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      ‘Torrid and indecisive’ – Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle slams ‘harsh’ F1 stewards after Verstappen and Bottas penalties

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      DEBATE raging over recent F1 decisions shows little sign of dying down after pundit Martin Brundle stoked the flames once again.The Sky Sports expert has slammed race stewards for dishing out ‘harsh’ grid penalties to stars Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas in Qatar.
      Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas were hit with grid penalties in QatarCredit: Getty
      Martin Brundle called on F1 stewards to up their gameCredit: Getty
      The pair were punished after they failed to slow as yellow flags were waved during qualifying at the Losail International Circuit.
      That followed recent controversy over Verstappen’s move to block Lewis Hamilton in Brazil and questions over the legality of Mercedes’ car.
      Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports column: “I thought the grid penalties for (Verstappen) and Valtteri Bottas were harsh on Sunday.
      “The FIA, who do a generally tremendous job in refereeing the highly complex world of F1, have had a torrid and indecisive couple of weeks since waving through the infamous turn four incident between the championship contenders in Brazil.”
      Red Bull’s Verstappen fought up from seventh on the grid to finish second at the inaugural Qatari event.
      But championship rival Hamilton claimed his second straight victory for Mercedes to cut Verstappen’s lead to just eight points with two races left.

      Qatar played host to a fiery atmosphere in the pit lane as frustrated team bosses made claims and counterclaims over recent incidents.
      Mercedes were angry after being refused an appeal against Verstappen’s blocking tactics on their man at Interlagos.
      Red Bull then threatened to complain about the legality of the lightning-fast Merc as boss Christian Horner claimed he had spotted a questionable rear wing.
      And Verstappen was even fined for touching his rival’s car in Brazil – and then moaned about being denied a fair fight in the championship run-in.
      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      ‘More wary than ever before’ – Lewis Hamilton fears crashing with F1 rival Max Verstappen as pair battle for title

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is desperate to avoid another collision with Max Verstappen as a dramatic F1 title race reaches its thrilling climax.Hamilton trails Verstappen in the standings by just eight points with two races left after winning in Qatar, and is ready to be ‘wary’ in order to avoid crashing out at the final hurdle.
      Hamilton and Verstappen have already collided more than once this seasonCredit: Getty
      The pair went wheel-to-wheel at the Brazil GP ten days ago, and the Brit cannot afford to crash out with precious few points left on offer.
      Hamilton told the BBC: “You just have to be very, very wary – more wary than ever before.
      “Rather than giving someone the benefit of the doubt, you have to know that’s what’s going to happen.
      “So you always have to be ready to avoid a collision at all costs, [even] if it means going wide, because you want to see the end of the race, right?
      “If you’re stubborn and you hold your ground, you’re going to crash. So that’s what I’ve just tried to do. I’ve tried to make sure I avoid the collision.
      “And I think I’ve been pretty decent at it in most scenarios. You can’t always get it perfect.”

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      Hamilton and Verstappen have collided on two occasions this campaign… so far.
      The Brit was penalised for the first one at the British GP, while Verstappen was at fault when they crashed again at the Italian GP.
      Two wins in the last two races for Hamilton in Brazil and Qatar have seen him eat into Verstappen’s lead at the top of the standings.
      That’s after he struggled early on in the season while Verstappen clocked up victory after victory.
      The seven-time world champion has admitted he endured a difficult spell, saying: “The first half of the season was one of the toughest I would say, that I’ve had.
      “But right now I feel better than I’ve felt in a long time. So somehow I’ve managed to push through it.”

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Verstappen can win the title with a race to spare in Saudi Arabia on December 5, but it would be fitting for this incredible season to go down to the final race.
      They could even head into the final race at Yas Marina LEVEL on points.
      If Hamilton scoops the 25 points for a race win in Jeddah and the extra bonus point for clocking the fastest lap, they will be tied on points going into the last race of the season should Verstappen come second.
      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      F1 director tells Lewis Hamilton ‘rules are clear’ after Brit star hints at confusion following Verstappen overtake

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been told the rules are clear enough after the F1 superstar grumbled about Max Verstappen’s overtake in Brazil.The Mercedes driver was miffed when officials refused to take action after his championship rival appeared to force him off the track at Interlagos.
      Lewis Hamilton claimed victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix
      The Mercedes driver had to get past rival Max Verstappen at Interlagos
      Anger then grew at Merc after they were refused a right to appeal against the decision not to punish the Red Bull man.
      Now F1 race director Michael Masi has told the feuding teams to stop whining and play by the rules.
      He said: “I think it’s been made clear to them what is expected.
      “I think some of them agree, some of them disagree. That’s always with each and every one of them, they have agreed and disagreed all the way through.
      “We’ve given them some overall guidance, but also been very clear on the fact that each and every case will be judged on its merits.”
      There was surprise among F1 circles as Verstappen appeared to get away with it on lap 48 of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

