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    Meet Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet, the daughter of a three-time world champ who has son with an ex-F1 driver

    MEET Kelly Piquet, who is regularly seen in the Red Bull paddock cheering on her partner Max Verstappen.The Brazilian beauty, 32, began dating the contender to Lewis Hamilton’s throne at the end of 2020.
    Meet Kelly Piquet, the stunning girlfriend of Max Verstappen
    Verstappen and Piquet began dating at the end of 2020Credit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Piquet is of Brazilian origin and was born in GermanyCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Since then, their relationship has bloomed as the Dutch star’s rise has continued.
    Piquet is a model, born in Germany, who regularly shows off her curves on Instagram to over 500,000 followers.
    She is the daughter of a F1 legend, and has a child with another racing driver.
    ROMANCE LIVES ON
    Piquet and Verstappen, 24, revealed they were a couple in a smitten Instagram post at the turn of the year.
    “Happy New Year everyone,” Verstappen wrote alongside a snap of him with the brunette stunner on the beach.
    “Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in many ways.

    “Wishing you all success, love and happiness just as I found mine.”
    She posted a similar message on social too.
    “Love is what makes the world go round,” said Piquet. “Happy new year and much love #2021.”
    Brunette stunner Piquet is a modelCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Piquet has over 500,000 followers on Instagram
    Verstappen and Piquet went public with their romance in 2021Credit: Getty
    Piquet revealed her love for Verstappen in a gushing Instagram post onlineCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    FAMOUS DAD
    Although she’s not a driver herself, Piquet has F1 in her veins.
    Her father Nelson Piquet has been called one of the greatest racers of all-time in motorsport.
    In the 1980s, he won three world championships for Brabham.
    During his career, Nelson also competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 1992, as well as the famous Le Mans 24 Hours.
    Now 69, he met Verstappen last month. But the driver refused to ask him for any advice.
    “We didn’t talk about it because I don’t need advice,” Verstappen said.
    “I know what to do in the car and I don’t have to ask anyone. Better to spend some time with the family.”
    Piquet has F1 in her blood
    She is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet
    At 32-years-old, Piquet is eight years older than VerstappenCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet

    PREVIOUS RELATIONSHIP
    Attracted to men who drive fast cars, Piquet was in a former romance with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat.
    They began dating in 2016, but seemingly split around three years later.
    During that time they had one daughter together, Penelope, who is now a 2-year-old.
    Verstappen regularly plays the role of doting stepdad, sharing images with her online.
    Judging by how fast their relationship is progressing, it might not be long before Piquet adds to her brood.
    Piquet was in a romance with former F1 driver Daniil KvyatCredit: Getty
    No doubt Piquet will be in the paddock when Verstappen races nextCredit: Getty
    Max Verstappen hints at shock F1 retirement aged just 24 if he wins F1 world title More

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    Lewis Hamilton ‘surprised’ F1 supremo Ecclestone by racing this season and trying to overtake Schumacher’s title record

    BERNIE ECCLESTONE is surprised Lewis Hamilton continued racing in a bid to break Michael Schumacher’s record.Hamilton, 36, tied level with the German last year winning his seventh world championship title.
    Bernie Ecclestone is surprised Lewis Hamilton did not retire at the end of last yearCredit: Splash
    Ecclestone does not believe Hamilton’s success has detracted from Schumacher’s greatnessCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The Brit broke Schumacher’s Grand Prix record at the Portugal Grand Prix in September 2020 and has now won 102 Formula One races.
    But Ecclestone does not believe Hamilton’s success lessens the legacy of Schumacher.
    Ecclestone told RFL: “I’m surprised Lewis didn’t say at the beginning of the year ‘I’m stepping down, I don’t want to win more races or World Championships than Michael’.”
    But the former F1 chief is pleased Hamilton’s involvement has led to a competitive battle for the world title.
    He added: “It’s a fight we’ve been waiting for seven or eight years, finally a competition again.
    “This is what people want when they watch Formula 1, or any sport for that matter. They want competition.”

