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    F1 marshal forced to QUIT Saudi Arabian GP over sick tweet ‘hoping’ Lewis Hamilton suffered fireball crash like Grosjean

    AN F1 marshal who “hoped” Lewis Hamilton would suffer a fiery crash similar to Romain Grosjean has been forced to quit working at the Saudi Arabian GP.It is a staggering development which will only heighten tensions surrounding this race, which has been plunged into doubt by a missile attack on a nearby fuel depot.
    Lewis Hamilton is in action in Jeddah this weekendCredit: Splash
    Roman Grosjean was involved in a terrifying smash back in 2020Credit: Getty
    Posting on Twitter as @Heem4U, he replied to an image of Hamilton and wrote in Arabic: “I hope he has an accident like Roman (sic) accident in Bahrain.”
    Grosjean suffered a huge smash in 2020 in Bahrain where his Haas caught fire and was lucky to be pulled from the wreckage.
    SunSport flagged the issue to the FIA and the organisers, who say the man “has been removed from his post”.
    Images from the Twitter account showed videos of an AlphaTauri pitstop and a photo of the F1 trophies.
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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 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    In another message in Arabic outlining Hamilton’s desire to help change Saudi Arabia’s human rights, the same account replies: “The Saudi authorities do not respond to dogs.
    “If a person saw him, they would have responded to him.”
    He has since apologised to Hamilton and wrote again in Arabic on Twitter, and announced he was leaving the race.
    He wrote: “I offer my apologies to the Saudi Motorsports and Motorcycle Federation.
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    “And for driver Lewis Hamilton.
    “On my previous tweet, I announced (sic) my withdrawal from the ring [race].”
    This weekend’s event is still set to go ahead, despite yesterday’s terror attack just SIX miles from the Jeddah circuit. More

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    ‘Event is secure’ – Saudi Grand Prix to GO AHEAD despite terror attack just SIX miles from circuit confirm F1

    THE Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead – despite a terror attack just six miles from the circuit.Formula 1 bosses and the FIA released a fresh statement ahead of qualifying to confirm that the race in Jeddah was on despite serious concerns.
    The Saudi Arabian GP will go ahead despite a terror attack just six miles from the trackCredit: Getty
    A raging fire could be seen from the circuitCredit: Splash
    It read: “Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue as scheduled.
    “Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there has been extensive discussion between all stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and security agencies who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is secure.
    “It has been agreed with all stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future.”
    A missile attack occurred six miles from the circuit where the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are competing.
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    Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack on an oil depot which caused a huge fire.
    Formula One chiefs held talks late into last night and have consistently said the race will go ahead.
    Friday’s practice was delayed by 15 minutes after frightened drivers were called into a meeting with Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali regarding the terror attack.
    Black smoke could be seen in the sky near the circuit, as videos on social media showed the Aramco facility nearby engulfed in flames.
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    As a result of the explosion, flights from Jeddah are being held at sea or diverted.
    Such was the magnitude of the explosion, Red Bull star Verstappen asked his team if his car was on fire.
    Unaware of the chaos just miles from the circuit, a panicked Verstappen radioed his team to ask if there was an issue with his Red Bull after smelling smoke.
    The reigning F1 world champion asked: “I can smell burning.. is it my car?”
    To which Red Bull declared the smell and smoke was not due to a fault in their car.
    Defiant Red Bull boss Christian Horner insisted last night: “The sport has to stand together collectively. Any act of terrorism cannot be condoned.
    “The sport shouldn’t be bullied into a situation that isn’t acceptable. There have been assurances from the organisers and we’ll be going racing.”
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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;}’DEVASTATED’ .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;}Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dies aged 50
    Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff added: “We have been assured we are protected here and it’s probably the safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment and we are racing.
    “It was a unanimous decision by the team principals.”
    The fire was visible from the trackCredit: Reuters
    It sent plumes of black smoke into the skyCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix LIVE: Race LATEST updates after nearby explosion as drivers hold emergency talks

    THE F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been rocked by an explosion at the nearby Aramco oil plant.We’ll be bringing you all of the latest developments here – and currently that is the race is going ahead as planned this weekend.
    An F1 statement said: “Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place.
    “The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation.”
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    Max Verstappen reacts
    Max Verstappen issued a statement after an eventful practice day in Saudi Arabia.
    Verstappen, though, didn’t address the attack that took place before the race.
    The Red Bull star tweeted: “A smooth first day here in Jeddah.
    “Still a lot of room to improve though so we keep pushing”

