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      F1 bad boy Nikita Mazepin could have Haas racing career halted due to Russian military service reveals father and backer

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      FORMULA 1 bad boy Nikita Mazepin’s career in motorsport could be placed under threat by mandatory military service in Russia, his father has revealed.The 22-year-old debuted for Haas in F1 this season alongside teammate Mick Schumacher.
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      Mazepin’s father Dmitry (left) has revealed his son will likely have to conduct military serviceCredit: Rex
      Mazepin has struggled at the start of his F1 career with HaasCredit: Reuters
      But neither of the Haas drivers have picked up a point yet after six races of the season.
      And now his F1 journey could be disrupted by having to conduct 12 months worth of military service.
      Men aged between 18 and 27 have to conduct one year of military service or face two years imprisonment under Russian law.
      “Nikita has 23 races, and they tell him that he needs to join the army,” father Dmitry Mazepin – the majority shareholder at team partners Uralkali – told the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
      “They told him he had to be present at the training camp regularly. There would be no exceptions.
      “He has a race every two weeks. How does he do it? Who do I ask this question to?
      “And I’m not talking about Nikita Mazepin alone but about everyone: athletes and professionals in the same situation. The issue of education and sports is relevant.”
      Mazepin already landed himself in hot water before his first F1 race of the season.
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      Earlier this year he was forced to apologise for making a “huge mistake” when he filmed himself groping a woman’s breast in the back of a car and it appeared online.
      The controversial Russia driver has been disciplined by his new Haas team about the incident that happened at the end of 2020.
      Mazepin, 22, subsequently deleted the post and posted an apology – which he also deleted nine days later.
      Understandably, there was a huge backlash across social media with the hashtag #WeSayNoToMazepin frequently trending.

      Formula One driver Lance Stroll’s model girlfriend Sara Pagliaroli laps up the sun in bikini More

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      Verstappen in 200mph crash 4 laps from Baku victory but Hamilton blows chance to lead title with huge mistake on restart

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lewis Hamilton crashed out of a wild Azerbaijan Grand Prix – with Sergio Perez taking victory.23-year-old’s Verstappen’s 200mph accident should have given Hamilton victory and top spot in the Drivers’ Championship – but then he dramatically crashed out at the restart.
      READ OUR AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX BLOG

      Verstappen’s tyre blew at 200mph making him crash
      Verstappen took his frustration out on his crashed Red BullCredit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton crashed at turn 1 when the race restartedCredit: Getty
      It meant Red Bull driver Perez took victory in Baku, with Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel second and Pierre Gasly third.
      Verstappen, with clear road in front of him, lost control of his Red Bull in the 47th lap and crashed into the wall.
      His rear left tyre gave way – the same problem Lance Stroll experienced in his Aston Martin earlier in the race.
      The title candidate couldn’t believe his luck, getting out of his knackered vehicle and kicking the faulty tyre in frustration.
      Thankfully he appears to have been uninjured during the crash.
      The car hit the wall after the left rear tyre gave wayCredit: Getty
      The dejected 23-year-old makes his way back to the paddockCredit: AP
      Verstappen then stormed off the track before the race was stopped two laps later.
      RACE RESTART
      The incident should have been a huge boost to Hamilton, who was on the verge of going top of the Drivers’ Championship.
      But when the race restarted for a two lap shoot-out, it all went wrong.
      The reigning world champion crashed out on the first corner of the restart as he tried to get past race leader Perez.
      The Brit’s brakes appeared to be overheating at the standing start and they were totally unresponsive as he flew off the track.

      EARLIER IN THE RACE
      Hamilton had made a great start to the GP when he overtook Charles Leclerc, who failed to take advantage of a second successive pole.
      Esteban Ocon was the first retiree of the race, pitting after five laps with an engine problem.
      Red Bull pair Verstappen and Sergio Perez then overtook Leclerc to move into second and third respectively and pile pressure on Hamilton.
      And then the Mercedes driver had a moment to forget as a 4.6-second pit stop saw him drop back into third.

