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    Japanese Grand Prix AXED from 2021 F1 race schedule in October with Covid cases soaring after Tokyo Olympics

    THE Japanese Grand Prix has been AXED for the 2021 season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.The race at the iconic Suzuka circuit was scheduled to go ahead on October 10 as the third and final leg of a triple-header following Russia and Turkey.
    The Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka has been axed from the 2021 schedule due to CovidCredit: PA:Press Association
    But it has now been cancelled at the request of the Japanese Government due to the pandemic.
    Japan recently hosted the delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, with the Paralympics running in the capital from August 24 until September 5.
    But with cases of Covid-19 soaring in the country, the Japanese Government has moved to scrap the Formula One race from the 2021 calendar.
    The decision comes in spite of F1 chiefs promising to follow stringent rules for travelling teams.
    Bosses had agreed to compulsory chartered flights from Istanbul to Japan and testing on arrival, as well as strict security to ensure no team members left their hotel – eating only at the circuit.
    On the decision, an F1 statement read: “Following ongoing discussions with the promoter and authorities in Japan, the decision has been take by the Japanese Government to cancel the race this season.

    “[This is] due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country.
    “Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks.
    “Formula 1 has proven this year, and in 2020, that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainties.
    “[We are] excited by the level of interest in locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond.”
    The cancellation of the Japan GP could cause a few problems though, thanks to Turkey – the race immediately before Suzuka – being on the UK’s red list for travel.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    F1 chiefs had tweaked the schedule so that all UK-based personnel would eat up seven days of their ten-day window post-Turkey at Suzuka, before spending a further three days in Japan and flying home.
    It’s therefore likely another race will be thrown into the schedule to allow the 1,000-plus British-based teams and staff won’t be forced to head home and self-isolate.
    It’s believed Qatar is being considered for a race, while a second Bahrain GP is on the table, to replace Japan.
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    F1 star Max Verstappen celebrates with stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet More

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    Inside Lewis Hamilton’s amazing Colorado Mountain mansion that F1 star reveals is a ‘home full of love and memories’

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S incredible mansion in the Colorado mountains is the place he loves to stay at.And recently, stunning model Camila Kenrda has been spotted there enjoying it too.
    Lewis Hamilton claims the house in Colorado is full of ‘love and memories’
    Lewis Hamilton loves to go for a spin on a snowmobile while out in Colorado
    The British superstar – who has won seven Formula 1 world championships – has an incredible property portfolio.
    In 2019, Hamilton splashed out a whopping £32million on a stunning penthouse in New York.
    Prior to that, he paid out £18m on a unique six-bedroom detached villa in West London, which he is currently refurbishing.
    He also owns a three-bedroom apartment in Switzerland and like many F1 drivers, he has a house in Monaco.
    But in the past, Hamilton has revealed that the place he likes to call home is in Colorado, America.
    Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I’ve never really been home [before].
    “In my winter, I go to the mountains [in Colorado], which I really see as my main home, because it’s a house and it’s full of love and memories from people, the family that come every winter.
    “Where I live in Monaco, it’s been somewhere I go back to and I’d call home but it lacks those memories.
    “I’d be there for short periods of time. So it’s not been the easiest.”
    Even Lewis Hamilton’s dogs appear to enjoy their time in Colorado
    Lewis Hamilton likes to spend the winter in Colorado
    Lewis Hamilton likes to bombard his 20.9million followers with snaps
    The Formula 1 legend likes to exercise outside if the weather is nice

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    Hamilton has given a fans a glimpse of his Colorado home on Instagram.
    He has shared a snap of himself enjoying pancakes for breakfast while sat outside.
    The F1 star loves to soak up the views and explore the wilderness that surrounds the house.
    Hamilton has even taken his dogs for a spin around the lake on his paddleboard.
    There’s no end of activities that he can do while up the mountains with his loved ones.
    He has sped around on a snowmobile, raced up the hills on his motorbike and snowboarded down the cliffs.
    The inside of his Colorado pad has been kitted out with as much wood as possible.
    He has a huge wooden bookshelf, complete with a globe and a number of other statues.
    Hamilton is currently leading the Driver standings midway through the 2021 F1 season.
    He’s just eight points clear of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with eleven races left in the calendar.
    The British superstar likes to make the most of the incredible views
    Lewis Hamilton pictured enjoying breakfast with a view
    The British star has given fans a glimpse inside of his Colorado home
    Lewis Hamilton poses for a snap with his beloved pet pooches
    Hamilton matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles last year.
    And back in December, he was knighted in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list.

