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    Michael Andretti ready to pay F1’s astronomical entry fee to get his own team on grid, confirms ex-world champ dad Mario

    MICHAEL ANDRETTI is ready to pay the required £147million to field his own F1 team ready for the 2024 season.An ‘anti-dilution’ fee of close to £150m will be split up among the ten existing F1 teams to make up for the loss of revenue due to a new kid being on the block.
    Mario Andretti (R) confirmed his son Michael (L) intends to start his own F1 teamCredit: AP
    But that won’t be a problem for the 59-year-old Michael, who came close to taking over Sauber back in October.
    His 81-year-old father, who won the F1 World title in 1978, confirmed Michael intended to press on with his desire to launch his own team.
    Andretti Sr wrote on Twitter: “Michael has applied to the FIA to field a new F1 team starting in 2024. 
    “His entry, Andretti Global, has the resources and checks every box. He is awaiting the FIA’s determination.”
    Andretti was also asked by reporters on his son’s ability to pay the anti-dilution fee.
    As reported by Racer, he said: “Yes, yes. Like I say, we’re going into this thing with our eyes wide open and we know some of the prerequisites.
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    “I don’t think Michael is asking for any special favors, we need to comply with whatever we need to comply to and go on.
    “It’s as simple and as complicated as that, but we know what we are getting into.”
    Michael himself spent time as an F1 driver, racing 13 times for McLaren in the 1993 season.
    According to a report by gpfans, the FIA have responded with a statement following the news regarding Andretti’s intentions.
    It read: “The FIA is not currently in a position to consider or comment on any expressions of interest or applications received from potential new entrant teams in respect to the FIA Formula One world championship.” More

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    Inside F1 champion Max Verstappen’s £12m private jet that Red Bull star bought from Virgin tycoon Richard Branson

    THIS Red Bull driver really does have wings.Max Verstappen, 24, showed he was king of the circuit in December as he controversially claimed the F1 championship in a dramatic final lap battle with Lewis Hamilton.
    Max Verstappen is the proud owner of a £12m Falcon-900EX private jet
    Verstappen currently leads the driver standings by 19 points
    Virgin boss and British business magnate, Richard Branson was the previous ownerCredit: AP
    And motor racing isn’t the only thing Verstappen is flying high in.
    For he is the proud owner of his own private jet, that he splashed the cash on in 2020.
    Max paid around £12million for the Falcon-900EX, that used to have a famous owner.
    It was previously in the hands of Virgin boss and British business magnate, Sir Richard Branson, according to reports.
    Verstappen already leads a life of luxury, and is said to have a £45million fortune.
    He lives in a stunning apartment in Monaco, like most F1 heroes, worth millions.
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    Mad Max also has an incredible car collection, owning various Aston Martins through the years. And he’s awaiting their £2million Valkyrie, which he has on order and is due for delivery next year.
    But in the meantime, he has another toy to play with – and like his team’s drink’s motto, it gives him wings.
    Last year, Verstappen bought himself a Falcon-900EX private jet worth about £12m to travel in style with.
    Better still, you can bet it was very well looked after by its previous owner.
    That’s because it was said to be owned by Virgin Atlantic billionaire Sir Richard Branson.
    Dutch star Verstappen paid around £12m for his own plane
    Inside the cockpit of Verstappen’s stunning plane
    Verstappen pays around £1m-per-year in up-keep of the Falcon-900EX
    Incredibly, the Falcon-900EX costs about £1million-per-year to keep.
    But that won’t dent Verstappen’s bank balance, who is happy to fly in style and sometimes give mates like Daniel Ricciardo a lift to a Grand Prix.
    Made in 2008, it was given a significant upgrade before it was handed over to F1’s youngest ever Grand Prix winner.
    Now powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines, it’s capable of a maximum range of 8,750 kilometres before it requires refuelling, can hit a top speed of 892 km/h, and cruising speed of 850 km/h.
    As for the interiors, it’s just as luxurious.
    Capable of seating up to 12 passengers, two seats can be reclined to make a full-size bed.
    Daniel Ricciardo hitches a ride on Verstappen’s private jet
    A fully equipped bar would allow Verstappen to celebrate victory in style
    The jet boasts a luxury bathroom
    Verstappen is the current F1 World ChampionCredit: Rex
    There’s tables fitted to enjoy a meal and a drink.
    There’s even a bar to celebrate, in case you want to pop open some champagne after victory.
    You can bet Max’s flight home from Mexico last weekend was a fun one. More

