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      Lewis Hamilton title woe as Brit faces DISQUALIFICATION after trouncing Max Verstappen for Brazilian GP sprint pole

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S hopes of a record-breaking eighth F1 world title could be up in smoke after a potential breach of the regulations during qualifying in Brazil.The Brit trounced championship rival Max Verstappen in Sao Paolo to earn pole position for Saturday’s sprint race – and a chance to claw back two points.
      Lewis Hamilton crushed Friday qualifying to get pole for the sprint in Brazil but could now start lastCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen was not too disappointed to come in second ahead of the weekendCredit: Getty
      But Hamilton’s joy was short-lived after news his Mercedes is pending an FIA investigation after it opened more than it should when DRS was activated, giving him an extra burst of speed.
      If Hamilton’s Silver Arrow has breached the technical regulations he could be disqualified.
      This would see him start at the back of the grid for sprint qualifying, which will determine the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
      Hamilton already trails Verstappen by 19 points and the Dutchman could open up a bigger gap on the defending champion if Hamilton is to start the Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the field.
      The FIA have summoned a representative of Mercedes to the stewards to discuss the incident.
      To add salt to the wounds, Hamilton will also be met with a five-place grid penalty on Sunday after taking on a new engine.

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      Meaning any ground he makes up in the 100km sprint qualifying race will all be undone for the Grand Prix.
      It has overshadowed what appeared to be a turning point for Mercedes in the championship, after Hamilton showed incredible pace to beat Verstappen by 0.4 seconds.
      Before the rear wing was reported to the FIA, Hamilton was amazed to see how much Mercedes had improved since the Mexico GP.
      He said: “We’ve been working so hard to get this car right, it’s been tough.
      “So to finally get the car feeling like it did today, it feels great and it’s just a testament to all the hard work in the garage and at home to try and pull out everything we have in the car.
      “The last two poles I’ve had, I’ve had a penalty. So it’s a bit unfortunate to have the penalty but it is what it is.
      “I don’t know if the pace will translate to the race, but I’ve been going from P3 and I sit there for the whole hour trying to make the right set up changes in practice and the anxiety you get is crazy.
      “A lot of times I get it wrong and today I got it right and the car was really nice to drive.
      “It was everything I wanted and then that enabled me to keep pushing and you could just see purple, purple, purple and I was just gaining each time.
      “I don’t know how we can go from one track where they are half a second ahead to then being behind, but anyway they will be very strong in the race tomorrow and I hope Valtteri [Bottas] gets a good start.”
      Although Verstappen wasn’t shocked to see his rival thriving with his fresh Mercedes-powered engine.
      Verstappen said: “Naturally when they take a new engine they have more power for the weekend.
      “For me it’s not a big shock, I am just happy to be second, that’s a good position to start from.
      “Of course you want to be closer but sometimes you just have to be realistic and there wasn’t much more in it.”
      Hamilton’s ex-team-mate Rosberg reveals why he couldn’t drive two laps in F1 car More

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      Lewis Hamilton in huge F1 world title blow as Mercedes star takes five-place grid penalty for engine change at Brazil GP

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      SEVEN-TIME world champion Lewis Hamilton WILL take a five-place grid penalty in Sao Paolo.The Brit’s car requires an engine change for this weekend’s Brazilian GP.
      Hamilton faces yet another setback in his quest for an eighth world titleCredit: AFP
      It makes his task of overhauling Max Verstappen’s 19 point lead in the standings even more challenging.
      The penalty comes into force after the Sprint race, meaning he will start that in the place that he qualifies on Friday.
      Qualifying is on Friday evening after Practice One, followed by Practice Two and the Sprint Race on Saturday night.
      So the best possible place Hamilton can start from on Sunday’s race is fifth on the grid.
      It’s the fifth time Hamilton has had an engine change this season – two over the three allowed swaps.
      He previously changed his engine unit at the Turkish GP last month and eventually finished in fifth place.
      But with SunSport predicting a Max Verstappen win even before the penalty Hamilton can’t afford to finish that low down and lose yet more ground on the Dutchman.

      When asked on Thursday about a possible penalty Hamilton remained coy, saying: “I can’t really comment at the moment.
      “I don’t think the engines have even arrived. As far as I am aware currently my engine is fine.
      “I will find out obviously later on. We’ve not even done an engineering [meeting] yet.”
      But now the engine change has been confirmed and the Brit will have to take a penalty.
      It comes as a blow to the seven-time world champ with just four races left on the calendar.
      Abu Dhabi hosts the season finale on December 12 after races in Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
      But the title may well already be decided by the time the circuit touches down at Yas Marina.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen react to dangerous crash More

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      Lewis Hamilton vs Max Verstappen has delivered thrilling F1 season – but rule changes promise to make 2022 even better

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      FORMULA ONE fans are lapping up Lewis Hamilton’s title fight with Max Verstappen – and next year promises to be even better.Seeing the seven-time world champion fighting the young Red Bull ace has been gripping and it could signal the changing of an era.

