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      Lewis Hamilton excited ahead of battle for eighth F1 world title but admits Mercedes are NOT fastest car on track

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      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON rode into the 2021 season and says he’s excited to fight for a record eighth world title.The Mercedes ace, who picked up a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list, has the chance to become F1’s undisputed champion.
      Sir Lewis prepares for Bahrain practice todayCredit: Alamy
      The champ is more excited than he has been ‘for a long time’ about a new seasonCredit: Alamy
      The Brit already has the most wins (95), poles (98) and podiums (165) but can move clear of the joint-record of titles he holds with Michael Schumacher.
      But he faces a fight from rampant Red Bull, who look revived after the winter, and Hamilton says this season is not going to be a walkover.
      He said: “I love what I’m doing and I arrive more excited for the season than I have for a long time.
      “I’m excited to get going. We are going to have a really great battle one way or another. That’s what I’ve always loved.
      “We are not currently the fastest…I can’t tell you, I’m so excited to have that challenge.
      “Seeing some of the other teams close again is going to be great for fans and I love that collaboration with the men and women in my team and trying to get to our common goal.”
      Hamilton juggled last season with fighting for a number of good causes and says he will continue to kneel before races to extend his commitment to ending racism.
      He added: “I plan to continue to take the knee because what’s really important is when young children are watching, they see what we’re doing.
      “When they see us taking the knee, they’ll ask their parents or teachers, ‘Why are they doing that? What are they taking the knee for?’
      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1

      “It sparks an uncomfortable conversation. It means parents have to educate themselves and the kids.
      “It’s a fight that’s not won, it’s a fight that will continue on for a long time I’m sure, but I definitely think we’re in a good time where conversation is healthy.”
      Meanwhile, Sky have launched the new F1 season with an epic video charting Hamilton’s rise for karting whizz to seven-times world champ.

      Take a virtual lap of the Bahrain race track ahead of Grand Prix Formula 1 start More

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      Sir Jackie Stewart claimed it’s ‘hard to justify’ calling Lewis Hamilton F1’s best-ever and blasts Mercedes dominance

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      FORMULA 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart called it ‘difficult to justify’ saying Lewis Hamilton is the greatest ever driver.The Brit will attempt to beat Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles in 2021.
      Sir Jackie Stewart called it difficult to compare Lewis Hamilton’s achievements to those of the pastCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Lewis Hamilton is big favourite to win his EIGHTH F1 world championshipCredit: Splash News
      He has already overtaken the German’s record of 91 race wins.
      But Stewart, who won the driver’s championship three times, described it as near-impossible to compare Hamilton’s achievements to speedsters of yesteryear.
      The 81-year-old said last year that the modern-day racing calendar being busier, as well as Hamilton having a ‘so superior’ car and engine to other competitors, makes comparison tricky.
      Speaking on the In The Fast Lane podcast in October, Stewart said: “I don’t think that you can account [for] that sort of level of success.
      “Just because today there are 20, 22 races, whereas in the old days when for example Juan Manuel Fangio, raced maybe sometimes six, eight or nine races a year in Formula 1.
      ‘To say that Lewis is the greatest driver of all time, would be difficult for me to justify, in the sheer power of what the other drivers were doing.
      “Lewis drives extremely well, make no mistake, I’m not in any way diminishing his skills, but it isn’t the same.
      “Lewis made a very good decision when he left McLaren at that time and went to Mercedes-Benz. And I take my hat off to him for making that decision.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “But frankly, the car and the engine are now so superior that it’s almost unfair on the rest of the field.”
      Due to difficulties comparing the modern-day car and calendar with that of the past, Stewart doesn’t even have Hamilton in his top three racing drivers of all time.
      He added: “Juan Manuel Fangio in my mind is the greatest driver that’s ever lived.
      “With Jim Clark as the second-greatest, even ahead of [Ayrton] Senna.”
      Fangio won five world titles in the 1950s. Scottish racer Clark won two world titles in 1963 and 1965.
      At the time of his death, at the age of 32, Clark had won more F1 races and achieved more podiums than any other driver.
      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1

      Senna won three world titles in 1988, 1990 and 1991 before tragically losing his life when crashing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
      SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt disagrees with Sir Jackie however, putting Hamilton at No1.
      Senna bags second spot with Schumacher, winner of seven world titles, in third.
      Clark is fourth with Fangio in fifth.
      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s epic journey from karting kid to seven-time F1 world champ captured in Sky Sports pre-season video