      ARE YOU IN? IT’S GO TIME ON OUR COMPETITION TO WIN £5,000 (T&Cs apply. 18+)
      The championship leader held a wide line going into the corner at turn four, which pushed Hamilton off the track.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff accused the stewards of going soft on such incidents and warned it could lead to dangerous racing in future.
      But Masi hit back at critics and insisted his team of officials needed no schooling in terms of what is acceptable racing.
      He added: “We’re not more relaxed. We’re looking at each and every incident on its merits as we have done with each and every one
      “There is a panel of independent stewards, contrary to what many people think, I’m not the one sitting there as judge and jury.”
      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      Lewis Hamilton had different spec Mercedes car to Valtteri Bottas during Qatar Grand Prix following engineer tweaks

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS has revealed that he had a different spec Mercedes car to team-mate Lewis Hamilton during the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.The outgoing Finn, 32, endured a dreadful start on the Losail International Circuit.
      Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas had different cars on SundayCredit: Getty
      Bottas, 32, was forced to retire during the raceCredit: EPA
      And just as he was making his way back up the order he suffered a puncture, eventually having to retire from the race.
      Team-mate Hamilton went on to win the Qatar GP, cutting Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Driver Standings to just eight points.
      After the race, Bottas graciously tweeted: “DNF in Qatar Unlucky day for me, but good to see @LewisHamilton win the race. Let’s keep pushing @MercedesAMGF1 !”
      Lifting the lid somewhat on his own woes, however, he told Finnish outlet Ilta Sanomat: “I have found out the reason, but I cannot give details.
      “But my car was no longer quite the same as it was, nor was it the same as Lewis’.
      “There were little differences in the cars.”

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      Team chief Toto Wolff gave Bottas a vote of confidence after the race.
      He said: “We know that he can drive away when he’s at the front. So the speed is there.
      “I have absolute confidence in him for the next races and I hope that we will have a good car. Then Valtteri will be at the front again because we need him there.”
      Mercedes lead Red Bull by just five points in the Constructor Standings.
      On Bottas’ role in the battle, Wolff added to Sky Italia: “He’s very unlucky, because his start was very bad, then he recovered, he was P3 on track, and then there was this puncture.
      “If he had finished the race, we would have had a bit of a safety margin for the Constructors’ Championship, now it will be all decided at the end.”

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Ahead of next week’s penultimate GP of the season in Saudi Arabia, Wolff vowed to unleash his team’s ‘spicy engine’.
      He said: “Saudi should be a good track for us but we know this year when you think it’s a good one it can turn the other way around, but it’s a long straight.
      “We’ll get our spicy engine out for Saudi Arabia that we didn’t use [in Qatar].”
      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      Lewis Hamilton to bring out ‘spicy engine’ on quick Saudi Arabia track as title race against Max Verstappen hots up

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is set for a timely boost in his F1 title battle with Max Verstappen next out in Saudi Arabia.The new circuit is close to completion ahead of next week’s inaugural grand prix in Jeddah.
      Lewis Hamilton has received a boost in his F1 title challengeCredit: Reuters
      The British legend is challenging Max Verstappen for the crownCredit: Getty
      The street circuit promises to be the second-quickest track on the F1 calendar behind Monza with high-speed corners similar to Silverstone.
      That plays into Mercedes’ hands as they have shown considerable pace over Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
      And another thing that swings this epic title race in Hamilton’s favour comes in the form of his new “spicy engine”, he used to power his way to glory in Brazil.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff said: “Saudi should be a good track for us but we know this year when you think it’s a good one it can turn the other way around, but it’s a long straight.
      “We’ll get our spicy engine out for Saudi Arabia that we didn’t use [in Qatar].”
      Hamilton has explained that his team have managed to eek out the performance from his Mercedes without any major upgrades.

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      He has managed to slash Verstappen’s lead from 19 to eight points in the last two races.
      He added: “[We’ve] definitely been able to squeeze more performance out of the package without bringing any upgrades.
      “We’ve not had an upgrade since Silverstone. It’s been quite phenomenal to see the small bits and the increments that we’ve been improving.
      “It’s very close between the two cars clearly, so I think that lines us up for a great battle.
      “In these last two [races], I think we’ve just been able to do a better job overall. And I hope that we can take this form into the next two.”
      Meanwhile, organisers in Saudi are confident the track will be finished in time for the race on December 5th and are without any major concerns.
      TRACK FACTFILE

      Track length is 6,175 km making it the second longest circuit on the calendar after Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the longest street track in F1.