    FP2 Times reminder
    Here’s how the drivers did in the second practice session:
    Charles Leclerc: 1:30.074Max Verstappen: +0.140Carlos Sainz: +0.246Sergio Perez: +0.286Lewis Hamilton: +0.439George Russell: +0.590Lando Norris: +0.661Esteban Ocon: +0.686Valtteri Bottas: +0.758Yuki Tsunoda: +0.812Fernando Alonso: +0.870Pierre Gasly: +0.889Mick Schumacher: +1.095Lance Stroll: +1.298Daniel Ricciardo: +1.453Nico Hulkenberg: +1.541Guanyu Zhou: +1.541Nicholas Latifi: +1.740Alexander Albon: +1.792Kevin Magnussen: +2.270
    GETTY IMAGES
    Ben Sulayem reacts
    FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also said the following:
    “I would say exactly what Stefano said. We had meetings with high-level security, then we had meetings with the team principals, with the drivers, to assure them.
    “Who are they targeting? They are targeting the infrastructure, not the civilians, and, of course, not the track.
    “We’ve checked the facts from them and we’ve got assurances from the highest level that this is a secure place, the whole thing will be secure, and let’s go on racing.
    “For sure, all the families are here, we are all looking forward, but with an assurance that it is safe”
    Stefano Domenicali statement
    Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali issued the following statement after the earlier terror attack:
    “We’ve had a meeting with the drivers and team principals together with the maximum Saudi authorities, with Prince Abdulaziz, the minister of sport, Prince Khalid, and, of course, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, and the governor of Jeddah.
    “We have received total assurance that the country’s safety is first. No matter the situation, safety has to be guaranteed. They are here with their families, actually here at the track, so they have in place the systems to protect this area, the city and the places where we are going.
    “So we feel confident to trust the local authorities in that respect and, therefore, we will go ahead with the event”
    More on attack
    A spokesman claiming to represent the Yemeni Armed Forces took responsibility for the attack before the practice session, along with other incidents in Saudi Arabia.
    He claimed on Twitter the attacks were carried out “With batches of ballistic and winged missiles and the unmanned air force.
    “Targeting Aramco facilities in Jeddah and vital facilities in the capital of the Saudi enemy, Riyadh, with a batch of winged missiles targeting the Ras Tanura Refinery and Rabigh Oil Refinery by a large number of drones”
    Official statement
    A statement from the Saudi Motorsport Company who promote the event said: “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon.
    “The race organisers remain in direct contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the Formula One stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as all drivers, teams and stakeholders.
    “The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment”

