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      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton could be hit with FINE for snubbing FIA gala amid row with F1 chiefs over Verstappen title controversy

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could be slapped with a fine for snubbing the FIA’s gala in Paris.Hamilton’s Mercedes team have until 7pm on Thursday to decide if they will continue to pursue legal action after he was denied victory in the Abu Dhabi GP.
      Lewis Hamilton and F1 race rival Max VerstappenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Merc failed with two protests after Max Verstappen won at the Yas Marina, which handed the Dutchman the title, but announced their intention to appeal.
      That right expires on Thursdsay evening with the team staying silent on the matter as they assess their options.
      However, F1’s sporting regulations state the drivers who finish in the top three of the championship must attend the prize giving ceremony.
      Article 6.6 says: “The drivers finishing first, second and third in the Championship must be present at the annual FIA Prize Giving ceremony.
      “Last night Merc were unable to confirm or deny Hamilton’s attendance at the end of season showpiece.
      If he, or indeed team-mate Valtteri Bottas misses it, it could trigger a fine or other sanction with the FIA themselves unsure what punishment would apply given the unique situation.
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      Verstappen 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.
      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 Merc felt the result was manipulated resulting in Verstappen winning the title in front of a huge TV audience.
      F1 world champion Max VerstappenCredit: PA More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen given hero’s welcome on return to Red Bull HQ after historic F1 title as team set off orange flares

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN claims there were moments where he and Lewis Hamilton HATED each other this season.The two had a titanic and controversial tussle for the F1 title with the Dutchman coming out on top – albeit subjected to a Mercedes appeal.
      Max Verstappen received a hero’s welcome from his Red Bull teamCredit: Getty
      Orange flares were set off upon Verstappen’s return to Red Bull HQ in Milton KeynesCredit: Getty
      Everyone involved in the title triumph gathered around the winning carCredit: Getty
      They famously came to blows at Silverstone, Monza and in Saudi Arabia before their explosive finale in Abu Dhabi last Sunday.
      Verstappen, 24, says his fight with Hamilton has been intense and said the Mercedes man was the toughest racer he’d faced.
      He said: “The little moment we had after the race already, you look each other in the eye. You don’t say a lot but you do relate a lot throughout the whole season and you actually really appreciate the fight.
      “Sometimes we did hate each other, but that’s fine, that’s the competitive spirit both of us have.
      “He is an incredible driver and this year in most of the races we have been pushing flat out.
      “Also, for the team it was very stressful, every weekend they had to be perfect because we knew if they made a mistake, either would be ahead.
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      Verstappen arrived in an orange sports car as the flares were being set offCredit: Getty
      “That made it just very intense and in a few months time also for next year you can look back at it and really appreciate these moments.
      “I appreciate Lewis’s talent for sure, he is a very tough competitor, probably the toughest one I’ve had to fight for sure.”
      Verstappen also admits his victory in Abu Dhabi was “lucky” after FIA stewards interfered on the final lap of the race – much to Merc’s anger.
      But the reality is, Verstappen only raced to the green flag and beat what was ahead of him and that should in no way taint the outcome of the whole championship, where he was excellent.
      Speaking at the team’s HQ in Milton Keynes on Wednesday where he was given a hero’s welcome, Verstappen added: “We have won it on track.
      “People say, it was a lucky win. Absolutely, the win was very lucky but we also have been very unlucky throughout the season, otherwise the championship would have been decided way earlier, even with the dominance Mercedes had towards the end of the season.
      “Sometimes a little bit of luck in your life is nice as well. I’m not sweating [about Mercedes’ potential to appeal].
      “It was an amazing moment with the whole team and I do think we deserve it. It was very painful for Lewis and I would also be hurt in the way he lost it.”
      Red Bull chief Horner was present for the celebrationsCredit: Getty
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner admits they cannot fully celebrate Verstappen’s win until Mercedes decides to pull out of their protest against the decisions of race director Michael Masi.
      However, somewhat crucially, Horner says he has received messages of congratulations from his opposite number at Merc Toto Wolff and Daimler chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kallenius.
      Horner said: “I don’t think it’s official until it’s official. But as far as we’re concerned Max is the world champion until someone says otherwise.
      “Toto sent Max a text on Sunday evening. I went to see him and he wasn’t available. Ola Kallenius congratulated me on the championship and said they’d fight hard next year.
      “Toto indeed texted me as well on Sunday evening. It was perfectly cordial.
      “He said, ‘Sorry I couldn’t be there to receive you when you came to see us. Congratulations on the drivers’ championship with Max. He’s a worthy champion and a fierce competitor. Enjoy your evening. You’ve earned it.’
      “And I said to him, ‘Thank you very much, Toto. I know it’s been an intense season but respect has always been there. Congratulations on your constructors’ championship. Remember, that’s where the money is.'”
      Meanwhile, Horner says that under-fire Masi needs more support in his role as race director and added that he doesn’t want to see the Australian axed from the role by the FIA.
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      He added: “I think it would be incredibly hard to take [his job] off him. He just needs more support.
      “He needs more backup. He needs more tools available to him. And I think probably regulations need looking at to give him that empowerment.
      “Michael has been under massive pressure from all sides. He’s not just got the two teams this year. He’s got all of the teams and I’m sure they’re all giving him grief.
      “I think that the takeaway from this season – not just from Abu Dhabi – is how can we do a better job? How can the FIA do a better job?”
      Horner and Verstappen thoroughly enjoyed meeting up after the title triumphCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      ‘He went missing’ – Valtteri Bottas cost Lewis Hamilton F1 title with Abu Dhabi ‘shocker’, claims Jolyon Palmer

