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      Daniel Ricciardo aims dig at Lewis Hamilton as he claims Brit ‘isn’t the only one who could win in that Merc’

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO believes Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed not having the ‘strongest competition’ during his dominance of Formula One.The Brit, 36, is aiming to break the world titles record he shares with Michael Schumacher.
      Lewis Hamilton has dominated Formula One in his MercedesCredit: AFP
      Daniel Ricciardo believes there are other drivers who could star in the Brit’s carCredit: AFP
      And McLaren ace Ricciardo, 31, aimed something of a ‘diplomatic’ dig at the reigning champion and suggested a number of other drivers could also win races if handed the keys to the all-powerful Mercedes.
      He told Square Mile: “To answer it diplomatically, I think Lewis isn’t the only one that could win races in that car.
      “That’s obviously my opinion and I think that George Russell, in a way, showed the possibility of that by pretty much beating Valtteri [Bottas] in his first race.
      “So you could argue that just maybe Lewis doesn’t have the strongest competition.”
      The debate over F1’s GOAT will continue to rumble on as Hamilton pushes for his eighth crown.
      While Ricciardo does think he could give him a run for his money in the same car, he admitted the mental pressure felt that comes with being the favourite at every race is on another level.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      The Aussie noted: “I think, where we can’t be too aggressive or disrespectful to Lewis, is that, do a few of us believe we could beat him? Yes. I’m quite sure of that.
      “But none of us have ever been in the hunt for a title. None of us have dealt with that pressure. None of us have had that year after year.
      “Pretty much every weekend he rocks up to a race. Yes, he has the best car, but he’s also expected to win all the time. And if he doesn’t, it’s, ‘OK, what happened to Lewis?’.”

      Max Verstappen is expected to provide serious competition for this year’s world championship.
      Having pushed Hamilton all the way in Bahrain, they will duel again at Imola on the weekend and Ricciardo opened up on his relationship with his old Red Bull team-mate.
      He said: “I think it’s easier now for me and Max to be friends for two reasons.
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      Me and Max never hated each other, we just wanted to end each other’s careers! It’s as simple as that.Daniel Ricciardo

      “I think one is that obviously we’re not in direct competition – we’re not trying to basically end each other’s careers.
      “The second point is that I think – I mean, of course, I won races with him as a team-mate and got pole position so I think he always knew I was quick and respected me.
      “But now, since I’ve left, the other drivers have come through and him having different team-mates, I think it’s probably increased his respect for me even more.
      “I mean we never hated each other, we just wanted to end each other’s careers! It’s as simple as that.”
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      Lewis Hamilton posts cryptic message about his hands and hints at what tattoos mean after showing off body art

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has posted a cryptic message on social media hinting at the meanings of the tattoos on his hands.The British Formula One star, 36, is enjoying the weekend off having won the 2021 season opener in Bahrain.
      Lewis Hamilton has hinted as to the meanings of his hand tattoos
      Lewis Hamilton took to Twitter to revealed his ‘hands tell a story’
      Hamilton is enjoying a weekend off having won the season opener in Bahrain last SundayCredit: Splash
      And before kicking off his Imola preparations – with the Grand Prix in Italy taking place next weekend – Hamilton shared a message to his 6.2m Twitter followers.
      In it, the Mercedes racer appeared to hint at the meaning of his tattoos.
      Hamilton captioned a pair of pictures: “Our Hands Tell A Story – each hand tells a different one.
      “Some of age and wisdom, some of hard work, some of bravery and some of love.
      “They all have a rhythm of their own.
      “What do your hands say about you?”
      It’s not the first time Hamilton has explained his inkings either, having opened up about his body-art in 2018.
      In a video for GQ, Hamilton explained: “I got a big cross on my back, I mean, the idea originally came from Tupac who was my favourite rapper.
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      “And I wanted to put angel wings around it. And then at the top it says, ‘Still I rise’.
      “It took like, I think ten hours or something like that, just in one go, straightaway.
      “And since then I’ve loved my back.”
      On his tattoos, Hamilton explained: “Once you kinda get your first one, you kind of move on to, kind of, what next can I get?
      “What else can I kind of connect with. What else resonates with me?”