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    Hamilton was dominant as he claimed his record-equalling seventh F1 title in 2020 with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas his closest rival.
    But with just two races to go Red Bull’s Max Verstappen currently leads the standings.
    Hamilton has fought his way back by winning in Brazil and Qatar, with the gap at the top down to just eight points, which means there could be a nail-biting finish with just two races remaining in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info More

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    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix practice: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and race schedule from Jeddah

    LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen are going to the wire as they head to Saudi Arabia.Verstappen has an eight-point lead in the F1 Drivers’ Championship but all the momentum is currently with Hamilton.
    NINTCHDBPICT000695274359Credit: EPA
    The Brit overcame what amounted to a 25-place grid penalty to beat Verstappen to the chequered flag in Brazil, then eased to victory in Qatar two weeks ago.
    However, his use of four engines has caused controversy with former McLaren rival Fernando Alonso calling for Hamilton to be sent to the back of the grid again.
    The Alpine driver said: “Those who have exceeded a certain number of engines per year should be sent to the back of the grid.”
    What time is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix practice?

    F1 heads to Saudi Arabia on the weekend of Friday, December 3 to Sunday, December 5.
    The action starts with Practice One on Friday at 1.30pm and Practice Two at 5pm.

    What TV channel is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?

    The F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is live on Sky Sports F1.
    You can stream all the action live with a Sky Go account or the Sky Sports app.
    Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch the whole race day with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

    F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix schedule
    Friday

    Practice One – 1.30pm (4.30pm local time)
    Practice Two – 5pm (8pm local time)

    Saturday

    Practice Three – 2pm (5pm local time)
    Qualifying – 5pm (8pm local time)

    Sunday

    Race – 5.30pm (8.30pm local time) More

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    Lewis Hamilton admits he’s ‘not comfortable’ ahead of first Saudi Arabia GP amid country’s horrific human rights record

    LEWIS HAMILTON says he is not comfortable being in Saudi Arabia for the country’s first ever F1 race due to their poor human rights record.Once again, the sport’s reigning champion was the one who spoke out after making a poignant statement on his arrival at the paddock in Jeddah.
    Hamilton has spoken out about Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights recordCredit: AP
    His vest featured a design showing multiple hands which, according to designer 3.PARADIS, is a ‘symbolic reference of unity and freedom’, while the doves on his black trousers are also a nod to freedom.
    The seven-time world champion is locked in a tense fight with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as F1 remains in the Middle East for the second of three races.
    At the Qatar GP, Hamilton said the country had ‘one of the worst’ reputations and said it needed ‘scrutiny’.
    He also wore a distinctive helmet with the Pride Flag in support of the LGBT community, who have extremely limited rights in some Middle Eastern countries.
    He said: “I feel the sport, and we are duty-bound, to ensure we try and raise awareness for certain issues, especially human rights in the countries we are going to.
    “With the utmost respect for everyone that is here, I have had a warm respect from everyone on the ground.

    “I can’t pretend to ever be the most knowledgeable or [have the] deepest understanding of anyone who has grown up in the community here that is heavily affected by so many rules and regimes.
    “Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t say I do, but it is not my choice to be here. The sport has taken the choice to be here and whether it is right or wrong, I think while we are here it is important we do try and raise awareness.
    “For example, in the last race you saw the helmet that I wore and I will wear that again here and in the next race because that is an issue and is a law.
    “If anyone wants to take the time to read what the law is for the LGBT+ community, it is pretty terrifying and there are changes that need to be made, for example women’s rights and being able to drive in 2018 — it is how they are policed.
    “Are they really in effect? Why are some of the women still in prison from driving many, many years ago? There is a lot of change that needs to happen and our sport needs to do more.”
    Hamilton’s comments should be applauded as he again is the flag-bearer on issues that the sport has promised to address.
    The Brit has called on fellow drivers to support his stance and countryman Lando Norris says he will continue to support Hamilton’s stance.
    He added: “Lewis is a good guy to have, not leading us, but being the prime guy talking about these kind of things.
    “It’s obvious that certain things he’s experienced in the past also help him be able to talk about it. I guess I’m fortunate that I’ve not had these kind of things to be said about me.
    “I’m not in such an easy position just to go out and say whatever I want like he can – the problems here and in some of the countries.”
    HOW VERSTAPPEN CAN WIN THE TITLE ON SUNDAY

    Verstappen is 1st, plus fastest lap (bonus point) and Hamilton is 6th or lower
    Verstappen is 1st and Hamilton 7th or lower
    Verstappen is 2nd, plus fastest lap (bonus point) and Hamilton is 10th or lower
    Verstappen is 2nd and Hamilton is 11th or lower More

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    Williams F1 team principal Jost Capito tests positive for Covid ahead of Saudi Arabian GP and doubt to make Abu Dhabi GP

    WILLIAMS team principal Jost Capito has tested positive for Covid-19.The 63-year-old will self-isolate in the UK, and won’t be able to attend this weekend’s penultimate Formula 1 race of the season in Saudi Arabia.
    Jost Capito chats to Red Bull’s Alex Albon in QatarCredit: Rex
    Capito’s positive test occurred prior to travelling to Jeddah.
    He is now a doubt to make the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi next week.
    A Williams statement confirmed: “There has been no wider impact on Williams Racing personnel and the team will continue to operate trackside as planned.”
    Capito, 63, initially joined Williams as chief executive officer back in February.
    He then took on the role of team principal in June.
    Williams currently sit eighth in the Constructor Standings.

