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    F1 chiefs confirm just THREE sprint races in 2022 with points for top eight – and winning race WON’T be enough for pole

    FORMULA ONE bosses have announced the decision to HALF the number of sprint races in 2022 from six to three. Pleas from F1 teams not to increase the number of sprint races have been successful, with events pencilled in for Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands all scrapped.
    The FIA have announced a number of changes to the format of sprint racesCredit: AP
    Instead just three sprint races will go ahead in 2022, the same number as 2021.
    Feedback from the media and fans, as well as F1 teams themselves, have prompted a change of plan from race chiefs.
    The name has also been officially changed from ‘sprint qualifying’ to just ‘the sprint’.
    And finishing first no longer guarantees the official crown of ‘pole position’, with that honour instead going to the fastest driver in Friday’s qualifying.
    But the result of the Saturday sprint will still determine the order of the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
    Meanwhile, the grid for the sprint races will be decided by the fastest times in Friday’s qualifying.
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    There will also be a point-scoring system for the top-eight sprint finishers, allocated 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 from first to eighth.
    That’s in a bid to encourage a strong performance on Saturdays of race weekends.
    Last year points were only awarded to the top three drivers on a 3-2-1 basis from first to third.
    The British, Italian and Brazilian GP’s were the venues for the sprint races last season.
    Italy and Brazil have retained the honour for 2022, but instead of Silverstone it will be Austria to host the first sprint this year.
    Just finishing first in the sprint won’t be enough for the official title of ‘pole position’, but the winner will be P1 on the grid in Sunday’s raceCredit: AP
    An FIA statement announcing the changes read: “Following a review of the three sprint events that took place in 2021 and a recognition by all that the format created positive benefits for the sport,
    “Three sprint events were proposed for 2022, acknowledging this as a sensible number in light of the pressures already on the teams for this season with the introduction of major changes to the regulations.
    “The Commission unanimously approved the three sprint events for the coming season, incorporating a number of updates to the format based on the feedback of fans, media and teams.”
    Disagreements over the finances involved for the sprint races had led to suggestions that they could be scrapped entirely.
    But the statement added: “Cost Cap adjustments for sprint events will remain unchanged from 2021.”
    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info More

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    F1 chiefs delay publishing report into Michael Masi’s Abu Dhabi GP blunder – but hint he will STAY ON as race director

    FIA bosses have held fire on publishing their report into Michael Masi’s cock-up in Abu Dhabi – but have given a massive hint the Aussie will be spared the axe.Masi failed to obey safety car rules in the season finale, resulting in Max Verstappen passing Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the F1 title.
    Michael Masi is expected to stay on in his role as race directorCredit: Getty
    Masi’s handling of the GP – and other incidents in 2021 – has led to calls for him to be sacked.
    However, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem unveiled his findings at a meeting of the F1 Commission in London on Monday and said that a report would be made in the “coming days” on “structural changes”.
    It is widely believed that against Hamilton and Mercedes’s wishes, Masi will be retained but offered the additional help of a deputy, who will act as a buffer between Masi and the teams.
    An investigation into the Abu Dhabi GP took place with the FIA hearing how Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley seemed to influence Masi’s decision making.
    Wheatley is heard telling Masi: “Those lapped cars — you don’t need to let them go right the way around and catch up with the back of the pack.
    “You only need to let them go and then we’ve got a motor race on our hands.”
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    Masi replies: “Understood.” He then follows the suggestion.
    To add insult to injury for disgruntled Mercedes, after their boss Toto Wolff complained about the result, he said: “Toto, it’s called a motor race, OK?”
    Head of F1 at the FIA Peter Bayer, who is overseeing the inquiry, previously admitted Masi could be replaced by a new race director.
    He said: “Michael did a super job in many ways. We told him that.
    “But also that there is a possibility there could be a new race director.” More

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    Christian Horner and stern looking Toto Wolff come face-to-face for first time since Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy

    MERCEDES CEO Toto Wolff and Red Bull chief Christian Horner are set to come face-to-face today.Wolff and Horner will meet at the annual Formula One Commission in London for the first time since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s controversial ending.
    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff arrived with a stern look on his face for the meetingCredit: Sky Sports
    Christian Horner is set to meet Toto Wolff for the first time since the Abu Dhabi Grand PrixCredit: Sky Sports
    The two team principals arrived at the sport’s HQ in Piccadilly.
    Wolff had a stern look on his face that suggested the season finale still leaves a very sour taste for him and his driver Lewis Hamilton.
    F1 teams will be brought up to speed on the FIA’s investigation into under-fire race director Michael Masi.
    Masi ignored safety car rules resulting in Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen winning the final race of the season and the title.
    The result meant Hamilton was pipped to a record-breaking eighth world drivers’ title on the final lap in the United Arab Emirates.
    One solution is sacking Masi, but there is a growing feeling that he will be saved and offered a deputy to help with the decision-making and act as a buffer between Race Control and the pitwall.
    The FIA will also try to appease teams who questioned their inconsistent decision-making and application of the rules last term.
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    @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-zkaekv{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-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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 IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.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);}
    Mercedes want to see significant changes ahead of the new season.
    And Wolff will be very interested to hear what the sport’s bigwigs have planned ahead of the next campaign.
    Drivers won’t attend but the FIA have previously promised to hold ‘open discussions’ with them.
    Toto Wolff saw Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton losing a controversial Abu Dhabi GPCredit: Getty
    Red Bull Chief Christian Horner will be at the annual Formula One commissionCredit: Getty More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s F1 return officially CONFIRMED as Mercedes quash retirement talk with brilliant tweet

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S return to F1 has been finally been confirmed by Mercedes after months of waiting.The seven-time F1 champion lost last season’s championship in controversial fashion to rival Max Verstappen.
    Hamilton will compete in the upcoming F1 seasonCredit: TWITTER: MERCEDES
    The Brit is chasing a record breaking eighth world titleCredit: PA
    A stunning safety car decision saw Verstappen pip Hamilton to the title on the final lap, a decision which has been widely criticised.
    Hamilton stayed quiet in the past few months, fuelling talk of an early retirement.
    But Mercedes have officially confirmed Hamilton will be RETURNING.
    Merc tweeted: “No44 is back.”
    Hamilton will be searching to win a record breaking eighth F1 title, surpassing legend Michael Schumacher.
    The announcement has sent F1 twitter into a frenzy with one fan saying: “I never thought a picture could make me so emotional.”
    @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-zkaekv{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-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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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    Another quipped: “Forget Valentine’s day. It’s Sir Lewis’ day now!”
    Hamilton will have a new team-mate in George Russell after Valtteri Bottas left for Alfa Romeo.
    But Brit Russell hasn’t given Merc’s new car a glowing report with the season due to get underway in just over a month.
    The former Williams ace told Mercedes’ YouTube channel: “First impressions of W13 have been interesting. 
    “It’s a very different car to the previous era – and the characteristics of how the downforce is completely different so we’re still learning as we are going.”
    He added: “There’s still a huge amount of improvement to be made to bring everything together and make it as nice as possible to drive.
    “I foresee a lot of people being in the same boat.

    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    “We’re just learning so much day after day, whether it be in the winter or in the simulator and I think it’s going to be a year of development.
    “I think everyone wants to go into the first race and have the fastest car possible.
    “But what will be more important is understanding what your limitations are and how you’re going to improve from those limitations to build the best foundation possible.” More

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    Findings of F1 probe into Masi’s controversial Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen call at Abu Dhabi to be revealed today

    FORMULA ONE teams will today be brought up to speed on the FIA’s investigation into under-fire race director Michael Masi.The F1 Commission will hold a meeting at the sport’s HQ in Piccadilly where SunSport understands an update will be given on the probe.
    British F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has been left questioning his future in the support after last season’s controversial championship win for big rival Max VerstappenCredit: PA
    F1 race director Michael Masi is at the centre of a probe looking into the events of last season’s final race in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
    Newly appointed head of F1 Peter Bayer is due to brief team bosses and owners on their findings so far.
    He will outline solutions to ensure there is no repeat of the controversial failure at the Abu Dhabi GP in December.
    Masi ignored safety car rules resulting in Red Bull’s Max Verstappen winning the final race of the season and the F1 title – much to British legend Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team’s frustration.
    The result meant Hamilton was pipped to a record-breaking eighth world drivers’ title on the final lap.
    One solution is firing Masi, but there is a growing feeling that he will be saved and offered a deputy to help with the decision-making and act as a buffer between Race Control and the pitwall.
    The FIA will also try to appease teams who questioned their inconsistent decision-making and application of the rules last season.
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    McLaren boss Andreas Seidl says changes need to be made to the rules to allow the FIA to rectify incorrect decisions.
    He said: “We need to accept that mistakes can happen and you actually raise your hand and admit them.
    “And then you have a mechanism in place in order to correct the consequences that such mistakes or controversies could have.
    “That is as important as trying to avoid similar controversies in the first place.”
    Here is the full line-up for the 2022 Formula 1 season
    Russell slams 2022 Mercedes car days before launch in blow to Lewis Hamilton’s title bid More

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    F1 has become ‘billionaire boys club’ after Lewis Hamilton demanded change, claims Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll

    ASTON MARTIN F1 team owner, Lawrence Stroll, admits the sport has become “the billionaire boys club”.Lewis Hamilton used the term when he said he felt F1 had become overrun by young drivers with rich parents.
    Lawrence Stroll says F1 is an expensive sport dominated by very wealthy racersCredit: The Times
    Lewis Hamilton reckons it would be tough for someone from his background to break into F1Credit: PA
    And the eight-time world champion, 37, believes it would be impossible for him to break into the sport from his background if he tried to do it now.
    Hamilton told Spain news publication AS: “Growing up in a normal working-class family, there is no way I could be here – the guys you are fighting against have that much more money
    “We have to work to change that to make it more accessible, for the rich and for people with more humble origins.”
    The likes of Lance Stroll, the son of the Aston Martin tycoon, Nikita Mazepin, Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher have all come from wealthy families.
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    And Stroll, who is worth around £2.1billion ($3bn), and funded his son’s racing career said: “Racing is definitely expensive, from go-karting on up, there’s no doubt about it.
    “It’s a lot less expensive to play golf or play tennis but F1 it’s an expensive sport, there’s machinery. There’s a lot of people who run the machines.
    “You have to be a very wealthy individual or a very large corporation to be able to afford to be in Formula One.
    “I don’t know what Lewis’s comment was referring to but this is a sport that is very capital intensive.
    “If you look at, for example, building a new building or a new wind tunnel, that’s well over £150million.
    “But Formula One is definitely an expensive sport to be in, there’s no question about that.”
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
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    Stroll completed his takeover of Aston Martin car company last year and then rebranded the former Racing Point F1 team, more commonly remembered as Force India.
    Not only is he building a new factory, but he is upping staff levels from 500 to 800 employees in pursuit of challenging the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes for titles.
    When quizzed how long it will take before they are competitive, he added: “I think it’s four, five or six years.
    “We’re currently in a good place. We share Mercedes’ wind tunnel, but it is not as good as having your own.
    “Facilities wise, we’ve definitely outgrown our current site.
    “We’re putting up a lot of temporary facilities in order to accommodate all these new employees.
    “But as far as plans going forward, like pretty much every other business I own, is to win.
    “In this case, winning and Formula One obviously means world championships. 
    “Ultimately, that’s what we are striving for. That’s what I am striving for.
    Stroll (right) says his team are targeting world championship winsCredit: Rex
    “We all know very well that success in Formula One or any other business for that matter doesn’t come overnight.
    “That takes years to put the right people, the right tools, the right processes in place.
    “But we’re building and investing in our team with the ambition of moving up the grid year by year.
    “And our ultimate ambition is to win world championships.”
    Lewis Hamilton says winning a record-breaking eighth world championship will not determine whether he quits Formula One at the end of the year More