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    Lewis Hamilton pictured enjoying the view after a bike ride up the mountain
    The 36-year-old can brush up on his snowboarding skills while he’s up the mountains
    Lewis Hamilton reveals sickening racist abuse after British F1 legend was told ‘go back to your own country’ More

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    F1 star Max Verstappen shares rare snap with stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet who is nine years his senior

    FORMULA ONE hero Max Verstappen has shared a rare snap of himself with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet on holiday.The 23-year-old racer is currently enjoying the last few days of his summer break before resuming his Drivers’ Championship bid.
    Max Verstappen has shared a picture of him and his girlfriend on InstagramCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    The F1 star has been dating Kelly Piquet since October 2020Credit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    The Brazilian model dated former F1 star Daniil Kvyat between 2016 and 2019Credit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Verstappen posted a picture of him and Kelly on Instagram, writing: “Enjoying the last few days of the summer break!”
    The Brazilian model also shared some pics from their holiday to her 416,000 Insta followers, writing: “You and me, and the sound of the sea.”
    Kelly, 32, is nearly nine years older than Verstappen and is the daughter of racing legend Nelson Piquet, who won three F1 titles during the 1980s.
    She previously dated former F1 star Daniil Kvyat, 27, between 2016 and 2019, giving birth to their baby daughter in July 2019.
    Verstappen doesn’t share a lot of photos from his personal life on Insta but does give his 5.5 million followers plenty of F1 pics.
    The couple are reportedly soaking up the sun on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten ahead of the next race in Spa, Belgium on August 29.

    Verstappen is currently second in the Drivers’ Championship, eight points behind British ace Lewis Hamilton.
    The Belgian-born Dutch star has let his position slip in recent weeks, retiring at the British Grand Prix and finishing ninth in Hungary.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    Hamilton has won seven world titles during his career and is hoping to claim an eighth and become the outright record holder later this year.
    Verstappen is his biggest challenger and wants to become the third-youngest racer in history to win the Drivers’ Championship.
    The title rivals have already experienced some heated moments this season, with the pair colliding in a brutal crash at Silverstone.
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    Kelly is the daughter of three-time F1 champ Nelson PiquetCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Kelly has one child with KvyatCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet
    Dramatic F1 fan footage shows brutal impact of Max Verstappen’s 180mph crash as Lewis Hamilton is blamed for collision More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s F1 team-mate will be George Russell as Mercedes give ‘clear indication’ of change, claims Schumacher

    GEORGE RUSSELL has cemented his place as the favourite for a Mercedes drive next season, according to Ralf Schumacher.The ex-Formula One star believes Russell’s call-up to a summer tyre test in the Merc is a telling sign that he will replace Valtteri Bottas.
    George Russell has been tipped to race for Mercedes next seasonCredit: Alamy
    Team principal Toto Wolff has previously declared that the 2022 drive line-up will be completed over the summer break, which ends later this month.
    Lewis Hamilton is signed up for another two seasons with the speculation focused on Bottas’ precarious position.
    Many fans and pundits had assumed that Williams star Russell, 23, would be the driver elevated if Bottas is removed – until Jacques Villeneuve claimed that Lance Stroll might get the nod.
    But Schumacher, 46, has insisted that Russell’s move is all but done.
    The German told AutoBild: “It’s true that [Aston Martin boss Lawrence] Stroll and Wolff are close friends.
    “But how far would they go? I don’t think Lance Stroll plays a role at Mercedes.
    “I think that’s where Russell is seated. It is no coincidence that he is doing the tests for Mercedes with the new 18-inch tyres that will be used next year.
    “For me this is a clear indication.”
    MER TO COME
    Russell replaced Hamilton for last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix when the world champion was ruled out with coronavirus.
    And he bagged his first points for Williams with a ninth-placed finish in Hungary last time out, elevated to eighth after Sebastian Vettel’s disqualification.
    The Brit’s summer break began with a test on next year’s 18-inch wheels and he clocked 137 laps in the Mercedes before jetting off to Santorini.
    Fans eagerly await an announcement on his future with Bottas, 31, tipped to be dropped after a first-corner crash in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
    Bottas’ contract expires at the end of the year but it has been speculated that Toto Wolff will attempt to find him a seat for 2022 regardless.
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    Ex-racer Villeneuve named Aston Martin’s Stroll as one contender for the Merc seat on the basis that Bottas will move in the opposite direction.
    He had said “Stroll Snr’s dream, very close to Toto Wolff, is to see his son winning championships.
    “And Toto needs a place for Valtteri.”

