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    George Russell worried by Mercedes’ horror opening race of the F1 season after car kept ‘smashing into the ground’

    GEORGE RUSSELL admitted he is concerned about his Mercedes “smashing into the ground” during the season opener in Bahrain.The Brit finished fourth in his Silver Arrows debut on Sunday but was helped by both Red Bulls retiring late on.
    George Russell was worried that his Mercedes was ‘smashing into the ground’Credit: Rex
    The Brit and his team-mate Lewis Hamilton were off the pace in BahrainCredit: AFP
    Team-mate Lewis Hamilton finished third but was way off the pace set by Ferrari’s race winner Charles Leclerc.
    And Russell, who joined from Williams this season, revealed he is worried about the performance.
    The 24-year-old said: “We are quite draggy, but this bouncing and ‘porpoising’ we are experiencing down the straight will slow you down because we are smashing into the ground rather than going forwards.
    “I think the lap time deficit we have is 50% on the straight and 50% in the corners.
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    “It offers a glimmer of hope. We all believe we can solve the issue, but we truly just don’t know and we don’t know how long it will take, if it might be next weekend or not until after.”
    Russell added: “You want a nice smooth ride and that’s definitely not what we had.
    “It was affecting the tyres quite a lot because in every braking zone you are bouncing into the corner and the rears are skipping under braking because the car is so unsettled.”
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    Seven-time world champion Hamilton also admitted that Mercedes had ‘a lot of problems’ to address if they want to be competitive in 2022.
    Russell continued: “We know if we unlock this performance it will benefit everything. It will help the tyres, help us on the brakes and we will find more grip from it.
    “We really hope we can find a solution as soon as possible because we just know that will answer a lot of our issues, but it’s easier said than done.”

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    F1 is so much better with Ferrari back in the hunt – and everyone loves Charles Leclerc

    YOU need to have an excellent Brazil side for it to be classified as a great World Cup.
    Similar can be said for a strong West Indies team in Test cricket.
    Leclerc won the first Grand Prix of the seasonCredit: REX FEATURES
    Current world champion Verstappen failed to finish the race after trailing Leclerc for most of the raceCredit: REX FEATURES
    The equivalent in Formula One is seeing Ferrari back in the hunt for world titles, which is incredible when you think back to those years of dominance from Michael Schumacher.
    Here in Bahrain, there was a distinct feeling that Charles Leclerc’s win on Sunday has given the sport a huge shot in the arm – unless you work for Red Bull that is!
    Leclerc, 24, is an unusual commodity for F1. He is universally liked, seemingly by everyone including his own team-mates.
    While the F1 fanbase is largely split into diehards; Lewis Hamilton’s “Team LH” or Max Verstappen’s “Orange Army”, they all love Leclerc.
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    It is easy to see why. He is polite – I cannot recall a single moment where he has been even the remotest-bit arrogant or rude in an interview – he speaks three languages and is fair on the track.
    His battle with Verstappen on Sunday was hugely respectful and resulted in the Dutchman coming off worse after getting his overtaking all wrong, locking up his wheels and ruining his tyres – the world champ obviously blamed his brakes.
    Leclerc is quick and is a fantastic addition into the Max versus Lewis dynamic, which promises to be a  fascinating fight this season.
    To have Ferrari in the mix of a team battle will be excellent to watch too, as F1 is a much better place with them at the front, rather than mid-table obscurity.
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    F1 needs Ferrari just as much as Ferrari needs F1.
    All the threats in the past of the Italian team walking away from the sport and setting up their own championship were only going to be empty.
    It would not be a world championship without the right to be called F1, while the sport would only maintain its position as the  pinnacle of motorsport with the most famous car brand in the world on board.
    Which is why it is staggering to think that this season, after just one victory in the opening race, there is genuine belief Ferrari can win the constructors’ title – for the first time since Hamilton sealed his maiden crown with them in 2008.
    Last year was unmatched in terms of drama between Hamilton and Verstappen.
    But in 2022, with Ferrari in the mix with along with Red Bull and Mercedes for victories and titles, we could be in for a great season.

