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    F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE REACTION: Leclerc WINS dramatic opener as Hamilton snatches podium and Verstappen RETIRES

    CHARLES LECLERC has kicked off the F1 season with victory in a dramatic Bahrain Grand Prix with a Ferrari one-two.Carlos Sainz finished second as Lewis Hamilton snatched a late podium finish after Sergio Perez spun out.
    While world champ Max Verstappen was forced to RETIRE in the closing stages of the race after challenging for top spot for most of it.

    TV channel: Sky Sports F1
    Live stream: Now TV
    Sunday, March 20: Bahrain Grand Prix (3pm)

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    Stay up to date with all the latest from the latest from the Bahrain Grand Prix in our live blog…
    ‘A day for Ferrari celebration’
    Carlos Sainz was also delighted after finishing second behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc in Bahrain.
    He said: “This is definitely a day to celebrate for the entire team. Starting the season with a 1-2 is the perfect reward for the tireless work they have done over the last two years and congrats to Charles on a solid win.
    “We also want to share our joy with all our tifosi around the world because we always felt their support even when we were not fighting at the top.
    “For me, I’m very happy with the result but I’m not particularly happy with my race. It was probably one of the hardest ones since I joined Ferrari. We’ll keep pushing next week in Saudi. Forza Ferrari!”
    Christian Horner dismisses Verstappen claim
    Max Verstappen believes Red Bull could have done a “better job” with their Bahrain Grand Prix strategy, but Christian Horner says the team just lacked pace.
    Horner said: “The problem is it’s always a balance – what you take out the tyre early in the stint, you pay for later in the stint.
    “I think possibly we underestimated the undercut. But I think Ferrari had the pace today that, had we got that track position, they would have made the overtake. So we just didn’t quite have their pace today.”
    Hamilton buzzing with Bahrain finish
    Lewis Hamilton declared there “was no better feeling” after his shock third-placed finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
    The seven-time world champion relished the top-three finish and said: “There is no better feeling when you come together and have a result like this. Every point can make a difference. I have lost world titles by one point.
    “We would not have expected [to get a podium. I woke up this morning hoping, super, super hoping that we would have a chance to fight, that we would have a car that’s better than we think. But we did struggle in the race. But George did a great job to get us third and fourth [which] I think is pretty remarkable given the problems that we have.
    “The thing is with our car, we have a car that’s bouncing a lot everywhere. It’s not just in a straight line. We have very poor rear end through all the low-speed corners and all the medium-speed corners.
    “The only place that is generally quite good is, relatively, in the high [speed corners] and then we are very slow in the straight line. So, I don’t know if it’s drag or if it’s power, we haven’t figured that out yet.”
    Fuel problem for Red Bull
    Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Mako has revealed that the same issue led to the two Red Bull cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez retiring in the closing stages of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
    As revealed by Tobi Gruner on Twitter after Marko had spoken to Sky Sports Germany, both Bulls had the same problem.
    He tweeted: “Helmut Marko confirmed that both Red Bull cars had the same problem with not getting enough fuel to the engine.
    “Verstappen also suffered from a power steering issue that might have been caused by the jack during a pit stop.”
    ‘Hard racing’ for winner Leclerc
    Charles Leclerc has explained how he stayed ahead of Max Verstappen as the pair exchanged first place position several times during the race.
    He said: “It was on the limit, hard racing but we will always gave each other space which was nice.
    “Following him into Turn 2 was a bit more predictable than what I expected or what I had last year so this was good but it was always very close.
    “I would always try to brake very early into Turn 1 to get the DRS for Turn 4 and it worked out three times in a row so then I could keep my lead.
    “It was also very tricky because I was struggling quite a lot with my energy and had to manage that too but then after the third lap [of overtaking] I was in a better window with it and could push again to have a bit of margin to manage my race.”
    More Verstappen audio
    Lap 46:Lambiase: “Max, is the [steering] wheel heavy in both directions, so both left hand and right hand down?”
    Verstappen: “Everywhere, everywhere! It’s not even smooth. Like I have to *censored by F1* even on the straight”
    Lap 52As the Safety Car returned to the pits and the race resumed, it was quickly apparent Verstappen was not going to be able to mount a late challenge on Leclerc’s lead.
    The delayed radio messages continued to be broadcast.
    Verstappen: “Mate, what’s going on with the battery?”
    Lambiase: “Battery fine”.
    Verstappen: “No, it’s not! What the f— is this?”
