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      Lewis Hamilton splits with right-hand man and pal Marc Hynes just weeks ahead of new F1 season opener in Bahrain

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has split with his friend and right-hand man Marc Hynes.
      The 43-year-old trusted adviser has left Hamilton’s inner circle on the eve of the new F1 season.

      Lewis Hamilton’s right-hand man Marc Hynes has left his teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hynes ran the ‘Project 44’ management company to look after Hamilton’s business interests.
      Daily Mail report that the split was ‘amicable’.
      They quote a source close to Hamilton as saying: “Lewis is very grateful for all his support over the last five years, both personally and in helping him build his company.
      “Marc and Lewis have known each other since they were young, as friends first and business partners second, so, while they are parting ways in a business sense, they remain close friends.”

      Hynes a former racing driver and won the Formula 3 Championship in 1999.
      The timing of the split was far from ideal with just three weeks until the seven-time world champion kicks off his title defence.
      Hamilton had just signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Mercedes for the 2021 campaign.
      The deal has raised serious questions over whether he will retire at the end of the current season.

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      Lewis Hamilton, team boss Toto Wolff and Valtteri Bottas unveil this year’s MercedesCredit: Daimler AG Mercedes

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      The 36-year-old is going in search of an eighth world title that would move him clear of the joint record he currently shares with Michael Schumacher.
      But he says that whether he wins the title this year – or not – it will not be his sole motivation for staying in the sport for a 16th season.
      When quizzed about 2022, Hamilton said: “I have decided. I don’t want that [championships] to be the deciding factor.
      “I got into racing because I loved it and that’s got to always be at the core of what you do.
      “If all you’re going for is accolades, I feel I could potentially lose my way. Of course it is the ultimate dream but I don’t think it is not going to be the deciding factor whether I stay or keep going; it is more whether then I still have the smile when I leave the garage.
      “It is going back to: ‘Do you enjoy it?’ Last year was a really tough year for everyone, including me, but there were some really impactful moments.
      “Will that be the case this year? We’ll see. Will I enjoy it as much, we’ll see. I am excited now, so I am sure I will.

      “I’m fully invested in this season and delivering. I still love what I do.
      “I’m in the fortunate position that I don’t have to commit to multiple years so I chose to have a one-year deal then I could see how the year goes, where we’re at mid-year or towards the end of the year. Who knows whether we’ll still be in a pandemic.
      “But it doesn’t mean that I’m not still committed very much to the sport.”

      Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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      Formula One allow fans to attend Bahrain GP if they have had coronavirus vaccine or have recovered from virus

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      FORMULA ONE will allow fans to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix if they have had their coronavirus vaccine or have recovered from the virus.
      Sakhir will host the first race of the 2021 calendar later this month, on March 28.

      Bahrain will allow fans in the stands at the March 28 GP if fans have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus

      And it’s been confirmed race organisers WILL allow supporters in the stands under two conditions.
      Fans can enter the grounds if they have had BOTH Covid jabs more than two weeks prior to the race.
      But supporters can also be in attendance if they can prove they have successfully recovered from the virus.
      Fans hoping to attend will be tracked through Bahrain’s BeAware app.

      Even then, fans will be screened on upon entry to the grounds.
      Face masks will also be compulsory and social distancing will also be in place.
      However, there will be no ‘Paddock Club’ hospitality or corporate lounges, with all fans remaining outdoors at Sakhir.
      Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) CEO Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa revealed the news.

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      He said: “We are delighted to be able to launch our ticket sales today, once again giving fans the opportunity to witness the spectacle of F1.
      “In November and December last year, we had the honour to host our healthcare heroes as spectators, and we are pleased this time be open for a broader group of fans, with tickets available to buy for this prestigious first race of the season.
      “I am thankful for all the support we receive from across Government in Bahrain and the coordination that makes Bahrain a successful F1 every year.
      “I especially thank The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus and Ministry of Health in Bahrain for their planning and guidance, which will allow us to offer a safe experience for fans.
      “We would urge eligible fans to reserve their tickets now for the best possible seats to witness the first edition of F1 2021.”

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      The Bahrain International Circuit had previously offered vaccinations to teams.
      However, it’s unlikely the offer will be accepted – with a Formula One statement stating they won’t be vaccinated as a ‘travelling group’.
      An F1 spokesperson said: “Formula One, as a UK-based organisation, has no plans to be vaccinated as a travelling group ahead of the already established rollout of vaccines through the health system in the UK.”
      Bahrain held TWO races last season – in November and December.
      On those occasions, only health workers were allowed in the stands, with no fans in attendance.
      Meanwhile, teams have been unveiling their cars for the 2021 season.
      Aston Martin celebrated their return to F1 with some help from Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton.
      Mercedes showed off Lewis Hamilton’s new ride as he goes for an incredible eight title, while Haas showed off a ‘Russian-inspired’ livery.

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      Nikita Mazepin admits he made ‘huge mistake’ filming himself groping woman’s breast in car ahead of debut F1 season

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      NIKITA MAZEPIN says he made a “huge mistake” after filming himself groping a woman’s breast in the back of a car and it appearing online.
      The controversial Russia driver has been disciplined by his new Haas team about the incident that happened in December.

      Nikita Mazepin has opened up on the car groping controversy he engulfed himself in last yearCredit: PA:Press Association

      Mazepin, 22, subsequently deleted the post and posted an apology – which he also deleted nine days later.
      Understandably, there has been a huge backlash across social media with the hashtag #WeSayNoToMazepin frequently trending.
      As he faced the press for the first time, he said on Thursday how he was “not proud of it”.
      In somewhat of an understatement, he said: “How I reflect on my actions is pretty clear. I’m not happy that it happened.

