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    ‘Race hard, but no contact’ – George Russell must respect ‘boundaries’ when he joins Hamilton at Mercedes, warns Wolff

    GEORGE RUSSELL has been warned by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff he must respect ‘certain boundaries’ when he joins from Williams.The 23-year-old driver was confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate for the 2022 season last month, replacing Valtteri Bottas.
    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has told George Russell he must respect ‘certain boundaries’Credit: PA
    Williams driver Russell will take Valtteri Bottas’ seat at Mercedes next yearCredit: PA
    And the British star has declared that he is not joining Mercedes to be Hamilton’s No 2.
    Having previously been referred to as a “wingman” for the 36-year-old Hamilton by Wolff, Russell stated he intends to compete for the Formula One World Championship with his compatriot.
    And former F1 star David Coulthard believes that the pair will clash due to Russell’s eagerness to win.
    It is something that Wolff is desperate to avoid following Hamilton’s fiery rivalry with ex-team-mate Nico Rosberg, before the German quit in 2016 after winning the world title.
    Not looking for history to repeat itself, Wolff has insisted that no driver is bigger than the team.
    Wolff told the Daily Mail: “This is Mercedes. We have no place for the genius jerk. Even a superstar driver has to respect team values.

    “But with Lewis, we’ve been eight years together now. He’s not an arrogant, spoiled little kid.
    “He’s a mature racer who has won seven titles, six with us, so we can take those moments, it’s part of our role to be a trash bin for the driver sometimes.
    “In the car, you can get very frustrated and emotional. You are racing at 200mph, in the rain, you have no idea about the overall picture of the race and decisions are being made that you cannot understand. In the early years, I would bite back at Lewis.
    “He was very young and I had to make the point that I wouldn’t allow the driver to bad-mouth the team. But we’ve been moved on from there a long time.
    “Still, I wouldn’t hesitate in the future if a driver talked bad about the team or wasn’t appropriate, I would first deal with it internally and if that didn’t yield results I would take the driver out of the car. On the bench, yes.
    “I don’t think that would ever be Lewis. He’s a team member, not a contractor, a driver that comes and goes.
    “We’ve been together since 2013. We know each other so well, there’s so much trust and respect. I was close to putting a driver on the bench when it was Lewis and Rosberg. Twice. In 2014 and 2016.
    “I said I would judge over 48 hours whether one needed to sit out. I still don’t know who it would have been.
    British star Russell has stated he isn’t joining Mercedes to be Hamilton’s No2Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    “But that was long ago. It is unimaginable given the relationship I have with Lewis today that it could happen now.”
    He added: “And George Russell is another intelligent young man. He will slot into the team but that doesn’t mean he has to hold back when driving. You can’t expect a lion in the car and a puppy out of it.
    “But there are certain boundaries within the team that must be respected and George knows them very well. Once the lights are green, only the drivers are responsible. 
    “I can’t interfere, manage, or remote control them, but one thing is of ultimate importance — don’t touch. That’s your responsibility. You can race hard, but no contact.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    “I’ve been there before with Nico when it wasn’t just a rivalry. There was a lot of animosity and that’s not going to happen.
    “This is about showing respect for each other and it can be hard because if you race on the same spot on the race track you will eventually come across each other — but there is an integrity we expect that no one is ever bigger than the team.
    “The drivers know that. You represent 2,000 people who work for us and 350,000 people who work for Mercedes. So again, you are the solar system and the Mercedes star — that’s the sun.”
    Lewis Hamilton enjoys action packed break as F1 ace gets pelted by bugs in jeep in wild ride More

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    Lewis Hamilton reveals all over ‘horrendous’ first F1 world title as Mercedes star battles it out with Max Verstappen

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that his first Formula One world title win was a ‘horrendous’ journey that he was ill-prepared for.Hamilton became the youngest-ever F1 champion at the tender age of 23 when he scooped the prestigious title back in 2008.
    Hamilton and Verstappen are locked in a battle for the title this seasonCredit: AFP
    Hamilton’s first title came back in 2008Credit: AFP
    But although it was meant to be one of the best days of his life, Hamilton, who’s gone on to win six more titles, remembers it being a nightmare experience.
    At the time Hamilton was still getting his feet wet in the racing game and felt he lacked the right mentality, team and tools which made the road to success a difficult one full of curves and bends.
    The Brit relayed how he felt about his first championship to Sky Sports and said: “My first title? It was horrendous.
    “I didn’t have a great structure around me in terms of management, I didn’t have help to know how to handle all these curveballs sent at me.
    “I didn’t have all the experience, I didn’t have all the tools – except the ones in the car.
    “But I was learning all these other tools in order to how to be a great team-mate, work with a group of people and help them elevate, and all these kind of things. Which was different for me then.”
    However, looking back in hindsight, Hamilton wouldn’t of had it any different as those tough experiences made him a better driver who knows how to build a successful, cohesive team.

