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      Lewis Hamilton could have been TEAM-MATES with F1 rival Max Verstappen as Mercedes nearly pinched him from Red Bull

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      WARRING Formula One  drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton could have been team-mates.Red Bull chief Christian Horner revealed exactly how he pinched Verstappen from under the noses of Hamilton’s Mercedes team.
      Hamilton and Verstappen COULD have been team-mates at MercedesCredit: REUTERS
      Verstappen, 24, pipped Hamilton to the world title in last Sunday’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      But Mercedes missed out on signing the Dutchman SEVEN years ago — even though they wanted him.
      Horner knew the Dutch whizkid was destined for greatness after watching him drive a practice session in Japan —  arguably one of the toughest tracks to master — in 2014.
      After getting permission to drive in the session by the FIA, the 17-year-old Verstappen was so quick, it had Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost squirming.
      Horner said: “There was a desire from Mercedes to sign Max in Formula Three in 2014.
      “I had dinner with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko that evening and the only opportunity we had was to offer him a seat in Toro Rosso. He asked me what I thought and I said if he’s good enough, go for it.
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      “That was the advantage we had over Mercedes — they didn’t have a car they could put him in. That offer was made to give him a seat for the following season.
      “Niki Lauda was pushing like hell for him at the time to join Mercedes. So, anyway, he got in the Toro Rosso in Suzuka and was told to take it easy.
      “He was just 17 and five days old — and Suzuka is not for the faint-hearted.
      “Lap two he was flat through 130R and Franz was panicking a bit and told him to slow down.
      “We thought from that moment that this kid has real ability and his racing in Toro Rosso that year we saw he had balls.”
      Horner also recalls Verstappen’s Red Bull debut after promotion from Toro Rosso in mid-season.
      He sealed his debut drive with a stunning victory in the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016.
      Horner said: “We put him in the Red Bull car. Daniil Kvyat was having a tough year so we got him in Barcelona.
      “Despite having no testing prior to getting in the car, he was quicker in every session up until Q3 when Daniel Ricciardo pipped him right at the end.
      “We put Daniel on what we thought was the preferable strategy but Max made the two-stop work and won the race on his debut in a car he had never sat in.”
      After clinching the title in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen declared his intention to remain with the team for the rest of his career.
      He already has a long-term deal and Horner says he senses Verstappen will get even better now he has his first title.

      He said: “We have seen him grow.  He joined us as a boy and he has grown as a man. He has finished first and second in every race this year, bar the ones he didn’t finish and one ninth place.
      “He’s been outstanding. He has won more races, led more laps, and got the most poles. And let’s face it, since the summer break it has not been the fastest car.
      “We are at the start of what could be a really exciting journey.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton takes social media break with no posts since controversial F1 world title loss to Max Verstappen

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has taken a break from social media since he was controversially beaten to the F1 World Championship by Max Verstappen last Sunday.The seven-time champion led for the majority of the race, driving brilliantly but being ‘robbed’ of victory by under-fire FIA race director Michael Masi’s much-disputed decision making.
      Lewis Hamilton has kept a low profile since the Abu Dhabi GP controversyCredit: Alamy
      Mercedes initially appealed against the result, before withdrawing upon agreement by the FIA to work together in order to make improvements that ensure there is no repeat of the cock-up that cost Merc the title.
      Hamilton, 36, was knighted on Wednesday, with his proud mother watching on as he received the honour from Prince Charles.
      He has otherwise kept a low profile, however, amid rumours that he could retire.
      The British hero, 36, hasn’t posted since updating fans on how he did in qualifying last weekend.
      He wrote at the time: “P2 on the front row tomorrow, not bad since I prefer the battle. We’re looking strong and feeling focused — we’ve got to dig deeper than ever before. LET’S GO ‼️‼️”
      Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted Hamilton could retire before next season.
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      He said: “I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time.
      “As a racer his heart will say I need to continue because he’s at the peak of his game.
      “But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday. He is a man with clear values.”
      Hamilton currently finds himself in hot water with the FIA, after he skipped their lavish gala during which Verstappen was handed his trophy.
      Wolff was also absent, with outgoing driver Valtteri Bottas representing Mercedes.
      During the awards gala, Verstappen claimed that Hamilton has ‘no reason’ to retire.
      The Dutchman, 24, said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
      “You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
      “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
      “He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
      Lewis Hamilton was joined by his proud mum as he was knighted this weekCredit: Paul Edwards More

