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      Red Bull forced to change Verstappen’s rear wing minutes before qualifying as Christian Horner confirms ‘new problem’

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      RED BULL made a last-minute change to Max Verstappen’s car ahead of qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The decision to make the change was made late with Red Bull chief Christian Horner revealing it was a new problem with the rear wing.
      Red Bull made a last-minute change to fix the problem on the rear wing on Max Verstappen’s carCredit: Getty
      Christian Horner remained cool and composed despite the change in plansCredit: Getty
      Red Bull mechanics were seen frantically preparing the car – but with ten minutes to go it was still being worked on.
      Fortunately for Verstappen, his car was ready to go in time and he battled Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for the fastest lap of Q1.
      Horner told Sky Sports: “The rear wing was a new problem. The cars are getting tired now and are at the end of their lives. Some parts are two years old.
      “It would’ve been alright to continue running, but as a precaution we changed the parts and have checked Checo’s car as well.”
      Despite the late drama Horner appeared to be the most relaxed man in the paddock when talking to the press.
      Hamilton’s former team-mate Nico Rosberg questioned Horner about the pressure in trying to win a world championship.
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      Horner responded: “For us this year this journey has been so exciting, coming into the season we never expected to be in a position to challenge for this world championship – both championships – at this final race.
      “There’s an anticipation, there’s an excitement. The team have been wonderful this year.
      “It’s great to be part of this, it’s great to be pushing Mercedes so hard.” More

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      Inside F1’s most terrifying crashes ahead of Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen’s Abu Dhabi showdown