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    He added: “I’m grateful I’ve had the experiences, I know how to build my team, I know how to win with my team and I know how to enjoy the ups and downs with my team.”
    This year, things are a bit different and Hamilton’s locked in a title race with bitter rival Max Verstappen who stands in his way of winning his coveted eighth title.
    Verstappen is 12 points ahead of Hamilton with just five races to go after the Dutchman’s epic win at the US Grand Prix.
    While Hamilton’s been embroiled in 10 title battles, this is Verstappen’s first one in the six years he’s been at the wheel.
    And Hamilton reckons the time difference in their success gives Verstappen an advantage because he should be better prepared for a title win than he was two years into his career, adding: “But he’s what, six years in? I was in my second year.”
    The bickering pair have been at each other’s throats for most of the season, and some of their spats have nearly turned physical.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    But despite all their drama, Hamilton claims he’s not worried about Verstappen and has both eyes firmly focused on his own journey.
    When asked about his nemesis, Hamilton said: “I don’t spend a moment thinking what might or what might not be a distraction for him, that doesn’t bother me either way.
    “If I do my job to the best of my abilities, I don’t have a problem. That’s how I approach my job.”
    Lewis Hamilton enjoys action packed break as F1 ace gets pelted by bugs in jeep in wild ride More

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    F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s stunning homes from £18m six-bedroom London mansion to £32m New York penthouse in celeb hotspot

    BEING an F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton is a natural globetrotter.Flying from circuit to circuit, the Brit has won the world championship SEVEN times.
    Globetrotter Lewis Hamilton boasts a proud property portfolioCredit: AFP or licensors
    Before he set off in pursuit of the 2021 title – having overtaken Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 career race wins last year – he at least had a choice of four luxury homes to self-isolate in.
    From a £32MILLION penthouse in New York to an £18MILLION London mansion and a Monte Carlo retreat, the 36-year-old racer knows how to live a life of luxury.
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK
    Lewis has an affinity to America, especially the east coast, where he has owned two properties in the Big Apple.
    In 2019, he splashed £32m on a Manhattan penthouse in a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele Bundchen.
    His 6,547 square-foot home included a huge outdoor area and has views of the Hudson River, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre, squash court, library and wine cellar.
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike Myers.
    Around the same time, he listed his three-floor 8,900-square-foot penthouse that had its own swimming pool.
    Hamilton paid £34m for the five-bedroom, six-bathroom apartment in Tribeca in 2017, but incredibly never lived in it. It’s not known if he ever did sell it.
    Last year Hamilton splashed £32m on a Manhattan apartmentCredit: Vestry
    The glorious penthouse is part of a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele BundchenCredit: Vestry
    The library will keep Hamilton book smartCredit: Vestry
    The bedroom boasts a view of the Hudson RiverCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton’s kitchen provides plenty of space for entertaining guestsCredit: Vestry
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike MyersCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton has an affinity to buying property in the Big AppleCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton used to have a home in nearby Greenwich VillageCredit: refer to caption
    The property had a state-of-the-art gymCredit: refer to caption
    Many of the luxury apartments had their own swimming poolsCredit: refer to caption
    Harry Styles, Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were his former neighboursCredit: refer to caption
    LONDON
    So, this is what £18m buys you in England’s capital…
    In 2017, Hamilton snapped up this unique six-bedroom detached villa in West London from previous owners Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods.
    The stunning property has ‘generous entertaining space’ which opens out into a 200ft garden with an impressive summer house.
    It was built by the famous builder Samuel Johns in 1860.
    There are also four reception rooms, with two huge bathrooms.Again, it’s not known how much time Lewis spends living in the property.
    There are six spacious bedrooms inside
    Hamilton bought the mansion from Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods
    Famous builder Samuel Johns built the property in 1860
    The property boasts four reception rooms
    There are two bathrooms in Hamilton’s West London home