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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton facing punishment for boycotting Max Verstappen’s F1 trophy gala as FIA boss warns of ‘no forgiveness’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could be punished by new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for skipping their prize giving gala – warning the Brit there would be “no forgiveness”.Hamilton shunned the event in Paris on Thursday night along with Merc boss Toto Wolff.
      Hamilton did not attend the gala on Thursday eveningCredit: Splash
      Verstappen celebrated his first F1 world championship at the galaCredit: Getty
      The two did so in the wake of the controversial outcome of the Abu Dhabi GP where Max Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the title.
      SunSport reported on Thursday that the FIA could punish Hamilton as a failure to attend was a breach of Article 6.6 of F1’s Sporting Regulations.
      Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt as FIA President, said: “First of all, as a driver, I feel emotional but at the end of the day rules are rules.
      “So we are going to look into the side where the technical rules are there to be employed.
      “Was he in breach? I have to look into it. We have to be following our rules, but in the meanwhile it doesn’t stop us from making a champion feel good about the sport.
      “It’s easy to be nice to people, it’s cheap to be nice, and also to motivate people, but if there is any breach there is no forgiveness in this.”
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      Hamilton could be hit with a fine or even a reprimand, that would take his tally to three, triggering a 10-place grid penalty in the season-opener in Bahrain.
      Meanwhile, Ben Sulayem says he would not “jump” into a decision on under-fire race director Michael Masi, who made the controversial call in Abu Dhabi.
      He added: “I’ll look into every single matter that can improve the FIA or if there’s an issue about it, but I definitely wouldn’t do just jump into conclusions or decisions without going back to my team.”
      Fans and pundits have agreed that Hamilton was cruelly denied the world title, with supporters voicing their opinion in Paris.
      Parked outside the awards presentation was a van with an interactive message that read: “WeStandWithLewis.”
      The message comes after Wolff declared that Hamilton could sensationally quit F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by the sport following Verstappen’s triumph.
      But speaking during the FIA Prize-Giving gala in Paris, Verstappen insisted his rival has no reason to walk away.
      He said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
      “You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
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      “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
      “He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.” More

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      Inside Bernie Ecclestone’s family, including baby Ace, eldest daughter Deborah, 66, and seven grandchildren

      by

      LAST year, Bernie Ecclestone became a father for the fourth time at the grand old age of 89.The ex-Formula 1 boss and his third wife Fabiana, 44, welcomed baby Ace into their extravagant world.
      Bernie Ecclestone became a father in 2020 at the age of 89Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The new arrival makes for a remarkable family tree – starting with Bernie at the top, his children and then his grandchildren.
      SunSport breaks it down for you, in full.
      BERNIE ECCLESTONE, 91
      The patriarch of the family, Bernie was born in Suffolk in 1930.
      Worth £2.5billion, Ecclestone had been associated with F1 since the 1950s – during the 1958 season he entered two Grand Prix races, but failed to qualify for either.
      In 1972 he became a team-owner, acquiring Brabham, which he ran for 15 years.
      Two years later, Ecclestone formed the Formula One Constructors Association, emerging as chief executive in 1978.
      In 2017, Bernie was removed from his position after the Formula One Group was taken over by Liberty Media.
      Not bad for the son of a fisherman, who left Dartford West Central Secondary School at 16 and first worked as an assistant in a chemical laboratory testing gas purity.
      Ecclestone shares a thought with Lewis HamiltonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Niki Lauda, right, drove for Ecclestone’s Brabham racing teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      IVY BAMFORD, FIRST WIVE
      Not much is known about Bernie’s early years, when he ran motorcycle shops and car dealerships.
      His first wife, a local girl called Ivy, was believed to be two years older than the businessman when they married in 1952.
      They welcomed daughter Deborah three years later, but the marriage fell to pieces and they drifted apart.
      It’s unknown if Ivy, who would be 91 today, is alive.
      SLAVICA RADIC, WIFE NO2
      Bernie married the 6ft 2in former Armani model Slavica in 1985, three years after they met at a promotional event at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
      Despite the height difference (Slavica stands a foot taller than Bernie), a language barrier, and an age gap of 28 years they remained married for 23 years.
      In 2009, she topped the Sunday Times’ Rich List in the “richest divorcees” category – getting a reported £740million settlement.
      They have two daughters, Tamara and Petra.
      Wife No2 Slavica Radic stands 6ft 2in tallCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Radic, the mother of Petra and Tamara Ecclestone, was a former Armani modelCredit: Getty Images
      In a divorce settlement Radic received a reported £740million payoutCredit: GC Images – Getty
      FABIANA FLOSI, WIFE NO3
      Not much is known about the 44-year-old Brazilian.
      But Bernie met Fabiana in 2009 at the World Motor Sport Council, marrying three years later in a private ceremony at their £23million Swiss chalet in Gstaad.
      She helps run his coffee plantation in Brazil, where their brand Celebrity Coffee is produced.
      In 2016, her mum Aparecida Schunk was kidnapped and a ransom of £28million was demanded.
      Nine days later, she was found safe.
      In 2020, they welcomed their first son together, baby Ace.
      It has been reported she is line for a big role in F1 next season now that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been elected FIA president.
      Bernie Ecclestone met Fabiana in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      44-year-old Fabiana hails from BrazilCredit: fabianaecclestone/Instagram
      Fabiana helps Bernie run his coffee plantation in South AmericaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DEBORAH, ELDEST DAUGHTER, 66
      Deborah has preferred to stay out of the limelight, despite her famous family connection.
      The only child from Bernie’s first marriage, she is said to have followed her dad into business.
      It is believed she has two children of her own.
      However, their names and ages are unknown.
      TAMARA, 37
      Bernie’s first child with Slavica, Tamara has dabbled with modelling, presenting and reality TV.
      For the 2009 F1 season, she presented motorsport coverage for Sky Sports Italia.
      In 2011 she starred in Tamara Ecclestone: Billion $$$ Girl on Channel 5 and then in ITVBe’s Tamara’s World in 2017.
      In-between, the brunette beauty appeared nude in Playboy magazine.
      Brunette beauty Tamara once appeared in Playboy magazineCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bernie and Tamara share a tight bond
      Tamara Ecclestone lives with her family in a £70m West London homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      She has one daughter, Sophia, 6, from her seven year marriage to Jay Rutland.
      They live in a lavish £70million mansion, a stones throw from Kensington Palace.PETRA, 32
      Arguably the more famous of Bernie’s socialite daughters with Slavica, Petra is now based in Los Angeles.
      At 19, she launched menswear label FORM, which was sold in Harrods.
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      Her personal life was splashed across the front pages after an acrimonious £5.5billion divorce row with ex-husband James Stunt, who she split with in 2017.
      She was granted sole custody of their three children, Lavinia, 7, and twins James and Andrew, both 5.
      And last May, Petra gave birth to a baby girl with fiancé Sam Palmer, but has remained tight-lipped on her name, which gives Bernie seven grandchildren ALL younger than his latest child.
      Petra Ecclestone is now based in Los AngelesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Petra had an acrimonious divorce from James Stunt in 2017Credit: twitter/Petra Stunt
      Petra has four children, giving Bernie seven grandchildren in totalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      I want to be a dad again at 90 and I don’t need Viagra, says ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone More

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      Lewis Hamilton told he ‘doesn’t have any reason to retire’ by rival Max Verstappen as Dutchman collects F1 world title