      But one thing that is changing for 2022 is the rulebook, as F1 faces its biggest overhaul in its 71-year history.
      Many fans have questioned why, with such a close fight between Verstappen and Hamilton, there is a need for new rules.
      But F1’s masterplan, which was laid out in 2018, is to make the racing even better, with multiple drivers battling it out for the title.
      So what is changing?
      The biggest difference is with the cars and we will see a complete transformation from this year’s challenger.
      While the current models are quick, they generate so much turbulence from their honed aerodynamics that is impossible for another car to follow closely behind.

      Think of how a speedboat generates choppy water, it is the same for F1 cars only with ‘dirty air’.
      It means that once a car gets close to another, it is forced into the turbulence, losing around 40 per cent of its downforce and grip.
      It means the driver behind is unable to mount a serious attack on the car in front as he has lost performance from his own car.
      The biggest shake-up with the 2022 cars is the design will shoot that air upwards, rather than behind, meaning cars are capable of travelling closer together, which in turn leads to closer racing.
      Other key changes are over-wheel winglets for the first time and wheel covers, again with the ideal to create downforce but without causing turbulence.What else is new?
      Bigger tyres. Big is beautiful but the new 18″ wheels will not only look better, they will also feature slick low-profile tyres for the first time.
      Pirelli have designed new tyres that reduce the amount of overheating when they slide.
      That is another factor that will help with closer racing, as drivers currently lose performance with an overheating tyre.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      The other crucial aspect, although it will not be noticeable to TV viewers, is the shift to a biofuel, while the turbo-hybrid engines currently being used will carry over.
      F1 chiefs are hoping that the new cars will lead to closer racing, while teams will be limited to spending £105million on developing their cars as part of a reduced cost cap.
      In theory, that should help the likes of Williams and Haas at the back of the grid be more competitive with the midfield teams – Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Alpine.
      And at the sharp end, it will move the bigger teams closer together.
      So while this year’s duel between Verstappen and Hamilton is exciting, the goal for 2022 is for it to be an even better show.
      Hamilton’s ex-team-mate Rosberg reveals why he couldn’t drive two laps in F1 car More

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      Inside F1 star Max Verstappen’s £12m private jet that Red Bull star bought from Virgin tycoon Richard Branson

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      THIS Red Bull driver really does have wings.Max Verstappen, 24, showed yet again he was king of the circuit over the weekend – winning the Mexican Grand Prix by 16 seconds ahead of fierce rival Lewis Hamilton.
      Max Verstappen is the proud owner of a £12m Falcon-900EX private jet
      Verstappen currently leads the driver standings by 19 points
      Virgin boss and British business magnate, Richard Branson was the previous ownerCredit: AP
      The victory extended his lead to 19 points in the driver standings with just four races to go.
      And motor racing isn’t the only thing Verstappen is flying high in.
      For he is the proud owner of his own private jet, that he splashed the cash on in 2020.
      Max paid around £12million for the Falcon-900EX, that used to have a famous owner.
      It was previously in the hands of Virgin boss and British business magnate, Sir Richard Branson, according to reports.

      LAVISH EXPENSE
      Verstappen already leads a life of luxury, and is said to have a £45million fortune.
      He lives in a stunning apartment in Monaco, like most F1 heroes, worth millions.
      Mad Max also has an incredible car collection, owning various Aston Martins through the years. And he’s awaiting their £2million Valkyrie, which he has on order and is due for delivery next year.
      But in the meantime, he has another toy to play with – and like his team’s drink’s motto, it gives him wings.
      Dutch star Verstappen paid around £12m for his own plane
      Inside the cockpit of Verstappen’s stunning plane
      Verstappen pays around £1m-per-year in up-keep of the Falcon-900EX
      Last year, Verstappen bought himself a Falcon-900EX private jet worth about £12m to travel in style with.
      Better still, you can bet it was very well looked after by its previous owner.
      That’s because it was said to be owned by Virgin Atlantic billionaire Sir Richard Branson.
      PLANE SPEC
      Incredibly, the Falcon-900EX costs about £1million-per-year to keep.
      But that won’t dent Verstappen’s bank balance, who is happy to fly in style and sometimes give mates like Daniel Ricciardo a lift to a Grand Prix.
      Made in 2008, it was given a significant upgrade before it was handed over to F1’s youngest ever Grand Prix winner.
      Now powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines, it’s capable of a maximum range of 8,750 kilometres before it requires refuelling, can hit a top speed of 892 km/h, and cruising speed of 850 km/h.
      As for the interiors, it’s just as luxurious.
      Capable of seating up to 12 passengers, two seats can be reclined to make a full-size bed.
      Daniel Ricciardo hitches a ride on Verstappen’s private jet
      A fully equipped bar would allow Verstappen to celebrate victory in style
      The jet boasts a luxury bathroom
      Verstappen now has a stranglehold on the F1 World ChampionshipCredit: Rex