      Average speeds are expected to reach 252km/h – the fastest street circuit on the calendar with highest speeds estimated to peak at 322km/h between Turns 25-27.

      When construction is complete, about 2,000 trees will be planted around the circuit.

      37,000 tons of asphalt have been used in the track’s construction.

      Construction of the circuit required 600,000 tons of cement, 30,000 square meters of bricks, and more than 1,400 tons of glass.

      Lighting levels are set at 1,500 lux, with more than 200,000 meters of cabling.

      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      How Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen could be TIED going into final F1 race of season at Abu Dhabi GP

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      TWO wins in two races for Lewis Hamilton means the F1 title race could be TIED heading into the final Grand Prix of the season. Hamilton’s win at the Qatar GP means he currently trails Verstappen by eight points going into the penultimate race in Saudi Arabia.
      Verstappen (L) and Hamilton’s (R) title race could go all the way to the final lap of the seasonCredit: Reuters
      The rivals have been going back-and-forth all season as the campaign reaches a thrilling climax.
      And David Beckham has risked the wrath of long-time pal Hamilton after being snapped in the Red Bull garage in Qatar.
      Were the Brit to take 25 points for a race win in Saudi Arabia and Verstappen come second, the Dutchman’s lead would be cut to just one point.
      But Hamilton could go even further and scoop the extra point given to the driver who posts the quickest lap of the race.
      That would leave them on EXACTLY the same number of points before the F1 season concludes in Abu Dhabi on December 12.
      However, Verstappen could yet make sure it doesn’t come to that as he chases a maiden world title.
      The 24-year-old can actually win the world championship in Jeddah on December 5.
      He needs to outscore Hamilton by 18-points at the next GP to make sure the title doesn’t go the distance.
      That would give him an unassailable 26-point lead going into the final race of the season.

      To do so he would need to finish second or higher in Jeddah and Hamilton to end the weekend pointless.
      Alternatively a Verstappen win would mean Hamilton would have to finish sixth or higher to take it to the final race at Yas Marina.
      However if he won with the fastest lap bonus point Hamilton would then have to finish fifth or above.
      Verstappen can clinch the title by finishing second and posting the fastest lap, if Hamilton finishes 10th or lower.
      But if Verstappen finishes second and does not secure the fastest lap, he will still win the title if Hamilton fails to score.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      If the pair finish the season LEVEL on points after the two remaining races then Verstappen will be victorious on races won.
      He’s won nine races this year and cannot be overhauled on race wins by Hamilton regardless of whether the Brit takes the chequered flag in the next two.
      Got all of that?
      Well to put it simply if Verstappen extends his current eight-point lead to 26 or more in Saudi Arabia then he will be champion with a race to spare.
      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      Lewis Hamilton hailed for ‘superhero’ Qatar performance as commanding victory closes gap on Max Verstappen

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      LEWIS HAMILTON turned in a “superhero” performance in Qatar after his victory pulled him back in the F1 title race.The seven-time world champion won convincingly in Doha to slash Max Verstappen’s advantage from 19 to eight points in the last two races.
      Lewis Hamilton secured another crucial win in the Formula One 2021 season at the first Qatar GPCredit: Getty
      He was cheered on by England football legend David Beckham – a year before the World Cup kicks off in the Middle EastCredit: Getty
      The brilliant Brit was cheered on by David Beckham in the desert after bouncing back from a disqualification in qualifying last time out in Brazil.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff hailed his driver’s turn around in form to crank up the pressure on rivals Red Bull.
      He said: “They woke up the lion on Saturday in Interlagos [after being disqualified for a broken rear wing].
      “He is absolutely on it and brutal. He’s cold-blooded and on it, this is the best Lewis we have seen in the past, and he is right there.
      “When adversity happens, then it takes him to a place where he is able to mobilise superhero powers. It was the adversity that triggered that in Interlagos.
      “I never stopped believing this championship was on. Everyone in the team refuses to give up and I am grateful with how the championship has gone.

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      “I hope it goes all the way to the end and whoever wins will deserve to win.”
      Hamilton is now eager to get going again in Saudi Arabia in two weeks’ time before the finale in Abu Dhabi a week later.
      He added: “It was pretty straight forward and lonely at the front. I enjoy those races where you’re battling through but we needed those points and it was a solid job.
      “I feel great. I feel in the best shape physically than I have been all year.
      “The car is feeling better than ever and I feel positive going into the next couple of races, I feel they should be quite good for our car and I’m looking forward to the battle.”
      Meanwhile, Verstappen says he knew he would be in for a tough race after being called to the stewards the previous evening for ignoring yellow warning flags.
      He said: “I knew I was going to get a penalty on Saturday night. When I saw the result, I was not shocked or surprised.
      “You just focus, you just have to pass a few more cars than you would usually like.”
      Hamilton was simply too good in the Qatari desert on SundayCredit: EPA
      It was a good weekend for Toto Wolff in the drivers’ championship but Red Bull closed the gap for the constructors’ titleCredit: Splash
      Lewis Hamilton reacts to his Qatar GP win More

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      F1 Qatar Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Hamilton WINS but Verstappen jumps from seventh to second place – latest reaction

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will start the Qatar Grand Prix on pole after a superb drive in qualifying. The Mercedes star was at his best to see off the challenge of both Max Verstappen and teammate Valtteri Bottas.