      Lance Stroll crashed out in the middle of the race with the same problem as Verstappen.
      After Hamilton’s costly mistake at the restart, Perez took the lead and stormed to victory.
      There was a fascinating battle for third between Gasly, Leclerc and Lando Norris – but the Frenchman held out for a place on the podium.
      Vettel also picked up a podium – his first for new team Aston Martin.
      Lewis Hamilton uploads stunning moving art to instagram to celebrate taking 100th F1 pole More

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      Mansour Ojjeh dead at 68: F1 icon and ‘titan of the sport’ passes away after 37 years as McLaren shareholder

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      MCLAREN shareholder Mansour Ojjeh has died aged 68.Ojjeh bought into McLaren in 1984 and played a significant role in their racing success.
      McLaren shareholder Mansour Ojjeh has passed away aged 68Credit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton was among the many to pay tribute to the Saudi-FrenchmanCredit: Getty
      The British Formula One team confirmed the sad news on Sunday morning.
      A statement ahead of the Azerbaijan GP said: “It is with deep sadness that McLaren Racing announces the death of Mansour Ojjeh, shareholder of McLaren since 1984.
      “Mr Ojjeh passed away peacefully this morning in Geneva, aged 68, surrounded by his family.
      “All at McLaren Racing mourn his loss together with his family, to whom the team sends its most heartfelt condolences.”
      Ojjeh first ventured into racing in 1979 when his father’s TAG company sponsored Williams before Ron Dennis convinced him to invest in McLaren.
      In his McLaren career, the team won ten F1 drivers’ championships and nine constructors’ titles.
      Niki Laudi, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton all reigned supreme.
      Saudi-French Ojjeh, who graduated in 1974 with a business administration degree from Menlo College, California, stepped back from his place on the McLaren boards and was replaced by his son Sultan.
      It is with deep sadness that McLaren Racing announces the death of Mansour Ojjeh, shareholder of McLaren since 1984.Mr Ojjeh passed away peacefully this morning in Geneva, aged 68, surrounded by his family, to whom the team sends its most heartfelt condolences. pic.twitter.com/yAmp4apuYl— McLaren (@McLarenF1) June 6, 2021

      He also withdrew from duties following a double lung transplant eight years ago.
      Emotional Hamilton tweeted a photo with Ojjeh and wrote: “I carry a heavy heart into the race after the loss of a close friend, Mansour Ojjeh.
      “He had the biggest heart and always carried the biggest smile. I am so grateful to have known such a man.
      “This man loved unconditionally. Rest in peace brother, love you always.”
      Hakkinen added: “Deeply sad to read this devastating news. An Incredible friend and true gentleman is gone.
      “Thank you Mansour, for all your support over the years. My thoughts are with Ojjeh family.”
      McLaren CEO Zak Brown also paid his own respects with a personal message.
      He wrote: “The passing of Mansour Ojjeh has devastated everyone at McLaren Racing.
      I carry a heavy heart into the race after the loss of a close friend, Mansour Ojjeh. He had the biggest heart and always carried the biggest smile. I am so grateful to have known such a man. This man loved unconditionally. Rest in peace brother, love you always🖤🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/EGGFx2vtlM— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 6, 2021

      Deeply sad to read this devastating news. An Incredible friend and true gentleman is gone. Thank you Mansour, for all your support over the years. My thoughts are with Ojjeh family.— Mika Häkkinen (@F1MikaHakkinen) June 6, 2021

      It is with deep sadness that we hear of the passing of Mansour Ojjeh. He was a man of integrity who contributed to making McLaren and Williams great teams as well as playing an important part in the growth of our sport. Our condolences go to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/0b9LVio1xw— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) June 6, 2021