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: UK start time, TV channel, live stream, standings, how to watch and schedule for Jeddah

    CHARLES LECLERC may have won in Bahrain but the battle for the F1 Drivers’ Championship has only just begun.The Frenchman currently leads the standings by eight points ahead of fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz as the season now heads to Saudi Arabia.
    Charles Leclerc kicked off the F1 season with a win
    With high hopes for Max Verstappen after his controversial Championship victory last season, the Dutchman was forced to retire three laps from the end with a suspected fuel pump problem.
    Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez spun out on the final lap promoting Lewis Hamilton onto the podium to finish in third place, ahead of team-mate George Russell.
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1.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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.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;}REVVY TO RUMBLE .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 calendar 2022: Grand Prix schedule, dates, results for new season
    What Time is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

    The Bahrain GP ended in dramatic fashion
    What TV channel is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?

    The F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is live on Sky Sports F1.
    You can stream all the action live with a Sky Go account or the Sky Sports app.
    Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch the whole race day with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix schedule
    Friday

    Practice One – 2pm GMT (5pm local time)
    Practice Two – 5pm (8pm local time)

    Saturday

    Practice Three – 2pm (5pm local time)
    Qualifying – 5pm (8pm local time)

    Sunday

    Race – 6pm (9pm local time) More

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    Saudi GP bosses insists F1 race WILL go ahead despite fears over missile attack in Jeddah

    SAUDI GP bosses say this weekend’s F1 race will NOT be derailed by rebel attacks on the country.In Jeddah, which hosts the second race of the season this Sunday, a petrol depot was hit by missiles from Yemen’s Houthi group causing a fire.
    The Jeddah Grand Prix will go ahead as planned this Sunday, despite concernsCredit: Reuters
    But despite the tensions, GP chiefs are confident the race will go ahead as planned.
    A statement from the race organisers said: “This incident has no bearing on the race weekend.
    “As always, the safety and security of our guests remains our top priority.
    “We are in constant contact with the relevant authorities and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of all visitors to the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as participating personnel, staff and media.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More On F1.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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.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;}BLEAK VERDICT .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;}Lewis Hamilton’s F1 title chances all-but written off after ONE race by Wolff
    “We look forward to welcoming everyone to Jeddah this weekend for three days of great racing and entertainment.”
    Reuters reported that the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it had intercepted and destroyed a “hostile air target” which was aimed towards the Red Sea city of Jeddah, according to Saudi state media.
    Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group had earlier attacked an Aramco distribution plant in Jeddah, after firing missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities in the southern Jizan region.
    Al Arabiya English quoted a spokesman from The Arab Coalition, who said: “We destroyed 106 explosive-laden boats that posed a threat to the freedom of navigation in the southern Red Sea.”
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    The Arab Coalition also announced that Saudi Arabia’s Air Defence Forces had intercepted and destroyed nine drones.
    The 2022 F1 season kicked off in Bahrain at the weekend as Charles Leclerc claimed victory for Ferrari.
    Carlos Sainz made it a one-two for the Scuderia, with Lewis Hamilton rounding off the podium places with an impressive third following a difficult few days for Mercedes.
    But it was a weekend to forget for pre-season favourites Red Bull.
    Defending champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire with three laps remaining when a podium place looked a certainty.
    And his team-mate Sergio Perez suffered a similar fate moments later.
    The Mexican was under pressure from Hamilton as he looked to hang on to third place, but ended up spinning and also having to retire.
    Charles Leclerc won the opening race of the season in BahrainCredit: BackGrid More

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    ‘It gave them a heart attack’ – Charles Leclerc brilliantly pranked Ferrari staff on final lap of Bahrain GP