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    Fatigued and dizzy Lewis Hamilton struggles to stand up on podium More

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    Lando Norris reveals he’s ditched his PlayStation for the gym as he continues remarkable F1 rise

    LANDO NORRIS hit the headlines after being robbed of his £40,000 watch following the Euro 2020 final — but he should be in the limelight for his on-track success.The mugging at Wembley left Norris visibly shaken.
    Lando Norris has ditched PlayStration for the gym and readingCredit: Getty
    The F1 star, pictured at Silverstone, says getting fitter is helping his drivingCredit: Getty
    Lando Norris’ £40,000 watch was robbed following the Euro 2020 finalCredit: PA
    It was impossible not to feel sorry for the 21-year-old, yet also a reminder of his somewhat sheltered upbringing, focused purely on getting him into Formula One.
    Despite his family home being in Glastonbury, Bristol-born Norris has never been to the famous music festival.
    That ill-fated England game happened to be his very first football match and when he first joined McLaren back in 2017, he spoke about not wanting to socialise.
    Back then, he was a bit of a nerd. He played computer games online for hours. His physique was boyish and he lacked vitamin D.
    But when we caught up in the paddock at the Hungaroring, Norris was tanned and had bulging biceps poking out from his polo shirt.
    He admits a lot has changed over the last two seasons — and it is obvious he is coming of age as he talks about his plans for the summer break.
    I used to take my Play­Station everywhere and my laptop — but now I just take a book. Something I never thought I’d say.Lando Norris
    He said: “I will go and see a few friends on holiday and enjoy the sun. Just have some time away — but stay away from computers.
    “I realise how much better it is for me to get outside. Playing golf and doing things like that makes life better away from Formula One.
    “I used to take my Play­Station everywhere and my laptop — but now I just take a book. Something I never thought I’d say.
    “I realised the importance of going out for dinner with my friends.
    “I still find it enjoyable playing the games — but I’ve stopped taking life for granted and started enjoying it more.
    “There is still a kid inside of me because I love games yet my mentality has changed.”
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
    Norris even earned gushing praise from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton — and outclassed his more experienced team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
    He has now delivered three podiums to lift him to third behind Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the rankings.
    And he admits extra hours in the gym are paying off.
    Norris added: “I am not as big as some drivers on the grid — but I am doing more work than I used to. I do what I must to be fit in Formula One.
    “Just take Silverstone for example. It is incredibly tough on your neck — and a lot of drivers were leaning their necks after a few laps.
    “For me, I know there is a performance deficit when I have to lean my head, my vision goes crazy.”
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    Norris’ popularity has rocketed and it is easy to see why — he is incredibly down to earth and funny.
    And he admitted: “It is an awesome feeling to see people now wearing my clothing range.It makes me smile because I know they like me.
    “It’s weird because when I was growing up I never thought   about being   in that   position.”
    Fatigued and dizzy Lewis Hamilton struggles to stand up on podium More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s F1 team-mate will be George Russell after Mercedes give ‘clear indication’ of change, claims Schumacher

    GEORGE RUSSELL has cemented his place as the favourite for a Mercedes drive next season, according to Ralf Schumacher.The ex-Formula One star believes Russell’s call-up to a summer tyre test in the Merc is a telling sign that he will replace Valtteri Bottas.
    George Russell has been tipped to race for Mercedes next seasonCredit: Alamy
    Team principal Toto Wolff has previously declared that the 2022 drive line-up will be completed over the summer break, which ends later this month.
    Lewis Hamilton is signed up for another two seasons with the speculation focused on Bottas’ precarious position.
    Many fans and pundits had assumed that Williams star Russell, 23, would be the driver elevated if Bottas is removed – until Jacques Villeneuve claimed that Lance Stroll might get the nod.
    But Schumacher, 46, has insisted that Russell’s move is all but done.
    The German told AutoBild: “It’s true that [Aston Martin boss Lawrence] Stroll and Wolff are close friends.
    “But how far would they go? I don’t think Lance Stroll plays a role at Mercedes.
    “I think that’s where Russell is seated. It is no coincidence that he is doing the tests for Mercedes with the new 18-inch tyres that will be used next year.
    “For me this is a clear indication.”
    MER TO COME
    Russell replaced Hamilton for last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix when the world champion was ruled out with coronavirus.
    And he bagged his first points for Williams with a ninth-placed finish in Hungary last time out, elevated to eighth after Sebastian Vettel’s disqualification.
    The Brit’s summer break began with a test on next year’s 18-inch wheels and he clocked 137 laps in the Mercedes before jetting off to Santorini.
    Fans eagerly await an announcement on his future with Bottas, 31, tipped to be dropped after a first-corner crash in the Hungarian Grand Prix.
    Bottas’ contract expires at the end of the year but it has been speculated that Toto Wolff will attempt to find him a seat for 2022 regardless.
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    Ex-racer Villeneuve named Aston Martin’s Stroll as one contender for the Merc seat on the basis that Bottas will move in the opposite direction.
    He had said “Stroll Snr’s dream, very close to Toto Wolff, is to see his son winning championships.
    “And Toto needs a place for Valtteri.”