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      IT’S been one of the most intensely fought seasons in Formula One history, and this weekend it’s sure to reach an exciting crescendo. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s final face-off will take place in Abu Dhabi after a year of drama, dangerous collisions and simmering tempers hitting boiling point.
      Max Verstappen could end Lewis Hamilton’s rein of dominance in the F1 worldCredit: AP
      The Mercedes driver felt he was ‘very fortunate’ to be alive after a horror crash with Verstappen this seasonCredit: Reuters
      After years of dominating the sport, Hamilton’s time at the top could come to an abrupt end if the 24-year-old Red Bull driver has his way. 
      They’re currently tied at 369.5 points but Verstappen has the advantage of having won one more race, meaning should neither driver finish, the Dutchman will take the title.
      Earlier this week ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert suggested “only Verstappen” would be willing to cause a crash to take out his rival – and it wouldn’t be the first time a championship has been decided in this way.
      In 1990, Aryton Senna intentionally took out Alain Prost to ensure he would win.
      While watching the now-infamous Senna crash, Verstappen previously remarked: “I mean, why not?”
      It would be a seriously risky move in what is already a dangerous sport.
      Ahead of Verstappen and Hamilton battle, we look back at some of the most shocking moments in F1.
      Fireball horror
      Romain Grosjean leaping out of the towering inferno last yearCredit: Splash
      The F1 star was left with severe damages to his fingers after emerging from the flamesCredit: Refer to Caption
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      Romain Grosjean looked to be in good form as he exited turn two during the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.
      His Haas car had gained two places, but as he tried to overtake Russia’s Danii Kyvat, disaster struck.
      As Switzerland-born Grosjean edged ahead he clipped the nose of his rival and his vehicle shot off into the barrier at 140mph and exploded into flames.
      Such a terrifying crash is seldomly seen in F1 and fans watched in horror as a fireball engulfed his car.
      Miraculously Grosjean managed to climb out, but he suffered serious burns to his hands.
      He was saved by his halo device and racing suit, which had been designed to withstand flames for 20 seconds.
      Later Grosjean recalled being trapped inside the burning vehicle and admitted he thought about how painful his death would be.
      He claims it was his children, who he saw and spoke to in a vision, that gave him the courage to fight for his life by trying to escape.
      “Few people have known that moment where you almost accept that you’re dead,” he said.
      Lucky escape
      Michael Schumacher’s car spun 180 degrees and was crashed into by Vitantonio Liuzzi in 2010Credit: AFP
      The F1 legend brushed off the collision that could have left him seriously injuredCredit: Getty – Contributor
      During the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher was lucky not to have suffered serious injuries after he spun out at the chicane. 
      The Mercedes driver’s car rotated 180 degrees into oncoming cars.
      Vitantonio Liuzzi’s vehicle mounted Schumacher’s and narrowly missed the German’s head before coming to a stop.
      Both cars were badly damaged but fortunately, the drivers were unscathed. 
      After the race both seemed more concerned with having not finished the race.
      Schumacher said: “I am totally fine and was not hit by anything in the incident… It’s a shame obviously as I would have liked to finish the season with a more positive ending.”
      Liuzzi added: “I am sorry that we could not score any points today to get back to sixth in the championship.”
      Saved by the halo
      Lewis Hamilton had a close call earlier this year when Verstappen’s car mounted hisCredit: AFP
      Hamilton also had a close call and felt “so, so grateful” to be alive after a treacherous crash at the Italian Grand Prix in September involving Verstappen. 
      The rivals were neck-and-neck when the Red Bull racer tried to overtake, but their wheels clipped and Verstappen’s car was sent flying over the top of Hamilton’s.
      Thankfully Hamilton ducked his head in time – and later praised the car’s super halo for keeping him alive.
      Clearly shaken, he said: “I’m very, very fortunate today, thank God for the halo. That ultimately saved my life.
      “I have been racing for a long, long time and I am so so grateful I am still here and feel incredibly blessed that someone was watching over me today.”
      Senna tragedy
      The shocking crash that ended F1 legend Ayrton Senna’s lifeCredit: Reuters
      Ayrton Senna was considered one of the greatest F1 racers to have livedCredit: PA:Press Association
      It was a heartbreaking day for the world of Formula One when one of its best ever drivers was involved in a fatal crash.
      Ayrton Senna was hot on Michael Schumacher’s tail when his car swerved off the track and collided with a brick wall at around 145mph.
      The Brazilian F1 legend, who had just turned 44, suffered fatal skull fractures, brain injuries and a ruptured major temporal artery.
      He was declared dead four days later at Bologna’s Maggiore Hospital in Italy. 
      Drastic changes were made in the wake of Senna’s crash, leading to better helmets, safer cockpits and more medical staff on-hand at races.
      The Head And Neck Support (HANS) was also built to prevent “rapid and excessive head movement during accidents”, The National reported.
      Sadly he wasn’t the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix’s only fatality. 
      Two tragedies in 24 hours
      Roland Ratzenberger’s head slumped to the side after his horror crash in 1994Credit: AFP
      The 33-year-old died 24 hours before Ayrton SennaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The day before Senna’s crash, Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger crashed during the qualifiers and was killed instantly. 
      The 33-year-old’s car spun off the track due to suspected front wing failure at speed and hit the wall nose-first at 190mph.
      Two of the wheels were knocked off during the high impact crash and half the chassis was destroyed.
      The vehicle continued to rapidly spin out of control before it came to a halt and haunting footage showed Ratzenberger’s head slump to the side of the car.
      The tragic weekend sent shockwaves through the world of motorsport.
      Max Mosley, then head of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said: “I went to Ratzenberger’s funeral rather than to Senna’s where all the great and good of Formula One were because I felt somebody needed to support him and his family.”
      Fuel tank explosion
      Ferrari’s Chris Amon driving past the flaming crash of his teammate Lorenzo BandiniCredit: Getty
      The Italian racer died of his injuries in hospital days after the crashCredit: Getty
      Lorenzo Bandini was another victim of F1 and tragically lost his life after the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix.
      He was chasing down Denny Hulme, who was in pole position, when the Italian lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the guard rails and straw bales.
      The fuel tank inside his vehicle ruptured and immediately caught fire while Bandini was trapped inside.
      In hospital he was diagnosed with third-degree burns, the most severe type, and he died of his injuries three days later aged 31.
      Bandini’s death led to straw bales being removed from all competitions. 
      The wreckage from Ayrton Senna’s horror crash in 1994Credit: Reuters
      Romain Grosjean showed the damage caused to his hands by the fireCredit: Instagram @grosjeanromain
      F1 driver Romain Grosjean escapes as his Haas car bursts into flames at Bahrain Grand Prix More

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      Mercedes accused of ‘smear campaign’ against Max Verstappen by Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Lewis Hamilton battle