    Max Verstappen race audio released
    Audio of Max Verstappen’s angry mid-race outbursts have been released after the Red Bull star was forced to retire in Bahrain.
    Lap 32Verstappen: “OK this is now two times that I take it easy on the out-lap, that I could have been in front.
    “I am never, ever doing it again!”
    Lap 43Verstappen: “Mate, my steering wheel is suddenly very heavy…”
    Lap 44Verstappen: “I almost can’t steer.”
    Lambiase: “Let me know if we need to box, Max,”
    Verstappen: “No, just f—— tell me what’s wrong and I’ll try to handle it”
    Leclerc hails “perfect” Ferrari start
    Charles Leclerc was delighted with his team’s performance throughout the weekend in Bahrain.
    He said: “It feels amazing, obviously after yesterday it already felt great, but we had to finish the business today and we did a one-two – so it’s the perfect start to the season.
    “And I’m incredibly happy after the last two years, which have been very difficult for the team, for myself, for Carlos last year. We had to work extremely hard and… to finally prove all the work we did in the last two years is paying off felt amazing.
    “So for now it’s started in the best way possible – pole position, victory, fastest lap, a one-two today with Carlos – we couldn’t hope for better.”
    Perez explains reason for retirement
    Sergio Perez has explained the reason why he spun out in the final lap of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which forced his retirement from the race.
    He said: “I lost the engine.
    “It locked the wheels completely and there’s nothing I could do. It looks like a very similar problem to what Max had.
    “I think we were in the fight with Ferrari…in general there are a lot of positives to take but it’s hard to digest.
    “We had the podium in our pocket but I started to some power and unfortunately I ended up with that issue.”
    Lewis Hamilton expects car upgrades
    Lewis Hamilton was pleased to pick up some points following an uncertain weekend in Bahrain.
    Hamilton said to Sky Sports: “This is really the best result we could’ve got, of course it was unfortunate for the other drivers but we did the best we could and got the points.”
    He also hinted that he is expecting some upgrades for the car: “I’m hoping. I know the guys are working hard at the factory.
    “It’s not going to be a quick turnaround but we’ll keep our head down and keep working – there’s a long way to go.”
    Verstappen on Bahrain GP disappointment
    Max Verstappen has given his take on the race after relinquishing his second place late on due to an engine failure. He failed to finish.
    The reigning world champion said: “We don’t fully know or understand why it happen. It happened after the tyres came on and I drove off.
    “It wasn’t that the steering wheel just got heavy, It was almost impossible to steer. The faster I was going, there was like a second delay. Every time I was turning right, it took a while before something was happening.”
    “That’s why my restart was very bad because I wanted to go on throttle but I couldn’t open my wheel because it was stuck. It was very hard out there, a lot of different issues we had to deal with and this is of course what you don’t what to have on the first race weekend.”
    “The pace wasn’t amazing. Just a lot of things to analyse to be honest and of course you can say problems can happen but at this level it shouldn’t happen.”
    “I didn’t really push on my out lap. I could have been ahead twice.”
    Horner on Red Bull nightmare
    Christian Horner has given his honest assessment of the race after both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez retired in the final stages.
    He said: “It was a brutal race for us. It looks a similar issue on both cars, we don’t know exactly what it is yet but we have to understand what has caused it.
    “Of course, he [Max Verstappen] was disappointed when looking at a comfortable second place, but I think Ferrari had a quicker car today so congratulations to them for a one-two finish. Finishing with no points is tough for us, but it is a long season.
    “We have got to get on top of the car’s issues quickly. On the whole it was gutting not to get that podium today but we know we have got a good car, we just need to get on top of these reliability issues.
    “The race between Max and Charles [Leclerc] was gripping. If we are going to have a season of that it is going to be quite some season.
    “So the negative is zero points, but the positive is we know we have a great car.”
    Pit stops galore
    There were 58 pit stops in the race today. In 57 laps!
    It was a chaotic, frantic, dramatic end but Charles Leclerc avoided it all as he took the first race of the season with a superb drive.
    Russell reacts to fourth place
    Briton George Russell has reacted to his fourth place finish as he begins life as a full-time Mercedes driver.
    He told Sky Sports: “We definitely thought we would be able to carve our way into the field, so I am pretty pleased. We made a good start but we know our limitations.
    “It was a difficult weekend with a great result, but we know we have a lot of work to do.
    “I don’t know if we will find the silver bullet soon. While we will find it, it will be a few races before we unlock the true pace of the car.”
    Race standings after Bahrain GP
    So, one race in and here is how the drivers’ championship looks.

    Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 26pts
    Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – 18pts
    Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 15pts
    George Russell (Mercedes) – 12pts
    Kevin Magnussen (Haas) – 10pts
    Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) – 8pts
    Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – 6pts
    Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri) – 4pts
    Fernando Alonso (Alpine) – 2pts
    Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) – 1pt

    Driver of the day
    The official Formula 1 driver of the day goes to… Charles Leclerc! Would be a bit mean if he’d have missed out.
    Honourable mentions to Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas who finished fifth and sixth respectively.

    More from Sainz
    Sainz continued: “At the restart I had a strong chance because I had a clean restart behind Charles and Max. Max defended well to be fair.
    “Suddenly I saw flashing red lights at the back of Max’s car and I thought ‘OK now’s my chance’ and I went for it. He was unfortunate, he was driving well enough to get for P2 but I had a good run on him.
    “It is what it is and it’s good for Ferrari.”
    Second place Sainz reacts
    Carlos Sainz has reacted after securing second place behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.
    He said: “Well first congrats Charles and Ferrari. Ferrari are properly back with a 1-2, where the team should be. The hard work is paying off and we are there.
    “For me it’s been a very tricky weekend I’m not going to lie. I didn’t have the pace today but I managed to hold it and bring the 1-2 for the team.
    “I have some homework to do over the next few days and I’m sure I’ll come back stronger.”
    More from Hamilton
    Third place Hamilton continued: “It was such a difficult race. We did the best we could and are grateful for these points.
    “The guys are working hard back at the factory. It is not going to be a quick turnaround.
    “I do feel like we have been the best most unified team for so long. We all know to keep our heads down and keep working as there is a long way to go.”
    Wolff on Mercedes race
    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has given his take on how they can improve following Lewis Hamilton’s third place and George Russell’s fourth.
     He told Sky Sports: “We were overwinged and had too much drag, mainly because we were lacking parts.
    “Hopefully we can remedy that, but we will also leave no stone unturned on improving the power unit as well.”
    Christian Horner speaks
    Red Bull chief Christian Horner said: “A brutal finish for us.
    “[This issue] could be a lift pump or a connector.
    “Max was of course disappointed, when you’re looking at a comfortable finish.”

    The top 10

    Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
    Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) +5.5
    Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +9.6
    George Russell (Mercedes) +11.2
    Kevin Magnussen (Haas) +14.7
    Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) +16.1
    Esteban Ocon (Alpine) + 19.4
    Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri) +20.3
    Fernando Alonso (Alpine) +22.3
    Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) +23

    Ferrari winless streak ended
    Incredible scenes as Ferrari end 45 race winless streak!
    What a moment in Bahrain as the Italian anthem is played on the podium again.

    Hamilton speaks
    The Mercedes ace said: “It was great to see Carlos and Charles up there, so congratulations to them.
    “This is really the best result we could have got.”
    What drama
    The F1 season has started how the last season finished with that dramatic victory.

