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      Lewis Hamilton’s rival Max Verstappen insists he is ready to be F1’s No1 as world title battle goes down to final races

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN says he is ready to be F1’s No1.The Dutchman will take the number one race number on his Red Bull for 2022 – should he beat Lewis Hamilton to the title.
      Verstappen will have the No1 on his car next season if he can win the titleCredit: Getty
      F1’s rules mean the number is reserved for the world champion – or they can keep their own, should they wish.
      Hamilton has stuck with the number 44 despite being the champ, yet Verstappen says he would “absolutely” be happy to ditch his current #33 for number one.
      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.”
      Verstappen has won nine of this season’s 18 races but says he is not getting carried away by the prospect of winning his first ever title.
      He added: “If you don’t think about it, you will not have any dreams, so I’m just really focused.
      “In four races a lot of things can happen. We are looking good but things can change very quickly.

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      “I said it after the race in Mexico, I’ve had a bigger lead already in the championship and that disappeared within two races.
      “So we have to again try to do the best we can. My approach every weekend is the same, we will not change it.”
      Verstappen’s 19 points ahead of his rival Hamilton in the race for the F1 world title with just four races to go after his win in Mexico.
      The 24-year-old can take one step closer to his first trophy if he wins the Brazilian GP this weekend.
      And Hamilton knows that if his reign in the F1 will be in jeopardy if he fails to clinch victory in Brazil.
      Speaking ahead of the race, the Brit said: “There are still four races to go.
      “But 19 points is a lot of points. And he’s had a lot of wins. If they were to carry that on to the next ones, we will be in trouble.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton facing another HUGE blow in F1 title race with Brit set for grid penalty at Brazil GP for engine switch

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      LEWIS HAMILTON faces another major blow in his bid to retain his F1 crown.Mercedes are pondering an engine change, which would trigger a grid penalty for the seven-time world champion at this weekend’s Brazilian GP.
      Britain’s world F1 champ Lewis Hamilton is expected to get a grid penalty – yet insists his current engine is fine ‘as far as I’m aware’Credit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes crew members look over his car in Sao PauloCredit: EPA
      Hamilton is 19 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen with four races remaining.
      The Brit has never overturned such a big margin to win the title.
      And an expected five-place grid drop would leave Verstappen well placed to increase his advantage.
      But Hamilton was coy when asked about the possible penalty in Sao Paulo.
      He said: “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.”

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      Hamilton has already labelled Verstappen as the favourite to win at Interlagos this Sunday.
      But this race also sees the third trial of the sprint race format, with extra points on offer for Saturday’s 30-minute race.
      Hamilton’s penalty would only be applied for Sunday’s GP, meaning if he were to score points on Saturday’s mini-race, it would assist with his damage limitation.
      The 36-year-old arrived in the paddock in a black and white camouflage outfit but there was no hiding that he was in a bullish mood saying he is surprised he’s stayed in the title fight for so long.
      He added: “I think people under-appreciate just how well we’ve done considering the pace Red Bull have had since day one.
      We’ve had our wings clipped so this season has been harder to maximise the car. Some weekends it works, some it doesn’t.Lewis Hamilton
      “The struggles we had in testing before the season, then just skimming by and winning the first race.
      “I think we’ve done a pretty good job. But at the end of the day we’ve not been as fast as them most of the time.”
      Hamilton also made a reference to rule changes – subtle aerodynamic changes to car’s floors – brought in this season to slow Merc’s advantage.
      He said: “We have had our wings clipped so this season has definitely been harder from an operational standpoint to maximise the car.
      “It is just a bit harder to set up. It is really difficult to explain, there are too many elements to go into detail but it is just a harder car to optimise.
      “Some weekends it works and some weekends it doesn’t. Getting the maximum potential out of the car has been hard.”
      Lewis Hamilton enjoys action packed break as F1 ace gets pelted by bugs in jeep in wild ride More

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      Final four F1 races predicted – can Lewis Hamilton claw back 19 points on Max Verstappen and win an eighth world title?

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      WE are into the final four races of this epic F1 season. A total of 19-points separate championship leader Max Verstappen from title holder, Lewis Hamilton.
      A steely-eyed Hamilton with Verstappen in the backgroundCredit: PA
      The pair have been going back-and-forth all seasonCredit: EPA
      Hamilton, who has won the title a joint-record seven times, has never overturned such a points deficit to land the world crown.
      And in what would offer another first, incredibly, Verstappen has never won ANY car-racing title before.
      Here SunSport looks at the four races and tries to predict where both the drivers’ and constructor’s championship titles will be heading.