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    F1 ace Mick Schumacher caused more damage to his car than any other driver – racking up staggering £4MILLION repair bill

    MICK SCHUMACHER has been revealed as F1’s crash king after racking up a whopping £4MILLION repair bill last season.The Haas driver caused more damage to his car than any other man on the grid as he failed to score a single point all year.

    Mick Schumacher crashed heavily at the Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: Getty
    He cost his team over £1m in just one race when he crashed heavily on lap 10 of the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
    The race had to be red-flagged as track marshals scraped his VF-21 from the barriers at Turn 23.
    Research on fan site F1maximaal shows Schumacher totting up an extensive shopping list of new parts.
    He needed EIGHT new front wings and NINE new sets of suspension across the 22-race calendar.
    The son of F1 legend Michael joined his team-mate Nikita Mazepin in failing to score a point during the season.
    And it was touch-and-go as to whether the Haas drivers would even be able to compete in the year-end Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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    After Schumacher’s shunt in Saudi Arabia, team boss Guenther Steiner admitted: “We’ve used everything we have left. If we crash in practice before the last race, it’ll be tight.”
    The F1 rookie is seen as a talent on the grid and his struggles have as much to do with a shoddy car as they do with his inexperience.
    Ferrari star Charles Leclerc is second on the crash price list.
    The 24-year-old cost the famed Prancing Horse almost £3.5m in repair bills last season.
    And closing out the top three is champ Max Verstappen.
    @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-zkaekv{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-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun 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);}
    The Red Bull superstar needed over £3.3m in servicing on his way to snatching the world title from Lewis Hamilton.
    The Mercedes superstar doesn’t even feature in the top ten.
    He was only the 13th most expensive driver on the grid with just over £1m in repairs. More

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    F1 chiefs award Bahrain HUGE contract extension with Middle Eastern nation to host Grands Prix until at least 2036

    BAHRAIN’S International Circuit will be on the F1 calendar until at least 2036 after being handed a mammoth FIFTEEN-year contract extension.The venue for the first race of the 2022 season will continue to be a feature on the calendar thanks to a lengthy extension from F1 bosses.
    Lewis Hamilton won the last race at the Bahrain International Circuit in SakhirCredit: AFP
    The track will continue to host F1 races until at least 2036Credit: Getty
    A fifteen-year deal is a mighty reward for the Middle Eastern nation.
    In return chiefs at the Bahrain international circuit have pledged to ensure all energy used at the Grand Prix in March comes from sustainable sources.
    The circuit in Sakhir has hosted at least one race every year since 2004 – other than a one-year gap in 2011.
    And in the Covid-interrupted 2020 campaign it was the venue for two GP’s to help ensure the season could go ahead.
    Pre-season testing for the this year’s championship will take place in Bahrain, as it did twelve months ago.
    Speaking on the announcement, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the circuit, said: “After 18 years of F1 racing, we are proud to have played a part in F1’s rich history and we are now looking forward to continuing to build on that heritage well into the future.
    @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-zkaekv{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-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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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    “The growth and interest in motorsport in Bahrain and the Middle East has significant momentum, with a new generation of fans embracing our great sport and we look forward to continuing that progress.”
    Meanwhile F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali gushed: “Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to welcome Formula 1 and it has a very special place in our sport.
    “And I personally want to thank HRH Prince Salman and his team for their dedication and hard work throughout our partnership and look forward to the many years of racing ahead of us.”
    Lewis Hamilton won the last edition of the Bahrain GP in last year’s season opener – finishing ahead of eventual championship winner Max Verstappen. More