    MONTE CARLO
    Like many F1 drivers, Hamilton also lives in Monaco.
    Although not much is known about his property, he once shared a snap of his wonderful view.
    He captioned a snap on social media: “A place I call home, Monte Carlo. I am so blessed to live in such an incredible place. God is really shining down on me today.
    “Sending you light & love for your day. On my way to Spa, let’s do this!!!”
    Hamilton lives tax free in Monaco most of the timeCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    It is believed Hamilton resides in the exclusive Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Hamilton once shared a view from his stunning Monaco apartment
    It is believed he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
    Back in 2007, it was reported he was interested in a 2,000sq ft, four-bedroom duplex with views across the Mediterranean in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza.
    A top-floor apartment would have set him back somewhere in the region of £30m. Nice, if you’re a superstar racer.
    Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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    F1 ace Lewis Hamilton’s stunning homes from £18m six-bedroom London mansion to £32m New York penthouse in celeb hotspot

    BEING a Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton is a natural globetrotter.Flying from circuit to circuit, the Brit has won the world championship SEVEN times.
    Globetrotter Lewis Hamilton boasts a proud property portfolioCredit: AFP or licensors
    Before he set off in pursuit of the 2021 title – having overtaken Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 career race wins last year – he at least had a choice of four luxury homes to self-isolate in.
    From a £32MILLION penthouse in New York to an £18MILLION London mansion and a Monte Carlo retreat, the 36-year-old racer knows how to live a life of luxury.
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK
    Lewis has an affinity to America, especially the east coast, where he has owned two properties in the Big Apple.
    In 2019, he splashed £32m on a Manhattan penthouse in a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele Bundchen.
    His 6,547 square-foot home included a huge outdoor area and has views of the Hudson River, as well as a swimming pool, fitness centre, squash court, library and wine cellar.
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike Myers.
    Around the same time, he listed his three-floor 8,900-square-foot penthouse that had its own swimming pool.
    Hamilton paid £34m for the five-bedroom, six-bathroom apartment in Tribeca in 2017, but incredibly never lived in it. It’s not known if he ever did sell it.
    Last year Hamilton splashed £32m on a Manhattan apartmentCredit: Vestry
    The glorious penthouse is part of a condo project part-owned by NFL great Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele BundchenCredit: Vestry
    The library will keep Hamilton book smartCredit: Vestry
    The bedroom boasts a view of the Hudson RiverCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton’s kitchen provides plenty of space for entertaining guestsCredit: Vestry
    Neighbours include Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence and Austin Powers star Mike MyersCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton has an affinity to buying property in the Big AppleCredit: Vestry
    Hamilton used to have a home in nearby Greenwich VillageCredit: refer to caption
    The property had a state-of-the-art gymCredit: refer to caption
    Many of the luxury apartments had their own swimming poolsCredit: refer to caption
    Harry Styles, Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were his former neighboursCredit: refer to caption
    LONDON
    So, this is what £18m buys you in England’s capital…
    In 2017, Hamilton snapped up this unique six-bedroom detached villa in West London from previous owners Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods.
    The stunning property has ‘generous entertaining space’ which opens out into a 200ft garden with an impressive summer house.
    It was built by the famous builder Samuel Johns in 1860.
    There are also four reception rooms, with two huge bathrooms.Again, it’s not known how much time Lewis spends living in the property.
    There are six spacious bedrooms inside
    Hamilton bought the mansion from Burberry chief designer Christopher Bailey and his husband, actor Simon Woods
    Famous builder Samuel Johns built the property in 1860
    The property boasts four reception rooms
    There are two bathrooms in Hamilton’s West London home

    MONTE CARLO
    Like many F1 drivers, Hamilton also lives in Monaco.
    Although not much is known about his property, he once shared a snap of his wonderful view.
    He captioned a snap on social media: “A place I call home, Monte Carlo. I am so blessed to live in such an incredible place. God is really shining down on me today.
    “Sending you light & love for your day. On my way to Spa, let’s do this!!!”
    Hamilton lives tax free in Monaco most of the timeCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    It is believed Hamilton resides in the exclusive Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Hamilton once shared a view from his stunning Monaco apartment
    It is believed he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
    Back in 2007, it was reported he was interested in a 2,000sq ft, four-bedroom duplex with views across the Mediterranean in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza.
    A top-floor apartment would have set him back somewhere in the region of £30m. Nice, if you’re a superstar racer.
    Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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    Lewis Hamilton enjoys action-packed break as F1 ace goes surfing, gets pelted by bugs in 4×4 and attends New York party