      CURRENT STANDINGS
      Driver Championship

      Verstappen 312.5
      Hamilton 293.5

      Constructors Championship

      Mercedes 478.5
      Red Bull Racing 477.5

      BRAZIL
      THINK of Brazil, and you think of Ayrton Senna.
      The wonderful Sao Paulo track really is a special place that has served up some thrilling races.
      Hamilton finished third in Brazil last time out after knocking Red Bull’s Alex Albon off the trackCredit: AFP or licensors
      In recent years, it has been a happy hunting ground for Mercedes, however, in 2019, the last time it held a GP, Verstappen was the winner.
      Worth noting also, that Hamilton has only won twice in Brazil.
      This year it would appear to suit the Red Bull car, or more importantly their Honda engine.
      However, weather can change things in Sao Paulo and a bit of rain would redraw the form book.
      That said, it is due to be sunny and dry on Sunday and that would suit Verstappen and Red Bull down to the ground.

      VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN

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      QATAR
      NEW track for 2021, the Moto GP circuit was the last race to be bolted on to the end of the calendar to take the tally to 22 races.
      Little is known about how F1 cars will perform in Doha.
      Sure, they have all done simulations and the top teams have all sent representatives to make a personal check, but there is nothing that will be guaranteed until practice starts.
      With that unknown comes uncertainty and in that case, it is always best to look towards experience.
      Hamilton has bags of it, and if he was looking to stop the rot and keep the title race interesting, this could be his best chance of doing just that.

      VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN

      SAUDI ARABIA
      ANOTHER new track, and another tight one to call.
      Interestingly, this circuit – built in 12 months – promises to be the second quickest (after Monza) of the year and has been designed to mirror the fast-flowing corners of Silverstone, home of the British GP.
      Look back to both those races this year and one thing sticks out.
      Crashes involving Hamilton and Verstappen.
      Could there be a repeat in Saudi Arabia? You’d not bet against it.
      That said, if it is kept clean, the Red Bull top speed could be too much for Hamilton and Merc to overturn.

      VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN

      This season’s title race could go down to the wireCredit: EPA
      ABU DHABI
      THE final race of the year, but will it hold the decider?
      Not based on the above predictions, but if it did, then this offers Hamilton another chance.
      The Brit has won there five times before, including victory at Yas Marina in 2019.
      Tight to call, as the power advantage will not count for much for Red Bull.
      Downforce, experience and technique will be key, in which case, it could be Hamilton’s.
      Even if the title is won by Abu Dhabi, it would be a good marker for either driver to set down as they head into 2022.

      VERDICT: HAMILTON WIN

      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen react to dangerous crash More

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      Watch F1 star Nikita Mazepin argue with bouncers before being kicked out of nightclub in latest off-track scandal

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      FORMULA ONE bad-boy Nikita Mazepin has been embroiled in another off-track scandal after being filmed rowing with nightclub bouncers.The Haas star, 22, was enjoying a night out in Mexico City following last weekend’s Grand Prix.
      Nikita Mazepin was kicked out of a Mexico City nightclub before rowing with bouncers, say reportsCredit: Newsflash
      It’s alleged Mazepin was ordered to leave the nightclub before confronting bouncersCredit: Newsflash
      Nikita Mazepin is in his debut season in F1 but already has a long list of off-track scandalsCredit: Splash
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Mazepin hit the town with soon-to-be Mercedes star George Russell and Red Bull reserve driver Alex Albon – who will replace Russell at Williams next year.
      It’s alleged the Russian racer – son of oligarch Dmitry Mazepin – was booted out of the nightclub before he confronted bouncers.
      It’s not yet known what Mazepin did to get himself kicked out of the hotspot.
      SunSport are awaiting comment from Mazepin and Haas.
      Mazepin is next set to race at the Brazilian GP in Sao Paulo this weekend.
      Earlier this year, the 22-year-old team-mate of Mick Schumacher filmed himself groping a woman’s breast in the back of a car before sharing it online shortly before his F1 debut.

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      Haas slammed the ‘abhorrent’ behaviour in a statement.
      Mazepin deleted the post and apologised following a furious social media backlash, which sparked the hashtag #WeSayNoToMazepin.
      The Russian driver has a history of bad behaviour at the track too.
      In 2016, he punched British racing driver Callum Ilott after he blocked the Russian during a practice session.
      Mazepin was slapped with a pathetic one-race ban.
      Last season in F2, he notched up 11 penalty points on his racing licence – just one shy of receiving a suspension.
      Ahead of his F1 debut, Mazepin had vowed to shed his bad-boy reputation.
      Earlier this year, Mazepin claimed: “Graduating to Formula One means that all of a sudden you become an example to a lot of young kids who are aiming to get to the same championship.
      “With that, you have to bring a certain way of behaviour towards yourself.
      “I haven’t done it instantly because I was too late to realise that unfortunately.
      “In regards to what I’ve learned, it’s quite clear that first of all the behaviour you’re meant to bring to yourself, and secondly how you’re meant to act on social media and off social media.” More

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      F1 Brazilian Grand Prix: UK start times, live stream, TV channel, race schedule as Sprint returns