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      RED BULL chief Christian Horner believes Mercedes have created a narrative around Max Verstappen to apply pressure on the F1 stewards.Horner, 48, defended his driver and argued Verstappen has been unfairly portrayed by Mercedes.
      Christian Horner (left) defended Max Verstappen in his criticism of Mercedes’ ‘smear campaign’Credit: AFP
      Lewis Hamilton called Verstappen crazy after their most recent clash in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash
      Lewis Hamilton called his rival “crazy” at the end of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last week after the pair collided during lap 38.
      There have been numerous incidents between the two this year including crashes at Silverstone, Monza and in Hungary.
      But Horner denied Verstappen is irresponsible, instead suggesting Mercedes’ PR machine has sought to damage his reputation to influence the stewards.
      Horner said: “Of course it’s been a concerted campaign by Mercedes. Totally. It’s been part of a narrative to put as much pressure on the stewards to act differently from any other race.
      “This is a campaign that’s been driven covertly to put the spotlight on Max, give him a tag-line, portray him as this mad, irresponsible driver, put as much pressure as you can on him, on the team, and ultimately on the governing body.
      “We saw in Brazil, the comments about the penalties being laughable, or Lewis being persecuted.
      @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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      “Mercedes have got one of the smartest media arms in the paddock and they use every tool they can.”
      Ahead of the final race showdown between the drivers in Abu Dhabi race director Michael Masi has warned both Verstappen and Hamilton to driver fairly.
      If either are considered to be deliberating target the other they face a points deduction, another fact that has irked Horner.
      The duo are both on equal points going into the last race but if both were to crash out Verstappen would take the crown given he has won more races this season.
      But if the Dutchman is given a penalty and punished with a points deduction, Horner and Red Bull would consider legal action.
      Horner added: “You’ve got to look at the context.
      “The one thing you’re looking for is consistent application of the rules, and why is this grand prix different from any other grand prix that we’ve attended this year?
      “You’ve either got rules or you haven’t. What makes this any more or less important than Silverstone, or Spa, or Hungary, or Monza?
      “We’ve had incidents in a lot of places this year.
      “You’ve got to apply the rules consistently. I think this is what Max (Verstappen) feels a little frustrated about.
      “At times he feels, when he looks at other incidents, they’re not treated in the same manner.” More

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      ‘Difficult to justify’ Lewis Hamilton as greatest ever driver, according to F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart

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      FORMULA 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart called it ‘difficult to justify’ saying Lewis Hamilton is the greatest ever driver.The Brit will attempt to beat Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles by defeating Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      Sir Jackie Stewart called it difficult to compare Lewis Hamilton’s achievements to those of the pastCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Lewis Hamilton is big favourite to win his EIGHTH F1 world championshipCredit: Splash News
      He has already overtaken the German’s record of 91 race wins.
      But Stewart, who won the driver’s championship three times, described it as near-impossible to compare Hamilton’s achievements to speedsters of yesteryear.
      The 82-year-old said last year that the modern-day racing calendar being busier, as well as Hamilton having a ‘so superior’ car and engine to other competitors, makes comparison tricky.
      Speaking on the In The Fast Lane podcast in October 2020, Stewart said: “I don’t think that you can account [for] that sort of level of success.
      “Just because today there are 20, 22 races, whereas in the old days when for example Juan Manuel Fangio, raced maybe sometimes six, eight or nine races a year in Formula 1.
      ‘To say that Lewis is the greatest driver of all time, would be difficult for me to justify, in the sheer power of what the other drivers were doing.
      “Lewis drives extremely well, make no mistake, I’m not in any way diminishing his skills, but it isn’t the same.
      “Lewis made a very good decision when he left McLaren at that time and went to Mercedes-Benz. And I take my hat off to him for making that decision.
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “But frankly, the car and the engine are now so superior that it’s almost unfair on the rest of the field.”
      Due to difficulties comparing the modern-day car and calendar with that of the past, Stewart doesn’t even have Hamilton in his top three racing drivers of all time.
      He added: “Juan Manuel Fangio in my mind is the greatest driver that’s ever lived.
      “With Jim Clark as the second-greatest, even ahead of [Ayrton] Senna.”
      Fangio won five world titles in the 1950s. Scottish racer Clark won two world titles in 1963 and 1965.
      At the time of his death, at the age of 32, Clark had won more F1 races and achieved more podiums than any other driver.