    Load more entries… More

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    ‘At this level, it shouldn’t happen’ – Max Verstappen furious with Red Bull team after late Bahrain Grand Prix meltdown

    MAX VERSTAPPEN was left fuming with Red Bull after his late meltdown at the Bahrain Grand Prix.The world champion was forced to retire from the race with just three laps to go due to suspected fuel pump issues.
    Max Verstappen was not happy with his Red Bull car conking out late on in the Bahrain GPCredit: Getty
    The world champion was forced to retire late in Sunday’s season openerCredit: Rex
    Verstappen had been on course for a second-place finish behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc when the bizarre incident occurred.
    And Red Bull’s suffering did not stop there, with Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez also retiring due to the same problem.
    The Spaniard was forced to stop on the FINAL lap, denying him a third-place finish.
    And it meant Ferrari secured a one-two finish with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, while Lewis Hamilton’s troublesome Mercedes ended up taking the final podium spot.
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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;}BAHRAIN GP .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 WINS dramatic opener as Hamilton snatches podium and Verstappen RETIRES
    Speaking after the dramatic race, Verstappen made it clear he was not impressed with the faults in both Red Bull cars.
    He raged: “Of course, you can always say problems can happen and you might have a retirement.
    “But I think at this level, after already having so much information with engines and stuff, it shouldn’t happen.
    “We already lost a lot of points again in one race weekend, so that’s just really not good.
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    “Of course I know that with one retirement it’s not over, but I would have preferred to have 18 points.”
    Boss Christian Horner echoed Vettel’s sentiments, adding: “A brutal finish to that race for us.
    “What looked like a decent haul of points suddenly evaporated in the last couple of laps.
    “It looks like a similar issue on both cars. We don’t know exactly what is it yet, whether it’s a lift pump, a collector or something along those lines.
    “But we’ve got to get into it and understand exactly what’s caused it.” More

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    ‘Long way to go’ – Lewis Hamilton breaks silence after dramatic third in Bahrain GP and reveals upgrades coming to car

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that Mercedes are expecting some upgrades on both cars after a dramatic ending to the Bahrain Grand Prix.The seven-time world champion jumped two places to finish third in the race behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
    Hamilton has hinted that Mercedes could be getting some upgrades in the near futureCredit: Getty
    The Mercedes driver finished the Bahrain GP in thirdCredit: AFP
    Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were both forced to retire late due to power failures, which awarded Mercedes a good sum of points.
    After the race Hamilton appeared to be delighted with the result.
    When speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “This is really the best result we could’ve got, of course it was unfortunate for the other drivers but we did the best we could and got the points.”
    He also hinted that he is expecting some upgrades for the car, adding: “I’m hoping. I know the guys are working hard at the factory.
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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;}EL CLASICO .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;}Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 0: Ancelotti’s men look to take step closer to title
    “It’s not going to be a quick turnaround but we’ll keep our head down and keep working – there’s a long way to go.”
    Mercedes have had a rough start to the 2022 Formula One season.
    The team under-performed during the pre season testing sessions in Barcelona and Bahrain, leading many fans to wonder if they would be able to compete this year.
    They were third best in qualifying on Saturday with George Russell – who eventually finished fourth – settling for P9 and Hamilton P5.
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    Red Bull and Ferrari have both been the quickest on track so far, but any upgrades from Mercedes could dramatically turn the tables.
    The next opportunity to see how the cars are developing comes next week in the Saudi Arabian GP.