      All at F1 are shocked and saddened by the passing of Mansour OjjehStefano Domenicali: “Mansour was someone with incredible talent, passion and energy and was a giant of our sport. I will miss him greatly and so will the whole F1 community.” pic.twitter.com/TWoUMzqpXN— Formula 1 (@F1) June 6, 2021

      “Mansour has been etched into the heart and soul of this team for nearly 40 years and was intrinsic to its success. He was a true racer in every sense.
      “Ultra-competitive, determined, passionate and, above all, perhaps his defining characteristic: sporting. No matter the intensity of the battle, Mansour always put sport first.
      “Mansour was a titan of our sport, yet modest, unassuming and disarming to all he encountered. His easy manner, sharp wit and warm humour touched all those who were fortunate to know him.
      “His love of this team was palpable for all to see and those of us privileged to work for McLaren will remember Mansour as an impressive yet humble, human, father-figure who showed us at the most individual, personal level how to fight adversity and be resilient.
      “He will remain in death what he was in life: a constant inspiration to all of us at McLaren and beyond. Mansour’s legacy is secure. 
      “It is woven into this team and perpetual. We race on as he would wish, our resolve stronger than ever, with his memory and legacy forever in our hearts and minds.
      “All at McLaren Racing express their deepest sympathies to his entire family.”
      More to follow…

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt More

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      F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race: UK start time, TV channel, full race schedule as Hamilton aims for glory

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      F1 is back this weekend as the world’s best drivers head out to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Max Verstappen will be looking to make it two race wins in a row while Lewis Hamilton is hoping to get back to winning ways following his stutter in Monaco.
      Max Verstappen won the F1 Monaco Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      The Monaco GP proved to be one of the most exciting races of the year as Brit Hamilton finished SEVENTH after a disastrous qualifying.
      And the Baku City Circuit awaits as the F1 season continues to hot up.
      When is F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix first practice?

      The race will take place at the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan’s capital.
      The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will start at 1pm on Sunday, June 6.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      All of this weekend’s F1 action from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
      You can live stream all the action from first practice all the way to Sunday’s race from the NOW TV and Sky Go apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

      Lewis Hamilton is hoping to get back to winning ways in BakuCredit: Getty
      Full F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race schedule
      Friday, June 4

      Practice One – 9.30am
      Practice Two – 1pm

      Saturday, June 5

      Practice Three – 10am
      Qualifying – 1pm

      Sunday, June 6

      Azerbaijan Grand Prix – 1pm More

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      F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix LIVE: Race build-up, Leclerc starts on pole, Hamilton and Verstappen behind – latest updates

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      CHARLES LECLERC put his Monaco heartache behind him by claiming pole at the Azerbajan Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton will be on the front row of the grid with Max Verstappen third-fastest in qualifying.
      Meanwhile, the Singapore Grand Prix has been AXED from the 2021 calendar due to Covid.
      Get all the latest F1 updates from Baku here…
      FER-WOW-RI
      Can Charles Leclerc drive to victory in Baku tomorrow?
      The Ferrari ace bagged pole in qualifying today.
      And he did it in dramatic style too!

      BAKU BASH
      How about this for a crash?
      It was so intense it ended qualifying on Saturday!

      VETTEL WOE
      Sebastian Vettel was not happy after just missing out on Q3.

      LEW BEAUTY
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton has spoken of his delight at securing second on the grid.
      Hamilton said: “We definitely weren’t expecting that and this is such a monumental result for us because we’ve been struggling like you couldn’t believe all weekend. You can see it.
      “We kept our composure. We’ve continued to have difficult discussions in the background and challenging one another, and just never taking no for an answer. We’ve moved around, made so many changes, over these two days. Just chasing our tail and it’s been so difficult.
      “But the work overnight and particularly between the sessions was amazing from the team and really proud of everyone for keeping positive. To be up there and so close to these guys is a great start.
      “It has been the biggest challenge in a long time. It has been a bit of a disaster”
      F1 STANDINGS
      Max Verstappen leads the F1 World Championship following his victory at Monaco last time out.
      The Red Bull driver sits for points ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      STARTING GRID
      This is how the starting grid looks for Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

