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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Hamilton narrows F1 championship gap to just EIGHT points with impressive victory at the Qatar GP and Verstappen second

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      LEWIS HAMILTON continued his superb form by clinching victory at the inaugural Qatari Grand Prix despite a determined Max Verstappen pursuit.Hamilton, 36, edged closer to winning back the top spot in the drivers’ championship standings win a second consecutive race win in Qatar.
      Hamilton won the inaugural Qatar Grand PrixCredit: Splash
      The seven-time world champion started on pole and got off to a strong start, showing his superior pace by maintaining his lead for the whole 57 laps.
      Hamilton defended his lead with an assured drive, never allowing rival Verstappen to get within five seconds of him.
      Verstappen got off to an excellent start by rising from seventh to second in just six laps, overtaking the likes of Pierre Gasly, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris.
      And despite having a solid race, a near-perfect drive from Hamilton meant the Dutchman just couldn’t get near him, earning his 102nd Grand Prix win.
      The win was Hamilton’s seventh of the season and gives him the chance to seal his eighth world title with two more race wins in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      Verstappen hit with FIVE-PLACE grid penalty for Qatar GP for ignoring yellow flags in major F1 title boost to Hamilton

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been handed a huge boost in his F1 title defence after Max Verstappen was slapped with a FIVE-place grid penalty in Qatar.The Red Bull man will start today’s race in seventh place after the penalty for ignoring double yellow warning flags.
      Max Verstappen leads rival Lewis Hamilton in the driver standingsCredit: EPA
      The incident happened at the end of qualifying when Pierre Gasly suffered a tyre blowout on the finishing line.
      Stewards eventually got round to reviewing the incident and have taken the decision to penalise Verstappen.
      It means Hamilton, who starts on pole, can slice into Verstappen’s 14-point lead in the championship.
      Hamilton said: “Consistency is key. In Austria I got a three place penalty for a single yellow flag, which I did not see, so they have obviously stuck to the book.”
      Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate, Valtteri Bottas will also be moved backwards after he too ignored the yellow flag.
      However, it was only one flag – not two – meaning he will be pushed back three places on the grid.

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      Red Bull boss Christian Horner was livid with the stewards’ decision to penalise his driver.
      He said: “We are struggling to understand it. There was a yellow flag, he (Verstappen) just didn’t see it.
      “It’s a rogue marshal that has stuck out a flag out. He wasn’t told to do so. This is a crucial blow in the world championship. It is massive!”
      Verstappen is clinging on to his narrow lead in the championship but admitted he was struggling for pace even before the yellow flag incident.
      His Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez failed to make it into the final round of qualifying.
      Verstappen said afterwards: “I think we’re just lacking a bit of pace, it’s just been a bit more tricky for us.
      “Checo (Perez) is not even in Q3, so it shows that we are struggling a bit more than normal.”
      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 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?

      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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      Max Verstappen hints he’s being denied fair fight in race for F1 title after questioning Lewis Hamilton’s newfound speed

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has hinted he is being denied a fair fight for the F1 title – questioning the legality of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.The Red Bull ace picked up a £43,000 fine for tampering with Hamilton’s rear wing in Brazil.
      Max Verstappen has questioned Lewis Hamilton’s newfound speed in a hint he’s being denied a fair shot at the F1 titleCredit: Reuters
      Verstappen has already been fined £43,000 for touching Hamilton’s car in BrazilCredit: Twitter
      And there is still suspicion over whether he believes the Merc is legal following a turnaround in results for the Brit.
      Red Bull are alarmed at how Mercedes have upped their top speed after reigning F1 champ Hamilton blasted his way to pole in Doha yesterday.
      When quizzed by SunSport if he was 100 per cent convinced that Hamilton’s car was legal, Verstappen said: “It is difficult to know fully, of course, not only moving forward but what has already been done and raced with previously.
      “We have footage from it so these things can get highlighted but let’s hope we will have a good battle until the end.”
      It comes after Red Bull boss Christian Horner asked Mercedes chief Toto Wolff about ‘score marks’ on his team’s wing, caused by the drag reduction system flap opening too wide.
      Horner said his team were ready to launch a protest against Merc’s car, opening a murky investigation process that could see the title decided in the stewards’ room.

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      Verstappen will be hauled in front of the stewards today after he failed to slow down for waved double-yellow flags during qualifying.
      TV footage showed him ignoring the warnings that Pierre Gasly’s car had stopped on the track after a tyre blowout.
      Hamilton was hit with a similar accusation at the Austrian GP in 2020 and was slapped with a three-place grid penalty.
      If the same happens to Verstappen, he will then be demoted from second on the grid to start in fifth place.
       Stewards took five days to reject Mercedes’ appeal for a review of the flashpoint in Sao Paulo, when Verstappen appeared to force Hamilton wide.
      Drivers met with the FIA in Doha on Friday night but Hamilton says he confused as to what drivers are – and crucially are not – allowed to do.
      He said: “Every driver was asking for clarity but it wasn’t very clear. It is still not clear what the limits of the track are.
      “It is clearly not the white line any more when overtaking, so we just go for it.
      “We just ask for consistency so if it’s the same for the last race for us in those scenarios, then it is fine.”
      When asked if he could be more aggressive, Hamilton replied: “I would assume so, yes.”
      Meanwhile the seven-time world champion says he will continue to wear his Progress Pride rainbow flag in Saudi Arabia next month.
      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More