    CHARLES LECLERC played a joke on his Ferrari team on the final lap of the Bahrain GP – telling his engineer his engine was broken.The Ferrari ace was leading the race when he radioed them with the prank just moments before crossing the line.
    Ferrari star Charles Leclerc pulled off a prank on his engineers at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: Getty
    Leclerc, who started on pole and had led every lap, held off Max Verstappen, who suffered a fuel pump failure and retired.
    Leclerc said: “I did a bit of a joke on the radio on the last lap, saying that there was something strange with the engine.
    “It gave a heart attack to some of the engineers I’m sure, but everything was fine. So yeah, very happy that this time we brought it home.”
    Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz was second and is set to be rewarded with a new contract after impressing since joining from McLaren.
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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;}REVVY TO RUMBLE .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 calendar 2022: Grand Prix schedule, dates, results for new season
    Sainz, 27, was quizzed if he was close to agreeing terms about extending his stay with the Italian team.
    He added: “We are very, very close. Extremely close. Nearly there.”
    Team principal Mattia Binotto confirmed the deal has been agreed and that it only needs to be drawn up for Sainz to sign.
    He said: “We found an agreement, it’s only a matter to translate it into paper.”
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    Meanwhile, Lando Norris says he expects “a bit of pain” as McLaren struggle to iron-out their problems.
    Norris, who had an impressive campaign in 2021, was only 15th quickest in Bahrain and one place behind his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo.
    He said: “I’m expecting pain, and I think everyone needs to know there’s probably going to be a bit of pain.
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    Charles Leclerc prevailed in the Bahrain Grand Prix over Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
    “As McLaren, and myself, we expect a lot more, but it’s not what we have at the minute.
    “We have to get used to it, we’ve been in this position a few years ago but we have to remain optimistic the team and everyone back at the factory can figure things out and we can get back on track.” More

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    ‘It’s a very long shot’ – Lewis Hamilton’s F1 title chances all-but written off after ONE race by Mercedes boss Wolff

    MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff claims it is only a very long shot that Lewis Hamilton will be able to fight for the world championship.Wolff’s bleak verdict came after the opening round of the season where Hamilton’s Mercedes team were outclassed by Ferrari and Red Bull.
    Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton may struggle this season, according to Toto WolffCredit: Getty
    Hamilton claimed a surprise podium in Bahrain, with team-mate George Russell one spot back in fourth, after Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez retired in the closing laps.
    But the Silver Arrows were as much as a second-a-lap slower than their rivals in their continued struggle to get on top of the sport’s new regulations.
    “If we look at the pecking order today, it seems it will be a very long shot to even think about being in contention for the drivers’ or constructors’ championships,” said Mercedes team principal Wolff.
    “We probably scored the maximum points that we could have on Sunday, and we need to take it from here. Every weekend counts.
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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;}ferrari are back .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;}Leclerc overtakes Hamilton and Verstappen as favourite to win F1 title
    “But at the moment we have to be realistic and when you are third on the road you cannot think about winning it.”
    Mercedes have dominated F1 in recent years, winning a record eight constructors’ championships in a row, while carrying Hamilton to six of the last eight drivers’ titles.
    But the Silver Arrows have struggled with ‘porpoising’ – the phenomenon seen this year when the car violently bounces on its suspension at high speed.
    And Hamilton’s team-mate Russell suggested the problem could be with Mercedes for the rest of the 23-round campaign.
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    “This bouncing we are experiencing down the straight is slowing us down because we are smashing into the ground, rather than going forward,” he said.
    “It is promising to see that other cars have had the same issue and they managed to solve it which means there is a solution there, but we are struggling to find it.
    “It would have been brilliant if we solved it in testing where we had so much running. But we truly just don’t know how long it will take, if it is next weekend or after the summer break.
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    “We hope it will be as soon as possible, but there is no reason why it may not continue the whole year.”
    The second round of the new season continues in Jeddah on Sunday for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. More