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    George Russell has no chance of beating Lewis Hamilton, claims former Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas

    GEORGE RUSSELL has been warned he has NO chance of beating Lewis Hamilton.Russell, 24, is Hamilton’s new team-mate at Mercedes this season after spending three years on loan at Williams.
    Hamilton and Russell are new teammates at MercedesCredit: Daimler AG
    The seven-time champion is ready for the 2022 seasonCredit: Daimler AG
    The racer from King’s Lynn is highly rated by Merc chiefs.
    He came close to winning on his debut for the team when he stood in for Covid-struck Hamilton at the Bahrain GP in 2020.
    But Hamilton’s former team-mate Valtteri Bottas says Britain’s seven-time world champion is simply unbeatable in the same car.
    Bottas — who will now drive for Alfa Romeo after five years with Mercedes — told SunSport: “I don’t see anyone else beating Lewis in the near future in the same machinery.
    “George will adjust well because he has been with Mercedes for some years.
    “But beating Lewis is not easy. I have experienced that. It is his consistency in his performances.
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    “Every driver has form that is a little bit up and down, but his baseline for performance is just so high.
    “Even when he has a bad day it is not too bad. It is his consistency over the season.
    “Another of his key strengths is his ability to adapt to different conditions, the skill to react to changes, be it set-up or whatever.
    “This and his race-craft. His tyre management is a special skill and all these things are combined with talent.
    “And he puts in the work, which not many people see, so he is hard to beat.
    “I can be proud that on my day, I’ve been able to beat him. But not consistently enough to beat him over a season.”
    Bottas’ departure from Mercedes came against the backdrop of the controversy in Abu Dhabi, when Hamilton was robbed of another championship after the race director broke the rules.
    The Finn was treated to a guard of honour when he left the team’s Brackley HQ for the final time.
    Bottas doesn’t see ‘anyone else beating’ Hamilton, including RussellCredit: PA
    Bottas, with wife Tiffany Cromwell, now races with Alfa RomeoCredit: Getty
    He left on good terms once he knew Merc were lining up Russell as his replacement — then managed to secure himself a multi-year deal at Alfa Romeo.
    Bottas, 32 — once dubbed as the perfect “wingman” to Hamilton, 37, by boss Toto Wolff — is now relishing his role as his new team’s No 1 driver, alongside rookie Guanyu Zhou, 22.
    Bottas added: “When I joined Mercedes, it was difficult for me to take the lead because of Lewis being there.
    “With him being in the team, it was always difficult for me to take that lead role.
    “So now it is different and a fresh start for me — and having that lead role is a good feeling.
    “A part of me is always going to miss working at Mercedes. Now I have started looking back at my time there, I have tried to take all the positive moments we had.
    “There were great moments and I enjoyed working with Lewis and Toto, but I am also really excited for my new chapter.
    “I’m sure with the experience I have with Williams and after five years at Mercedes, I  will be able to help the team move forward.
    “I feel really comfortable with my role. Yes, there is a responsibility and I have commitments to the team, but it is exciting.”