      WAR OF WORDS
      Toto Wolff has blasted Christian Horner and called him “a windbag” as the two F1 bosses traded insults.
      Mercedes chief Wolff was responding to Horner’s comments that Wolff should “keep his mouth shut” over their row over flexi-wings.
      Mercedes feel that Red Bull’s rear wing breaches F1 rules while Red Bull believe the same accusation can be levelled at Merc’s front wing.
      But while Horner appears to have taken it on the chin as his team currently lead the drivers’ and constructors’ championship, Wolff is not happy.
      He snapped: “Christian is a bit of a windbag who wants to be on camera. It is easy to be punchy when you are on top of the timesheets but you should be a little bit more modest.”
      Red Bull’s Max Verstappen joked: “They should sort it out in the ring! I am all for a ring in F1 instead of penalties!
      “But it is Formula One, everyone wants to win and everyone is competitive, so it is only natural and it is good for people to read!”
      Merc’s Lewis Hamilton added: “They are the top leaders of the two teams and both contributed to success and they are going head to head in this battle.”
      LAND BEFORE TIME
      Lando Norris has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
      He will now start in ninth after being penalised for failing to pit when the red flag was shown.
      Speaking before the decision was announced, Norris said: “I was in the middle, I was continuing my lap but then I didn’t really know at one point I could turn left or go right.
      “I slowed down straight away, I don’t feel like I was doing anything wrong. And I was going at quite a high speed, going into that pit at that time.
      “So I don’t know, I need to speak to the team, but I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong.”

      TON OF PRAISE
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton is very pleased with the result at the final practice.
      Hamilton took to Twitter after the race and praised his team for the overall effort.
      The British star tweeted the following:

      LECLERC REACTS
      Ferrari star Charles Leclerc reacted to his second pole in a row.
      Leclerc said: “It was quite a s*** lap I thought! There were like two or three corners where I did mistakes, but of course I had the big tow from Lewis in the last sector which helped me a little bit.
      “But overall I think we would have been there or thereabouts for pole without the slipstream, so it’s a good day.
      “I did not expect to be as competitive as we were today. I was improving again [before] the red flag but it’s like this, another pole, and I’m happy anyway”
      GETTY IMAGES
      THE GRID FOR THE RACE
      1 Leclerc; 2 Hamilton; 3 Verstappen; 4 Gasly; 5 Sainz; 6 Norris; 7 Perez; 8 Tsunoda; 9 Alonso; 10 Bottas
      HUGE DRAMA – RED FLAG – SESSION STOPPED
      Leclerc is on pole as Sainz and Tsunoda crash out on track.
      It is Turn 15 again. Tsunoda loses it and then Sainz slams into the barriers
      Wow. That’s the fourth red flag in qualifying.
      Hamilton will line up in P2 and Verstappen in P3. Gasly in P4.
      Wow. Incredible stuff.
      STONKING LAP FROM GASLY
      The Frenchman goes into the top four with a mega lap.
      HAMILTON TAKES PROVISIONAL P2
      Bottas punches the hole in the air, as Hamilton sits in the slipstream and gets on the front row.
      His time is good enough for P2 behind Leclerc, who was 0.232 seconds quicker.
      Five minutes to go.
      FERRARI ARE FLYING
      The two boys in red are blasting their way around the track as Leclerc and Sainz set the early pace.
      Q3 IS GO – THE SHOOT OUT FOR TOP 10
      Is this going to be a Red Bull lockout? Or can Hamilton fight back?
      BIG BLOW FOR RICCIARDO
      It is just not clicking for him at McLaren just yet. Surely his luck has to change soon.

      RICCIARDO HAS CRASHED – RED FLAG – END OF Q2
      The McLaren man has locked up and crashed into Turn Three. He is out of qualifying.
      His accident means the session is red-flagged and means that Vettel and Ocon miss out on getting into Q3.
      Russell, Raikkonen, Ricciardo, Ocon and Vettel are out in Q2. Vettel extremely disappointed to miss out.