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    Max Verstappen raises doubts over F1 title just one race in after Red Bull star is forced to retire from Bahrain GP

    FORMULA ONE world champion Max Verstappen has hinted that his late retirement from Sunday’s Bahrain GP could cost him the title. The flying Dutchman was on course for a second place finish in the F1 season opener before suddenly losing power in the closing stages.
    Verstappen walked away from his car in disgust after retiring from the Bahrain GPCredit: AFP
    That saw Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz secured a Ferrari one-two, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in an unlikely third after Verstappen’s collapse.
    Verstappen controversially beat Hamilton to last year’s title by just eight points, and the 24-year-old has hinted a zero point start to the campaign could cost him come the business end of the season.
    After losing early ground to his rivals, he said: “To lose so many points for the team is also very disappointing, because for the championship where sometimes it can be really tight until the end, these are very important points.”
    Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez also didn’t finish the race in what ended up being a nightmare weekend for Red Bull.
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    Perez raced on after Verstappen retired, but spun out on the LAST lap while in third position to gift Hamilton a miracle podium.
    The result left Verstappen furious with his team, with the driver blasting “At this level, it shouldn’t happen,” following the two late retirements.
    Verstappen also went on to claim he had difficulty steering his car throughout the race before the suspected fuel pump issue that ended his day prematurely.
    He said: “I mean, what happened at the end is obviously very frustrating, but of course before that, quite a few issues.
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    “First of all the balance was off. I didn’t have the same feeling as on Friday on the long runs, so that was a bit disappointing.
    “Then suddenly my steering, I don’t know what happened to that, it was just completely locked and the faster I was going, I could barely steer.
    “So it was not easy on the restart to defend from Carlos [Sainz].
    “But then I was still in second with that big issue so you think, okay, with all these issues that I’ve had today, second would be a good result.”
    But then Verstappen’s race was dramatically cut short just three laps before the chequered flag.
    He concluded: “And then suddenly I had to retire, everything just switched off. It looked like a fuel pump or issue, there was no fuel coming to the engine.
    “Of course these things, you don’t want them to happen and it’s very painful for the team as well that both cars retired. We need to look into everything.” More

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    Saudi Arabia Grand Prix scare with F1 bosses ‘monitoring situation’ after missile attacks Jeddah just a week before race

    FORMULA ONE chiefs are monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia after a petroleum depot was attacked by rebels.The sport heads to Jeddah next for the second race of the season where the Aramco fuel plant was hit.
    The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix follows just a week after BahrainCredit: Reuters
    Reuters reported that the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it had intercepted and destroyed a “hostile air target” which was aimed towards the Red Sea city of Jeddah, according to Saudi state media.
    Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group had earlier attacked an Aramco distribution plant in Jeddah, after firing missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities in the southern Jizan region.
    Al Arabiya English quoted a spokesman from The Arab Coalition, who said: “We destroyed 106 explosive-laden boats that posed a threat to the freedom of navigation in the southern Red Sea.”
    The Arab Coalition also announced that Saudi Arabia’s Air Defence Forces had intercepted and destroyed nine drones.
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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;}MAX POWER .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;}Max Verstappen furious with Red Bull team after late Bahrain Grand Prix meltdown
    The 2022 F1 season kicked off in Bahrain at the weekend as Charles Leclerc claimed victory for Ferrari.
    Carlos Sainz made it a one-two for the Scuderia, with Lewis Hamilton rounding off the podium places with an impressive third following a difficult few days for Mercedes.
    But it was a weekend to forget for pre-season favourites Red Bull.
    Defending champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire with three laps remaining when a podium place looked a certainty.
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    An engine failure scuppered the Dutchman’s chances of securing points in the opening race.
    And his team-mate Sergio Perez suffered a similar fate moments later.
    The Mexican was under pressure from Hamilton as he looked to hang on to third place, but ended up spinning and also having to retire. More