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      Senna won three world titles in 1988, 1990 and 1991 before tragically losing his life when crashing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
      SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt disagrees with Sir Jackie however, putting Hamilton at No1.
      Senna bags second spot with Schumacher, winner of seven world titles, in third.
      Clark is fourth with Fangio in fifth.
      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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      Tyson Fury and Kevin De Bruyne send messages of support to Max Verstappen ahead of F1 title decider with Lewis Hamilton

      by

      TYSON FURY and Kevin De Bruyne have wished Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen good luck ahead of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.The Driver’s Championship is on a knife edge going into the season decider.
      Lewis Hamilton will do battle with Max Verstappen on SundayCredit: AFP
      British hero Hamilton, 36, is level on 369.5 points with Verstappen – although the Belgian-Dutchman holds the tiebreaker of more race wins.
      Their battle for glory has captivated the sporting world, with stars of football and boxing sending their best wishes to both men.
      Via F1’s official social media platforms, Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne said: “Hi Max, KDB here.
      “Want to wish you all the best for the race this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
      “I’ve been enjoying your races so much, it’s been a great battle with Lewis.
      “Still cheering for you though.
      “So hopefully you win this weekend and you can enjoy that world title.”
      Tyson Fury will be cheering on both drivers, but had a message of support for Verstappen after the Red Bull star’s recent scrapes with his Mercedes rival.
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      The British heavyweight champion of the world said: “Just been doing a bit of reading up about the F1 rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen – and how Max has been made out to be a bit of a bad boy.
      “I know how it feels to be treated horrible by the media – it’s not nice, especially when you’re young and you’re ambitious and you want to win.
      “So, you know, give him a bit of break, he’s only a young lad trying his best.
      “Good luck to both men in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
      “This rivalry reminds me a bit of James Hunt and Niki Lauda, racing for the title.
      “Who’s going to win it boys? Come on the boys!”
      Much of Britain will be watching on Sunday, after Channel 4 struck a deal with Sky to broadcast the crucial final race of an action-packed season free to air.
      Kevin De Bruyne hopes his compatriot Max Verstappen comes out on topCredit: Reuters
      Tyson Fury sent a message to Verstappen after the Dutchman’s scrapes with Hamilton in recent racesCredit: Rex More

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      Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen F1 decider turns into real life version of Squid Game in winner-takes-all showdown

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON’s title fight with Max Verstappen has turned into a real life Squid Game.Hamilton has overcome the odds in a fierce battle to rival the hit TV series on Netflix where the characters take part in bloody contests to achieve glory.
      Lewis Hamilton is gunning for a world record eighth world titleCredit: Splash
      Max Verstappen is rivalling Hamilton for the F1 crownCredit: Getty
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner compared the race to a real-life Squid GameCredit: Splash
      F1 will host their own version of the red-light, green-light game on Sunday in Abu Dhabi in a winner-takes-all contest.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner says the scintillating finale is beyond the dream of Hollywood filmmakers – PLUS he also fired another barb at Hamilton.
      He said: “The way we have fought. The way we have pushed in this campaign, no-one has come close to challenging Mercedes in the last eight years and here we are, in the final race with a shot.
      “A long shot in the constructors’ championship and an equal shot with the drivers’ championship.
      “We have pushed to the limit. Pushed each other and pushed our competitors and here we are at the final race for the showdown.
      “It almost feels like Squid Game that we have ended up here on equal points. It is going to make compelling viewing on Sunday.”
      @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);}
      Both drivers are level on points and have been warned by the stewards in no uncertain terms they will have points deducted – or even banned for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
      They came to blows last out in Saudi Arabia to add to the high-profile crashes at Silverstone and Monza.
      Verstappen was punished as a result of two flashpoints in Jeddah, not to mention the five-place grid penalty he received in Qatar for ignoring double-waved yellow flags.
      To add insult to injury, Hamilton escaped with only a ticking off for the same infringement last weeked.
      The Brit also labelled Verstappen a “f****** crazy guy” – with Horner suggesting his driver has been made a victim of the Mercedes PR juggernaut.