    Saudi GP Latest
    Formula One team principals have unanimously agreed that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix should go ahead despite the earlier attack.
    Drivers are currently having a separate meeting
    Verstappen lashes out
    Max Verstappen has slammed Netflix show Drive to Survive for making Lando Norris look “a bit of a d***”.
    Verstappen said: “What I didn’t like, and it’s not even about me, it was about Lando and Daniel [Ricciardo], which I think are two great guys.
    “They’re really nice, first of all. And it made it look like Lando was a bit of a d***, which he isn’t at all.
    “And, again, I know Lando and I think many people know Lando as a funny guy, great guy – he has a great character.
    “And actually when you look at that episode, you really think ‘who is this guy, what the hell is going on?’
    “When you are new to the sport and you’ve never seen a racing car or Formula One car in general, they don’t like him. And why should that be?
    “Because he is a great guy and you just immediately get the wrong picture of a person. And that’s exactly what I think happened to me in the beginning.
    “I’m someone [that] when you ruin it from the start, you don’t fix it. That’s it, you ruined it. So, that’s my stance and that’s how I’ll go forward”
    GETTY IMAGES
    More from Hamilton
    “It’s so different [here compared to Bahrain]… This track is super-fast, and it’s got a different surface that will behave differently with the tyres.
    “A huge amount of work has gone on in the past three days. We’re aware of the problems we have, but in terms of what’s causing it, we’re just working through it, trying to figure that out and how we can rectify it without losing performance – and ultimately gain performance.
    “But three days is such a short time between races, so it’s not a huge difference here this weekend. But hopefully we’ll have some things to try.
    “And from a driver’s perspective, that’s exciting when you… get into the car, just trying something new and hoping it unlocks a bit of performance. But the others are still very strong”
    Lewis Hamilton statement
    Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton has vowed ahead to try and get in the championship battle “as soon as possible”.
    Hamilton said: “I don’t currently feel too stressed. But I want to get in the fight as soon as possible.
    “The last race was an amazing feeling for us, given where we thought we were going to be, to come out with the result that we did.
    “But we can’t rely every weekend on that to happen, so we need to move fast, and move forward as fast as we can”
    GETTY IMAGES
    Formula One statement
    F1 released the following statement about Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix:
    “Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation”
    FP2 Results
    Charles Leclerc was the fastest during the second practice session.
    However, Leclerc hit the wall to damage his Ferrari
    Saudi Grand Prix Reminder
    Formula One officials have informed teams that this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead.
    That is despite the earlier terror attack
    FP2 Times
    Charles Leclerc: 1:30.074Max Verstappen: +0.140Carlos Sainz: +0.246Sergio Perez: +0.286Lewis Hamilton: +0.439George Russell: +0.590Lando Norris: +0.661Esteban Ocon: +0.686Valtteri Bottas: +0.758Yuki Tsunoda: +0.812Fernando Alonso: +0.870Pierre Gasly: +0.889Mick Schumacher: +1.095Lance Stroll: +1.298Daniel Ricciardo: +1.453Nico Hulkenberg: +1.541Guanyu Zhou: +1.541Nicholas Latifi: +1.740Alexander Albon: +1.792Kevin Magnussen: +2.270
    FP2 ENDS
    The second practice session ends.
    Tsunoda has to pull over at the side of the track due to an engine issue
    Saudi GP BREAKING
    F1 have released the following statement:
    “Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation”
    FP2 Live
    The chequered flag is out.
    The second practice session is nearing its end
    FP2 Live
    Just under five minutes to go.
    Sainz’s session is also over this evening, just 12 laps for the Spaniard and 15 for Leclerc .
    Saudi GP BREAKING
    Formula One officials have informed teams that this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead despite today’s attack.
    That means drivers currently practicing need to take note of how they will approach the race on Sunday

    FP2 Live
    Hamilton has greatly improved in the last few minutes as he has made it to fifth.
    The Mercedes star was dealing with issues relating to his seat
    FP2 Live
    Leclerc appears to have broken a part of his suspension.
    The Ferrari ace makes it to the pits after replays show he tapped the wall at Turn 14
    FP2 Live
    Haas ace Magnussen has parked up and left the car.
    The VSC is called up while marshals set about recovering his car
    FP2 Live
    A frustrated Hamilton is now complaining about losing power.
    The British star is down in 14th place whereas Mercedes team-mate Russell is fifth
    FP2 Live
    Verstappen is still leading the second practice session.
    Leclerc is second while Sainz and Perez follow in third and fourth respectively
    FP2 Live
    Cars are now pitting to switch to soft tyres.
    That means there is going to be some pace
    Load more entries… More

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    F1 chiefs confirm Saudi Arabian GP WILL go ahead despite terrorist rocket attack just six miles from track