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    Lewis Hamilton demands reaction from social media companies after Latifi gets death threats over role in Verstappen win

    LEWIS HAMILTON wants social media companies to do more to stop online abuse after fellow F1 driver Nicholas Latifi received death threats following the Abu Dhabi GP.Latifi crashed his Williams in the final few laps of the season finale with Hamilton leading and coasting to victory.
    Hamilton wants to ‘apply pressure’ on social media companies to do something about online hateCredit: Reuters
    Latifi hired bodyguards for a trip to London after online abuseCredit: Reuters
    However, the Canadian’s smash and resulting safety car period was the catalyst for FIA Race Director Michael Masi to manipulate the rules.
    The result was Max Verstappen was allowed a clear shot at Hamilton and passed the Brit on his way to glory – sparking a controversial end to the season.
    Despite being blameless, Latifi still received death threats and Hamilton, who receives his own abuse online, says that should not be tolerated.
    He said: “Ultimately, I don’t think there’s been a huge change or shift, or enough work that’s been done by these social platforms.
    “We still have to apply pressure for them to make changes. Mental health is a real thing and through these social platforms, people are experiencing abuse.
    “No one deserves that and that should never be tolerated.
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    “They [social media companies] are able to change these things and make changes, but they don’t seem to do it quick enough. I think we just need to continue to apply pressure.”
    Latifi was so affected he hired bodyguards for a sightseeing trip to London with his girlfriend.
    Hamilton added: “I was in touch with Nicholas, he has my full support and I know how difficult it can be in those situations.
    “It’s important for him to know he has support from people around him.”
    Latifi’s crash in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix led to the controversial endingCredit: Getty
    Here is the full line-up for the 2022 Formula 1 season

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

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    ‘The car makes the result’ – Lewis Hamilton would finish LAST in F1 in a Haas or Williams, claims Gasly

    LEWIS HAMILTON would finish last if he drove for Williams or Haas, claims F1 rival Pierre Gasly.The Scuderia AlphaTauri driver suggested Hamilton’s talent would not be enough to make him competitive if he was part of a poorer team.
    Much of Lewis Hamilton’s success depends on the expertise of Mercedes, claims Pierre GaslyCredit: PA
    Gasly claimed Hamilton would finish last if he drove for Williams or HaasCredit: Getty
    Hamilton has won five of the last seven championships and only missed out in 2021 due to Michael Masi breaking safety car rules, for which the race director was sacked.
    But Gasly feels Mercedes give the Brit a huge advantage and if not for their expertise he would struggle.
    Gasly said on Mashup: “Unfortunately in our sport, the car makes the majority of the result.
    “Even if Lewis is the best driver in F1 history, today, in a Williams or a Haas, he would finish last.”
    Hamilton is set to return to the grid in a bid to reclaim his world champion status this year after months of speculation he could retire.
    This week Mercedes confirmed Hamilton will be returning despite his agonising defeat in Abu Dhabi.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET KHAN AT HUGE 40/1 OR BROOK AT 30/1 FOR BOXING SHOWDOWN
    And he will be joined by new team-mate George Russell, who will put Gasly’s theory to the test.
    The Brit previously raced for Williams and has finished 20th, 18th and 15th in his last three years.
    So if Russell battles at the top of the standings this year he will support Gasly’s assertion that the car plays a huge role in determining success. More

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    ‘Never give up on your goal’ – Lewis Hamilton hands out brilliant advice to young racing stars as F1 return confirmed