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    Fatigued and dizzy Lewis Hamilton struggles to stand up on podium More

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    Aston Martin’s appeal over Sebastian Vettel’s Hungarian GP disqualification rejected over fuel infringement

    ASTON MARTIN’S initial appeal over Sebastian Vettel’s Hungarian Grand Prix disqualification has been REJECTED.The German legend, 34, crossed the Hungaroring finish line in a superb second place behind shock winner Esteban Ocon and ahead of old rival Lewis Hamilton.
    Sebastian Vettel has had his initial Hungarian GP disqualification ‘appeal’ rejected having finished second but later been unable to provide the required one-litre fuel sampleCredit: Reuters
    It was only Aston Martin’s second-ever podium finish in Formula One.
    But just four hours later, Vettel was disqualified after stewards claimed they were unable to take the one-litre fuel sample from his car.
    Aston Martin released a statement claiming the car had 1.74l of fuel still in the tank and would request a ‘right of review’ following the FIA’s ruling.
    However, the request has been denied after stewards revealed they were only able to extract 0.3l of fuel from Vettel’s car.
    The team can now launch an official appeal should they feel they have a strong enough case.
    An FIA statement read: “On Monday afternoon the stewards heard from team boss Otmar Szafnauer, chief technical officer Andrew Green and sporting director Andy Stevenson to hear the team’s case. 
    “Under F1’s rules, in order to secure a right to review, the team must show ‘significant and relevant new’ evidence to the stewards.
    “After the hearing the FIA revealed that Aston Martin had discovered that a faulty fuel pump meant a ‘significant amount of fuel was inadvertently discharged from the fuel cell of Car 5’, meaning FIA personnel could only extract 0.3 litres.
    “This was accepted as ‘new evidence’ but in their decision document, the stewards said it was irrelevant why there was less than 1.0 litres of fuel in the car.
    “They wrote that in order to secure a right of review: ‘Aston Martin would have had to present facts that actually more than 1 litre of fuel was remaining. 
    “‘The explanation why this requirement could not be met is not relevant to the decision as to whether a breach of the regulations has occurred.’
    “Therefore the officials dismissed the request for a right of review, which means Vettel’s disqualification from the race stands.
    “Though that could still change if Aston Martin continue with their appeal, which is a separate process.”
    T-SHIRT REPRIMAND
    During an incident-packed weekend in Hungary, Vettel had already been issued a reprimand for failing to remove his rainbow T-shirt ahead of the race.
    The Aston Martin driver wore the shirt with the words ‘same love’ across the front having previously worn shoes sporting a rainbow flag in a message against Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law.
    ‘We Race As One’ is a platform launched by F1 last year that counts diversity, inclusivity and sustainability as its core principles.
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    Drivers are free to wear apparel with a message that is supportive of the initiative’s principles.
    But they were instructed to remove any such T-shirts before the national anthem and wear their race suits in a pre-race note issued by race director Michael Masi.
    Vettel failed to remove his T-shirt for the national anthem – but claims he forgot to take it off after it began raining.
    Sebastian Vettel had earlier been reprimanded by the FIA for wearing a rainbow T-shirt reading ‘same love’ during the national anthemCredit: The Mega Agency
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    Lewis Hamilton ‘out of energy’ and facing burnout after Mercedes star’s Covid battle, claims F1 legend Damon Hill

    FORMER F1 driver Damon Hill is worried about the effect long covid is having on Lewis Hamilton.Hamilton, 36, was visibly spent after last week’s Hungary Grand Prix, where the Brit finished second after Sebastian Vettel was disqualified.
    Lewis Hamilton will take a break from training to recover from the gruelling Hungary Grand Prix
    Damon Hill expressed his concern for Hamilton
    But the Mercedes star struggled to even step onto the podium after the race, with fatigue setting in.
    Hill noticed Hamilton’s tired-looking state and expressed concern for the driver.
    He told the F1 Nation podcast: “He was definitely out of energy.
    “He had burned it all up and I just hope and wish him well that he has got the ability to recover as soon as he can.
    “This long Covid we have heard about… I have heard people talk about this and they have had Covid and a year later they still feel they are not 100 per cent. It is a nasty virus and let’s hope Lewis can get a full recovery from it.
    “He was tired after British Grand Prix, do you remember he was on the podium looking a bit puffed?
    “We thought that was because he had to battle through and it was a tough track but clearly, he has admitted he has not managed to get back his full fitness after getting Covid last year in Bahrain.”
    Hamilton’s drive in Hungary left him dizzy, extremely tired and with shortness of breath – tell-tale signs of long Covid.
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    As a result, he will now take a break from training and rest up ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix on August 29.
    Hamilton’s second-place finish last time out allowed him to jump ahead of Max Verstappen in the overall standings.
    He now leads the Dutch driver by eight points, with a total of 195 points and four wins.
    Fatigued and dizzy Lewis Hamilton struggles to stand up on podium More