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      Max Verstappen and Christian Horner slam Mercedes for trying to ‘take shine off’ F1 title win after Lewis Hamilton drama

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Christian Horner slammed Mercedes for trying to ‘take the shine off’ the Dutchman’s maiden Formula One title win.The 24-year-old won the world championship in dramatic fashion on the final lap of the 2021 season when he overtook Lewis Hamilton following a safety car fiasco.
      Max Verstappen won the 2021 F1 title in controversial fashionCredit: Reuters
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner is confident in his driver’s ability and mental strengthCredit: BBC
      Hamilton and Mercedes were left furious as the strict rules were thrown out of the window to allow a blockbuster finale in front of the Netflix cameras.
      A protest was turned down before Mercedes withdrew an appeal and Verstappen kept the victory – although an FIA investigation did result in race director Michael Masi’s sacking.
      But with less than two weeks to go until the beginning of his defence, Verstappen hit out at his rivals – but insisted he ‘doesn’t care’ about the Mercedes reaction.
      He told De Telegraaf: “If they [people] know me well, they know I don’t care.
      “At the end of the day, it was a crazy and epic Formula 1 season.
      “The losing team will try to take the shine off it a bit. But on the winning side, it still feels good, I can assure you.

      .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);}
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      “A championship is won over a whole season, not by one decision in the last race. I also think I deserved the title, absolutely.
      “There might be people who only watched the last Grand Prix. They might think I was lucky.
      “But normally the championship would have been decided in my favour.”
      Verstappen’s boss Horner reiterated the champ’s comments and insisted his driver has not been affected by all the talk surrounding the controversy.
      Instead, he predicted his man to challenge for the title once again.
      Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the Red Bull team principal said: “I think it’s gone completely over his head. He doesn’t watch the BBC.
      “He was delighted to get that first world championship, against such a strong opponent. I think that’s what made it so intense.
      ‘RIVALRY SO INTENSE’
      “I think the rivalry between those two [Max and Lewis] has been so intense. I think you might see a couple of other drivers come into that fray as well.
      “It was epic last year and if that continues I think there’s going to be some fantastic races next season.
      “The sport has never had so much coverage and so much support – it’s great to see.”
      Verstappen signed a fresh contract last week worth a whopping £37million per year.
      And he begins his attempt to secure back-to-back F1 crowns when the season gets underway at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20. More

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      Ex-F1 champion Damon Hill questions decision to sack Michael Masi after Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen controversy

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      FORMER Formula One world champion Damon Hill ‘feels sorry’ for sacked race director Michael Masi – and is unconvinced he should have lost his job.Masi was handed his P45 last month following his controversial handling of the final race of last season.
      Michael Masi was sacked as F1’s race director in FebruaryCredit: Getty
      Damon Hill believes the decision was harsh and could have been avoidedCredit: Rex
      He failed to follow strict safety car regulations, giving the green light for a last-lap showdown between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
      The Dutchman had been able to pit for fresh soft tyres and close the gap on the seven-time champ to breeze past him and claim the win – and with it his maiden world title.
      The FIA investigated Masi and booted him in place of Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich with the latter expected to act as a deputy with veteran Herbie Blash, who worked with former Race Director Charlie Whiting, returning as a senior advisor.
      But 1996 winner Hill questioned the decision.
      He told the F1 Nation podcast: “Was he necessarily sacrificed?
      “I feel sorry for the guy and we’ve had drivers say so [as well]. They’ve come out and said he did a good job in difficult circumstances.
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      “I personally think that the situation and the structure he was expected to operate in was the problem.
      “I’m not saying it was right what happened [in Abu Dhabi], but we could see clearly during the season that confusion was being thrown into decision making and pressure by some of the team bosses.
      “There was also the pressure of those conversations being broadcast.
      “If they fix all that, then I’m not sure they needed to get rid of Michael [Masi].
      “You can also say because of his role in the matter [of the World Championship title], it would have been controversial to keep him on.
      “But not a happy ending to last year, quite honestly, from lots of different perspectives.”

      Masi’s dismissal was also criticised by Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who told talkSPORT he feels Masi has been treated unfairly.
      Verstappen’s boss Horner said: “It’s a difficult one, and it’s the FIA’s business.
      “I think it is harsh, I think he was in a very difficult position last year.
      “We felt a lot of the decisions went against us last year.
      “When you look at what he has at his disposal in terms of resource, compared to what the teams have, it’s such a massive difference.
      “It’s good to hear they are bringing in things like the VAR equivalent and one of the most experienced guys in Herbie Blash.
      There was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not rightChristian Horner
      “I just think there was so much pressure put on the removal of Michael and that’s not right. That’s my personal feeling.”
      However, Horner’s conversations with Masi’s successor Freitas will not be made public.
      That is because a change in rules has banned broadcasters from playing the radio interactions between teams and F1 personnel during races.
      Verstappen has penned a new £37million-a-year contract with Red Bull.
      And his title defence begins in less than two weeks at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Christian Horner and Max Verstappen were the ones celebrating at the end of the 2021 seasonCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton asks Zendaya for role in Euphoria at Paris Fashion Week as F1 star targets acting breakthrough