    F1 CHIEFS insist the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix goes ahead – despite a ROCKET attack just SIX MILES from the Jeddah track.Frightened drivers called an emergency meeting last night after an Aramco fuel depot erupted in flames as it was hit by a Yemeni Armed Forces missile.
    Smoke was visible from the track in Jeddah after the attack
    Smoke was clearly visible from Carlos Sainz’s dashcam during practice
    Team chiefs held talks over security but expect the Saudi GP to take placeCredit: Splash
    But, incredibly, race bosses claim they can “guarantee” the safety of teams, fans and media – despite threats of further missile attacks in the country.
    Defiant Red Bull boss Christian Horner insisted: “The sport has to stand together collectively. Any act of terrorism cannot be condoned.
    “The sport shouldn’t be bullied into a situation that isn’t acceptable. There have been assurances from the organisers and we’ll be going racing.”
    Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff added: “We have been assured we are protected here and it’s probably the safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment and we are racing.
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    “It was a unanimous decision by the team principals.”
    However, a brazen statement from the Saudi Motorsport Company, which promotes the event, said: “We look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.”
    Yesterday’s missile attack sent thick black smoke pouring into the skies midway through the practice session.
    Flights out of the airport that sits next to the site were immediately suspended while incoming planes were diverted.
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    Last night, team bosses were locked in talks over the security risk but the message from the organisers was clear – the race goes ahead as planned.
    A statement from the Saudi Motorsport Company who promote the event said: “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon.
    “The race organisers remain in direct contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the Formula One stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as all drivers, teams and stakeholders.
    “The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.”
    The rebel attack happened around 5:15pm with the black clouds seen in the distance with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claiming to smell the smoke, incorrectly thinking his engine was on fire.
    Race chiefs insist the rocket attack will have ‘no bearing’ on Sunday’s GPCredit: Getty
    Amid growing tensions here in the Gulf, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem organised an emergency meeting with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and circuit promoter Martin Whitaker to discuss the growing situation ahead of second practice.
    Race stewards issued a memo to teams, somewhat worryingly saying “in the interests of the safety”, that the practice would be delayed 15 minutes.
    It came as a spokesperson claiming to represent the Yemeni Armed Forces took responsibility for the attack, along with other incidents in Saudi Arabia.
    He claimed on Twitter the attacks were carried out “With batches of ballistic and winged missiles and the unmanned air force.
    “Targeting Aramco facilities in Jeddah and vital facilities in the capital of the Saudi enemy, Riyadh, with a batch of winged missiles targeting the Ras Tanura Refinery and Rabigh Oil Refinery by a large number of 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;}SAUDI SHOCK .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;}Shocking moment terror attack explosion rocks Saudi Arabian GP near circuit
    In a worrying development, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea had said earlier on Friday in a Twitter post that he would be announcing details on a wide operation “deep” in Saudi Arabia.
    SunSport reported on Monday that the Iran-backed Houthis rebels conducted a similar attack in Jeddah last weekend, along with other strategic targets following Yemen’s on-going Civil War.
    However, race organisers responded to SunSport’s request with a statement saying: “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 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as participating personnel, staff and media.” More

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    Formula 1 champ Max Verstappen slams Netflix documentary Drive To Survive for making Lando Norris look ‘a bit of a d***’

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed Netflix show ‘Drive to Survive’ for making Lando Norris look “a bit of a d***”.The world champion has refused to take part in the show after saying it “faked a few rivalries which they don’t really exist”.
    Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has once again hit out at Netflix docuseries Drive to SurviveCredit: Alamy
    Verstappen has criticised Netflix over their portrayal of McLaren star Lando NorrisCredit: Getty
    F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says he would speak to producers about stoking up non-existent rivalries.
    And Verstappen was again quizzed about the show, which he said was “like ‘Keeping up with the Formula 1 World” – a reference to reality show ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’.
    He said: “I watched a few episodes of the last one and I was surprised, I suddenly found myself talking in it.
    “And it’s probably stuff from like 2018 or something they picked up and used again — about fighting and what I like to do.
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    “But that already is not of course correct. I could hear that my voice was a bit different.
    “And I also realised that a lot of times I was saying stuff and they were around with this beam [boom microphone in the paddock] and they picked up a lot of stuff.
    “So, I’ll have to be a bit more careful with that as well. It’s just not my thing. And then of course they tried to pick moments and fabricate it in a way.”
    He then highlighted an episode which hinted at some bitterness between McLaren duo Norris and his teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
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    Verstappen, who thought his car was on fire during practice for the Saudi Arabia GP, added: “What I didn’t like, and it’s not even about me, it was about Lando and Daniel, which I think are two great guys.
    “They’re really nice, first of all. And it made it look like Lando was a bit of a d***, which he isn’t at all.
    “And, again, I know Lando and I think many people know Lando as a funny guy, great guy – he has a great character.
    “And actually when you look at that episode, you really think ‘who is this guy, what the hell is going on?’
    “When you are new to the sport and you’ve never seen a racing car or Formula One car in general, they don’t like him. And why should that be?

    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    “Because he is a great guy and you just immediately get the wrong picture of a person. And that’s exactly what I think happened to me in the beginning.
    “I’m someone [that] when you ruin it from the start, you don’t fix it. That’s it, you ruined it. So, that’s my stance and that’s how I’ll go forward.” More

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    F1 practice DELAYED as drivers hold emergency talks after terror attack explosive in Jeddah