      Hamilton later revealed the compass marked onto his chest holds religious connotations.
      He claimed: “I’ll leave church on a Sunday thinking, wow I’ve really gained my direction where to go.
      “So church is really my compass, so that’s why I got the compass.”
      Hamilton also has the words ‘family’ and ‘faith’ on his shoulders because as he is ‘very, very close’ to his family.
      Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen react to epic Bahrain opener More

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      Max Verstappen brands F1 rival Lewis Hamilton ‘one of the best ever’ as pair set sights on Imola showdown

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has described Lewis Hamilton as among Formula One’s ‘best-ever’ drivers as he goes toe-to-toe with the Brit for the title.Last season saw Hamilton, 36, cruise to a record-equalling seventh world championship but 2021 may not be quite so straightforward.
      Max Verstappen believes Lewis Hamilton is one of Formula One’s best-ever racersCredit: AFP
      The title rivals fought out a fascinating battle in the Bahrain season openerCredit: Splash
      An enthralling opening round in Bahrain saw the Dutchman push his rival all the way, suggesting Red Bull have caught up with the dominant Mercedes.
      And Verstappen, 23, has given his take on calls for Hamilton to be recognised as the greatest F1 driver of all time.
      He told Autosport: “Man, you know it’s super hard, but of course you have to give credit to Lewis.
      “[For] the way he has dealt with all the years, to always come back and be honoured and win that amount of races and championships. You definitely cannot go around Lewis.
      “But, of course, there are still a lot of other people in F1, I think who are very good, very strong, and would have been very good in that car as well.
      “But still, of course, the way Lewis has won and also sometimes in tricky races – like last year in Turkey, to win that race, I think he did very well.
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      “Yeah, definitely he is one of the best ever in F1.”
      The pair will face off once again in just over a week’s time for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
      With Hamilton beating Verstappen to the line by less than a second last time out, fans are hoping for another huge battle.
      And the Mercedes star is hyped up for the clash and believes team-mate Valtteri Bottas will also feature in the title fight.
      I’m super excited and super happy for the fans, that they are excited.Lewis Hamilton

      He said: “I’m super excited and super happy for the fans, that they are excited.
      “I think it’s something that all the fans have wanted for a long time.
      “Of course, this is only one race, so we don’t know what the future holds in terms of the pace they have.
      “They could be ahead a lot more, but we’re going to work as hard as we can to try and stay close in this battle and I hope for many more of these sorts of races with Max and Valtteri.”
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      Max Verstappen says the whole weekend has been going really well while Lewis Hamilton reacts to starting Bahrain GP in second More

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      Sebastian Vettel planning for life off F1 track as Aston Martin driver studies organic farming during lockdown

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL is proving to be a Farmula One hit after studying organic farming during lockdown.The German is highly secretive about his private life but has opened up after revealing took an internship in agriculture.
      Four-time world champ Sebastian Vettel says he is interested in the nutritional differences between each type of fruit and vegetableCredit: Splash
      German superstar Vettel is sure to a tractor attention with his farming revelationCredit: Splash
      Vettel, 33, has previously spoken about climate change but has now expressed his interest in organic farming.
      The dad of three, who drives for Aston Martin this season after leaving Ferrari, has also become an ambassador for the BioBienenApfel project; an incentive to protect bees and insects.
      When quizzed about his interest in farming, Vettel said: “Since I had more time than I had actually planned, I thought about what I could do and what interested me.
      “That’s what interests me. At some point you realise that not every vegetable is the same, not every apple has the same nutrients, and then you ask why.
      “Then you realise very quickly where the apple comes from and how it is grown – and that’s how the doors opened for me.
      “The theory interests me and I read about it a lot.
      “But to learn more from the practical side and talk to the people who deal with it on a day-to-day basis, that was very interesting.”
      The four-time world champion has also been doing some conservation on his home in Switzerland, creating an insect haven in the shape of a heart for his kids to enjoy.
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      He added: “Since I didn’t want to settle for a small heart, I then staked out the heart a bit bigger.
      “The girls were there at the beginning, but then I was alone with the spade and that was very exhausting.
      “Last year, a little bit came up, but I’m looking forward to seeing more sprouts this year.”
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      Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel looks forward to Formula 1 return More