    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info More

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    Pierre Gasly forced to abandon car at side of track as it sets on FIRE towards end of dramatic Bahrain Grand Prix race

    PIERRE GASLY was forced to abandon his car after it set on fire towards the end of the Bahrain Grand Prix.The incident occurred when the French racer’s AlphaTauri vehicle was forced out of the F1 season-opening race on lap 45 after a crash.
    Pierre Gasly was forced to abandon car at side of track in the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: AFP
    Stewards quickly raced over to put out the flames after it caught fireCredit: Twitter
    Fortunately for Gasly he was OK enough to get out and run from the vehicle before it went up in flames.
    Marshalls raced over to put out the fire as the safety car was called out on to the track.
    The action soon restarted in the Middle East as Charles Leclerc eventually won a close battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to take victory in a dramatic climax.
    Leclerc and Verstappen endured a wheel-to-wheel dice after their first pits for several laps and swapped places five times before Leclerc moved ahead.
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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;}EL CLASICO LIVE .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;}Latest as Real Madrid host Barcelona in one of football’s biggest fixtures
    Reliability problems then forced Verstappen into retirement and promoted Carlos Sainz to second.
    And then another Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, suffered engine failure at the first corner of the last lap to allow Lewis Hamilton to take the final podium place for Mercedes.
    Gasly had set the pace in first practice for Bahrain ahead of the new campaign.
    But he only managed to finish in tenth during qualifying for the showpiece.
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    And it is not the first time that the driver has seen his car go up in the flames.
    Back in October 2020 his second practice session ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix was brought to a sudden halt when his AlphaTauri motor caught fire while he was out on track.
    Halfway into the Free Practice 2, Gasly began to slow going through Turn 13 before pulling over.
    Flames soon started to appear out of the rear of his AT01 as the star called the marshals over to extinguish the fire.  More

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    Lewis Hamilton picks up miracle podium on final lap despite Mercedes struggle as Charles Leclerc wins Bahrain Grand Prix

    FORMULA ONE showed again it doesn’t need any help from Netflix when it comes to drama.After the explosive fall out at the Abu Dhabi GP in December, this new season – and indeed new era of F1 – kicked off in thrilling fashion.
    Hamilton will be left wondering how on earth he managed to finish on the podiumCredit: Reuters
    Leclerc won the F1 season opener for FerrariCredit: EPA
    Hamilton (L) somehow took the chequered flag in thirdCredit: Getty
    In Bahrain there was the lot; plenty of overtaking, a dubious safety car, furious outbursts, a victory for the sport’s most famous team, AND a thrilling twist at the end.
    Plus, all this without the need of a bungling race director!
    If this is what this new dawn of F1 is like, with these new cars, then sign me up for the record-breaking 23-race calendar, as there is no need to edit the footage like the TV series Drive to Survive.
    Charles Leclerc’s victory for Ferrari was the team’s first since the 2019 Singapore GP, while teammate Carlos Sainz was second.
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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;}BAHRAIN GP .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 WINS dramatic opener as Hamilton snatches podium and Verstappen RETIRES

    It was the team’s 85th one-two in 75 years but the Italian team’s return to form after a promising winter test was only part of the story.
    Lewis Hamilton completed an unlikely podium after he benefited from a double DNF for Red Bull as world champion Max Verstappen retired three laps from the end with a suspected fuel-pump problem.
    And his teammate, Sergio Perez, spun on the final lap, promoting Hamilton to the podium places ahead of his teammate, George Russell.
    And Haas’s Kevin Magnussen scored a fifth place finish on his return to F1 in place of axed Russian Nikita Mazepin.
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    A tasty three-lap fight between Leclerc and Verstappen whetted the appetite as the two traded places in a thrilling duel that was kept clean.
    This year’s new cars have been designed with overtaking in mind and it certainly looks like that’s been achieved.
    But this race was turned on its head on lap 45 when Pierre Gasly conked out at the side of the track and his AlphaTauri burst into flames.
    New FIA race director, Niels Wittich – who replaced the axed Michael Masi, who denied Hamilton a record-breaking eighth world title when he failed to follow safety car rules – didn’t make the same mistake as his predecessor.
    He thumped the safety car button without hesitation as marshals recovered Gasly’s broken car with just seven laps remaining.
    Just as in Abu Dhabi, there was a flurry of pitstops only this time it was Verstappen who would come out on the losing side.
    Already upset by the handling of his Red Bull, he raged on the radio to his engineer, “I almost can’t steer….Just f***ing tell me what’s wrong and how to handle it.”
    While the Dutchman was the benefactor in Abu Dhabi to pass Hamilton on the final lap to take the title, this time, with him complaining about battery issues with his car, he was passed by Sainz.
    A faulty fuel pump then dumped him out of the race completely just three laps from the end, promoting Hamilton to fourth.
    And then the final twist in the tale, as Perez cracked under pressure from Hamilton to earn the Brit the unlikeliest of podiums, behind the Ferrari duo.
    Verstappen delivered a blunt assessment after the race and said: “There’s a lot of things to analyse.
    “Problems can happen and you might retire but at this level it shouldn’t happen.
    “We already lost a lot of points in one race weekend. With one retirement I know it is not over for the season, but I would prefer to have at least 18 points.
    “It is disappointing. You always say to yourself, ‘we have to score points – it doesn’t matter if it’s first or second’.
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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;}BAHRAIN GP .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 WINS dramatic opener as Hamilton snatches podium and Verstappen RETIRES
    “So to lose so many points for the team in a championship… sometimes it could be tight to the end, sometimes these are important points.”
    It was Leclerc’s third win of his career but confirms Ferrari’s return to competitiveness as they look for their first title since 2008.
    He added: “The last two years have been incredibly difficult for the team and we knew this was going to be a big opportunity for the team.
    “The guys have done such an incredible job getting us and building this amazing car, so for now it’s starting in the best way possible: pole position victory, fastest lap, one-two today with Carlos.
    “We could not hope for better. It hasn’t been easy but it’s incredible to be back at the top.” More