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that he asked Euphoria star Zendaya if he could appear in season three of the hit show.The seven-time Formula 1 world champion came to Paris Fashion Week and sat alongside the American actress and singer.
      Hamilton was snapped alongside Zendaya at Paris Fashion WeekCredit: Getty
      The pair watched on in the French capital as they enjoyed the showCredit: Reuters
      Hamilton asked Zendaya about featuring in season three of EuphoriaCredit: AP
      And the Formula 1 legend confirmed after the show that he had asked Zendaya about being in the school-based drama.
      Speaking on Instagram, he said: “Thanks for having me @maisonvalentino and sitting me next to Z, asked her if I could be on season 3, those Euphoria kids need a teacher fr [for real].”
      Hamilton has spoken in the past about his dream of becoming an actor.
      He said last year: “I would love to act one day. But I am very conscientious. I like to learn step by step.
      “I had opportunities and I know that I need time to prepare myself. Because I want to be the best. In everything I do I want to be. To do the best I can.
      “If I’m going to make a movie, I’ll go to class, study, and make sure I express my emotions as I should.”
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      Fans of Hamilton and Euphoria could not believe the 37-year-old’s social media post as they went into a frenzy at the possibility of him appearing in the show.
      Alongside the photo of Hamilton and Zendaya, one person said: “How cool would that be – like really?!?!!”
      Another added: “I wasn’t prepared for this photo 🤩 … wait… Lewis in season 3 💜.”
      And a third said: “Petition to have Lewis in season 3.”
      SEASON RETURNS
      Hamilton is preparing to return to the track for the start of the 2022 F1 season later this month.
      The drivers kick things off with the Bahrain Grand Prix – which takes place on March 20.
      And Hamilton is looking to avenge last season’s dramatic finale when he was controversially pipped to the title by Max Verstappen on the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi.
      Following the contentious end to the 2021 campaign, race director Michael Masi was sacked following a huge amount of scrutiny surrounding his decision-making.
      And Hamilton has called for this season’s stewards to be as objective as possible.
      He said: “We need to make sure we get non-biased stewards.
      “Race drivers, some are very, very good friends with certain individuals, some travel with certain individuals and tend to take more of a keen liking to some of them.
      “I think people who have no bias and are super central when it comes to making decisions.” More

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      Nikita Mazepin slams Haas for sacking him and accuses F1 team of ‘completely ignoring’ FIA’s ruling on Russian racers

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      NIKITA MAZEPIN has slammed Haas for cancelling his contract and accused the Formula One team of ‘completely ignoring’ the FIA’s ruling on Russian racers.Following intense speculation, Haas confirmed today that the driver had been sacked along with title sponsor Uralkali.
      Nikita Mazepin has torn into Haas and accused them of ‘completely ignoring’ the FIA’s ruling on Russian racersCredit: Rex
      Haas announced that they had axed the Russian driver todayCredit: Splash
      It was announced by the FIA earlier this week that the Russian driver would be able to race under a neutral flag this season following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
      He was also banned from driving the British Grand Prix after Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarussian racers from competing.
      Now after his team confirmed that his deal with them has been ripped up, Mazepin tore into his former employers at full throttle.
      The 23-year-old said in a statement: “Dear fans and followers, I am very disappointed to hear that my F1 contract has been terminated.
      “While I understand the difficulties, the ruling from the FIA plus my ongoing willingness to accept the conditions proposed in order to continue were completely ignored, and no process was followed in this unilateral step.
      “To those who have tried to understand, my eternal thanks.
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      “I have treasured my time in F1 and genuinely hope we can all be together again in better times.”
      He finished it off by stating that he would have ‘more to say in the coming days’.
      No confirmation of who will replace him at Haas has yet been announced.
      Nikita Mazepin’s father, billionaire oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
      The 2022 F1 season is due to get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20.
      🔵 Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates More

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      Nikita Mazepin SACKED by F1 team Haas as Russian driver banned from racing under neutral flag after Ukraine war

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      NIKITA MAZEPIN has been sacked by his Formula 1 team Haas.It was announced by the FIA earlier this week that the Russian driver would be able to race under a neutral flag this season following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
      Nikita Mazepin has been axed by F1 team HaasCredit: PA
      Haas have also ended its partnership with Russian potash company UralkaliCredit: Getty
      He has also been banned from driving the British Grand Prix after Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarussian racers from competing.
      Now his team have confirmed that his deal with them has now been ripped up.
      And they have also confirmed that it has ended its partnership with Russian potash company Uralkali.
      A Haas statement read: “Haas F1 team has elected to terminate, with immediate effect, the title partnership of Uralkali, and the driver partnership of Nikita Mazepin.
      “As with the rest of the F1 community, the team is shocked and saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and wishes for a swift and peaceful end to the conflict.”
      Nikita Mazepin’s father, billionaire oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
      .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 Sport.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);}
      This week at an extraordinary meeting led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the World Motor Sport Council agreed that competitors holding Russian and Belarussian racing licences could still race under an “FIA flag”.
      But Motorsport UK has gone one step further by stopping them, including Mazepin, from competing.
      A Motorsport UK statement read: “No Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK.
      “No Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.
      “No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.
      “The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure that there is a unilateral response to the crisis.”
      The 2022 F1 season is due to get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20.