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      FORMER Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer has claimed that Valtteri Bottas cost Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton a record eighth World Championship.British icon Hamilton was pipped by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen at Abu Dhabi GP on Sunday as the Dutchman won his first world title.
      Valterri Bottas finished sixth in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton came in second placeCredit: EPA
      Former F1 star Jolyon Palmer believes Bottas didn’t help Hamilton in Sunday’s raceCredit: Rex Features
      Seven-time champ Hamilton, who received his knighthood at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, looked on course for victory as he led Verstappen by over ten seconds.
      But Williams’ Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers which resulted in a safety car being deployed on lap 54, letting Verstappen hone in on his rival.
      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’.
      But despite the controversial ending, Palmer put the blame on Bottas, who was racing for Mercedes for the last time before he joins Alfa Romeo.
      He stated that Bottas, who finished in sixth place in Abu Dhabi, didn’t help out Hamilton like Verstappen’s wingman Sergio Perez did.
      @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 FOOTBALL 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);}
      Perez played a vital role in holding up Hamilton earlier in the race prior to the safety car.
      Speaking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Palmer, who raced for Renault between 2016-2017, said: “Bottas had a shocker.
      “Now, did that cost Hamilton the title? If Bottas is within a pit-stop window of Verstappen, Verstappen is not having ‘free’ stops willy nilly.
      “A great driver for the team for so many years, his last race he went missing and it meant Verstappen had a ‘free’ stop at the Virtual Safety Car, ‘free’ stop at the Safety Car.
      “If you’ve got another Mercedes there within 23 seconds of him, in a car that’s quicker with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel, he can’t do it and Hamilton is the champion.
      “Bottas has been solid but when it counted, he couldn’t help his team-mate, and Perez did everything he possibly could, and he was in contention to do so.” More