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    F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Race UNDERWAY with Hamilton starting strongly – Stream, TV channel, latest

    AFTER possibly the greatest season in Formula One history, the drivers are BACK on the track for 2022 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.And Lewis Hamilton has missed out on pole for the opening race after finishign fifth in qualifying.
    Rival Max Verstappen came in second, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starting from the top of the grid.

    TV channel: Sky Sports F1
    Live stream: Now TV
    Sunday, March 20: Bahrain Grand Prix (3pm)

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    Stay up to date with all the latest from the latest from the Bahrain Grand Prix in our live blog…
    These two are trading blows
    Almost a repeat on lap 18, as Verstappen gets the move done on turn one, but Leclerc is back in front by turn four.
    This is epic stuff and has been a clean fight until now.
    Tasty between Verstappen and Leclerc
    And the Red Bull man goes wide and around Leclerc on the straight and gets ahead, sparks flying.
    But Leclerc is not done. He’s back alongside and regains P1.
    Hamilton radio
    He said: “That was a really early stop.”
    He was first to go for his tyres.
    Lap 15 Verstappen stops for tyres
    The Dutchman pits from second place. His stop takes 2.9 seconds.
    Sainz also reacts and stops at the same time. His stop is quicker at 2.2 seconds.
    Lap 12 Hamilton stops for tyres
    It is an early stop for Hamilton. The change for hard tyres takes 3.4 seconds.
    Remember, newer tyres this year on larger wheels, making a slower stop.
    Also, those tyres are cooler than last year – less heat in the tyre blankets, he’s sliding all over the place.
    Lap 11
    Leclerc leads Verstappen by 3.1 seconds. Sainz is third, Perez is fourth. It is Ferrari, Red Bull, Ferrari, Red Bull.
    Perez passes Hamilton
    That was a clean overtake on lap 10. The Red Bull breezed past the Brit.
    Ocon gets a penalty
    A five second penalty for the Alpine man for causing a collision with Schumacher. A slam dunk and easy one for the stewards.

    Lap 6
    Leclerc has a 1.750second advantage over Verstappen. Sainz and then Hamilton make up the top four. Perez in fifth.
    Ocon and Schumacher make contact
    The German is sent into a spin after being hit by the Frenchman’s Alpine. The stewards are looking at the incident.
    Bottas has dropped EIGHT places
    The Alfa Romeo man impressed on Saturday but has already sunk to 14th.
    But it is a terrible start for McLaren
    Daniel Ricciardo is LAST, Lando Norris has dropped to 16th. They have a lot of hard work to do this season after what was a positive Barcelona test.
    Good start for Leclerc
    He keeps his lea over Verstappen and Sainz. Hamilton is up to fourth.