      VERSTAPPEN LEADS PEREZ. HAMILTON IN P3
      It looks as though Hamilton has discovered some performance in his Mercedes. Less so for Bottas, who is in P9.
      FIVE MINUTES TO GO
      Russell, Raikkonen, Ricciardo, Tsunoda and Ocon in the drop zone.
      HERE IS THE INCIDENT INVOLVING NORRIS

      BUSY TRACK – MISTAKES ARE COSTLY IN BAKU
      We have had two red flags already. The record for qualifying is four. We are halfway there.

      Q2 IS GO
      Can Mercedes make it into the top 10? They should do, but accidents could pay their part.
      Q1 IS DONE
      Stroll, Giovinnazi, Mazepin, Schumacher and Latifi are out at the first hurdle.
      Hamilton eventually tops the session, but it was a scrappy one. Norris also under investigation for missing the pitlane when the red flag was deployed.
      IN THE DROP ZONE
      Schumacher, Mazepin and Russell. Stroll and Giovinazzi are already out.
      Four minutes to go.
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      F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix QUALIFYING LIVE: Crash ends session with Leclerc on pole, Hamilton and Verstappen behind

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      CHARLES LECLERC has put his Monaco heartache behind him by claiming pole at the Azerbajan Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton will be on the front row of the grid with Max Verstappen third-fastest in qualifying.
      Meanwhile, the Singapore Grand Prix has been AXED from the 2021 calendar due to Covid.
      Get all the latest F1 updates from Baku here…
      LAND BEFORE TIME
      Lando Norris has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
      He will now start in ninth after being penalised for failing to pit when the red flag was shown.
      Speaking before the decision was announced, Norris said: “I was in the middle, I was continuing my lap but then I didn’t really know at one point I could turn left or go right.
      “I slowed down straight away, I don’t feel like I was doing anything wrong. And I was going at quite a high speed, going into that pit at that time.
      “So I don’t know, I need to speak to the team, but I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong.”

      TON OF PRAISE
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton is very pleased with the result at the final practice.
      Hamilton took to Twitter after the race and praised his team for the overall effort.
      The British star tweeted the following:

      LECLERC REACTS
      Ferrari star Charles Leclerc reacted to his second pole in a row.
      Leclerc said: “It was quite a s*** lap I thought! There were like two or three corners where I did mistakes, but of course I had the big tow from Lewis in the last sector which helped me a little bit.
      “But overall I think we would have been there or thereabouts for pole without the slipstream, so it’s a good day.
      “I did not expect to be as competitive as we were today. I was improving again [before] the red flag but it’s like this, another pole, and I’m happy anyway”
      GETTY IMAGES
      HAMILTON REACTS
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton is very pleased with today’s result.
      Hamilton said: “We definitely weren’t expecting that and this is such a monumental result for us because we’ve been struggling like you couldn’t believe all weekend. You can see it.
      “We kept our composure. We’ve continued to have difficult discussions in the background and challenging one another, and just never taking no for an answer. We’ve moved around, made so many changes, over these two days. Just chasing our tail and it’s been so difficult.
      “But the work overnight and particularly between the sessions was amazing from the team and really proud of everyone for keeping positive. To be up there and so close to these guys is a great start.
      “It has been the biggest challenge in a long time. It has been a bit of a disaster”
      THE GRID FOR THE RACE
      1 Leclerc; 2 Hamilton; 3 Verstappen; 4 Gasly; 5 Sainz; 6 Norris; 7 Perez; 8 Tsunoda; 9 Alonso; 10 Bottas
      HUGE DRAMA – RED FLAG – SESSION STOPPED
      Leclerc is on pole as Sainz and Tsunoda crash out on track.
      It is Turn 15 again. Tsunoda loses it and then Sainz slams into the barriers
      Wow. That’s the fourth red flag in qualifying.
      Hamilton will line up in P2 and Verstappen in P3. Gasly in P4.
      Wow. Incredible stuff.
      STONKING LAP FROM GASLY
      The Frenchman goes into the top four with a mega lap.
      HAMILTON TAKES PROVISIONAL P2
      Bottas punches the hole in the air, as Hamilton sits in the slipstream and gets on the front row.
      His time is good enough for P2 behind Leclerc, who was 0.232 seconds quicker.
      Five minutes to go.
      FERRARI ARE FLYING
      The two boys in red are blasting their way around the track as Leclerc and Sainz set the early pace.
      Q3 IS GO – THE SHOOT OUT FOR TOP 10
      Is this going to be a Red Bull lockout? Or can Hamilton fight back?
      BIG BLOW FOR RICCIARDO
      It is just not clicking for him at McLaren just yet. Surely his luck has to change soon.