      In a stinging attack the Red Bull chief added: “Lewis has a standing within the sport and what he says carries a lot of weight.
      “He has used every tool available to him to put Max under pressure this year.
      “He is backed up by the Mercedes media machine – a huge amount of pressure has been placed on Max.
      “Max is he’s just a young lad. He’s a 24-year-old who drives with bravery, with passion, with skill and he’s up against not only Lewis but a huge machine in Mercedes-Benz.
      “All credit to him the way he’s handled that pressure this year and hasn’t been drawn into it, hasn’t been sucked into it.
      “As Lewis Hamilton indeed called us, we’re just an energy drinks company going racing.
      “The Mercedes Formula One team have become a machine. They have the weight and power of the parent company behind them.
      “I can’t believe it’s particularly comfortable being beaten by an energy drinks manufacturer!
      “We’re a team of racers, we’re going racing, we’ve got a phenomenal driver who has driven his heart out this year, and it’s been intense on track and off track.
      “I do think that the spotlight, even the narrative of this last week of this Mad Max scenario, calling him crazy, there’s been a very clear narrative.”
      It almost feels like Squid Game that we have ended up here on equal points. It is going to make compelling viewing on Sunday.Christian Horner
      Horner shared an awkward handshake with Toto Wolff in a toe-curling stunt for a televised press conference.
      And while Merc boss hailed the FIA for their pre-race warning to both drivers Horner says his driver will NOT change his approach to racing.
      He said: “On occasion Max has been treated harshly. I think he has come under scrutiny that we haven’t seen applied consistently with other incidents. And he feels aggrieved by that.

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      “The problem for Max is the scrutiny is on him. He has the spotlight positioned on him, he’s running at the front.
      “He’s driven fantastically well. Max drives in a manner that ignites passion.
      “It has brought fans into the sport and we do not want him to change. We want him to drive in exactly the manner that he has that has put him on the precipice of competing with Lewis for this world championship.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton topped the second session of practice here at the Yas Marina Circuit.
      The reigning champion was over half a second quicker than the Red Bull man who was only fourth fastest.
      Hamilton said: “It’s been a decent day, I like the changes they’ve made to the track – it’s made it free-flowing and more enjoyable.
      “It’s obviously close between us all and a little unknown in terms of relative pace but I’m sure it’s going to be super close, as it has been in the previous races.
      “The car doesn’t feel too bad. Now we just need to crunch through the data and try to figure out how we can improve, the target is always moving.”
      Both Hamilton and Verstappen have raced competitively against one another this seasonCredit: AFP
      Horner says Max Verstappen won’t change his driving style for the title deciderCredit: Getty
      F1 star Max Verstappen arrives in Abu Dhabi for nail bitting show down with Lewis Hamilton More

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      ‘Very bad taste’ – Red Bull fume at Sky Sports for showing Max Verstappen’s horror crash in ‘Merry Christmas’ advert

      by

      RED BULL have blasted Sky Sports F1 over their “Merry Christmas” advert showing Max Verstappen crashing into the barriers at Silverstone.The short clip posted on social media features the Dutchman’s high speed shunt at the British GP where he collided with Lewis Hamilton at speed on the first lap.
      Sky Sports’ Christmas ad shows Verstappen sliding off the track at Silverstone
      Max Verstappen crashed into the tyres at Silverstone and was taken to hospital
      Such was the impact of the accident that Verstappen was taken to hospital for precautionary checks.
      It is staggering that after so many flashpoints this season the broadcaster would pick the footage to accompany their merry Christmas graphic.
      A Red Bull spokesperson told Dutch publication De Telegraaf: “We are extremely disappointed that images are being used of a crash, in which someone ended up in hospital.
      “This is in very bad taste. We hope it will be removed soon.”
      Sky, who will show this weekend’s race live on Channel 4, have since taken down the video.
      Both Verstappen, 24, and Hamilton, 36, go into the final race of the season able to win the Driver’s Championship.
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      Hamilton drives ahead of Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi second free practice sessionCredit: AFP
      Hamilton has won the last three F1 races and is level on points with the Red Bull man.
      The Brit arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday in preparation for the big race.
      Hamilton arrived in the paddock wearing a purple outfit – with the words “F*** off” on the back. More

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      Nine most explosive F1 title-deciding finales including Schumacher driving on two wheels ahead of Hamilton vs Verstappen