    Here we go, ready for the first race of 2022
    The cars are off on their formation lap. Can Leclerc hang on to P1, or will Verstappen get off to a winning start?

    Horner on Hamilton’s chances
    Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has refused to write off Hamilton’s chances going into the race.
    Hamilton’s starting in fifth on the grid but Horner insists that the Brit can still be dangerous.
    Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Let’s not write him off in this race. He is going to be pumped coming into this so he remains someone we need to watch out for.”
    Tick Tock
    Lewis Hamilton is about to jump into his car ahead of the race.
    The Brit took a second to wave to the fans in the stadium.
    But once he gets in the car he’ll have to be focused to overturn his starting position in fifth spot.

    Race debut
    Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu starts his first-ever F1 race today for Alfa Romeo.
    Guanya wriggled into Q2 at practice yesterday and starts on the grid in P15.
    And he admits that it’s a crazy feeling to be on the grid for the first time in Bahrain.
    Race day🏁 @F1 debut, crazyyyyy— 周冠宇 | Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@ZhouGuanyu24) March 20, 2022

    Sainz’ looking forward to race
    Carlos Sainz is feeling optimistic ahead of the race that begins in fifteen minutes.
    And he’s happy with the weather too.
    Speaking to Sky, he said: “Conditions have changed a bit.
    “A bit warmer today. The wind has rotated a bit so the car feels a bit different.
    “The car feels good all weekend and I need to see if I can translate the qualy pace into race pace.”
    Magic Haas to happen
    Haas driver Kevin Magnussen is still pinching himself after achieving seventh on the grid for today’s face.
    He said: “It’s been a real roller coaster the last couple of weeks and everything that we went through in that two weeks to manage everything that had to be managed and actually get here and then drive the car, get a good feeling and get some hope.
    “We had a suspicion that it might be quite good, then qualifying was another whole roller coaster in itself with the problems we had not being able to run more than once in Q2 and 3 and not even knowing if we could get out again in Q3 and all that.
    “So getting P7 for tomorrow’s race, after all that, is really, really cool.”
    Verstappen’s game plan
    Max Verstappen is focused on the long game in today’s race.
    Speaking to Sky Sports F1, the World Champion said: “We have to score points. We have a competitive car and will try to fight for the win. Let’s see how the race is going to go. I think will be very close.
    “We need to play the long game. Last year the race was decided in the last few laps and probably will be the same again.
    “So we have to stay focused and obviously try to attack.”
    Not long left!
    The cars have started to come onto the track as the race time gets closer.
    There’s just half-hour left until the season opener in Bahrain gets underway.

    Verstappen’s focused
    Max Verstappen looked ready for business ahead of the race.
    The Red Bull ace starts in second on the grid and seemed ready to handle business when snapped before the battle for the top spot begins.
    Credit: Alamy
    A bit of Bahrain history
    Hamilton should be feeling lucky going into the Bahrain GP.
    As the BBC reported that the race has been won by a British or German over the past decade.
    And Hamilton’s won it consecutively over the previous three years.
    The Brit also cruised to victory in the region in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
    Hamilton’s confident exterior
    lewis Hamilton looked relaxed going into the Bahrain GP.
    The Mercedes driver was pictured with a smirk on his face as he prepared for the race.
    Despite starting on the grid in fifth – Hamilton looked like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

    Bahrain GP line up.
    Here’s a reminder of how the drivers will line up In Bahrain.
    Leclerc starts in the top spot with Verstappen just behind.
    Sainz begins in third and Perez is in fourth.
    Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton rounds off the top five.