    LEWIS HAMILTON has passed on invaluable advice to Mercedes’ stars of the future.The seven-time world champion fielded questions from junior drivers as the Silver Arrows unveiled their new W13 car at Silverstone on Friday.
    Lewis Hamilton took questions from junior driversCredit: YouTube: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
    Alex Powell quizzed the seven-time champCredit: Twitter @F1
    Hamilton, 37, was asked by 14-year-old Alex Powell about how to inspire budding karters in other parts of the world.
    Powell said: “I come from the Caribbean and that’s where I started my go-karting career.
    “In my limited capacity I try to encourage other karters from the Caribbean to achieve whatever their goal is.
    “But with your experience as a seven-time world champion, what advice would you give to them?”
    Hamilton replied: “I think firstly, I commend you on that, and I think it’s really just about believing in yourself.
    “If you have a goal, if you have an ambition, it’s never losing sight of that and staying focused.
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET KHAN AT HUGE 40/1 OR BROOK AT 30/1 FOR BOXING SHOWDOWN
    “Each and every one of you has a unique ability and I can see already the drive in all of your eye, which really connects us because we’ve all had that since very young.
    “And I think really just, as I said, just never give up on your dream, never give up on your goal.
    “It takes hard work and dedication so, you know, focus and give it absolutely everything.
    “And naturally, I think the most important thing is education. Make sure you work hard at school – because that is the foundation to enable us to do what we do in the cars we have today.”
    I never, ever said that I was going to stopLewis Hamilton
    Hamilton also lifted the lid on retirement rumours that surrounded him during the off-season.
    The Brit said: “I never, ever said that I was going to stop. I love doing what I do, and it is such a privilege working with this large group of people.
    “You really feel like you’re part of a team and part of a family, working towards that common goal. There’s no feeling quite like it.
    “But yeah… it was obviously a difficult time for me, and it was a time where I really needed to take a step back and focus on being present. I had my family all around me, and creating great moments.
    “And I eventually got to a point where I decided I was going to be attacking coming into another season, and working with Toto [Wolff] and George [Russell].
    “It’s exciting seeing George come in and bringing his energy. I can already feel that throughout the team. I think it’s going to be an exciting season.”
    Hamilton, 37, is gearing up for the new season alongside George RussellCredit: PA More

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    ‘I considered retiring many times’ – Hamilton confesses he lost faith in F1 and nearly quit after Abu Dhabi controversy

    LEWIS HAMILTON says he lost his faith in F1 and contemplated quitting after the controversial end to last season.The Brit, 37, was robbed of what would have been a remarkable comeback to take the title in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
    Lewis Hamilton admits he considered retiring from F1 after his title defeat to Max VerstappenCredit: Reuters
    Hamilton was controversially overtaken by Verstappen on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi GPCredit: Getty
    Hamilton was leading the Abu Dhabi GP when the safety car was deployed in the final laps of the race.
    FIA Race Director Michael Masi fudged the rules to set-up a single lap showdown, promoting Verstappen to just behind the Brit, who himself was on old tyres.
    Hamilton was a sitting duck and passed by the Dutchman, who won the race and the title – plunging the sport into controversy.
    It sparked talk about Hamilton – F1’s greatest-ever driver and still level with Michael Schumacher on seven world title – turning his back on the sport forever.
    His Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feared his driver would not return, claiming in December he’d been left “disillusioned” by the result.
    At the dawn of a new season, however, and indeed a new era of F1 given the substantial new aerodynamic rules, Hamilton played down talk of retirement – or did he?
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.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);}LATEST OFFERS.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);}
    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    Speaking at Silverstone as he helped launch the W13, Hamilton initially said: “I never said I was considering retirement.”
    That much is true, he never “said” anything in the post-race debacle as he made his own silent protest on social media and snubbing the FIA gala.
    But what has become clear now is that after losing his title, he certainly contemplated turning his back on the sport.
    He said: “It was obviously a difficult time for me to be honest. I just unplugged. I switched off.
    “I think that firstly, one side of it is I deserve to be able to switch off at the end of the year anyway.
    “I had my family around me, which was a rare occasion for us all to be together, and I just focused on being present with them.
    I’ve considered retiring so many timesLewis Hamilton
    “Obviously it took time to digest what had happened, which is still difficult to fully understand everything.
    “But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so I put my focus into training, getting healthy and enjoying the time off.”
    When pressed on the retirement talk, he added: “I’ve considered retiring so many times.
    “At the end of a season, you think and question whether you are willing to commit the time and the effort that it takes to be a world champion.
    “I think a lot of people underestimate what it takes to be a world champion. And there are so many moving parts. It’s not just turning up and driving the car.
    “The question is, do you want to sacrifice the time? Do you believe that you can continue to punch at the weight that you’re punching?
    “So that’s a normal kind of mental process for me but of course, this one was compounded by a significant factor.

