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      F1 chiefs REJECT Mercedes’ request to review Max Verstappen’s defence from Lewis Hamilton at Brazil GP

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      MERCEDES have had their request to review Max Verstappen’s move on Lewis Hamilton DENIED by Formula One stewards. The incident occurred on lap 48 of the Brazil GP as Verstappen cut in front of Hamilton, forcing both men off the track.
      Verstappen cut in front of HamiltonCredit: Sky Sports
      With the pair coming wheel-to-wheelCredit: Sky Sports
      Both drivers were forced off the trackCredit: Sky Sports

      The Brit ultimately went on to win the race and cut Verstappen’s lead in the driver standings to just 14 points.
      He charged up from tenth on the grid, passing Verstappen en route, to keep his hopes of a record eighth championship alive.
      But Mercedes still pressed for F1 stewards to review the footage with Verstappen possibly facing a penalty.
      After FIVE days of deliberation the request has now been denied and Verstappen escapes without punishment.
      New footage had emerged from the Dutchman’s on-board camera of the clash with Hamilton, but that has been deemed ‘relevant’ and not ‘significant’ by the FIA.
      A spokesperson said: “[Mercedes’] position is that the new footage provides sufficient information for the stewards to come to an altogether different conclusion to the one they did previously.
      “However, the stewards determine that the footage shows nothing exceptional that is particularly different form the other angles that were available to them at the time.
      “Thus, the stewards determine that the footage, here, is not ‘significant’.”

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      Despite lodging for a review, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted he is not surprised by the decision.
      He said: “Completely expected. We wanted to trigger a discussion around it because probably it will be a theme in the next few races and I think that objective is achieved. We didn’t really think it would go any further.”
      Wolff has suggested the request for a review was in fact a tactic, with the wheel-to-wheel action expected in the final three races of the season sure to be highly scrutinised.
      Wolff coyly told Sky Sports: “What have we achieved? I think we have achieved a public discussion around it because I see a risk that we will see it happening in the next races,
      “It could well end up in the stewards’ room or the court room if people aren’t happy with how it is being raced out there.
      “It’s fine with us. Absolutely. It’s hard racing. If this is the regulations, then let’s just move on and race exactly that way and I think this is clear now.
      Meanwhile Red Bull chief Christian Horner quipped: “It’s obviously the right decision because it would have opened a Pandora’s box of a whole load of incidents at that race.”
      Horner also went on to advise Hamilton on how he should have approached Verstappen’s move, and looked ahead to this weekend’s Qatar GP.
      He continued: “I was surprised at the hearing in the first place because we saw many incidents at Turn 4 both in the sprint race and in the actual Grand Prix.
      “It was just two drivers probably out-braking themselves. If Lewis had been smart, he would have gone for the cutback like Checo had with Valtteri.
      “It’s good news that it’s full focus on this weekend now.”
      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      Lewis Hamilton praised by fans for wearing rainbow helmet for Qatar GP as he takes stand for LGBTQ+ rights

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been praised by fans for wearing a rainbow helmet at the Qatar Grand Prix in support of the LGBTQ+ community.Homosexuality is criminalised in Qatar, where this weekend’s crucial race takes place.
      Lewis Hamilton donned a rainbow-coloured helmetCredit: AFP
      The British hero isn’t afraid to stand up for what he believes inCredit: Getty
      During today’s practice, Hamilton donned a rainbow-coloured helmet, in solidarity with those that are persecuted simply for their sexuality in the gulf state.
      The back of the helmet featured the message: “We stand together.”
      Fans were impressed with the 36-year-old’s gesture.
      One wrote on social media: “WAIT is Hamilton wearing a pride flag on his helmet this weekend in f***ing QATAR? I love this man.”
      A second added: “Big balls move, like it.”
      And another commented: “I may not be a fan of him but I can f***ing respect that.”

      This weekend isn’t the first time that Hamilton has spoken up for LGBTQ+ rights this season.
      Prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix back in July, he offered his full support.
      He said: “To all in this beautiful country Hungary. Ahead of the Grand Prix this weekend, I want to share my support for those affected by the government’s anti-LGBTQ+ law.
      “It is unacceptable, cowardly and misguiding for those in power suggest such a law. Everyone deserves to have the freedom to be themselves, no matter who they love or how they identify.
      “I urge the people of Hungary to vote in the upcoming referendum to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, they need our support more than ever.”
      Following his stunning victory in the face of adversity last week in Sao Paulo, British hero Hamilton remains in the championship mix this weekend.
      With just three Grands Prix left, the driving legend trails Max Verstappen by 14 points.