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is revving up once again this weekend to begin his crack at a record-breaking eighth world title.Fans will be desperate to see how the Brit fares in Bahrain ahead of a potentially mega fight with Max Verstappen.
      Lewis Hamilton’s journey has been chronicled in a Sky Sports promo clip
      The Mercedes driver was a clear star from his karting days
      Hamilton is looking for an eighth F1 world title in 2021
      Ahead of the 36-year-old taking to the track, Sky Sports have released an epic look through his awesome career.
      It looks back at Hamilton’s emergence as a star of karting, with ex-racer and pundit Martin Brundle stating: “It was clear from his junior days that Lewis would be world champion.”
      With McLaren, he took a stunning maiden Formula One crown thanks to a last-turn pass of Timo Glock at Interlagos.
      Former team-mate Jenson Button said in the clip: “It came down to the final corner, he made the move on Glock for a very exciting victory.”
      Images of Hamilton cheering on the podium, embracing his family and colleagues and storming down the track are exactly the sort of scenes his fans will hope to see again in 2021.
      The seven-time champ’s work away from the track is also shown with his dedication to the next generation featured alongside his anti-racism and environmental work that helped bag him a knighthood.

      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1

      After a long winter break, fans’ appetites have certainly been whetted for a fresh year of F1.
      If Hamilton can secure an eighth title, he will break the record set by Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher.
      Friday practice in Bahrain starts at 11.30am with Sunday’s race set for 4pm.
      With murmurs that this year could be his last in F1, SunSport have revealed that fans are flocking to pick up tickets for the British GP at Silverstone in July.
      Lewis Hamilton embraces his mum at the track
      The Merc star does it all again starting this weekend in Bahrain
      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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      British Grand Prix close to sell out with 500,000 over four days heading to watch Hamilton in huge post-lockdown party

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      THE British Grand Prix is close to selling out as F1 fans snap up tickets for Hamilton Mania.Ticket sales are through the roof with punters eager to see the Brit as he makes his bid for a record eighth world title.
      Fans may be witnessing Lewis Hamilton’s last Silverstone race in JulyCredit: PA
      Lewis Hamilton has only signed a 10-month deal with his Mercedes team in what could be his final home GP.
      Circuit chiefs are staying optimistic that the race will get the go ahead from the Government as part of their Covid-19 roadmap, on July 18.
      And that could mean around 500,000 people over the four-day event, making it one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
      Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone, said: “We are on route to sell out of the general admission tickets by April and many of the grandstands are already 80 percent full.
      “If it is allowed to go ahead, the 2021 British Grand Prix could be one of the biggest crowds ever.
      “If you want to see him and win big at home, it could be the last year to see Lewis race at Silverstone.
      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1

      “We all want something to look forward to. Summer holidays overseas look compromised, so come and have a celebration at Silverstone.
      “We always have a good atmosphere but I just think if we can have it, it could be the party to end all parties!”
      The British GP is subject to the Covid restrictions being lifted like the rest of the UK, but track bosses say they will refund ticket holders or roll them over to 2022, should the race be behind closed doors.
      Pringle added: “The buying behaviour is backed by a Covid guarantee so if they are prevented from coming due to Covid, we will offer them a full refund or will roll the booking over to another year.
      “We are very conscious that the fans have been very supportive of us, from last year to this year, and it has made a huge difference to our business.
      “It would have been very difficult to refund everyone their ticket money so it has kept us alive during a very difficult period for all sporting venues.
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      “They want to come and we want them to come. We hear the Prime Minister’s optimism and we also totally note his caution. That is understood.
      “It is clear that the Government have the intention to try and unlock the country by the time of the GP.
      “It is selling fast, it is going to be massive but we are also cautiously optimistic.”

      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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      F1 Bahrain Grand Prix practice: UK start time, TV channel and live stream from Sakhir

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      F1 heads to Bahrain for the start of the new season, with Lewis Hamilton looking to be the first driver ever to win eight world championships.The Brit equalled Michael Schumacher’s record last year by winning a seventh title at a canter.
      Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to become the first ever eight-time world champion this yearCredit: Getty
      What time does the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Practice start?

      The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix race weekend runs from Friday, March 26 to Sunday, March 28.
      Practice One commences at 11.30am UK time on Friday.
      Practice Two then follows at 3pm UK time, with a third practice on Saturday before qualifying.

      What TV channel is the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?

      The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix is live on Sky Sports F1.
      To stream the race live, head to your Sky Go app.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass.
      Friday coverage commences at 11am and finishes at 4.30pm.
      Saturday coverage commences at 11.45am and finishes at 4.30pm.
      Sunday coverage commences at 2.30pm and finishes at 6pm.