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      Mercedes threatened to ban Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg from races due to bust-ups between pair

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      MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff has admitted that he threatened to ban Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg due to their toxic rivalry.The pair were involved in some of the Silver Arrows’ most dominant seasons on their journey from karting teammates to bitter foes.
      Mercedes threatened to ban Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg due to their feudingCredit: Getty
      Rosberg is the only man who has stopped Hamilton from winning the F1 title during the last seven years but the two had a bitter fallout.
      The German even revealed in an interview with SunSport that he needed a mind coach to help him through some of the low points.
      Their on-track clashes – most notably at Spa 2014, Austria 2016 and their infamous collision in Spain 2016 cemented their rivalry as one of the fiercest in F1 history.
      And Wolff claimed Mercedes came close to impose race suspensions on both Rosberg and Hamilton at the height of their feuding.
      He told the High Performance Podcast: “It was very difficult because I came into the team as a newcomer in Formula 1, and Nico and Lewis had been in the sport for much longer.
      I always made it clear that if this were to happen regularly, and I would see a pattern, then I have no fear in making somebody miss racesMercedes boss Toto Wolff
      “But still, I was able to create an environment where they had to respect the team. Sometimes with an iron fist, or iron grip, and they understood that they couldn’t let us down, they couldn’t let Mercedes down.
      “The events of 2014, where I felt there was some selfish behaviour, I said that the next time you come close to the other car, your team mate, you think about the Mercedes brand, you think about single individuals in the team, you think about Dieter Zetsche, the CEO of Mercedes.
      “That’s probably going to change the way you act; you’re not going to put your team mate in the wall.
      “And I always made it clear that if this were to happen regularly, and I would see a pattern, then I have no fear in making somebody miss races.
      “The thing the drivers want the most is to compete in a car and you always need to be very clear that you compete in the car if you understand the team game.
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      “And it’s much more difficult because there are only two drivers in the team and it’s not easy to find a replacement, and a replacement on that level.
      “But I’m prepared to sacrifice a race or two just to make it clear for all future generations that are going to drive for Mercedes that that’s not on.”
      Rosberg stunned the sport by retiring from F1 in 2016 having won the title while Hamilton has won six of the last seven titles.
      Champion Rosberg hopes for better relationship with Hamilton in retirement More

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      Aston Martin F1 team sign Nico Hulkenberg as reserve and developmental driver for 2021 season after Racing Point stint

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      ASTON MARTIN F1 team have signed up Nico Hulkenberg as their reserve and development driver for the 2021 season.The German raced for the team under its previous guise as Force India between 2012 and 2016.
      Nico Hulkenberg has signed for Aston MartinCredit: PA
      He also filled in for Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez last season when both Racing Point drivers tested positive for COVID-19.
      The 33-year-old has competed in 176 F1 races with Williams, Sauber and Renault, as well as his stints at Force India and Racing Point.
      Hulkenberg said: “First of all, it’s great to get this deal signed up with plenty of notice – last year, I didn’t have quite as much time to prepare before jumping in the car! 
      “I’m really pleased to once again work with this team – with whom I have driven many times during my career. 
      “Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian Vettel and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons this year, but the team knows it can rely on me to step in and do an excellent job, and I’m fully prepared to take on that challenge. 
      “It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I’m really looking forward to pulling great lap-times out of my arm sleeve.”
      Welcome home, @HulkHulkenberg. 🤜🤛Here’s everything you need to know about the Hulk’s new role as reserve and development driver for the 2021 season. #Hulkenback 💚— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) April 8, 2021