      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      F1 Qatar Grand Prix: Live stream, TV channel, UK start time, race schedule as Verstappen looks to keep up title lead

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      THIS will be the hottest race of the season on the track and on the thermometer.Formula One heads to Qatar this weekend as the 10 teams gear up for the 21st event of the year.
      Lewis Hamilton celebrated an outstanding victory in the Brazil GPCredit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton reduced the gap between himself and Max Verstappen last weekend after an incredible outing in Sao Paulo.
      The difference between the two rivals now only stands at 14 points.
      Meanwhile, there are only 11 points separating Red Bull and Mercedes in the Constructors Championship.
      Red Bull cheif Helmut Marko has expressed his concerns about the power of Hamilton’s car going into the final three races of the year, saying: “Despite the lead, I see us at a disadvantage if Hamilton maintains this engine advantage”.
      When is the F1 Qatar Grand Prix?

      The Qatar Grand Prix takes place from Friday, November 19 to Sunday, November 21.
      Lights out for the race on Sunday at 2pm GMT.

      What TV channel and live stream is the F1 Qatar Grand Prix on?

      The Grand Prix will be broadcast live on on Sky Sports F1 in the UK.
      Sky Sports F1 will be showing the full F1 schedule.
      Coverage on race day is expected to start at 12:30pm.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go apps, both of which are available to download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      What is the race schedule?
      Friday November 19:

      Practice One: 10:30am GMT
      Practice Two: 2:00pm GMT

      Saturday November 20:

      Practice Three: 11:00am GMT
      Qualifying: 2:00pm GMT

      Sunday November 21:

      Race: 2:00pm GMT More

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      Verstappen ‘should be punished for FORCING Hamilton off track’ in Brazil – but Dutchman confident he’ll avoid action

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN should be slapped with a penalty for ‘forcing’ Lewis Hamilton off track – according to former F1 driver, Jolyon Palmer.That is even though the star denies he did nothing wrong.
      Max Verstappen has denied ‘forcing’ Lewis Hamilton off the track in BrazilCredit: Getty
      The Brit is waiting to see whether the Red Bull man will be punishedCredit: Rex
      FIA stewards will today decide if they need to review the flashpoint from the Brazilian GP where Hamilton and Verstappen went off track when fighting for the lead.
      If they do decide to investigate, Verstappen could be hit with a time penalty, which would cost him a drop in points, or he could risk a grid drop for this Sunday’s Qatar GP.
      And Palmer says that the stewards have a big call to make with regard to setting a benchmark going forward, but for him, the Dutchman WAS in the wrong.
      He said: “I’m dubious about the decision. For me, it raises questions about precedents for racing in the future — and from a sporting point of view, it didn’t make sense to me.
      “I’m sure that this was an immensely tough decision for the stewards to make, given everything at stake with their decision here, and the weight of the outcome hanging over them.
      “But for me, it was a clear case of forcing another driver off track.