    Load more entries… More

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    Verstappen takes cheeky dig at Lewis Hamilton after flop Bahrain qualifying as Red Bull star is trolled over FIA report

    FORMULA ONE world champion Max Verstappen took a cheeky dig at Lewis Hamilton after his Brit rival only qualified fifth for the Bahrain GP. Verstappen will start Sunday’s race on the front row after Ferrari man Charles Leclerc took pole for the first race of the season.
    Verstappen aimed a veiled swipe at Hamilton with his comment after qualifyingCredit: Splash
    Hamilton struggled in qualifying but still performed better than Mercedes team-mate RussellCredit: Getty
    Hamilton was out-qualified by both Ferraris AND both Red Bulls, while team-mate George Russell was way down in ninth.
    And after securing his position on the front row for the season opener, Verstappen was quizzed by reporters on whether he was disappointed to see Mercedes underperforming.
    The Dutchman cheekily replied to the question “very, very [disappointed],” as per to Formula 1 News.
    A poor qualifying for Mercedes came after Hamilton declared the team have “a lot of problems” going into the new season.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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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;}BAHRAIN GP .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 starts back in fifth as he renews rivalry with Verstappen in season opener
    The 37-year-old even claimed that it would take as many as four races for Mercedes to challenge for top spot on the podium.
    Qualifying for the Bahrain GP also incidentally took place on the same day that the FIA concluded Verstappen’s dramatic victory on the final day of the 2021 campaign was down to “human error”.
    Fans didn’t hold back after the report was published, mercilessly trolling the Dutchman for the circumstances in which he won his maiden world title.
    One sarcastically wrote: “Max Verstappen won a Championship due to ‘human error’. Congratulations.”
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Another added: “Congratulations to max verstappen for being the first ever #HumanErrorChampion.”
    Meanwhile the hashtag “HumanErrorChampion” was trending on Twitter.
    The drama added to the feud between Verstappen and Hamilton ahead of race day in Bahrain, although it doesn’t appear that the pair will come close on the track.
    With Mercedes lacking pace all weekend Hamilton may spend more time looking over his shoulder and defending the chasing pack, rather than challenging the Ferraris and Red Bulls up the road.
    Lights out at the Bahrain International Circuit is at 3pm UK time for the 2022 F1 season opener. More

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    F1 star Lewis Hamilton reveals how and why he is changing his name to include his mum’s family ahead of Bahrain GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that he will use his mother’s family name as an additional middle name.The seven-time World Champion, 37, announced last week that he plans to integrate his mother’s name – Larbalestier – into his own.
    Hamilton has explained why he’s making the name changeCredit: Rex
    Whilst speaking at the 2022 Dubai Expo, he said: “Actually none of you might know that my mum’s [sur]name is Larbalestier. And I’m just about to put that in my name.
    “Because I don’t really fully understand the whole idea of why, when people get married, the woman loses her name.
    “I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”
    But, on Saturday he revealed the reason behind the decision.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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 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;}LIGHTS OUT .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 betting odds: Get Hamilton at 60/1 or Verstappen at 50/1 to win Bahrain GP
    Ahead of qualifying for the Bahrain GP, Hamilton explained: “I spent Christmas with all of my immediate family. My mum, my step-mum, my dad, my two sisters, my brother.
    “I thought of it for a long time. I’ve always been very, very close to my parents and both mums have always been absolutely incredible.
    “Thanks to them, I’ve grown up with so much respect for women.
    “I already have my grandad’s name from my Dad’s side in mine – Davidson – and I wanted my mum and grandad’s name.”
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    The Mercedes driver also explained how he plans to integrate Larbalestier into his current name, adding: “It was going to be a surprise, I was going to tell her first but I let it slip out.
    “My mum was very happy, proud and emotional.
    “I have already applied. It won’t be a surname – it will be an addition to my middle name.”
    This means that once legally changed, his full name could become Lewis Carl Davidson Larbalestier Hamilton.
    Hamilton is due to take part in the Bahrain GP on Sunday alongside new Mercedes teammate George Russell.
    However, the pair did not get off to the best start in qualifying.
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    Both drivers finished outside the top three – a far cry away from where they are expected to be.
    Hamilton will start the race from P5, with Russell behind in P9. More