    PRACTICE was delayed by 15 minutes in Saudi Arabia after drivers were called into a meeting with Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali regarding the terror attack earlier today.An Aramco facility 12 miles away from the Jeddah track was targeted, with smoke from the terrifying explosion visible as drivers took part in FP1.
    Smoke was visible from the track in JeddahCredit: Reuters
    A terrifying explosion occurred 12 miles from the Jeddah trackCredit: AFP
    Amid fears over how this race weekend is to proceed, FP2 was delayed by 15 minutes as drivers and teams spoke with Domenicali over how best to deal with the matter.
    The second practice session of the day had been due to get underway at 5pm UK time.
    Today’s incident came just days after a nearby petroleum depot was attacked.
    Responsibility for the attack was claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels who have been battling the Saudi-backed government.
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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;}F1 FEARS .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;}Dashcam footage shows fumes from terror attack explosion while F1 stars practice
    Fears have been raised that Sunday’s Grand Prix could be cancelled after the series of attacks, however SunSport understands that such action is unlikely.
    After a short delay, FP2 eventually got underway at 5:15pm UK time.
    As a result of the explosion, flights from Jeddah were held at sea or diverted.
    The explosion didn’t go unnoticed by drivers taking part in FP1 earlier this afternoon.
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    World champion Max Verstappen asked his team if his car was on fire after smelling fumes.
    While plumes of smoke were clearly visible from Carlos Sainz’s dashcam.
    FP1 was completed earlier despite obvious concerns surrounding today’s attack, with last week’s Bahrain GP winner Charles Leclerc round quickest.
    His Ferrari team-mate Sainz was fourth fastest, with Verstappen second and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas third.
    British superstar Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, was ninth-quickest around the circuit – having tasted victory in Jeddah back in December.
    Smoke was clearly visible from Carlos Sainz’s dashcam during FP1 More

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    Carlos Sainz’s dashcam footage shows fumes from huge terror attack explosion while F1 stars practice at Saudi Arabian GP

    FUMES from today’s terror attack in Saudi Arabia could be seen from Carlos Sainz’s dashcam as the Spaniard went round for practice today.Drivers took to the track in Jeddah for FP1 ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying for Sunday’s Saudi Grand Prix, which is now in doubt.
    Smoke could be seen in the background as cars went round the Jeddah trackCredit: Reuters
    Stars completed FP1 amid a terrifying a backdropCredit: Reuters
    And in a grab taken by an observant fan on Twitter, plumes of smoke could be seen rising in the distance from Carlos Sainz’s dashcam as he went round.
    The attack occurred 12 miles away, with videos circulating online showing an Aramco facility engulfed in flames.
    F1 chiefs have confirmed that they are monitoring the situation, with Sunday’s race potentially being axed amid safety fears.
    World champion Max Verstappen could smell the fumes, even asking his team if his car was on fire.
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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;}’IS MY CAR ON FIRE?’ .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;}Verstappen smells fumes from blaze 12 miles away in Saudi GP practice
    The Red Bull star said: “I can smell burning.. is it my car?”
    Reports claim that the explosion was caused by a rebel attack.
    Arab News report that Saudi Arabia’s air defence destroyed seven drones and a missile launched by Houthi militia.
    A statement from the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen read: “The hostile attempts by the Houthi militia deliberately target civilian areas, energy installations.
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    Smoke rises high into the sky after the scary attackCredit: AFP
    The attack was reportedly committed by rebelsCredit: AFP
    “The continued attacks by the Houthis threaten both regional and international security.
    “We support the Gulf and international community in achieving successful negotiations with Yemen.”
    Today’s incident follows a further attack last Sunday, when rebels targeted a petroleum depot.
    All flights into Jeddah are being grounded or held in a flight path around the city.
    FP1 was completed despite the obvious concerns surrounding today’s attack, with last week’s Bahrain GP winner Charles Leclerc round quickest.
    His Ferrari team-mate Sainz was fourth fastest, with Verstappen second and Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas third.
    British superstar Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, was ninth-quickest around the circuit – having tasted victory in Jeddah back in December.
    F1 stars including Lewis Hamilton are currently in JeddahCredit: Alamy More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix LIVE: Explosion rocks practice as Verstappen asks ‘is my car on fire’ in ‘fuel depot attack’