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      “Had Verstappen managed to at least stay on the track himself then I think we would be in the grey area seen so many times already this year.
      “Is it hard defence and the driver on the outside has to back off, or is it squeezing another driver off the road?
      “If this sort of defensive manoeuvre is now acceptable, how can we expect another move to be completed around the outside, so long as there is the ever more popular asphalt run-off?”
      Red Bull man Verstappen is waiting to learn if he will face any punishment for running Hamilton off the road in Sao Paulo.
      But when quizzed if he would do the defence again on turn four of lap 48 at Interlagos, Verstappen said: “Yes. As a driver, I think we know exactly what we can and can’t do in the car.
      “We were fighting hard, breaking late into the corner and the tyres were worn. If I had turned more abruptly to the left he would have just spun off.”
      Mercedes were today trying to convince the stewards from the race in Brazil to reconsider their decision not to punish Verstappen at the time.
      It is baffling that it has taken over FOUR DAYS to come to a decision – yet the FIA are concerned about opening up a can of worms when it comes to future punishments.
      ‘A LOT OF FUN’
      When quizzed if he watched the footage from his car, which Mercedes are using in the hope of reexamining the case, Verstappen said: “No. I didn’t need to look at the footage because I was driving the car and I knew exactly what happened.
      “Like I said, I thought it was a great battle and I had a lot of fun. At the end of the day they won the race – far enough they were faster than us but it was a good battle.
      “I think it is quite normal when it is between two teams, not just one team with two drivers.
      And then asked if he would be surprised if he picked up a time penalty for the result in Brazil, he added: “If, if if….
      “It is not the end of the world but I don’t expect that to happen, I think it was fair and hard racing between two guys fighting for the championship.
      “It wouldn’t have been in any way an easy pass and we are fighting for the title. I was trying my best but my tyres were finished so I was just sliding to the finish.”
      Hamilton was coy on his opinion on the flashpoint, but while he initially brushed it off as hard racing, he now said he had changed his opinions.
      ‘RESPECT IS IMPORTANT’
      He said: “I think the reason I said at the time was the mentality you have to take. If you sit in the car at the moment and complain it will only hold you back.
      “It is difficult to judge when you haven’t seen all the angles, of course I’ve relooked at it and I have a different viewpoint, naturally now.
      “Right now, I know the team are in discussion so I am just leaving them to it. Respect is important and that we remain respectful of one another on and off track.”
      Meanwhile, Mercedes are expected to face fresh scrutiny over the rear wing on Hamilton’s car, which was confiscated in Brazil and saw him disqualified from qualifying.
      Red Bull want further questions answered about the legality of the wing that failed the FIA’s test.
      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      Verstappen spotted on rare track-walk ahead of pivotal Qatar GP as he sweats on update from Hamilton tussle in Brazil

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN took a rare track-walk ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix as he awaits the result of Lewis Hamilton’s appeal.Verstappen is not known for having a look around before the big race as he previously stated that he “can’t be a***d” and prefers “a few more minutes in bed”.
      Red Bull star Max Verstappen took a rare track-walk ahead of the Qatar Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton had a little tussle at the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have appealed the incident in Sao Paulo ahead of the Qatar GPCredit: Rex
      Verstappen said in June: “I haven’t done [a track-walk] since 2017.
      “I’ll have a few more minutes in bed, and if I want to know the track, I will drive my out lap a bit slower, look around, you know?”
      However, Verstappen made an exception this time as he took a walk with his Red Bull team on Thursday morning.
      Track-walks are a chance for drivers to get to know the track and discuss strategy with their engineers.
      It seems like the Dutchman also wanted to get his mind off Mercedes’ appeal after his tussle with Hamilton in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
      The two title rivals nearly collided in Sao Paulo when the British superstar tried to pass the Red Bull driver and was forced wide, having to go off-track to avoid hitting the Dutchman.
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      Stewards deemed no investigation was necessary at the time but had no access to forward-facing on-board footage from Verstappen’s car.
      Such footage later emerged and Mercedes requested a review hoping that would lead to a time-penalty that would see the 24-year-old drop behind Valtteri Bottas, who finished three seconds behind him in third.
      Hamilton still won the race but a potential sanction could have a significant impact on the title race.
      The 36-year-old is after his eighth title but is 14 points adrift of his Red Bull rival.
      Hamilton still has much to do to rein in the Dutchman with three rounds left on the Formula One calendar.
      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      Mercedes will FAIL with bid to have Verstappen punished for running Hamilton off the road, predicts Martin Brundle

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      MERCEDES will be unsuccessful in their review of the incident between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in Brazil.That is according to former British Formula One driver Martin Brundle, who predicts Hamilton’s team will fail to get Verstappen punished for running their driver off the road in Sao Paulo.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen almost collided during the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: Sky Sports
      Martin Brundle doesn’t expect Mercedes will get Max Verstappen punished for that incidentCredit: Getty
      The two title rivals nearly collided when the British superstar tried to pass the Red Bull driver and was forced wide, having to go off-track to avoid hitting the Dutchman.
      Stewards deemed no investigation was necessary at the time but had no access to forward-facing on-board footage from Verstappen’s car.
      Such footage later emerged and Mercedes requested a review hoping that would lead to a time-penalty that would see the 24-year-old drop him behind Valtteri Bottas, who finished three seconds behind him in third.
      Brundle wrote in his column for Sky Sports: “Mercedes may still ask for a stewards’ review but those claims rarely get a change of decision.
      “In any event, Red Bull will say they cruised at the end and so any five-second penalty putting them behind Bottas would be unfair – Max would have just driven faster, to which Mercedes will say so would have Valtteri.
      “Hamilton remained very calm about the incident and the subsequent radio call to tell him no further action from the stewards. I strongly suspect his determination to pass Max soared at that point.”