    Lead driver George Russell, who will join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season, is 15th in the Driver Standings.
    While Canada’s Nicholas Latifi is 17th.
    This weekend’s race will be the first since legendary team founder Frank Williams passed away aged 79.
    Damon Hill and Hamilton led the tributes as the F1 world came together in mourning.
    The legendary Frank Williams passed away this weekCredit: Rex More

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    ‘Max doesn’t give a f***’ – Lewis Hamilton ‘continually drops subtle little digs’ in Verstappen fight, slams Horner

    RED BULL chief Christian Horner has accused Lewis Hamilton of making regular digs at rival Max Verstappen.But the Dutchman, 23, couldn’t ‘give a f***’.
    Lewis Hamilton has been accused of making ‘provocative’ commentsCredit: AFP
    Christian Horner reckons that Max Verstappen ‘couldn’t give a f***’Credit: Getty
    The pair have been locked in a heated battle for Championship glory this season.
    Their race for the title has taken several twists and turns – with Horner and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff often getting in on the war of words.
    This time, speaking to the Telegraph, the former claimed that Hamilton is always making comments aimed at Verstappen.
    He said: “Lewis continually drops his subtle little digs or provocations.
    “But I think the great thing about Max is he doesn’t give a f***. He is who he is. He drives a car fast.
    “And then he wants to go home and play on his PlayStation. It’s as simple as that.”

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    Verstappen currently leads Hamilton, 36, by eight points with two races left of the season.
    The Red Bull driver led by 19 points at one stage, which would be the largest deficit Hamilton has ever overcome – should the Brit win the Championship.
    Their rivalry has extended to off the track, with Verstappen accusing Hamilton of ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ after their coming together at Silverstone.
    Although fans have been left less than impressed by Verstappen’s own conduct at times, however, including when he swerved to try and block his foe’s overtake in Sao Paulo.
    Horner compared his man’s style to that of heavyweight champion of the world Tyson Fury.
    He added: “Max drives like Tyson Fury fights,.
    “He’s got that same heart. You just know he’s going to give it everything and if you knock him down, he’s going to get back up.
    “He’s got that burning desire, that all-out commitment. I would put money on Max’s first flying lap in Saudi Arabia being the fastest of any driver.”
    Max Verstappen leads his rival by eight points going into the season’s penultimate raceCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Worst claim to make’ – Lewis Hamilton adamant Mercedes aren’t cheating in F1 title battle with Red Bull

    LEWIS HAMILTON has vowed Mercedes are not cheating in their bitter title fight with Red Bull.The British ace has battled back from 19 points behind Max Verstappen to move within just eight points with two races to go.
    Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are locked in a sensational world title tussleCredit: Splash
    Hamilton and toto Wolff are looking to clinch an eighth successive drivers’ championship for MercedesCredit: Splash
    Merc boss Toto Wolff revealed after Hamilton’s convincing win in Qatar the Brit would be using his “spicy” newest engine for this weekend’s inaugural Saudi Arabian GP.
    It has led to plenty of chat in the paddock about cheating and the legality of Hamilton’s Merc, with Red Bull boss Christian Horner considering a protest.
    But the seven-time world champion says the team has nothing to hide after seeking reassurances from his bosses.
    He said: “Toto loves putting those things in. I think he’s teasing the others around us and it is interesting the little duel he is having with Christian.
    “We all have egos and that’s what controls our emotions and it is egos fighting each other there is defence.
    “There is respect, but what is important – I did see someone say something about cheating and that’s the worst claim to ever make.