    LEWIS HAMILTON has been making the most of his fortnight off ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix.The seven-time world champion, 36, lost out to Max Verstappen in an epic battle at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
    Lewis Hamilton shielded his eyes from bugs as he enjoyed a sunset drive in a JeepCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a spot of surfing as he made the most of his time offCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    Hamilton also posed in New York as he prepares for his next race in MexicoCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    And with two weeks off to recalibrate ahead of the Mexico GP, Hamilton has enjoyed some action-packed downtime.
    Hamilton went for a sunset drive in a 4×4, enjoyed some surfing, threw on some prosthetics to go undercover at his engineering school and partied hard in New York.
    The Brit ace shared the updates to his Instagram.
    In one, Hamilton can be seen driving an open-top 4×4 while shielding his eyes from bugs.
    Referencing Will Ferrell film Talladega Nights, Hamilton caption the video: “You don’t drive with your eyes, you drive with your heart…
    “Bugs out here have me feeling like Ricky Bobby with a blindfold on.”

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    The F1 superstar later showed off his impressive watersports skills, revealing: “Surfing with @monsterenergy this week…
    “I felt like a kid that didn’t want to get out the bath – asking for 10 more minutes over and over and over.
    “Too much fun.”
    Hamilton also posed for a snap under the bright lights of New York, captioned: “If you can make it here.”
    GOING UNDERCOVER
    It’s just the latest in a long line of activities Hamilton has enjoyed during his fortnight break.
    Earlier this week, the British star went undercover at Mercedes HQ as he played a prank on a group of astonished school children.
    Hamilton was hidden by a rubber mask, beard and glasses in the stunt as one kid revealed they ‘wanted to cry’ after he ditched the disguise.
    The British superstar also opened up to WSJ Magazine about the pain he felt after being racially abused during the 2008 Spanish GP.
    Early in his career, a group of fans showed up to the Barcelona race in blackface while wearing shirts that read ‘Hamilton’s Family.’
    Hamilton recalled: “I remember the pain that I felt that day, but I didn’t say anything about it; I didn’t have anyone.
    “No one said anything. “I saw people continuing in my industry and staying quiet.”
    Earlier in the week, Hamilton went undercover at Mercedes HQ to surprise a group of school kids
    Hamilton later ditched his undercover persona to reveal his true identity More

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    Lewis Hamilton reveals fears over angering F1 bosses with his anti-racism message as he opens up on equality fight

    LEWIS HAMILTON got nervous about angering Formula One bosses with his anti-racism messaging.The British legend is a leading voice in the fight against racism in sport and society but said it was not always easy and he feared kick-back.
    Lewis Hamilton is a vocal advocate of several equality and anti-racism campaigns
    And Hamilton was a strong campaigner to get justice for Breonna Taylor
    Hamilton is a passionate supporter of many equality and anti-racism campaigns.
    He has backed the Black Lives Matter movement.
    And recently supported the justice for Breonna Taylor campaign after the 26-year-old black woman was shot and killed by white officers in her home in Kentucky, USA in March 2020.
    The shooting led to mass global protests and Hamilton wore a supportive t-shirt at the 2020 Tuscan GP.
    It read: “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.”
    And Hamilton admitted to the Wall Street Journal such moves made him nervous.

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    The 36-year-old said: “I can’t be second. I’m wearing that shirt – I’ve got to get to first to bring light to her name.
    “I get these nerves like, ‘Shoot, I’m about to break the rules and people aren’t going to be happy with it’.
    “They’ve changed a lot of rules after a lot of things that I’ve done.”
    Hamilton has been on the end of racism himself and a particularly harrowing incident at the 2008 Spanish GP left its mark.
    A group of fans in the Barcelona crowd had ‘blacked up’ and donned shirts that read: “Hamilton’s family.”
    And revealing details of how he felt, Hamilton said: “I remember the pain that I felt that day, but I didn’t say anything about it.
    “I didn’t have anyone. No one said anything. I saw people continuing in my industry and staying quiet.”
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    The lack of diversity in F1 is an issue Hamilton feels passionately about.
    So much so he has sought to find answers as to why there’s a lack of black people taking part in the sport.
    Hamilton set up and funded his own investigation after looking at the end-of-season F1 team photos, where he says he was reminded about the lack of diversity.
    ‘A man mountain and a Malfoy lookalike’ – Martin Brundle mocks heavy-handed security who swatted him during F1 grid walk More

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    ‘A man mountain and a Malfoy lookalike’ – Martin Brundle mocks heavy-handed security who swatted him during F1 grid walk