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      Five changes F1 needs to introduce in 2022 like new rulebook, more revolutionary cameras and better fan experiences

      by

      NEXT year, F1 is set for its biggest shake up in its history as radical new design rules promise to make the action even more exciting.The cars will look different in a bid to improve overtaking and close racing, but cosmetics aside, what other things should change next season?
      F1 would benefit from a greater fan experience next season ahead of a huge shake-upCredit: Getty
      SIMPLIFY THE RULEBOOK
      F1’s rules have become so complicated that even the officials don’t understand them.
      They need ripping up and simplifying as the sport has become too over-regulated. F1 has two sets of regulations relating to technical and sporting details.
      The two need to be made clearer to teams, drivers and fans to make it simpler to understand.
      NEW STEWARDING PROCESS
      Like the rules, the stewards need an overhaul. Race Director Michael Masi is fighting for his job while at each race another four stewards work below him.
      However, those stewards rotate and result in a staggering inconsistency with their decision making.
      F1 must employ a set group of officials who attend every race and one of those should be a former F1 driver with recent racing experience.
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      DRIVER’S-EYE CAMERA ON EACH RACER
      The view from inside the cockpit is a revelation and gives a completely new perspective.
      If you’ve not seen it yet, the clue is in the name but it is a small camera on a driver’s visor to show his view point.
      Given the protection around the racers, it is not easy to see them at work, but this latest camera setting does.
      FAN EVENTS AT EVERY RACE
      The organisers at the Dutch GP aced it and had a DJ playing music to keep the fans entertained in between the racing.
      Other promoters could learn a valuable lesson in giving the customers a better experience, rather than simply taking their ticket money and giving no-added value.
      Concerts, people flying around with jetpacks, cars doing stunts – bring the show to life.
      It would be great for each driver to have a birdseye camera inside the carCredit: F1
      MANDATORY YOUNG DRIVER PRACTICE SESSION
      We are now in a situation where some talented young drivers win the Formula 2 feeder series and then can’t find a seat in F1.
      Oscar Piastri won it this year, Nyck de Vries won it in 2019 but the championship rules say they cannot defend their title in the same series.
      As a result they are bumped on to the sidelines. A better way would be to hand over a couple of FP1 sessions to rookie drivers to give them some F1 racing experience. More

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      Lewis Hamilton would not want to win F1 title in ugly legal battle so Mercedes need to move on and not spoil season

      by

      NOBODY likes a sore loser, so come on Mercedes – drop the legal threat and move on.Dragging this season out in a court battle would spoil a fantastic campaign and that is no good for anyone.
      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff could take the FIA to court after Red Bull snatched the world championshipCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton was gracious in defeat to Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      Mercedes have retained the constructors’ championship; Max Verstappen wins the drivers’ title. Let’s put this to bed.
      The dust has now settled on Sunday’s race and, even if the verdict was turned around, it is not the way Sir Lewis Hamilton would want to win his eighth title anyway.
      In the run up to last Sunday’s decider, both drivers said they wanted to keep it clean and both did – it was the FIA who fudged the rules.
      Don’t get me wrong, I understand Mercedes’ problem.
      I felt more embarrassed by the way things unfolded at the FIA in Abu Dhabi than the two-lap procession behind the safety car at the Belgian GP, which some suggested was a crude way of fulfilling the obligation of staging the race.
      But that was not Verstappen’s fault. He won the race at Spa after taking pole the previous day, just one of his ten pole positions in 22 races.
      @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 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);}
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      Just as he did at the Yas Marina. When the light went green, he went racing and won.
      I think most F1 followers will agree – I am not including you Hamilton fans – Verstappen and Red Bull deserve their success.
      Had it not been for Hamilton’s heroics, especially in Brazil, the title would have been wrapped up a while ago.
      Everyone wanted this championship to be decided on the track rather than by the stewards – put this nonsense to bed and we can all say it was.
      Verstappen has been sensational this year and has been backed up by his team, and indeed his team-mate.
      Red Bull are the only team to take the fight to Mercedes this season where they were fully committed.