      F1 Bahrain Grand Prix schedule
      Friday, March 26

      Practice One – 11.30am
      Practice Two – 3pm

      Saturday, March 27

      Practice Three – 12pm
      Qualifying – 3pm

      Sunday, March 28

      Race – 4pm More

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      F1 in chaos before season starts after two Aston Martin staff test positive for Covid-19 on eve of Bahrain GP

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      TWO members of the Aston Martin team have tested positive for COVID-19 on the eve of the new F1 season.Last year, the season-opening Australian GP was scrapped and the season placed on hold following a positive test within the McLaren team.
      Covid test results of team staff travelling to Bahrain have come back positiveCredit: Getty
      However, it will not disrupt this weekend’s opening race of the season in Bahrain, which is going ahead as planned.
      An Aston Martin spokesman said: “We can confirm that two of our staff have tested positive for Covid-19. We are taking all the necessary precautions.”
      F1 has adopted strict protocols again this season where everyboby is tested before being allowed entry to the paddock.
      The Bahraini authorities also have a vigorous testing process for all arrivals to the Gulf Kingdom.
      All incoming passengers are subjected to a test upon landing before being told to isolate in their hotel room while they wait for their results.
      It is believed that this is when the positive results were discovered and those tested, along with their bubble, were placed into quarantine as a precaution pending a second test.
      SunSport has now learnt that two of those retests have returned positive and those affected will be complying with the local health authorities.
      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1

      Last year, despite the pandemic, F1 was able to hold 17 races safely after conducting 78,000 tests of which there were just 78 positives. A rate of 0.1 percent.
      Practice for the inaugural race of the 2021 season is due to get underway at 11am on Friday.
      Lights out on the Grand Prix is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday as Lewis Hamilton begins his quest for a record-breaking eighth world title.
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      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More

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      George Russell reckons Williams 2021 F1 car can score points and move team back up the grid again

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      GEORGE RUSSELL says this year’s Williams has more potential to score points than any other car he’s driven for the team.Williams hit a new low last year after ending the season without a point for the first time in their history.
      George Russell is confident that Williams can fight for points this seasonCredit: Reuters
      But the team’s future is looking brighter under the new ownership, as Russell looks to secure his first point for Williams.
      He said: “I believe this year’s car definitely has more potential than the last two cars that I’ve driven.
      “We came close a number of times last year and I’d like to think we will be able to scrape into the points at some point this season.
      “You know 23 races, a lot can happen, difficult conditions and our competitiveness will be a little up and down this year, as it is for a lot of teams out there.
      “So we need to make sure the times we are competitive, we capitalise on that.
      “I don’t necessarily think it will be this weekend, I think it will be a very tricky weekend for us, with the conditions that are on the forecast.
      “But I do believe at some point this year, in more normal conditions, we will see the true pace of the car and that will be more positive.”
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      Williams didn’t manage a single point last season for the first time in their historyCredit: Rex

      During the off-season Russell became a new director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, following the departure of Romain Grosjean.
      The 23-year-old will work alongside Sebastian Vettel who is a fellow director, as the two will represent the drivers’ interest in the paddock.
      Russell said: “I wanted to take on this role because what the GPDA has done over so many years has been great for the sport.
      “Whenever we have had our briefings, between all of the drivers which in 2019 was common once after every two grand prix.
      “We would stay after the drivers’ briefing and we would all talk about certain issues, or ways we can improve the sport.
      “I was always quite vocal, I always quite enjoyed putting my opinion forward.

      “I guess having a voice for the drivers is something I am quite proud of, so I am looking forward to that.
      “I think I have got a very good relationship with a lot of the younger drivers.
      “So I guess Sebastian [Vettel] is almost representing the older half of the grid and I’m potentially representing the younger half of the grid.”
      Take a virtual lap of the Bahrain race track ahead of Grand Prix Formula 1 start More

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      F1 in chaos before season starts with staff put into quarantine after positive Covid-19 test caught by new strict rules

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      FORMULA ONE staff in Bahrain have been placed into quarantine after a positive test for Covid-19.SunSport understands that members of a British team are currently in isolation awaiting the results of second tests.
      Covid test results of team staff travelling to Bahrain have come back positiveCredit: Getty
      F1 has adopted strict protocols again this season where anyone is tested before being allowed entry to the paddock.
      The Bahraini authorities also have a vigorous testing process for all arrivals to the Gulf Kingdom.
      All incoming passengers are subjected to a test upon landing before being told to isolate in their hotel room while they wait for their results.
      It is believed that this is when a positive result was discovered and that member of staff, plus their bubble, are in quarantine as a precaution pending a second test.
      SunSport understands those affected are not key members of the team and that all protocols have been followed.
      And there is no risk posed to the season-opener in Bahrain, which will go ahead as planned this weekend.
      BETTING SPECIAL: LEWIS HAMILTON TO FINISH TOP 3 – 20/1

      Last year, despite the pandemic, F1 was able to hold 17 races safely after conducting 78,000 tests of which there were just 78 positives. A rate of 0.1 percent.
      Practice for the inaugural race of the 2021 season is due to get underway at 11.30am on Friday.
      Lights out on the Grand Prix is scheduled for 4pm on Sunday as Lewis Hamilton begins his quest for a record-breaking eighth world title.
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      Inside the new-look Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton is bidding to win record eight F1 title in ahead of new season More