    F1 is in Saudi Arabia for another weekend of fast paced desert action.But the practice has been rocked by an explosion at the nearby Aramco oil plant.
    Amid all the talk about Lewis Hamilton’s bid to wrestle the world championship back of Max Verstappen, it was Ferrari who dominated in Bahrain.
    Charles Leclerc took pole with team-mate Carlos Sainz in second.
    Red Bull appeared to have more pace than McLaren but disaster struck towards the end of the race when both Verstappen and Sergio Perez were forced to retire with engine failures.
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    What we know so far
    The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, could be called off following another suspected attack just miles away from the Jeddah circuit.
    The shocking incident comes just days after a petroleum depot was attacked by rebels.
    F1 chiefs will be monitoring the situation, and they could now decide to axe the second race of the season.
    Black smoke has been seen in the sky near the circuit, as videos on social media showed the Aramco facility nearby engulfed in flames.
    The suspected attack has occurred just 12 miles away from the Formula One race track
    Flights are being held
    All flights into Jeddah are either grounded or being held in a flight path around the city.
    Smoke can be seen rising from the nearby Aramco Site

    Black clouds emerge
    A huge explosion has taken place just miles away from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix circuit.
    Huge black clouds are coming from the nearby town after the incident.
    Flights from Jeddah are being held at sea or diverted.
    There are fears the GP will be called off as a result of that incident.

    Breaking – explosion close to the track
    Today’s practice has been rocked by an explosion close to the track with a fuel depot suspected to have been caught on fire.
    We’ll have more updates on this as it unfolds.
    FP1 is done – Leclerc is quickest
    The Ferrari man leaves it late to pop to the top of the timesheets. Verstappen is second-quickest and Bottas is third.
    Early days but interesting to see the two Haas cars at the bottom after their solid runs in Bahrain.
    Hamilton in P9. Russell in 15th.
    Merc still have a lot of work to do.

    Anyway…back on track, Verstappen now tops the timesheets
    The Red Bull man is leading the way from Gasly while Leclerc is now third quickest.
    Hamilton down in seventh. Russell in 14th.
    All flights into Jeddah look to be diverted.
    A quick check on Flightradar24 shows plans being held in formation.
    Mildly distracted here in Jeddah…
    Thick black clouds of smoke are seen in the distance of the race track.
    Remember, I reported last Sunday how a fuel depot was targeted by rebels and set on fire.
    Nothing to suggest anything of the kind just yet, but organisers are investigating.
    Sainz in P15, Leclerc is P13
    Early days yet for the Ferrari duo, who dominated last week in Bahrain.

    Green flag
    We are off again after a short delay to sweep up the mess. Leclerc, Sainz and Russell are the first three cars on track.
    We have 33 minutes remaining here of FP1.
    Hamilton currently in P5
    It is Verstappen, Tusnoda, Gasly, Perez. A Red Bull top four.

    TV replays show it was Norris who clipped the wall
    The McLaren man hit the 50 metre marker, used to indicate where turn one is located.
    Marshals making a bit of a ham-fisted effort to clear up the mess. They seem to be running over it!

    Red flag – debris on track
    The first stoppage of the day in F1. We have had delays in the other series this morning.
    This time there is debris on track, that looks like an advertising board that has been smashed into lost of tiny pieces.
    There is going to be a short delay here while the marshals sweep this lot up.
    Problem for Magnussen
    After his excellent Bahrain GP where he was fifth. He’s off to a bad start in Jeddah as he has a hydraulic leak.
    Suspected radiator change, so he will miss a chunk of this session while the Haas team make the switch.
    Hamilton still has Saudi concerns
    Lewis Hamilton has reiterated that he still has concerns about racing in Saudi Arabia, and has called for change in the country.
    The F1 ace was speaking ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix in Jeddah, and believes drivers are ‘duty bound’ to raise awareness regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
    The Englishman has previously said he was ‘not comfortable’ with racing in the country, and now takes part there just weeks after the Saudi regime executed 81 people in a single day.
    Ahead of the first practice session, Hamilton said: “We don’t decide where we go, and I think we’re duty bound to try and do what we can.
    “It’s not necessarily our responsibility that we’re brought here but we try and do what we can, and I think it’s important that we just try to educate ourselves.
    “Ultimately it’s the responsibility of those in power to really make changes, and we’re not really seeing any. So we need to see more.”

    Problem for Alonso
    Alpine say they found “a suspected sealing issue” with his power-unit after Bahrain. They have taken the precaution of swapping it for a new one from his pool of engines. No penalties triggered yet, but that sounds like one engine down from his allocation of three.
    FP1 is Go in Jeddah
    Plenty of early action here in Saudi Arabia. The track is busy as drivers get used to driving these new cars around this terrifyingly-fast circuit.
    The second race of the season
    Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live Formula1 coverage of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.
    Just five days after the explosive season opener in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and co. are back to race it out at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

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