      Brundle added: “On the grid, Merc boss Toto Wolff was visibly angry that among the many changes throughout the grid under the parc ferme rules (including both Mercedes), Red Bull had changed rear wing elements on Verstappen’s car.
      “So why weren’t Mercedes allowed to address whatever had gone wrong on Hamilton’s rear wing during qualifying and causing his disqualification, he reasoned?
      “A fair question, the main answer being that those replaced parts were approved changes under FIA inspection and control and had not failed a legality check.
      “Furthermore, he wondered ‘and how about the glue and tape which had been applied to the Red Bull rear wings a week earlier in Mexico qualifying when they were managing a critical issue, only for it to be taken off for the race?’ Harder to argue against.”
      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      Lewis Hamilton lauded by Pele as football icon thanks Brit for hoisting Brazilian flag after ‘glorious’ Sao Paulo GP win

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      FOOTBALL legend Pele thanked British Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton for hoisting Brazil’s flag after his Brazilian Grand Prix triumph.Hamilton started in Sao Paulo from 10th place and put together a sensational performance that saw him finishing first and setting his title battle with Max Verstappen on fire.
      British star Lewis Hamilton hoisted the Brazilian flag after winning the Grand Prix in Sao PauloCredit: Rex
      Football legend Pele thanked Lewis Hamilton for paying tribute to Brazil after his triumphCredit: Instagram @pele
      Pele watched the race and was moved by the Mercedes driver’s decision to borrow the Brazilian flag from a marshal and wave it as he stood at the top of the podium.
      The Santos and Brazil legend shared a post on Instagram in which he posed with a Selecao shirt dedicated to the 36-year-old ‘world champion’ from his ‘amigo’.
      The 81-year-old also shared a snap of Hamilton paying tribute to the most recent Grand Prix’s host nation.
      Pele posted on his personal social media page: “A wonderful performance.
      “A day as glorious for you [Hamilton] as it is for us Brazilians.
      “It’s great to see an [F1] driver raise our flag on the podium. Thank you for being who you are.”
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      Hamilton saw the legendary footballer’s post on social media and issued the following response: “Thank you sir.”
      The Mercedes driver is after his eighth title but is 14 points adrift of Red Bull rival Verstappen.
      Hamilton needs at least one more win to equal the Dutchman or grab the lead with three rounds left on the F1 calendar.
      The next race is scheduled to take place in Qatar from Friday and much is expected from both title foes.
      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      Spice Girl Geri Halliwell wishes ‘amazing’ Red Bull boss Christian Horner happy birthday by sharing cute family pics

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      FORMER SPICE GIRL Geri Halliwell labelled Red Bull boss Christian Horner ‘amazing’ as she wished him happy birthday.Ginger Spice, 49, uploaded several cute family snaps and told her husband she loved him.
      Geri Halliwell wished Red Bull chief Christian Horner a happy birthday on InstagramCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      The former Spice Girl is married to 48-year-old HornerCredit: Alamy
      Horner is stepdad to Geri’s daughter Bluebell Madonna, 15, and the couple share a son, Montague, who is 4.
      He also has another daughter, Olivia, 8, from a previous relationship with ex-partner Beverley Allen.
      Geri shared pictures of herself and Horner as well as him with the three kids.
      And she wrote: “Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband @christianhorner.
      “Thank you for being the most amazing husband and father.
      “We love you.”

      Geri posted this snap on her Insta storyCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Horner has an eight-year-old daughter Olivia from a previous relationship with Beverley AllenCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
      Horner and Geri have a four-year-old son, MontagueCredit: Instagram @therealgerihalliwell
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      The post received more than 34,000 likes.
      Several famous faces commented to wish Horner many happy returns.
      Geri has 1.1million followers.
      Horner is used to living life in the fast lane at Red Bull.
      But when it comes to his personal life, the team principal of the motorsport giants prefers a more quiet and slower existence away from the race track.
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      He shares TWO stunning country homes with Geri in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire.
      The former property is, perhaps, the most lavish and most shared online – boasting its very own duck pond, which they use for boating.
      Their farm also houses three miniature donkeys, horses and goats in the estate’s stables.
      F1-mad groom more emotional about Lewis Hamilton’s Brazil GP win than own wedding as he wipes tear after hearing news More