      They did it while adjusting to the new cost-cap, and while splitting their resources to develop their 2022 challenger when the sport will see its biggest regulation change.
      Verstappen too has had his bad luck.
      The blow out in Azerbaijan was a big one. The five-place grid drop in Qatar and the ‘rogue marshal’, with their yellow flag, was equally galling.
      If you ask me too, I’d say Hamilton was fortunate on lap one in Abu Dhabi not to have been told to surrender that place when he went off track under pressure from Verstappen.
      But all of this is water under the bridge. Now is the time to move on to 2022 and for Merc to drop it and have the good grace to say publicly, ‘fair enough, well done Max’, as Toto Wolff has done, only in private. More

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      Meet Lewis Hamilton’s family including elusive mum who joined him for knighthood, dad he sacked and racer brother

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON was denied a record-breaking eighth world championship after the hugely controversial finish to the season-ending Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.But the blow of missing out has been slightly tempered by being awarded a knighthood – and he was joined by mum Carmen Larbalestier as he received the gong at Windsor Castle. 

      Lewis Hamilton has equalled Michael Schumacher to win seven world championships – but now wants to get his hands on an eighth crown
      Hamilton has come a long way from his days as a young go-karting champCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
      Lewis Hamilton grew up in this modest home in StevenageCredit: Steven Jensen
      And it’s not just on the track Hamilton, 36, has been making headlines during his illustrious career.
      He has also become a strong voice in the Black Lives Matter movement and speaks out on human rights issues wherever F1 takes him.
      Hamilton has also been dating – or rumoured to have been dating – a host of famous faces down the years, including Nicole Scherzinger, whom he dated on and off between 2007 and 2015.
      He’s also been in the headlines for his lifestyle, such as urging fans to go vegan.
      But one constant in his life has been his family, some of whom have been there from his go-karting youth to see him become one of the greatest F1 racers to ever set foot in a cockpit.
      Here we take a closer look at the Hamilton family…
      ANTHONY HAMILTON – Dad
      Anthony Hamilton was Lewis’ manager for 18 years from go-karting to F1Credit: PA:Press Association
      Anthony married second wife Linda and they had Lewis’ half-brother NicolasCredit: BBC
      HAMILTON’S dad, Anthony, is a major reason the Stevenage-born star even got into racing.
      He bought Lewis his first remote-controlled car when he was just six-years-old – and his first go-kart for Christmas when he was seven.
      Anthony would help Lewis break into the world of go-karting, where he spent seven years working his way from the Rye House Kart Circuit in Hertforshire to Formula Super A stardom.
      Hamilton Snr was Lewis’ manager throughout his racing career up until 2010, when he was ruthlessly sacked.
      Two weeks before the F1 season started, Lewis downplayed the incident, saying: “Dad will miss being here, but it was me who initiated the break.
      “He’s got other things to focus on, and I don’t want my dad being my manager anymore.”
      However, Anthony later revealed the true extent of the drama, admitting: “He thought, ‘Do you know what dad? I am fed up listening to you’.
      “He decided he wanted to be his own man. I was comfortable with that.”
      Anthony later suggested Lewis had withheld a £3million payment he’d promised him as a ‘thank you’ for his 18 years of service.
      He revealed: “It just never happened. I am comfortable with it. It’s not my business. If he says he’s going to do something and he doesn’t that’s his loss.”
      Anthony was married to Hamilton’s mum, Carmen Larbalestier, but the pair separated when Lewis was just two-years-old.
      CARMEN LARBALESTIER – Mum
      Lewis Hamilton lived with mum Carmen until he was 12, when he moved in with his dadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Hamilton hugged mum Carmen and step-mum Linda en route to his first F1 crownCredit: EPA
      WHILE Anthony was seen at almost every race of Lewis’ career in the early days, mum Carmen was always a more elusive figure in the racer’s life.
      But Lewis actually enjoyed more of his formative years living with his biological mum.
      The F1 superstar was raised by his mum until he was 12-years-old – along with half-sisters Nicola and Samantha.
      He then moved to live with dad Anthony, step-mother Linda and his half-brother Nicolas.