      RICCIARDO HAS CRASHED – RED FLAG – END OF Q2
      The McLaren man has locked up and crashed into Turn Three. He is out of qualifying.
      His accident means the session is red-flagged and means that Vettel and Ocon miss out on getting into Q3.
      Russell, Raikkonen, Ricciardo, Ocon and Vettel are out in Q2. Vettel extremely disappointed to miss out.

      VERSTAPPEN LEADS PEREZ. HAMILTON IN P3
      It looks as though Hamilton has discovered some performance in his Mercedes. Less so for Bottas, who is in P9.
      FIVE MINUTES TO GO
      Russell, Raikkonen, Ricciardo, Tsunoda and Ocon in the drop zone.
      HERE IS THE INCIDENT INVOLVING NORRIS

      BUSY TRACK – MISTAKES ARE COSTLY IN BAKU
      We have had two red flags already. The record for qualifying is four. We are halfway there.

      Q2 IS GO
      Can Mercedes make it into the top 10? They should do, but accidents could pay their part.
      Q1 IS DONE
      Stroll, Giovinnazi, Mazepin, Schumacher and Latifi are out at the first hurdle.
      Hamilton eventually tops the session, but it was a scrappy one. Norris also under investigation for missing the pitlane when the red flag was deployed.
      IN THE DROP ZONE
      Schumacher, Mazepin and Russell. Stroll and Giovinazzi are already out.
      Four minutes to go.
      RESTART AS Q1 IS GO AGAIN AFTER TWO RED FLAGS
      Nine minutes to go of this session. The wind has picked up now and it is going to tough to get those quick laps in.
      RED FLAG – ANTONIO GIOVINAZZI HAS CRASHED
      The Alfa Romeo man is in the wall at Turn 15. This spot is catching lots of drivers out.
      He is OUT of qualifying. The session is stopped again.
      WE ARE QUALIFYING AGAIN
      A busy track as drivers look not to get caught out by another red flag.
      LANCE STROLL HAS A CRASH – RED FLAG
      The Canadian hits the wall at turn 15. He went in too fast and he has broken his front right wheel.
      He is out of qualifying. His Aston Martin is broken. It also means all the other drivers have to abort their flying laps.
      Stroll apologises to his team over the radio and will start tomorrow’s race in last place.
      GO GO GO. GREEN LIGHT FOR QUALIFYING FOR THE AZERBAIJAN GP
      Will this be a Red Bull lock out? Or will Ferrari keep up their pace from Monaco?
      Mercedes are on the back foot, it could be a tough session in Baku for Hamilton and Bottas.
      Expect plenty of drama and yellow flags, this is going to be a busy qualifying session.
      TOTO WOLFF LASHES OUT AT CHRISTIAN HORNER
      The Mercedes boss is feeling the heat and blasted the Red Bull man after Horner said Wolff should “keep his mouth shut” over the flexi-wing row.
      Wolff has responded saying: “Christian is a bit of a windbag who wants to be on camera.
      “It is easy to be punchy when you are on top of the timesheets but you should be a little bit more modest.”
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      Leclerc grabs pole in chaotic session after record FOUR red flags with Lewis Hamilton second in Azerbaijan GP qualifying