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      Otmar Szafnauer, CEO and Team Principal, added: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Nico back to the team in an official capacity, as reserve and development driver for Aston Martin. 
      “In these difficult times, the requirement for a capable and experienced reserve driver is especially important. 
      “Nico proved last year that he could jump in the car and perform superbly at a moment’s notice; now, with additional scope for preparation and integration, we know that we can rely on Nico to do an excellent job.”
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      F1 Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg shows us how he warms up for a race More

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      Ralf Schumacher slams ‘whining’ Sebastian Vettel and tells him ‘nobody cares’ about Aston Martin debut flop

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL was told to stop ‘whining’ about his Aston Martin car by Ralf Schumacher.And the ex-F1 driver reckons Vettel has to knuckle down after a miserable season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Sebastian Vettel admitted he doesn’t feel at home in his Aston Martin yetCredit: Splash
      Ralf Schumacher thinks Sebastian Vettel needs to stop ‘whining’ about the carCredit: Rex
      Four-time world champion Vettel switched to Aston Martin this year after six seasons with Ferrari.
      But he failed to make it out of Q1 in the Middle East and finished a disappointing 15th place.
      Schumacher, who won six F1 races during his decade-long F1 career and is brother of legend Michael, told Sport1.de: “The whining that he doesn’t feel the car has to stop.
      “I’m sorry for Sebastian. This is a huge problem and it will take time.
      “Nobody cares about that, and after all, we’re in Formula One here and he’s also earning a lot of money.
      “At the end of the day, Sebastian is an experienced racing driver and a multiple world champion. He has to clean up with his team-mate now and the rest will come on its own even if the Aston Martin doesn’t turn into a winning car this year.”
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      Aston Martin had a miserable first race of the season in BahrainCredit: Rex

      “He’s not unreasonable. I understand Sebastian’s frustration.
      “He had anything but a perfect weekend.”
      Vettel’s team-mate Lance Stroll finished in 10th place at last month’s season opener.
      The teams head to Imola for the second race on April 18.

      Speaking after Bahrain, Vettel admitted: “It’s been probably not the best weekend or the weekend we were looking for.
      “But there were a lot of things that we learned that we need to address. We will see how quickly we can fix them.
      “I’m not at home in the car. There’s a lot of things that are fighting me so that I can’t really focus on driving. But we need to address them and try and fix them.”
      Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel looks forward to Formula 1 return More

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      Bernie Ecclestone’s family tree includes baby son Ace’s half-sister Deborah, 66, and seven grandchildren