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN has insisted now is not the time for F1 rival Lewis Hamilton to throw in the towel.The Red Bull man was finally crowned world champion at a glitzy gala in Paris on Thursday night.
      Nax Vertsappen attended the Paris gala with girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton chose not to go – despite FIA rules saying he had toCredit: Reuters
      His title came in controversial circumstances after a shock safety car decision gifted him victory over Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Afterwards the veteran Mercedes racer admitted he was unsure if he would continue – a stance later backed up by Merc boss Toto Wolff.
      But Verstappen said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
      “You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
      “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
      “He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
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      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Furious Mercedes bosses saw protests over the Abu Dhabi result rejected at the circuit on the day.
      But they opted not to appeal to the FIA court after agreeing to work with motorsport bosses to clarify rules for the future.
      The newly-knighted Hamilton snubbed the champion’s ceremony in the French capital on Thursday.
      His decision not to attend could see him slapped with a fine under FIA rules, which say the runner-up should be there too.
      Mercedes boss Wolff says Lewis Hamilton could quit F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by Max Verstappen’s title win More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘Many who are knighted don’t deserve it’ – Sir Lewis Hamilton’s gong blasted by ex-F1 chief Ecclestone

      by

      BERNIE ECCLESTONE has claimed Sir Lewis Hamilton did not deserve his knighthood. The British race legend was honoured by the Prince of Wales at a Windsor Castle investiture ceremony on Wednesday.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton is made a Knight Bachelor by the Prince of Wales at Windsor CastleCredit: PA
      He received the knighthood in recognition of his dazzling motorsport career, just days after his controversial Formula One title loss.
      But Ecclestone, the former F1 chief executive, hinted Hamilton did not do ‘anything specific for the country’ to earn the honour.
      He told told German broadcaster n-tv: “Only people who have really done something for the country should be knighted.
      “I don’t think many people who are knighted now really deserve it.
      “They all make a lot of money and donate some to charity but they haven’t done anything specific for the country.”
      Hamilton is the fourth F1 driver to be knighted, following Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart.
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      But the seven-time champion became the first to be awarded the honour while still actively competing.
      Hamilton, 36, was recognised in the New Year Honours list having beaten Michael Schumacher’s all-time victory tally and matching the German’s world titles.
      But he dramatically failed to surpass Schumacher to an eighth after losing out to bitter rival Max Verstappen.
      Verstappen, 24, won his first world crown on the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi.
      Hamilton’s team were furious that FIA race director Michael Masi fudged the rules to create a single lap showdown in the winner-takes-all-contest.
      Only people who have really done something for the country should be knighted. Bernie Ecclestone on Lewis Hamilton’s knighthood
      The Brit was a sitting duck on old tyres as Verstappen screamed past following a safety car period where Masi allowed five cars to get out of the way.
      Both Hamilton and Mercedes felt the result was manipulated resulting in Verstappen winning the title in front of a huge TV audience.
      But Ecclestone was critical of the furious reaction Merc chief Toto Wolff displayed.
      He said: “Other team members were probably angry too. But he was the only one to show it.
      “If Mercedes don’t win the championship retrospectively, he should at least get an Oscar for acting.”
      Mercedes have now withdrawn their appeal against the outcome of the race after ‘constructive dialogue’ with governing body FIA.
      Bernie Ecclestone during the Azerbaijan GP at Baku City in 2019Credit: Rex Features More

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      Geri Horner and Max Verstappen’s Wag Kelly Piquet stun on red carpet at glitzy FIA awards after Red Bull’s F1 triumph