      There’s tables fitted to enjoy a meal and a drink.
      There’s even a bar to celebrate, in case you want to pop open some champagne after victory.
      You can bet Max’s flight home from Mexico last weekend was a fun one.
      Lewis Hamilton stuns group of kids by ditching disguise and giving inspirational speech More

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      Inside F1 legend David Coulthard’s former Monte Carlo hotel which he sold for £30m and where guests arrive by helicopter

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      BACK in his heyday, F1 legend David Coulthard fancied himself as a hotelier.He opened the amazing Columbus hotel in Monte Carlo, after buying a former three-star accommodation and renovating it.
      F1 legend David Coulthard was the king of Monte Carlo in the noughties and owned his own hotelCredit: columbushotels.com
      The lavish Columbus welcomed A-list guests during Grand Prix weekendCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow
      The beautiful hotel overlooks the MediterraneanCredit: columbushotels.com
      Supermodel Naomi Campbell and even David and Victoria Beckham were just some of the celebrity clientele, who took in its designer bedrooms and lavish lounge.
      In 2010, The Scottish driver sold the Columbus for £30million to the same hotel group who own Hilton Park Lane in London and the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco.
      A GOOD INVESTMENT
      In 2001, Coulthard – already enamoured by living in Monaco – bought a standard three-star hotel with the idea of turning it into a luxury place to stay.
      It already had a head-start with its location, being in the lavish Fontvieille district where the rich and famous prefer to hangout.
      Overlooking the Mediterranean and the Princess Grace Rose Gardens, the Columbus boasts 181 bedrooms.
      Award-winning interior designer Amanda Rosa was behind the decor in the rooms, using cools tones and the latest appliances.
      Even PlayStations were installed to entertain gamers who stayed.
      In terms of the hotel’s amenities, opposite the lobby is a bar, as well as a trendy terraced brasserie, which offers French and Italian cuisine.
      When it’s Grand Prix weekend, both are buzzing with locals and famous faces.
      Inside a standard bedroom at the ColumbusCredit: columbushotels.com
      A stylish lobby greets guests as they enter the ColumbusCredit: columbushotels.com
      An Art Deco outdoor swimming pool is perfect for guests to lounge aroundCredit: columbushotels.com
      While, there’s also a lush Art Deco outdoor swimming pool that guests can take a dip or lounge by.
      And a state-of-the-art gym, should they want to maintain their physiques.
      Over the years, guests have included Princess Stephanie of Monaco, the Beckhams, and Naomi Campbell.
      While F1 clients are who’s who of drivers, from Kimi Raïkonnen, Romain Grosjean, Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Paul di Resta, Daniel Ricciardo, Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Damon Hill.
      JET-SET
      Catering for the mega-wealthy, and being in Monte Carlo, the hotel offers plenty of activities that would appeal to the jet-set.
      Anyone arriving at Nice airport has the option of getting picked up helicopter and delivered to the Columbus.
      The Columbus caters for the mega-wealthy of Monte CarloCredit: columbushotels.com
      Upscale living has never been more comfortable than at the ColumbusCredit: columbushotels.com
      While management have also made a speedboat available for guests to rent that rests in the harbour.
      For the full VIP experience, they even supply canapes and champagne.
      As you can expect, staying at the Columbus will set you back. But it’s more reasonable given your surroundings.
      Roughly £250-per-night gets you a standard room.
      GOING, GOING, GONE
      According to reports, Coulthard sold his stake for a staggering £30m.
      That’s just £5million short of what he was said to have earned from his racing career over the years.
      The money allowed him to invest in an amazing car collection.
      Coulthard takes a seat inside his former hotelCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow
      In 2010, Coulthard sold his stake in the Columbus for £30mCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun Glasgow

      Private hotel company London & Regional are the owners, whose portfolio includes the iconic Hilton Park Lane, the Hilton Trafalgar Square and the Hilton Green Park.
      Coulthard still has an apartment in Monaco, and enjoys spending time there.
      And you can bet he will always be welcome at the Columbus.
      F1 star Max Verstappen owns a £12m private jet that he bought from Richard Branson More

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      Max Verstappen loving F1 world title fight against Lewis Hamilton because Red Bull star fears it may never happen again