      While Carmen hasn’t been a regular at Lewis’ races – she has always been there for the big moments – with the pair said to enjoy an excellent relationship.
      At the Chinese Grand Prix in 2008, two weeks before he became a world champion for the first time, Larbalestier was seen embracing her son and his stepmother Linda.
      And Hamilton’s mum shared another hug with him after he secured his fourth world title in Mexico in 2017.
      The world champ also went to the trouble of holding a surprise 60th birthday party in London in 2015 – even getting Jessie J to sing at the bash.
      Speaking about her break-up with Anthony, Carmen once revealed: “Lewis was the best thing to come out of my marriage. [The split] didn’t damage Lewis.
      “He is probably better for it than if we had stuck together in an unhappy marriage.
      “Tony wanted to be somebody and he has achieved that. I wanted the quiet life and that put a barrier between us. I couldn’t see myself in that busy, hectic lifestyle.
      “But I didn’t stop him making sure Lewis got what he wanted. Without his dad’s constant, constant work he would not have been able to continue.”
      LINDA HAMILTON – Step-mum
      Linda Hamilton has regularly been spotted at Lewis’ racesCredit: Getty
      Linda Hamilton started dating Anthony when Lewis was ten-years-oldCredit: Gary Stone – The Sun
      AFTER his early years with his mum, Lewis moved to live with his dad and brother aged 12 – joining step-mum Linda.
      Anthony had already been with Linda for two years – and she took an active role in raising Lewis before he moved in with her.
      Linda was regularly spotted at races alongside Anthony, even after he was sacked as Lewis’ manager.
      And she shared a sweet moment at the Chinese GP in 2008, when she hugged Lewis – along with his birth mum Carmen – following his victory just weeks before he sealed his first world crown.
      Linda is the birth mum of Lewis’ half-brother, Nicolas.
      NICOLAS HAMILTON – Half-brother
      Nicolas Hamilton, centre, is also a racer, now part of the BTCCCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
      Nicolas, left, has cerebral palsy and grew up with Lewis during the latter’s teenage yearsCredit: Getty
      THE younger son born to Anthony, Nicolas lived with Lewis after he moved to join his dad and step-mum Linda aged 12.
      Nicolas was born with cerebral palsy – a disease affecting movement and coordination.
      However, he has never let that hold him back, with the 27-year-old also a racing driver.
      Nicolas drives a modified car in the British Touring Car Championship – where he has started 36 races.
      In 2015, he secured a deal with AmD Tuning to race an Audi S3 for five events in the BTCC – totalling 12 races – becoming the first-ever disabled driver to compete.
      And earlier this year, he secured his first full-time gig, signing up to drive for Motorbase Performance.
      As well as his two seasons in the BTCC, Hamilton also spent four years driving in the Renault Clio Cup UK and one in the European Touring Car Cup.
      In 2016, he was briefly a part of Channel 4’s F1 coverage team.
      @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);}MORE F1 STORIES.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);}
      NICOLA & SAMANTHA LOCKHART – Half-sisters
      LEWIS’ two half-sisters are the product of mum Carmen’s second marriage.
      Hamilton had lived with both Nicola and Samantha up until the age of 12, when he moved to live with his dad and half-brother.
      The sisters remain relatively out of the spotlight but are thought to have grown up in Sandy, Bedfordshire with mum Carmen.
      KAIDEN – Nephew
      Hamilton was slammed after he said he was ‘so sad’ nephew Kaiden was wearing a purple and pink dressCredit: Lewis Hamilton Instagram
      ON Christmas Day 2017, Kaiden went from unknown to a celebrity of his own after Hamilton’s lapse in judgement.
      Hamilton slammed his nephew for wearing a purple and pink dress, sharing a clip on Instagram, saying: “I’m so sad right now.
      “Why are you wearing a princess dress? Is this what you got for Christmas? Why did you ask for a princess dress for Christmas, boys don’t wear princess dresses!”
      But Kaiden melted fans’ hearts as he simply pointed his wand at Lewis and giggled for the camera.
      Hamilton later apologised for the insensitive post and went on to wear a kilt for GQ magazine, saying he wanted to “make amends”.
      The F1 star posted: “I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.
      “My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.
      “I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.”
      Lewis Hamilton releases album about drinking too much, sleeping with women and having his heart broken More

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      F1 race director Michael Masi BROKE his own rules in lapped car controversy that cost Lewis Hamilton in title fight

      by

      UNDER-FIRE race director Michael Masi appeared to break precedent with HIMSELF in his controversial safety car call at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The F1 supremo summoned the safety car after Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed into a wall with six laps remaining at the season-ending finale.
      Race director Michael Masi is reportedly fighting for his jobCredit: Alamy
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton was leading the race at Yas Marina Circuit, with victory enough to secure a record eighth world title.
      Championship rival Max Verstappen was in second but had pitted for a fresh set of tyres, exiting the pits five LAPPED cars behind Hamilton.
      Initially Masi indicated no cars would be allowed to unlap themselves before the safety car was pulled in and racing allowed to recommence.
      The Australian then stunningly changed his mind – but only allowed the cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves.
      That gave the Red Bull man clear air from which to attack the Merc leader and he soon passed him on the dramatic final lap.
      And Verstappen nabbed the points he needed to fend off the reigning champ and claim his first drivers’ title.
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      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      But rolling the clock back to the Eifel Grand Prix in October 2020 throws up some uncomfortable reading for Masi.
      The chief steward back then was confronted with a similar safety-car conundrum – and this time he allowed ALL lapped cars to go past.
      McLaren starlet Lando Norris broke down in a dangerous spot and on came the safety car.
      When Masi was criticised for not allowing racing to resume quickly, he defended himself and said: “There’s a requirement in the sporting regulations to wave all the lapped cars past.”
      Fuming Mercedes bosses will want to know why the 42-year-old did not follow the same mantra last weekend.
      Instead he allowed some but not all cars through – giving Verstappen room to attack Hamilton without nuisances in front of him.
      And he refused the idea of finishing the race under safety-car conditions – a move that led some fans to question whether he had artificially created the drama.
      The official is now reportedly fighting to save his job, with Mercedes set to appeal a decision to reject the protests they lodged immediately after the race.
      Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Lewis Hamilton joined by proud mum as he’s knighted by Prince of Wales days after controversial F1 title defeat

      by

      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON has received his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle.The Formula One star, 36, received the honour for his services to Motorsport.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton was knighted by Prince Charles at Windsor CastleCredit: PA
      Sir Lewis has become the fourth F1 driver to receive a knighthoodCredit: PA
      The F1 star was joined at the ceremony by his mother Carmen LarbalestierCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd .
      Hamilton has campaigned for BLM and LGBT+
      And he was joined at the investiture by his mother Carmen Larbalestier, who posed proudly for a photograph alongside her son after the ceremony.
      Sir Lewis has won the F1 world title a record-equalling seven times, and narrowly missed out on an eighth in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
      But Hamilton does boast the record amount of Grand Prix wins, with 103.
      And he has now followed in the footsteps of F1 icons such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jack Brabham by being knighted.
      Hamilton received an MBE in 2009, a year after his first world championship win.
      And he has now received even greater recognition for his success on the track and his work campaigning to support Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ issues in sport.
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      Hamilton boasts the record for most Grand Prix wins and has won the F1 title a record-equalling seven timesCredit: Getty
      It is some way to bounce back from his painful defeat at Yas Marina, with the Mercedes star clearly upset with the controversial decision making of Race Director Michael Masi.
      Towards the end of the race with just four corners to go Hamilton said to his team: “This has been manipulated, man.”
      Asked previously about a knighthood, Lewis said: “When I think about that honour I think about people like my grandad who served in the war.
      “I would never ever turn down the Royal family. I grew up in the UK and am a massive fan of them.
      “It is very surreal, when you grew up watching the news like everyone else, hearing your name in the House of Lords or the House of Commons or in Parliament.
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      “It is very very surreal to hear that with all the things going on in the world that they have a moment and acknowledge the work that I have done.
      “There is no greater honour than your country recognising you and honouring you with such an award.”
      Sir Lewis alongside his father Anthony and step-mother LindaCredit: Getty More