Lewis Hamilton could be fined for wearing his nose stud during racesCredit: Getty
He was still able to share a joke about it with title rival Max VerstappenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
New F1 race director Niels Wittich, who shares the role with Eduardo Freitas after Michael Masi’s sacking, included it in his event notes ahead of Sunday’s Melbourne showpiece.
 British racing legend Hamilton will be affected by this as the seven-time world title holder has regularly been seen behind the wheel of his Mercedes with his nose stud in.
That is despite these rules being put in place way back in 2005 – although drivers have not been penalised over it yet.
However, Hamilton appears to be unfazed about it as he joked he has some jewellery that cannot be removed.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}DOWN UNDER .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}F1 Australian Grand Prix: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel, practice
As quoted by the Daily Telegraph, he said: “I’ve got several piercings that I really can’t take out, that not a lot of people know of.
“But that’s been the rule forever so nothing new.”
The 37-year-old then switched his attention to foe Verstappen, the man who controversially beat him to the championship last season.
He said: “I know you have a nipple piercing, man!”
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The Red Bull superstar replied: “You want to see it again?”
Despite no action being taken previously, it appears that the new directors are looking to be a lot sterner.
They could be set to fine anyone wearing any form of body piercing or metal neck chains.
The reminder did state that it was not aimed at any specific individual but said numerous drivers had been spotted wearing jewellery.
Hamilton wore his nose stud at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP as well as last month’s opening race of the campaign in Bahrain – with it visible through his open visor on both occasions.
The FIA have now confirmed that wearing a nose stud does fall foul of the ban. More

VALTERI BOTTAS is quite the romantic. Ahead of this weekend’s Melbourne GP, the Alfa Romeo driver showed off an Australian inspired helmet in honour of his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell.
Valteri Bottas showed off his helmet for the Melbourne GP, designed by his Australian girlfriend Tiffany CromwellCredit: Instagram @valtteribottas
The helmet is a celebration of all things AustralianCredit: Instagram @valtteribottas
Bottas will wear the Australian-inspired design this weekend in MelbourneCredit: Instagram @valtteribottas
Bottas and Cromwell confirmed their relationship in early 2020Credit: Getty
Cromwell, 33, is a professional road cyclist from Australia.
The couple have been together for just over two years, having confirmed their relationship soon after Bottas split from his wife Emilia Pikkarainen.
And with the F1 calendar heading to Cromwell’s homeland, Bottas decided to personalise his helmet for the weekend in honour of her.
Bottas revealed the helmet had been designed by Cromwell herself, and features a number of pictures representing Australia.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FINE THEN .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton could face fine over nose stud as F1 stars warned not to wear jewellery
In an Instagram video showing off the protective gear, Bottas gushed: “I absolutely love this helmet, designed by Tiffany.”
The helmet includes various cartoon pictures including glorious sandy beaches, kangaroos and a shark.
There is also a big picture of the sun setting behind the ocean, with swimmers enjoying themselves among the waves.
Elsewhere the Australian flag is proudly displayed on the back of Bottas’ new piece of kit.
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The 32-year-old from Finland is evidently a big fan of the warmer climate down under, with Swiss outlet Blick reporting Bottas spent time over the winter in Australia with girlfriend Cromwell.
Now driving for Alfa Romeo after being replaced by George Russell at Mercedes, Bottas has finished P6 and P15 in the two races so far this season.
But he’ll be hoping his Australia themed helmet can inspire him to a higher placed finish come race day on Sunday.
🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info More

NIKITA MAZEPIN has blamed his Haas sacking on “cancel culture against his country”.The Russian was axed just days before his father Dmitry was sanctioned by the EU after the invasion of Ukraine, amid apparent ties to Vladimir Putin.
Nikita Mazepin was present for Haas testing in Barcelona back in FebruaryCredit: Getty
Dmitry Mazepin has been sanctioned by the EUCredit: Getty
Mazepin, 23, struggled during his one year in Formula 1, failing to pick up a single point throughout last year’s campaign.
He was axed by team principal Guenther Steiner ahead of this year’s opener in Bahrain and replaced by Kevin Magnussen.
Speaking to the BBC, Mazepin moaned: “I don’t agree with being in the sanctions.
“I’ve said before I agree to fight it.
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SPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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“Perhaps now is not the right time.
“If you look at the whole situation that is happening against athletes in the general case, it’s cancel culture against my country.”
Nikita has been described by the EU sanctions list as a “person associated with a leading businessperson involved in economic sectors providing a substantial source of revenue to the government of the Russian Federation”.
While his dad Dmitry was called a “member of the closest circle of Vladimir Putin”.
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While bemoaning his Haas sacking, Mazepin has described the situation in Ukraine as “painful”.
He said: “It’s very painful to watch that on many levels.”
Mazepin’s replacement Magnussen has enjoyed a great start to the F1 season in the improved Haas.
The Dane was absent from initial testing in Barcelona back in February, which came prior to Nikita’s axing.
But he has since taken to his new wheels well – bagging 12 points from his first two races.
Kevin Magnessen has enjoyed a great start to the seasonCredit: Getty More

LEWIS HAMILTON could be on collision course with the new FIA race boss, who want to ban his jewellery.Niels Wittich, who has replaced axed race director Michael Masi after he failed to follow the rules in the final race of last season, has taken the unusual step of reminding drivers they cannot wear jewellery when they race.
Lewis Hamilton could face a fine over his nose studCredit: Getty
Writing in the event notes for this weekend’s Australian GP in Melbourne, the German has reminded drivers of the sporting code.
He said: “The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition & may therefore be checked before the start.”
While this is not a change to the rulebook, as the FIA first started clamping down on drivers wearing chains and body piercings back in 2005, it is unusual for it to resurface.
The FIA are adamant that the move is NOT targeted at any particular driver – although Hamilton has raced with a nose piercing, while others also wear rings and bracelets.
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Instead they say that Wittich wants to ensure that the rules are adhered to on the basis of safety.
While no driver has been punished for wearing jewellery under their racesuits, in Formula E Lucas di Grassi, Jean-Eric Vergne and Andre Lotterer were all punished with £8,500 fines for having non-confirming underwear.
Should F1’s drivers fail a pre-race inspection themselves on Sunday, then it is likely they will also be fined.
Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has played down his team’s chances of rediscovering their pace in Melbourne.
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The Silver Arrow was only third quickest in the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and was suffering with aerodynamic problems.
However, Wolff says they can expect no “magic fix” this weekend in Australia.
He said: “We are in a learning race and the first two weekends have shown we still have plenty to learn.
“At the moment, our track performance is not meeting our own expectations, but everyone at Brackley and Brixworth is focused on understanding the problems and finding the right solutions.
“There won’t be a magic fix for the next race weekend, but we’re pushing to steadily bring gains over the upcoming races, to hopefully move us closer to the front of the pack.
“Until then, we need to maximise each opportunity and make the most of the package we have.”
Toto Wolff has played down Mercedes’ chances of rediscovering their pace in MelbourneCredit: Rex More