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      THE F1 roadshow rolls into Interlagos this week for the Brazilian Grand Prix, and things are looking good for Max Verstappen and Red Bull.The Dutchman, 24, opened up a 19-point lead over Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship after winning the Mexican Grand Prix last weekend.
      Max Verstappen leads by 19 points at the top
      And reigning champion Hamilton has admitted time is running out to catch up with Verstappen
      Hamilton, 37, said: “There are still four races to go.
      “But 19 points is a lot of points. And he’s had a lot of wins. If they were to carry that on to the next ones, we will be in trouble.”
      When is the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix?
      The F1 Brazilian Grand Prix takes place from Friday November 12 to Sunday November 14.
      And this time round we get also get the final Sprint Race of the season on Saturday too, were there will be valuable points up for grabs on a bumper weekend.
      Then it’s lights out on Sunday November 14 at 5pm GMT.
      What TV channel and live stream is F1 Brazilian Grand Prix?
      The F1 Brazilian Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 in the UK.
      Sky Sports F1 will be showing the full weekend schedule.
      What is the race schedule?
      Times in GMT
      Friday November 12
      Practice 1: 3.30pm
      Qualifying: 7pm
      Saturday November 13
      Practice 2: 3pm
      Sprint Race: 7pm
      Sunday November 14
      Race: 5pm More

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      ‘We will be in trouble’ – Lewis Hamilton fears rival Max Verstappen’s speed as Red Bull star closes in on title

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted Mercedes will be in ‘a lot of trouble’ if Max Verstappen and Red Bull maintain their current pace.The seven-time world champion could only manage second place behind his world title rival in Mexico last weekend, meaning 24-year-old Verstappen increased his lead in the drivers’ championship to 19 points.
      Verstappen extended his world championship lead over Hamilton in Mexico last weekendCredit: AP
      The Dutchman has five races left to hold onto his advantageCredit: PA
      Hamilton has only managed to outperform the Dutchman in one of the last six races as Red Bull begin to get the upper hand in the tussle with Mercedes.
      And, with just four races of the F1 season remaining, Hamilton has conceded that he has fears over the impressive speed of Red Bull.
      Speaking via GP Fans after the Mexico GP, he said: “There’s still four races [but] obviously 19 points is a lot of points and I think he’s had a lot of wins this year.
      “I think today with their superior speed, if they were to carry that into the next ones then we will be in trouble.
      “I don’t know if they’ll be using that huge wing that they had on today, naturally we’ll find out when we get there, but I hope we’re closer.”
      Hamilton knows he now needs to win as many races as possible to keep his title hopes alive.

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      But Red Bull’s pace is making that incredibly difficult for the Brit as he struggles for answers against the supremely talented Verstappen.
      “I naturally feel I need to be winning every race, because we need those extra points, not to lose those points, to try and regain,” he added.
      “That was the goal going into the last race and the race before that and before that, and here this weekend.
      “But they’re just too quick, so giving it absolutely everything we’ve got but unfortunately it’s not enough at the moment to compete with them.”

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Hamilton is searching for a record-breaking eighth drivers’ championship, a feat which would take him beyond the seven titles won by Michael Schumacher.
      Verstappen, 12 years Hamilton’s junior, is looking to secure his first world championship.
      Next up for the drivers is a trip to Brazil as they tackle the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.
      Along with the Hamilton-Verstappen battle, the constructors championship also remains an extremely exciting fight.
      Following the Mexico GP, Mercedes lead Red Bull by just one point as they head into the final stages of the season. More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘staying positive’ as he posts inspirational message to help try and get his F1 title hopes back on track

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      LEWIS HAMILTON vowed to keep fighting as his F1 title defence hangs by a thread.The Brit saw championship rival Max Verstappen extend his lead in the driver standings to 19 points with victory at the Mexican Grand Prix.

      Hamilton finished a distant second at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as he fought off the challenge of home hope Sergio Perez.
      Now the seven-time champion has taken to Instagram with an inspirational message ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.
      Posting a photo of what appears to be himself sat in a hollowed-out jet engine, Hamilton wrote: “Good morning World. I hope this new week brings you happiness and provides you with proof that you are on the right path.
      “Whether things are good or bad, trust that you will come away fighting and that you will overcome whatever it may be.
      “Know that all of your time, patience and hard work will pay off. Stay positive and don’t let up! You got this, I believe in you.”
      Hamilton has been untouchable in recent years but this season has proven different with the phenomenal challenge of Red Bull.

      The Mercedes man and his Dutch foe had traded places in the championship table up until last weekend’s race in Mexico City.
      But back-to-back wins for the Red Bull driver have seen him open up a sizable gap at the top of the rankings.
      The races now come thick and fast until the end of the season, with teams already heading to Sao Paulo.
      After that comes the Middle East swing as F1-mad Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi host what promises to be an epic finale to the season.
      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 the Red Bull star bought from Virgin boss 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