    MARTIN BRUNDLE has mocked heavy-handed security at the United States Grand Prix last weekend.The Sky Sports reporter wanted to have a chat with special guest Megan Thee Stallion on the grid.
    Sky reporter Martin Brundle with American rap star Megan Thee Stallion
    Martin Brundle tried to get a word in with Megan Thee Stallion
    ‘Draco Malfoy’ gave Brundle a dirty look
    He was initially confronted by a ‘man mountain’ – only for Megan to lightheartedly slap her security guard on the wrist.
    Brundle muttered ‘That’s a very big bloke in front of her’ before asking: “Megan, Martin Brundle from British television, how are you? Megan Thee Stallion, you’re a freestyle rapper.”
    “You’re a freestyle rapper, have you got any rap for us today on Formula One?”
    The American star laughed as she admitted: “I have no rap today, I’m sorry.
    But the interview swiftly concluded when ‘Draco Malfoy’ appeared – with the irritable blond shoving Brundle away.
    The Malfoy lookalike scowled at the reporter as he led Megan away.

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    In his Sky Sports column, Brundle laughed off the incident.
    He wrote: “I did chuckle on Monday.
    “After all the blood, sweat, tears and broken bones, the glorious victories and dismal failures, the monstrous crashes, the quadruple stints on a treacherous rainy night in Le Mans, guiding a 1250 bhp flying bedsted through Monaco qualifying, along with 25 years of broadcasting, I’ve finally become mildly well known for being ignored by celebrities whilst simultaneously being swatted to one side by a man mountain and told off by a Malfoy lookalike doubtless attending his first F1 race.
    “My gridwalk return after two years was probably a bit too cheeky in Austin but nonetheless a lot of fun.
    “Actually, my real claim to fame is that I once played snooker with Mark Knopfler, and what a lovely bloke he was too.”
    Brundle and Co took in a thrilling race in Austin, Texas, with Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit of Max Verstappen going down to the wire.
    The Dutchman, 23, held on for a priceless win – with Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitting that the climax to the race ‘aged him 25 years’.
    Next up is the Mexican GP on November 7.
    Megan The Stallion at the Grand Prix in AustinCredit: EPA
    Megan Thee Stallion poses with Christian Horner and Geri HalliwellCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton stuns group of kids by ditching disguise and giving inspirational speech More

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    Lewis Hamilton reveals pain at being racially abused by sick F1 fans who turned up in blackface in Spain

    LEWIS HAMILTON has opened up on the pain he felt being racially abused by Formula One fans who turned up in blackface at a race in Spain. The fans showed up to the 2008 Grand Prix in blackface while wearing shirts that read ‘Hamilton’s Family.’
    Hamilton opened up on racism he faced in Spain to the WSJCredit: WSJ
    The seven-time F1 champ feels passionately about the lack of diversity in the sportCredit: WSJ
    Hamilton wants to see more people of colour in the sport, taking up roles as drivers, mechanics and engineersCredit: WSJ
    The now seven-time F1 champ looks back on that day with great sadness.
    And Hamilton says he didn’t do or say anything about it as he “didn’t have anyone”.
    In an interview with the WSJ Magazine, Hamilton recalled: “I remember the pain that I felt that day, but I didn’t say anything about it; I didn’t have anyone.
    “No one said anything.
    “I saw people continuing in my industry and staying quiet.”
    The lack of diversity in F1 is an issue Hamilton feels passionately about.

    So much so he has sought to find answers as to why there’s a lack of black people taking part in the sport.
    Hamilton set up and funded his own investigation after looking at the end-of-season F1 team photos, where he says he was reminded about the lack of diversity.
    He said: “Most people know my journey into F1 and my experience being the first Formula One driver of colour.
    “Being in motorsport, I often looked around me and wondered why I was one of the very few people of colour, and it is not just about drivers but job opportunities for mechanics, engineers, marketing and accounting.
    “As I grew more successful, I thought that me being at the front would open more doors to black talent, but at the end of 2019, I was in Abu Dhabi and I was looking at team photos and it was a stark reminder as I zoomed in on those pictures at how little progress had been made in the sport into being more inclusive.
    “That’s when I knew that I needed to do more and where the idea for the Hamilton Commission came from, however, with the extensive research from the team, we realised it is not just the motorsport industry that needs to change.
    I remember the pain that I felt that day [Spain 2008], but I didn’t say anything about it; I didn’t have anyone.Lewis Hamilton
    “We found there are still systemic issues facing young black people at all levels of the education system that need to be addressed.
    “So we have developed 10 final recommendations to address the issue of diversity in UK motorsport.
    “From this report, I hope we can make long-lasting meaningful progress. We have to ensure that these findings do not go ignored.”
    Lewis Hamilton stuns group of kids by ditching disguise and giving inspirational speech More