      by

      STARS of Formula 1 got together at the glitzy FIA awards as Max Verstappen received his World Championship trophy.The event was avoided by Mercedes’ Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton after they were ‘robbed’ of the title on Sunday.
      Kelly Piquet stunned alongside boyfriend Max VerstappenCredit: Rex
      Geri Horner beamed alongside Red Bull hubby ChristianCredit: AFP
      Geri and Kelly pose for a picture togetherCredit: Rex
      But many of the great and good of the F1 world did make it to the Paris bash, with Red Bull’s Verstappen and Christian Horner still riding the wave of Sunday’s fortunate win.
      And they were joined on the blue carpet by their other halves Geri Horner and Kelly Piquet.
      Former Spice Girl Geri, 49, hailed Red Bull’s success in a much-panned Sky Sports interview in Abu Dhabi.
      And she looked just as delighted as she beamed in a white gown at last night’s Paris bash.
      Victorious Verstappen, 24, swapped his usual race gear for a tux and bow-tie as he walked the blue carpet alongside girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
      And Kelly, 33, stole the show in a stunning black frock.
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      The pair have dated since October 2020, after Kelly split from former Red Bull ace Daniil Kvyat, having had a daughter with the Russian in 2019.
      While Wolff and Hamilton were no-shows, Mercedes were represented at the FIA party.
      Outgoing Valtteri Bottas was in attendance as he prepares to bid farewell to Merc and join Alfa Romeo next season.
      The Finn was joined by Australian cyclist girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell.
      Bottas will be replaced at Mercedes next season by Williams’ George Russell.
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      Kelly chats with Christian and GeriCredit: AFP
      Valtteri Bottas beams alongside Aussie cyclist Tiffany CromwellCredit: AFP
      Max Verstappen had plenty of reasons to grinCredit: AFP
      Just because Hamilton wasn’t in attendance, doesn’t mean that his presence wasn’t felt in other ways.
      Parked outside the awards presentation was a van, with an interactive message that read: “WeStandWithLewis.”
      The message comes after Wolff declared that Hamilton could sensationally quit F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by the sport following Verstappen’s triumph.
      Speaking during the FIA Prize-Giving gala in Paris, Verstappen insisted his rival has no reason to walk away.
      He said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
      “You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
      “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
      “He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
      Asked whether he feels sorry for the seven-time champ, he remarked: “No, I don’t feel sorry but I can understand it can be very painful.
      “At the end of the day, that’s racing as well. You just have to keep fighting until the end and you know that in racing anything can happen.
      “He also won a championship like that. I think he can understand as well.”
      Loved-up Geri and Christian couldn’t be happierCredit: AP More

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      Lewis Hamilton fans crash Max Verstappen’s F1 trophy presentation as they drive protest van to FIA Awards in Paris

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S Formula One World Championship trophy presentation at the FIA Awards in Paris was crashed by Lewis Hamilton fans.The Mercedes driver opted not to attend the gala following Sunday’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which saw him miss out on a record eighth title.
      Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet pose for the camera at the FIA Awards gala in ParisCredit: Rex
      A van was parked outside the gala with a message in support of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton
      Hamilton, 36, was pipped to the title by Verstappen after being overtaken on the final lap.
      The British icon was leading by ten seconds going into lap 54, only for a safety car to be deployed after Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers.
      And with fresher tyres having pitted, Verstappen passed his rival on the final lap after stewards decided to allow lapped cars to overtake.
      FIA director Michael Masi had initially indicated lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their formation, only to change his mind, resulting in the former to claim that the race ‘has been manipulated’.
      Mercedes subsequently failed with two protests after Verstappen won at the Yas Marina Circuit, before dropping their appeal on Thursday.
      Still fuming with the FIA, Hamilton – and team boss Toto Wolff – decided to against attending the gala in France.
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      That is despite F1’s sporting regulations stating the drivers who finish in the top three of the championship must attend the prize giving ceremony.
      Fans and pundits have agreed that Hamilton was cruelly denied the world title, with supporters voicing their opinion in Paris.
      Parked outside the awards presentation was a van, with an interactive message that read: “WeStandWithLewis.”
      The message comes after Wolff declared that Hamilton could sensationally quit F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by the sport following Verstappen’s triumph.
      Speaking during the FIA Prize-Giving gala in Paris, Verstappen insisted his rival has no reason to walk away.
      He said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
      “You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
      “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
      Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas attended the gala with girlfriend Tiffany CromwellCredit: AFP

      Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was all smiles next to Spice Girls wife GeriCredit: AFP
      “He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
      Asked whether he feels sorry for the seven-time champ, he remarked: “No, I don’t feel sorry but I can understand it can be very painful.
      “At the end of the day, that’s racing as well. You just have to keep fighting until the end and you know that in racing anything can happen.
      “He also won a championship like that. I think he can understand as well.” More