    “It is a sport I have loved my whole life and there was a moment where I lost a little bit of faith within the system.
    “I am generally a very determined person and I like to think to myself whilst moments like this might define careers, I refuse to let this define mine.
    “And so I’m focused on being the best I can be and coming back stronger.”
    Hamilton has refused to watch the race back and he does not remember what he said in the exchange with Verstappen immediately after the race.
    He says Masi’s controversial and incorrect actions will never change the way he feels.
    THOUGHTS WON’T CHANGE
    Masi has since been axed from his role – replaced by a combination of Eduardo Freitas and Neils Wittich – while the FIA will also introduce a video referee, similar to VAR in football, changes welcomed by Hamilton.
    He added: “Whilst we can’t change the past, and nothing will ever really be able to change the way and how I felt at the time and how I feel about the situation, it’s good to see that the FIA are taking steps to make improvements.
    “I think accountability is key. And we have to use this moment to make sure that this never happens to anybody else in the sport ever again.
    “Everything that’s been said by the FIA, I welcome that but we have to make sure that we keep a close eye and make sure that we actually are seeing those changes. And rules are applied fairly and accurately, consistently.”
    However, when asked if the FIA’s changes would restore his trust, Hamilton said: “I probably put faith and trust alongside each other.
    “And so trust obviously can be lost in the blink of an eye or a flick of a finger.
    “To earn trust is something that’s built over a long, long period of time. So the FIA announcement is perhaps the first step of that.
    “But that doesn’t necessarily change everything just yet. We have to see actual action. And I think it will take a bit of time.” More

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    F1 star George Russell’s amazing lifestyle, driving a £140k car and enjoying Caribbean holidays with stunning girlfriend

    THIS season, rising British F1 racer George Russell will be driving for Mercedes.The 24-year-old has teamed up with Lewis Hamilton, and could pose a serious threat for the World Championship.
    George Russell has joined Mercedes this season and will be Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mateCredit: PA
    F1 ace George Russell already boasts a glam lifestyleCredit: Daimler AG
    Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, will be the seven-time F1 champ’s team-mate this season at Mercedes
    The move to the reigning F1 constructors champions has seen Russell’s £1million Williams salary bumped up to £5MILLION.
    That will help the talented Brit continue to fund his enviable lifestyle… even though he’s still some way short of new team-mate Hamilton’s mega £40m pay-grade.
    Russell currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, but he has plans to join many F1 colleagues in millionaires’ playground Monaco.
    Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a £140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT.
    He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
    Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
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    KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
    Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
    The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
    He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
    But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
    By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
    Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
    In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
    A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.

    As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
    He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
    They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
    Most recently, Russell has been seen with stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
    Back in February, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
    While in August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
    Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
    Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
    In February last year, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BarthsCredit: Splash
    Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
    COMPANY CAR
    Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
    On top of his current swanky Mercedes AMG GT, he has always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
    He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of £80,000.
    Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to over two million followers.
    About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
    Russell shows off his prized possession – a £140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    The AMG C 63 costs around £80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
    One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
    In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
    Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
    Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
    During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
    While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
    He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
    Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    HEALTHY LIVING
    Crucial to Russell’s is his diet plan.
    Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
    From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
    Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
    Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
    LOVES SPORT
    Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
    When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
    During the Euros, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
    While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
    Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Football fan Russell cheered on England during the EurosCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Joining Mercedes will earn Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
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    And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
    This year, it will be Russell who will be hopeful of more fans cheering him in a Mercedes car.
    He might just give them something to shout about, should he pip Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to the title.
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