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      LAST summer, Bernie Ecclestone became a father for the fourth time at the grand old age of 89.The ex-Formula 1 boss and his third wife Fabiana, 45, welcomed baby Ace into their extravagant world in July 2020.
      Bernie Ecclestone became a father in 2020 at the age of 89Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The new arrival makes for a remarkable family tree – starting with Bernie at the top, his children and then his grandchildren.
      SunSport breaks it down for you, in full.
      BERNIE ECCLESTONE, 90
      The patriarch of the family, Bernie was born in Suffolk in 1930.
      Worth £2.5billion, Ecclestone had been associated with F1 since the 1950s – during the 1958 season he entered two Grand Prix races, but failed to qualify for either.
      In 1972 he became a team-owner, acquiring Brabham, which he ran for 15 years.
      Two years later, Ecclestone formed the Formula One Constructors Association, emerging as chief executive in 1978.
      In 2017, Bernie was removed from his position after the Formula One Group was taken over by Liberty Media.
      Not bad for the son of a fisherman, who left Dartford West Central Secondary School at 16 and first worked as an assistant in a chemical laboratory testing gas purity.
      Ecclestone shares a thought with Lewis HamiltonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Niki Lauda, right, drove for Ecclestone’s Brabham racing teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
      IVY BAMFORD, FIRST WIVE
      Not much is known about Bernie’s early years, when he ran motorcycle shops and car dealerships.
      His first wife, a local girl called Ivy, was believed to be two years older than the businessman when they married in 1952.
      They welcomed daughter Deborah three years later, but the marriage fell to pieces and they drifted apart.
      It’s unknown if Ivy, who would be 91 today, is alive.
      SLAVICA RADIC, WIFE NO2
      Bernie married the 6ft 2in former Armani model Slavica in 1985, three years after they met at a promotional event at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
      Despite the height difference (Slavica stands a foot taller than Bernie), a language barrier, and an age gap of 28 years they remained married for 23 years.
      In 2009, she topped the Sunday Times’ Rich List in the “richest divorcees” category – getting a reported £740million settlement.
      They have two daughters, Tamara and Petra.
      Wife No2 Slavica Radic stands 6ft 2in tallCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Radic, the mother of Petra and Tamara Ecclestone, was a former Armani modelCredit: Getty Images
      In a divorce settlement Radic received a reported £740million payoutCredit: GC Images – Getty
      FABIANA FLOSI, WIFE NO3
      Not much is known about the 45-year-old Brazilian.
      But Bernie met Fabiana in 2009 at the World Motor Sport Council, marrying three years later in a private ceremony at their £23million Swiss chalet in Gstaad.
      She helps run his coffee plantation in Brazil, where their brand Celebrity Coffee is produced.
      In 2016, her mum Aparecida Schunk was kidnapped and a ransom of £28million was demanded.
      Nine days later, she was found safe.
      Last week, they welcomed their first son together, baby Ace.
      Bernie Ecclestone met Fabiana in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      45-year-old Fabiana hails from BrazilCredit: fabianaecclestone/Instagram
      Fabiana helps Bernie run his coffee plantation in South AmericaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DEBORAH, ELDEST DAUGHTER, 66
      Deborah has preferred to stay out of the limelight, despite her famous family connection.
      The only child from Bernie’s first marriage, she is said to have followed her dad into business.
      It is believed she has two children of her own.
      However, their names and ages are unknown.
      TAMARA, 37
      Bernie’s first child with Slavica, Tamara has dabbled with modelling, presenting and reality TV.
      For the 2009 F1 season, she presented motorsport coverage for Sky Sports Italia.
      In 2011 she starred in Tamara Ecclestone: Billion $$$ Girl on Channel 5 and then in ITVBe’s Tamara’s World in 2017.
      In-between, the brunette beauty appeared nude in Playboy magazine.
      Brunette beauty Tamara once appeared in Playboy magazineCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bernie and Tamara share a tight bond
      Tamara Ecclestone lives with her family in a £70m West London homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      She has one daughter, Sophia, 6, from her seven year marriage to Jay Rutland.
      They live in a lavish £70million mansion, a stones throwaway from Kensington Palace.PETRA, 32
      Arguably the more famous of Bernie’s socialite daughters with Slavica, Petra is now based in Los Angeles.
      At 19, she launched menswear label FORM, which was sold in Harrods.

      Her personal life was splashed across the front pages after an acrimonious £5.5 billion divorce row with ex-husband James Stunt, who she split with in 2017.
      She was granted sole custody of their three children, Lavinia, 7, and twins James and Andrew, both 5.
      And last May, Petra gave birth to a baby girl with fiancé Sam Palmer, but has remained tight-lipped on her name, which gives Bernie seven grandchildren ALL younger than his latest child.
      Petra Ecclestone is now based in Los AngelesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Petra had an acrimonious divorce from James Stunt in 2017Credit: twitter/Petra Stunt
      Petra has four children, giving Bernie seven grandchildren in totalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      I want to be a dad again at 90 and I don’t need Viagra, says ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone More