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      Michael Masi could be AXED as F1 race director after controversial Abu Dhabi GP denying Hamilton record eighth title

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      MICHAEL MASI could be axed as F1’s race director following the controversial end to the Abu Dhabi GP.The Australian ignored safety car rules and set up a single-lap shootout which decided the outcome of the F1 championship.
      Lewis Hamilton’s bid for a record eighth world title ended when Max Verstappen profited from a much-criticised decision by race director Michael MasiCredit: AP
      Aussie Michael Masi might lose his job as F1 race director or may have to share it with other stewardsCredit: Getty
      Race leader Lewis Hamilton was left a sitting duck on old tyres when Masi fudged the rules to line up Max Verstappen – on fresh rubber – right behind the Brit.
      Verstappen romped to glory – and the title – much to Mercedes’ anger, who threatened legal action.
      While the Silver Arrows pulled back from taking the matter to court, disgruntled Hamilton has made a silent protest with Merc boss Toto Wolff admitting there are doubts as to whether the 37-year-old would return to race this season.
      Masi too has gone to ground amid the storm and is believed to be back in Sydney, while the FIA conducts their investigation into what happened in the stewards’ room.
      However, SunSport understands that Masi could now be shown the door as a result of his mistakes.
      Peter Bayer, newly appointed as the FIA’s head of F1, 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.”
      Bayer is heading up the inquiry, which has promised to come up with their report on the eve of the new F1 season in Bahrain on March 18th.
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      While the FIA have yet to confirm Masi will be axed, SunSport has also spoken to paddock sources who believe he should be SAVED.
      However, that proposal would see him share the role with several other stewards – a move which would allow for inconsistent decision making.
      In an interview with Austrian journalist Gerhard Kuntschick, Bayer also said team bosses would be BANNED from speaking to the race director directly mid-race.
      However, Bayer added: “[We are looking at] dividing the various tasks of the race director, who is also sports director, safety and track delegate.
      “That was simply too much. These roles are divided between several people. This reduces the burden on the race director.
      “The team managers will still be able to – they have to be able to ask questions but we want to build in a buffer with an employee who accepts these requests.
      “In the future, the race director will be able to concentrate on his task and will no longer be distracted.” More

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      F1 chiefs closing in on deal to take sport back to Las Vegas after Netflix success and Hamilton’s duel with Verstappen

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      FORMULA ONE chiefs are closing in on a deal to take the sport back to Las Vegas.SunSport understands that the proposed street circuit along the famous strip could see the race introduced as early as 2023.
      Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry with Max Verstappen during the F1 championship gained a lot of attentionCredit: AP:Associated Press
      F1 chiefs are closing in on a deal to take the sport back to Las Vegas in the United StatesCredit: Getty
      Three races could take place during the Formula One calendar after the Austin and Miami Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      It would mean there would be three races in the US after Austin and Miami, which makes its debut this year.
      F1’s American owners, Liberty Media, have been trying to crack their home market since buying the sport for £6billion in 2017.
      The recent success of the Netflix Drive to Survive fly-on-the-wall TV documentary, coupled with Lewis Hamilton’s duel with Max Verstappen for the title, saw the US GP in Austin become at 400,000 sell out.
      The debut race in Miami this May is also a sell-out as the popularity of F1 continues to soar in the States.
      It is the first time there is a real sense that the US market is warming to the series after a number of failed attempts in the past.
      F1 did host two races previously in Las Vegas in 1981 and 1982 at Caesars Palace but after disappointing crowds, F1 didn’t return.
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      This year’s calendar sees a record-breaking 23-races kicking off in Bahrain on March 20th.
      However, with Singapore confirming a new seven-year deal, Qatar rejoining the schedule for 2023 – plus the Las Vegas GP – that total is set to grow.
      Hamilton and Verstappen underwent a legendary battle against each other during the 2021 F1 Championship, which was won by the latter.
      Lewis Hamilton silent on F1 future because he plans career in USA, says Villeneuve More

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      George Russell ‘ready’ to go toe-to-toe with Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes F1 battle, says legend Mark Webber

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      GEORGE RUSSELL is ‘ready’ to go toe-to-toe with Lewis Hamilton in their Formula One battle at Mercedes, according to Mark Webber.The rising British star, 23, joins the seven-time world champion at the Silver Arrows this season following Valtteri Bottas’ departure.
      George Russell has ambitions to challenge for the F1 title in 2022Credit: Rex
      He will be teaming up with veteran and seven-time winner Lewis Hamilton for MercedesCredit: Alamy
      And following some impressive performances for Williams, he will be ready to challenge the best in the business with an improved car – including his own team-mate and compatriot Hamilton.
      Webber told formelaustria: “Going up against Lewis will be extremely challenging.
      “But George has almost 50 races under his belt now, so he’s ready for it [60 F1 starts, 50 finishes].
      “George will know that there will be a huge shift in intensity that comes with the expectation of qualifying for the front row every week and finishing every race in the top positions.”
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff will be desperate his pair of drivers can retain the constructors’ championship – assuming Hamilton does not quit the sport.
      The Stevenage star wants revenge on Max Verstappen after the 2021 F1 season finale which saw the Dutchman claim the drivers’ crown.
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      But Russell will hope he can squeeze his way into the rivalry and challenge for the title, too.
      Testing for the new F1 season gets underway next month with the first race in Bahrain on March 20.
      Webber, who spent 12 years in F1 with three third-place finishes, also had his say on the sprint races amid talk of the new format being scrapped.
      However, he compared the endurance required to win a full race to a Grand Slam five-setter in tennis.
      The Aussie added: “In sprint racing, we need to make sure that the consumer understands what they are watching and what F1 is trying to achieve, and that is not always easy.
      “Even though the longer events sometimes get more boring, like in tennis, all the top players want to win the Grand Slams and the bigger tournaments.
      “The best of the best find a way to win in five sets.
      “So we have to be careful with the sprint races in F1 that they don’t become a bit of a lottery and reduce the prestige of the series.”
      Webber was at Red Bull for seven years and came third in the drivers’ championship three timesCredit: Getty More

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      ‘League of their own’ – Christian Horner wants ‘incredible’ Lewis Hamilton to renew rivalry with Verstappen next season

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER hopes that Lewis Hamilton sticks around in Formula 1 this season.The Red Bull chief saw his charge Max Verstappen battle tooth and nail with the Brit in last season’s controversial title battle.
      Christian Horner wants his man Max Verstappen to be taking on Lewis Hamilton againCredit: AFP
      The Brit’s future remains up in the airCredit: PA
      And despite Hamilton, 37, being his man’s biggest obstacle in retaining the championship this year, Horner hopes that he sticks around as the pair are in ‘a league of their own’.
      He told World Is One News: “I certainly hope that Lewis will be around this year.
      “He’s still driving at an incredible level, the two drivers last year were in a league of their own.
      “But ultimately, it’s his choice, it’s his career, it’s his decision, so I’m sure he will decide to do what’s best for him, what he wants to do, and that’s none of our business.”
      Hamilton has so far kept quiet on his future, not speaking publicly since Abu Dhabi.
      But Mercedes chief Toto Wolff appears cautiously optimistically about the prospect of Hamilton pairing up with new Silver Arrows acquisition George Russell.
      @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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      He told Auto Motor und Sport: “I would wish that we had two lightning-fast drivers fighting for victory.
      “And if not, then we need these drivers to get our car back on the winning track.
      “The measure of Lewis is often wrongly questioned. Even after the events in Abu Dhabi, he immediately congratulated Max.
      “Lewis only wants one thing: fair competition on the track. We will deliver that.”
      Pre-season testing is set to take place in Barcelona between February 23-25.
      Hamilton’s former McLaren team-mate Jensen Button doesn’t believe that his old pal will turn his back on the sport.
      He said: “”I really do hope he will be racing. I think he will be racing. He wants to win that eighth title and be the most decorated Formula One driver in F1 history. And he will do that, I really do think so.”

      Jenson Button believes his old pal will stay in F1Credit: PA More

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      Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo poses with controversial F1 star Nikita Mazepin during mystery winter break work out

      by

      THE most famous Red Devil teamed up with the most infamous ‘Revs Devil’ at a sunny escape.Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo posed and trained with F1 bad boy Nikita Mazepin.
      Nikita Mazepin has yet to reach the flashy heights of Cristiano Ronaldo but roars out in front when it comes to T-shirts
      Cristiano Ronaldo reflects on his misfortune as the Premier League break left the Man Utd legend with little choice but to jet off to the sun
      Ronaldo, 36 has been sipping from coconuts and enjoying beach massages during the Premier League’s two-week break.
      And Haas-Ferrari’s Russian driver Mazepin, 22, is preparing for the new race season, starting in March.
      The duo lined up together at an incredible outdoor gym – precise destination unknown.
      And mesmerised Mazepin posted a work-out snap of them with the words: “Best gym session this year so far @cristiano, M” – Ron replying with a fist-bump emoji.
      But while Ronaldo has been trying to live up to his GOAT reputation since joining United, Mazepin has been attempting to tone DOWN his wild reputation.
      Former Real Madrid and Juventus frontman Ron has helped fire the Red Devils back up to fourth place, despite question marks over his role in Ralf Rangnick’s side.
      @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 Football.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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      And Mazepin has been keen to rebuild his public image following several controversies.
      Just two months ago he was filmed arguing with nightclub bouncers in Mexico City.
      But the son of Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin denied claims he had been booted out of the nightclub earlier that night.
      Previously he has apologised for filming himself groping a woman’s breast in the back of a car and posting it online.
      Haas blasted his ‘abhorrent’ behaviour and Mazepin deleted the post – but not before a social media backlash, including the hashtag #WeSayNoToMazepin.
      The woman involved later claimed the video was an ‘internal joke’ between them and that he was a ‘really good person’.
      In contrast to such antics, Ronaldo has maintained an extraordinary regime of extreme fitness, diet, physical conditioning and emotional well-being.
      And if Mazepin needs a steer about looking after himself, there’s surely no better man to keep the driver on track than Ron.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      Lewis Hamilton will NOT turn back on F1 despite fears over retirement after title defeat, claims Jenson Button

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON will not turn his back on Formula One according to former F1 champ and his ex-teammate, Jenson Button.Hamilton is “disillusioned” with the sport after being robbed of a record eighth world title at the Abu Dhabi GP when FIA Race Director Michael Masi manipulated safety car rules.
      Jensen Button believes Lewis Hamilton will continue to raceCredit: Splash News
      Hamilton is considering retirement after losing the championship in controversial circumstances last yearCredit: Reuters
      The upshot was that Hamilton was left a sitting duck on old tyres and Max Verstappen passed him in a single-lap shootout to win the race and the championship.
      Livid Hamilton has since made a silent protest, raising doubts as to whether he will return to compete in 2022.
      But Button, who was teammates with Hamilton for three years at McLaren, is optimistic he will return.
      He said: “I was the only person to interview Lewis after the last race!
      “I really do hope he will be racing. I think he will be racing. He wants to win that eighth title and be the most decorated Formula One driver in F1 history. And he will do that, I really do think so.
      “[It was] a controversial end to the season but I really do think you have to look at the season as a whole.
      @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 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);}
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      “Formula One is in an amazing place, two fantastic drivers going at it every weekend and I think everyone is excited about the new season.
      “New regulations and it is all about the development of these cars through the year.”
      The FIA have started their investigation into just how Masi got the end to the Abu Dhabi GP so wrong and will report their findings before the first race of the season in Bahrain.
      Mercedes are understood to be pushing hard for the Australian to be axed as they feel his role has been compromised.
      However, former F1 driver and Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle expects Masi to be retained but offered extra help to ensure he doesn’t make the same mistakes again.
      He said: “If the FIA and F1 want Michael Masi to stay, and if Michael Masi wants to stay, he’s clearly only got one life left, hasn’t he? So I don’t know if that’s tenable all round.
      “Who would you replace him with? Be careful what you wish for, I would say in this. What I absolutely know for sure is that changing Michael Masi will not fix the problem.
      “This is way too big a job for one person to handle in a 23-race season [and] it’s only going to grow — we’re all over the world.
      “Back in the day it was 16, 18 races for Charlie [Whiting, ex-race director] and Herbie [Blash, ex-deputy race director].
      “Charlie used to start the race and Herbie was effectively the race director until Charlie got back from the starting rostrum down near the grid.
      “They had it all under control, but it’s just growing exponentially. So Masi, if he stays, needs a lot of support around him, and I suspect that’s what they’re looking at, at the moment. And who would actually want to step into his shoes right now?” More