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      CHARLES LECLERC sealed pole position for tomorrow’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a chaotic qualifying in Baku.The dramatic session saw a record-equalling FOUR red flags, including one right at the end after both Carlos Sainz and Yuki Tsunoda crashed on the same corner.
      Charles Leclerc grabbed his ninth career poleCredit: AP
      Lewis Hamilton and his team had to improvise in BakuCredit: EPA

      Leclerc grabbed his second pole position on the trot after starting Q3 with a sensational 1:41.218 time – despite feeling it was a ‘s*** lap’
      He told Sky Sports after sealing his ninth career pole: “It was quite a s*** lap I thought! There were like two or three corners where I did mistakes, but of course I had the big tow from Lewis in the last sector which helped me a little bit.
      “But overall I think we would have been there or thereabouts for pole without the slipstream, so it’s a good day. I did not expect to be as competitive as we were today. I was improving again [before] the red flag but it’s like this, another pole, and I’m happy anyway.”
      Lewis Hamilton will begin tomorrow’s race in a creditable second position, having even admitted that his team had ‘struggled’ going into qualifying, ‘chasing their tale’ in order to get it right.
      He admitted: “It has been the biggest challenge in a long time. It has been a bit of a disaster.”
      Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who labelled it a ‘stupid qualifying’ came in third position.
      Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas slumped to an underwhelming tenth on the grid.
      Q1 got proceedings underway with a bang, as both Lance Stroll and Antonio Giovinazzi both crashed.

      Lance Stroll crashed during Q1Credit: EPA
      Antonio Giovinazzi reacts after his qualifying is cut short in Q1Credit: EPA
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1

      Daniel Ricciardo then suffered a similar fate in Q2, crashing on turn three with 1:29 remaining – robbing a furious Sebastian Vettel the opportunity to climb into the top ten.
      Leclerc then got off to a brilliant start in Q3, setting what would ultimately be the fastest time.
      Hamilton and Verstappen were desperate to catch him as the ten minutes wound down.
      But Tsunoda’s crash late on, with the Japanese appearing in his first ever Q3, put paid to that.
      And Sainz quickly followed suit on the same corner.
      Lewis Hamilton praised the hard work of his Mercedes teamCredit: Reuters
      Max Verstappen was unhappy with the ‘stupid qualifying’Credit: AFP
      Brave Lewis Hamilton leaps out of plane by himself in daring sky-dive as F1 star shows off incredible skills off track More

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      F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix third practice: UK start time, TV channel, full race schedule as Hamilton aims for glory

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      F1 is back this weekend as the world’s best drivers head out to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Max Verstappen will be looking to make it two race wins in a row while Lewis Hamilton is hoping to get back to winning ways following his stutter in Monaco.
      Max Verstappen won the F1 Monaco Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      The Monaco GP proved to be one of the most exciting races of the year as Brit Hamilton finished SEVENTH after a disastrous qualifying.
      And the Baku City Circuit awaits as the F1 season continues to hot up.
      When is F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix first practice?

      The F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix third practice will get underway from 1pm on Saturday, June 5.
      Qualifying will follow at 4pm UK time.
      The race will take place at the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan’s capital.
      The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will start at 1pm on Sunday, June 6.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      All of this weekend’s F1 action from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
      You can live stream all the action from first practice all the way to Sunday’s race from the NOW TV and Sky Go apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

      Lewis Hamilton is hoping to get back to winning ways in BakuCredit: Getty
      Full F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix race schedule
      Friday, June 4

      Practice One – 9.30am
      Practice Two – 1pm

      Saturday, June 5

      Practice Three – 10am
      Qualifying – 1pm

      Sunday, June 6

      Azerbaijan Grand Prix – 1pm More