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

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      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff takes another swipe at Masi saying axed F1 race director was ‘turned’ by Red Bull ‘bromance’

      by

      TOTO WOLFF claims controversial F1 race director Michael Masi was ‘turned’ by Red Bull at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.Masi has since been axed from the role following an internal investigation by the FIA into his handling of the race.
      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has once again hit out at former F1 race director Michael MasiCredit: Alamy
      Masi was axed following an investigation into his handling of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in DecemberCredit: Getty
      The Aussie failed to follow safety car rules which set up a one-lap showdown back in December.
      Race leader Lewis Hamilton was a sitting duck on old tyres and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen blasted his way past to take the win and the title.
      Wolff, Hamilton and the Mercedes team were furious and the Austrian is still livid at the outcome of the championship.
      Speaking on a Sky F1 documentary to air their Sunday, Wolff also says that a “bromance” helped Verstappen win.
      Masi made a ‘deal’ with Red Bull’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley over restart grid positions in Saudi Arabia.
      He also changed his mind over Safety Car rules amid Red Bull protests in Abu Dhabi.
      Red Bull driver Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton to the F1 world title in controversial fashionCredit: Getty
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      Wolff describes Masi and Wheatley’s relationship as a “bromance” and says: “Jonathan Wheatley has done his job.
      “He’s turned Michael Masi the race director, not only in Abu Dhabi but before, and probably Max owes him a lot.”
      Masi is understood to be upset at the FIA’s handling of the situation while Wolff says it is not time to move on.
      He added: “I haven’t spoken to him and I don’t want to speak to him ever again. His decisions were wrong and I’m sure that he regrets them.
      “The FIA should have seen much earlier that there was a problem.
      “There was a problem with the structure. There was a problem of personalities.”

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

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      Nikita Mazepin ‘SACKED by Haas’ after Russian F1 driver was banned from racing at the British GP

      by

      NIKITA MAZEPIN has been sacked by his Formula 1 team Haas, according to reports.It was announced by the FIA earlier this week that Russian driver Mazepin would be able to race under a neutral flag this season following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
      Haas have parted ways with Russian driver MazepinCredit: PA
      Fittipaldi looks set to replace Mazepin in the Haas carCredit: Getty
      But he has been banned from driving the British Grand Prix after Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarussian racers from competing.
      And Sky Deutschland are now reporting that Haas have parted ways with Mazepin.
      Pietro Fittipaldi is expected to partner Mick Schumacher at Haas.
      Nikita Mazepin’s father, billionaire oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
      Yesterday at an extraordinary meeting led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the World Motor Sport Council agreed that competitors holding Russian and Belarussian racing licences could still race under an “FIA flag”.
      But Motorsport UK has gone one step further by stopping them, including Mazepin, from competing.
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      A Motorsport UK statement read: “No Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK.
      “No Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.
      “No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.
      “The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure that there is a unilateral response to the crisis.”
      The 2022 F1 season is due to get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20. More

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      Nikita Mazepin ‘SACKED by Haas’ after Russian F1 driver was banned from racing in the British GP

      by

      NIKITA MAZEPIN has reportedly been sacked by his Formula 1 team Haas.It was announced by the FIA earlier this week that Russian driver Mazepin would be able to race under a neutral flag this season following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
      Haas have parted ways with Russian driver MazepinCredit: PA
      Fittipaldi looks set to replace Mazepin in the Haas carCredit: Getty
      But he has been banned from driving the British Grand Prix after Motorsport UK blocked all Russian and Belarussian racers from competing.
      And Sky Deutschland are now reporting that Haas have parted ways with Mazepin.
      Pietro Fittipaldi is expected to partner Mick Schumacher at Haas.
      Nikita Mazepin’s father, billionaire oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, has close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
      Yesterday at an extraordinary meeting led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the World Motor Sport Council agreed that competitors holding Russian and Belarussian racing licences could still race under an “FIA flag”.
      But Motorsport UK has gone one step further by stopping them, including Mazepin, from competing.
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      A Motorsport UK statement read: “No Russian/Belarusian licenced teams are approved to enter motorsport competitions in the UK.
      “No Russian/Belarusian licenced competitors and officials are approved to participate in UK motorsport events.
      “No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (on uniform, equipment and car) to be displayed at Motorsport UK permitted events.
      “The Motorsport UK decision was made in full consultation with the UK Government and national sports governing bodies to ensure that there is a unilateral response to the crisis.”
      The 2022 F1 season is due to get underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20. More