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      ‘A little bit lucky’ – Red Bull boss Horner says Verstappen ‘totally deserved’ F1 title despite Abu Dhabi GP shambles

      by

      RED BULL boss Christian Horner says Max Verstappen’s maiden Formula One title has not been tarnished by the controversy at the Abu Dhabi GP.The Dutch star’s win last month came in dramatic circumstances as FIA Race Director Michael Masi ignored safety car rules to create a one-lap showdown.
      Max Verstappen’s title win in Abu Dhabi came in controversial circumstances and has left his big rival Lewis Hamilton (left) considering his future in the sportCredit: Reuters
      But Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Verstappen’s final-day ‘luck’ came after a season in which he dominated and deserved to win the titleCredit: Getty
      The 24-year-old star was able to pass British rival Lewis Hamilton – who was a sitting duck on old tyres – to win the final-day race and F1 title in a dramatic end to the season.
      Masi’s disputed call is the subject of an internal investigation while Hamilton has made his own silent protest with question marks over whether he will return to the sport.
      But Horner says the win for his team’s main man Verstappen was fully-deserved and supported by Red Bull owner and Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz.
      He said: “I think there’s been so much controversy throughout the year and I think there’s been so much bad luck that we’ve had during the season that these things tend to balance themselves out.
      “Dietrich felt Max was very deserving. He was very proud of what he’d done and what the team had achieved.
      “I think that it was such an epic year.
      @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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      “It was probably the most competitive season in Formula One in the last 30 years, and great for Red Bull, for Max, for Honda, to come out on top.
      “Yes, we got a little bit lucky with the safety car at the end of the race, but so much bad luck had gone against us throughout the season.
      “These things, I’ve always said, tend to balance themselves out over the course of a season, and I think Max led more than 50 percent of the laps in the year, more than every other driver combined.
      “He had more pole positions, more race wins, and for me he was totally deserving.”
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      F1 stars told they must be vaccinated against Covid to race at Australian GP to avoid another Novak Djokovic drama

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      F1 drivers have been warned they must be vaccinated against Covid at the Australian Grand Prix or risk a fate similar to tennis star Novak Djokovic.The men’s World No.1 was booted out of Australia following a humiliating vaccine row that rumbled on for almost a fortnight.
      F1 stars have been told they must have the jab to race Down UnderCredit: AP
      He was prevented from defending his Australian Open title amid fears his unvaccinated status might incite anti-vax protests in the country.
      And now F1 stars have been told in no uncertain terms they must have had the jab if they want to race Down Under.
      Australian GP Corporation chief exec Andrew Westacott said: “The rules are simple to get into the country and the rules are simple to operate in Formula One.
      “To come into the event you’ll be 100 per cent vaccinated and there won’t be an exemption sought for anyone from anyone.
      “Our arrangements have been in place well before the recent goings-on at the Australian Open.
      “These rules are understood by Formula One, they’re understood by the FIA, they’re going to be written into the sporting regulations and I’m very confident that (it) is just going to be a rite of passage to come into the country.
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      “There’s zero tolerance. Whether you’re Lewis Hamilton or Valentino Rossi in MotoGP, if you test positive, you don’t race that weekend.”
      The Aussie race is usually the sport’s annual curtain-raiser but has been pushed back to third in the calendar due to Covid restrictions.
      The 2022 season instead gets underway in Bahrain on 18th March.
      Fans are still waiting to see whether British superstar Hamilton will be on the grid with rumours of his retirement yet to be fully quashed. More