      by

      IT will go down to the final race.Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen go head-to-head in Abu Dhabi level on points in the drivers’ standings.
      Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go head-to-head in the most exciting climax to the F1 season in yearsCredit: PA
      It promises to be the most exciting F1 race in years, with the winner taking all.
      But we’ve seen explosive title-deciding finales in the past that have had motorsport fans on the edge of their seats.
      Here’s nine of the best that have gone down in history.
      Juan Manuel Fangio, 1956
      Monza was the venue for the final race of the 1956 season.
      Three drivers were in contention for the tile, Ferrari’s Fangio and Peter Collins, as well as Maserati’s Jean Behra.
      Behra was forced to retire, while it looked dicey for Fangio when a broken steering arm forced him into the pits.
      However, in an incredible moment of sportsmanship Collins gave him his car to finish second and claim the crown.
      No22 Fangio leads Stirling Moss at Monza in 1956Credit: Getty
      John Surtees, 1964
      Again, it boiled down to the final race – this time in the heat of Mexico City.
      British drivers Surtees, of Ferrari,  BRM’s Graham Hill and Lotus’ Jim Clark were all vying for the World Championship.
      Clark led for 63 of 65 laps until his engine failed on the final lap.
      Hill could have been champion, if Lorenzo Bandini hadn’t driven into the back of him and dropped out the points places.
      Surtees, in the end, got through to finish second and pip Hill by one point in the standings.
      John Surtees clinches the 1964 World ChampionshipCredit: LAT Photographic
      Emerson Fittipaldi, 1974
      This was the last and only other time two drivers have been level pegging on points going into the final race in the World Championship.
      However, it wasn’t quite the Grand Prix at Watkins Glen with a damper problem meaning Fittipaldi’s rival  Clay Regazzoni finished in 11th.
      The Brazilian finished fourth, winning his second title by three points.
      However, the win was overshadowed by the fatal crash of Austrian racer Helmuth Koinigg.
      Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi celebrates finishing fourth at the US Grand Prix to clinch his second championshipCredit: Getty
      James Hunt, 1976
      So good, and involving two great personalities, it made the astonishing film Rush.
      Niki Lauda and James Hunt fought it out at the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix in a thrilling climax to the season.
      Lauda, who two months earlier had a suffered the horror fiery crash at the German Grand Prix, retired on lap two because of the horrific weather conditions.
      Hunt, however, prevailed in the rain and managed to finish third to get the four points he needed to be champion.
      The appalling weather conditions made the Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 hell for the driversCredit: LAT Photographic
      James Hunt pipped rival Niki Lauda to the titleCredit: Getty
      Michael Schumacher, 1994
      It was a move that looked like it belonged in an action movie.
      Adelaide was the setting for Britian’s Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher to lock horns and even cars.
      The German was leading when he turned sharply at the East Terrace corner on lap 36.
      He then pulled sharply across Hill, who tried to work his way up the inside as they approached the next corner.
      Schumacher was knocked onto two wheels and out the race. However, Hill’s suspension forced him out allowing him to win over his Williams rival by one point.
      Michael Schumacher is knocked onto two wheelsCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
      Jacques Villeneuve, 1997
      Another unsavoury incident involving Schumacher that saw him disqualified from the year’s drivers’ standings.
      Williams’ Villeneuve was behind the Ferrari driver by one single point as they headed to Jerez.
      On lap 48, Villeneuve spotted Schumacher had left the door open for him to pass, but he sharply turned into him – ricocheting off the Williams car and into the gravel.
      Schumacher couldn’t get out, and the Canadian went on to finish third.
      Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher collideCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
      Lewis Hamilton, 2008
      The most extraordinary final lap in Hamilton’s driving career.
      Lewis went to the Brazilian Grand Prix leading by seven points from Felipe Massa.
      Massa was brilliant and won the race – his second ever home win.
      However, Hamilton saw Timo Glock slow down and zipped past him right at the end to claim fifth and four points for his first title.
      Lewis Hamilton finishes in fifth to claim his first titleCredit: EPA
      Sebastian Vettel, 2012
      Interlagos, again, provided a remarkable season finale.
      Vettel and Fernando Alonso were up against one another – with Vettel leading by 13 points in an era when 25 points were given for a win.
      Alonso fought hard, going from sixth in the grid to end up with a respectable second placed finish.
      Vettel, however, performed a miracle after dropping from 22nd following a crash with Williams’ Bruno Senna.
      He somehow finished sixth to claim his title.
      Sebastian Vettel celebrates winning his title in nail-biting fashionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Nico Rosberg, 2016
      Hamilton has previous in Abu Dhabi, this time with Rosberg who led by 12 points going into their battle at the Yas Marina circuit.
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      Needing just a podium finish, Hamilton started the race from pole and won it.
      However, Rosberg was keen to sit just behind his team mate to secure the title.
      Afterwards, the German-Finnish driver announced his retirement from Formula One.
      Nico Rosberg retired after winning the title in 2016 in dramatic styleCredit: EPA
      F1 star Max Verstappen arrives in Abu Dhabi for nail bitting show down with Lewis Hamilton More