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is loving his title fight with Lewis Hamilton – because he is not too sure if it will happen againNext year’s new rule changes promise to open up the field and increase competition, meaning that no driver will be able to take a championship for granted.
      Verstappen extended his championship lead to 19 points after his victory at the Mexican Grand PrixCredit: AP
      Verstappen, who leads Hamilton by 19 points with four races to go, made his F1 debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso.
      And while he has been able to fight for wins at Red Bull, this is his first ever crack at winning the F1 title.
      Having a more competitive car is “the best there is,” said Verstappen.
      He added “Otherwise, it’s pretty depressing, if you know that you can’t win. Of course you know when you get to Formula One, you have to accept it.
      “This is how Formula One is. Normally there’s only one or two teams that can fight for a championship.
      “But you hope that one day you get into a car where you can win, right? And as soon as you get into that car, it is very enjoyable.
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      “You’re happy, because how many times will you have this opportunity? You don’t know, maybe from next year onwards, you never get that opportunity again.
      “So I’m just really enjoying the moment.”
      Verstappen has won nine races this season compared to Hamilton’s five victories but says the only thing that matters is securing the title.
      He added: “The only winner is the one who finishes on top. It doesn’t matter how many races you win.
      “So far I have had a great season. I’ve had a lot of wins, nice pole positions and exactly whatever happens at the end, it’s not going to change my life, I’ve said it many times. I’m just enjoying what I’m doing.
      “Of course, I will try to win the championship and we are looking good. But I also said a lot of things can happen.”

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      F1 star Max Verstappen owns a £12m private jet that he bought from Richard Branson More

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      How Max Verstappen can win the F1 world title in the next two races and steal title off Lewis Hamilton

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could wrap up a maiden F1 world title with victory in Brazil and Qatar. The 24-year-old leads Lewis Hamilton by 19 points in the standings – and if the Brit fails to score points in the next two races the title will be Verstappen’s.
      Hamilton and Verstappen have been going back-and-forth all seasonCredit: EPA
      But after nine wins from 18 races Verstappen is firm favourite to seal the title this yearCredit: AP
      Two wins for the Dutchman would see him add 50 points to his already hefty tally.
      That would take him to 362.5 points going into the penultimate race in Saudi Arabia.
      And if Hamilton fails to score points in Brazil or Qatar he will stay rooted on 293.5 points.
      That means even if he wins the last two races – picking up a maximum 50 points – and Verstappen fails to score it won’t be enough to claw back the deficit.
      If the season continues with Verstappen finishing first and second respectively, as the last two GP’s have done, the Red Bull man would wrap up the title with a race to spare in Saudi Arabia.
      If he won the next three races and Hamilton finished second in all three the gap would be 40 points going in to the final GP.

      With 25 points on offer for each win three wins seals the title for Verstappen – if Hamilton finished a place behind him on each occasion.
      But the writing could already be on the wall for Hamilton with the Mercedes driver is facing a grid penalty at this weekend’s Brazilian GP.
      The 36-year-old seven-time world champion may have to replace the engine in his car.
      That would result in a five-place grid penalty and leave Verstappen well placed to further extend his lead.
      And the leader seemingly already has the champagne on ice.
      The number 33 is ready to ditch his current number in favour of #1 – reserved for the world champ.
      He said: “How many times do you have the opportunity to drive with number one? And it’s good for merchandise as well! So it’s smart to do that.”

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      F1 star Max Verstappen owns a £12m private jet that he bought from Richard Branson More

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      How does F1 point scoring work? How many points for a Grand Prix win in Hamilton vs Verstappen title race

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen are fighting out one of the most spectacular Formula One seasons in living memory.The two drivers are separated by 19 points going into the last four races of the season with the Brazilian Grand Prix taking place next.
      Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been fighting out one of the most thrilling F1 seasons everCredit: Rex
      The season has seen casual fans finally switch back on to motorsport after dominant spells from the likes of Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel before him.
      But it can be confusing how the scoring works for each F1 race.
      How does F1 point scoring work?
      Points are awarded on a sliding scale for a Grand Prix victory, with first place taking 25 points and the rest of the field to 10th place scoring.

      1st place – 25 points
      2nd – 18 points
      3rd – 15 points
      4th – 12 points
      5th – 10 points
      6th – 8 points
      7th – 6 points
      8th – 4 points
      9th – 2 points
      10th – 1 point
      11-last – 0 points

      Are F1 points awarded for the fastest lap?
      Yes. Championship points are awarded to the driver with the fastest lap of any Formula One Grand Prix.
      But only if they finish in the top 10 positions of a Grand Prix race.
      This is to avoid a driver who is at the back of the field giving up on winning a race but hanging back in order to set the fastest lap.
      How are points awarded if F1 race is abandoned?
      If a race is abandoned before 75 per cent of the distance has been completed all points are halved.
      This happened in the 2021 season at the Belgian Grand Prix. More