    Christian Horner has revealed he is considering a protest against MercedesCredit: Getty
    “I called James Allison [chief technical officer] and Mike Elliott [technical director] and said I really want to know about these things.
    “They have taken me through details of where we are. We have done all these tests and this is where it is, but I don’t like it when people put that out there.
    “It is not tarnishing it, it is just the wrong thing to do.”
    This season’s brilliant fight between Hamilton and Verstappen has been matched by a heated battle in the pitlane between Merc and Red Bull.
    And Hamilton says that nothing should be read into his new-found pace other than it being a fresh engine in the back of his Silver Arrow.
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    He added: “I don’t think we have exploited any loophole. They [Red Bull] did at the start of the year with their wing and then they changed that rule and now it is much stricter.
    “Our car is solid but it does not work everywhere. The engine definitely has its faults, but I have got a fresh engine. It is just fresh…it has done one race!
    “What was interesting in the last races was after qualifying I was half a second ahead and it was like ‘is this the Brazil engine’ and I was like nope.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton reckons conquering Max Verstappen and claiming record eighth F1 title would be greatest win of his career

    LEWIS HAMILTON says winning the F1 title this year for a record eighth time would be his greatest victory.The Brit is locked in a gripping battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen which is delicately poised going into the final two races of the season.
    Max Verstappen leads Lewis Hamilton by eight points with just two races remainingCredit: Reuters
    The pair have been battling it out at the front all seasonCredit: Rex
    The championship lead has changed hands over the previous 20 races and currently sees Hamilton just eight points behind.
    The 36-year-old could wipe that out this weekend in Saudi Arabia providing he is victorious and sets the fastest lap.
    It would mean he would be level-pegging with Verstappen going into the season finale in Abu Dhabi next week in what has been a pulsating duel for the F1 crown.
    But sat in the Rosewood Hotel in London, dressed in a tight green top and black trousers, Hamilton is looking and sounding as cool as a cucumber.
    He says: “I am excited. I feel different than what I felt in my first year.
    “I remember the year of my first title and my second, the nervousness I had in Brazil in 2008, and then in Abu Dhabi, the double points in 2014 and not sleeping.

    “There is a different calmness this year, I don’t know why, I guess because I have had those experiences in the past.
    “Would this be the best championship? If I get the job done, I think it will, yeah. But also, no one has ever been able to fight for an eighth, aside from Michael Schumcher. It is a new position, uncharted territory.”
    If he does manage to win the title this season, Hamilton would have overturned a 19-point deficit – his biggest comeback to win a championship.
    And he says that his recent successes, particularly his victory at the Brazilian GP – where he was disqualified from qualifying and hit with a grid penalty – were reminiscent of his karting days.
    He added: “This year has been amazing. These past few days I have been watching back my karting races.
    “I went to see my dad and my brother on Sunday and we had roast dinner and my brother came and showed me a race at Buckmore Park – he knows all my races, he’s my biggest fan probably, and he was like ‘this was your best race’.
    “Those have been my favourite races when you have to come back from somewhere else.
    “When I started karting at Rye House, I always started last because the kart was bent, it was really not great and I worked my way through the field.
    “This year has been amazing too. There was a period at the beginning of the year where we just won in Bahrain and then we had a good couple of races before then really falling behind.
    They have come together to cause collisions twice, including when they both crashed out in ItalyCredit: Getty
    Hamilton looks to have the faster car heading into the final two crucial racesCredit: Splash
    “They were three or four tenths ahead and it was like, ‘shoot, we don’t have a development coming’, so it has been a real challenge and I love it.
    “The team and I are closer than we have ever been. Everyone has lifted their game.
    “I am proud of everything we have done. There were times when we were 35 points behind in the Constructors’ Championship and at that point and at the time it feels impossible.
    “But somehow we recovered and then you go to Brazil and when I got that message I was disqualified, my heart sank.
    “I was like ‘there is no matter how good I am, I am never going to recover and I am going to lose at least, I might get back to fourth or fifth from there’.
    “But then we won the race.”
    Next up is the high-speed street race in Saudi Arabia, a new addition to the calendar with building work still going on.
    Hamilton booked himself in for double-sessions on the team’s simulator in their Brackley HQ and has cancelled private engagements to ensure he stays fit, focused and healthy.

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    He said: “I have been working hard and this is the best I have been able to give in a year in terms of the training, the time balance that I have.
    “What I say yes to, what I say no to. On Sunday, it was the British Fashion Awards and I was supposed to be on a really nice table and I was like ‘I have got to be up training, I have got to be focused, I cannot risk getting covid’, so I made every sacrifice I could this year.
    “I don’t think I have left anything undone so at this point of the year there are no regrets.” More