      Race time: Sunday 2pm
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV

      Follow all the latest with our live blog from Qatar below…
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      LEWIS HAMILTON WINS IN QATAR
      He slices Verstappen’s lead in the championship to just EIGHT points with two races to go.
      This is going down to the wire as Verstappen finishes second.
      Fernando Alonso first podium since the 2014 Hungarian GP.
      VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR
      Verstappen stops for tyres again. Free stop. Just to cover off the threat of Hamilton from trying to get it.
      VERSTAPPEN SETS THE FASTEST LAP
      The Dutchman is on for the bonus point here.
      LATIFI NOW GETS A PUNCTURE
      Cars failing left right and centre. Pirelli did say they would not last the distance.

      PUNCTURE FOR RUSSELL
      The gamble not to stop for a second time has backfired at Williams. Russell has a puncture.
      BOTTAS TOLD TO RETIRE THE CAR
      A miserable GP for the Finn, who is back in the team’s garage after a wretched race.
      10 LAPS TO GO
      It is Hamilton, Verstappen, Alonso, Norris, Perez.
      Could Alonso be on for a podium?
      HAMILTON PITS
      And the race leader pits too. He pits from the lead and returns to the track in the lead. He is crushing this GP.
      LAP 42 PEREZ STOPS FOR TYRES TOO
      The Mexican pits from third.

      LAP 42 VERSTAPPEN STOPS AGAIN
      A fresh set of tyres to get him to the end of the race.
      HAMILTON RADIOS HIS TEAM – A SLIGHT CONCERN?
      “Very small vibrations on my front tyre,” he says. He is nine seconds ahead of Verstappen.
      BOTTAS HAS A PUNCTURE
      He was running in third but had not stopped for fresh tyres. He slides off track and into the gravel.
      He made it back on track and trundled around, sparks flying from his Merc. Eventually he was passed by Perez.
      He limped back to the pits and now has a fresh set of tyres, but he is down in 14th

      MAX IS READY TO GO…
      He’s asked his engineer if he can “have a bit of fun” as he is “going to finish second anyway”.
      Tells you all you need to know about this race now, which is becoming a procession for Hamilton.
      SAINZ AND LECLERC IN FOURTH AND FIFTH
      That’s a solid result so far for Ferrari, who are looking to take third place in the constructors’ championship.
      HAMILTON HAS A WHOPPING LEAD
      Just 20 laps into this 57 lap race and he’s stopped for tyres and has a 8.6 second lead over Verstappen.
      Alonso, who has not even stopped yet, it a further 4.5 seconds behind the Dutchman.
      BOTH VERSTAPPEN AND HAMILTON HAVE STOPPED
      And yet they remain the front two cars in this race. That’s a free pitstop for both. It is only lap 19 of 57.
      It is Hamilton then Verstappen.
      HAMILTON NOW STOPS TOO
      Mercedes respond to the undercut from Red Bull to call in the race leader for fresh rubber.
      VERSTAPPEN STOPS FOR TYRES
      The Red Bull man makes his pitstop at the end of lap 17.
      BOTTAS HAS WOKEN UP
      The Finn who drinks about 10 espressos a day, has finally come alive. He’s passing everyone and in to sixth.
      PEREZ IS ALSO MAKING PROGRESS
      He is up to fifth.

      BOTTAS GETS A HURRY UP FROM THE BOSS
      Wolff is on the radio telling his man to pull his finger out. He’s been languishing in 11th place for 9 laps. He’s just overtaken Tsunoda for 10th.

      VERSTAPPEN IN SECOND
      It has taken him five laps to wipe up that grid penalty. He is now behind Hamilton, albeit four seconds behind.

      MAX IS BACK
      He is on the charge. He started seventh but is already up to third on lap 4.
      TV REPLAYS SHOW VERSTAPPEN AVOIDING ALONSO
      The Red Bull man was hard on the brakes to avoid hitting the Spaniard.
      GREAT START FROM HAMILTON
      He gets away cleanly. Verstappen gets right into the thick of things and some how makes it into fourth place.
      It is Hamilton, Alonso, Gasly, Verstappen, Norris…
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