      “I’m not proud of it, I didn’t behave as I meant to behave in Formula One, and the transition phase of realising what I achieved has been very short and I didn’t adapt as quickly as I should have.
      “But I have taken responsibility for it and I am ready to keep doing it because I’d like to be very strong in my position and certain.
      “The learning curve is very steep when you have to get to your first race, so that process is a very big part of your thing, it has to be.
      “In regards to the image it has created, I am not going to be able to put words in people’s mouths, but I am pretty sure that I will be delivering on track and I am confident that with the direction I am taking the results will be there.

      Haas revealed their contender to the Formula One 2021 Championship on ThursdayCredit: Haas F1

      Mazepin is preparing for his debut in the seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I am going to try to have the racing do the talking. I have made a huge mistake and taken responsibility for it and I have learned from it. I am looking forward to a clean year ahead.”
      He also refused to say whether he had apologised to the girl involved, who had claimed responsibility for uploading the video.
      He added: “I think a privacy matter is very important in this case. I don’t think it would be correct for me to bring other people into this very wide media discussion, and therefore I’m not going to do that.”
      Mazepin has a history of bad behaviour at the track too.
      In 2016, he punched British racing driver Callum Ilott after he blocked the Russian during a practice session.
      Mazepin was slapped with a pathetic one-race ban while last season he notched up 11 penalty points on his racing licence – just one shy of receiving a suspension.

      Graduating to Formula One means that all of a sudden you become an example to a lot of young kids.
      Nikita Mazepin

      But he says he is confident he can shed his bad-boy reputation and stay out of trouble now he has reached F1.
      He added: “Graduating to Formula One means that all of a sudden you become an example to a lot of young kids who are aiming to get to the same championship.
      “With that, you have to bring a certain way of behaviour towards yourself. I haven’t done it instantly because I was too late to realise that unfortunately.
      “In regards to what I’ve learned, it’s quite clear that first of all the behavior you’re meant to bring to yourself, and secondly how you’re meant to act on social media and off social media.”

      After Haas stopped the questioning about his controversial behaviour, he was asked whether his card was now marked by the race stewards too.
      He said: “It’s not something that I fear because I am confident it’s not going to happen.
      “I take a lot of time to go through the regulations, study them hard, understand them, understand where that fine line is.
      “Sometimes you overstep that line and it’s not for me to decide, it’s the stewards’ decision. I respect their decisions but I am confident to say you won’t be seeing that in F1.”

      Nikita Mazepin thanks Haas F1 Team for signing him for the 2021 season More

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      Controversial Nikita Mazepin’s Haas F1 team embroiled in bizarre row over livery – which looks exactly like Russian flag

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      HAAS F1 team has been caught up in a bizarre row over their new livery – which looks exactly like the Russian flag.
      The American-owned team have signed up controversial Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, who has attracted plenty of criticism for posting a video on social media of him groping a woman’s breast in the back of a taxi.

      Haas unveiled their new car on Thursday – with a distinct Russian feel to its liveryCredit: Haas F1

      Moscow-born racer Nikita Mazepin joins the team in 2021 but has been sharply criticised over a social media groping incidentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Haas have also agreed a title sponsorship with Uralkali – a Russian firm owned by Mazepin’s billionaire father.
      The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced in December that it had upheld a ban on Russia from competing at world championship sporting events.
      It relates to state-sponsored doping and cover-ups at the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.
      As a result there will be no dedicated Russian team at the upcoming Olympic Games or the next Fifa World Cup.

      On top of this, Mazepin will not be allowed to race under the Russian flag for the next two years.
      However, it appears that Haas have flagrantly responded by using the flag in their livery – much to the frustration of their American fans.
      But Haas boss Guenther Steiner says the team have done nothing wrong and said they came up with the livery before the flag was banned.
      He said: “We did not circumvent anything.

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      We are always in contact with the FIA because you cannot just come out with it, so we worked with them.
      Guenther SteinerHaas team boss

      The new Haas is also sponsored by the company owned by Mazepin’s dadCredit: Haas F1

      “We came up with this livery before this came out from WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
      “You can use the colours on the car, the athlete cannot carry the flag, but the team is an American team.
      “The colours of the American flag are very similar to the Russian one.
      “We are always in contact with the FIA because you cannot just come out with it, so we worked with them. Is is WADA, not an FIA rule.”

      WADA president, Craig Reedie, confirms Russia banned for four years from world’s top sporting events More

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      Mick Schumacher ‘proud’ to carry dad Michael’s legacy in F1 and says iconic name motivates him ahead of debut season

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      MICK SCHUMACHER says he is ready to carry on his father’s legacy in Formula One as he nears his debut season.
      The son of seven-time world champion Michael, has joined the Haas team for 2021 as part of his affiliation with the Ferrari young driver programme.

      Mick Schumacher is preparing to follow in his dad’s footsteps and race in Formula OneCredit: Splash News

      Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher won seven world titles during his careerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mick, 21, won the Formula 2 title last year and is carving out his own racing career.
      And he says he can cope with the pressure of having a famous father.
      He said: “The name? I have never said that it is pressure, and I am pretty sure I will never say that because I am very happy to carry that name back into Formula One.
      “I am very proud of it. It is a boost for me and it gives me motivation every single day to work as much as I can and work as hard as I can.”

      Mick was skiing with his dad when he suffered his accident on December 29, 2013.
      He is guarded about his dad’s current health and the family remain highly secretive about the former racer’s condition as he resides at their family home in Switzerland.
      Mick has previously stated that his father is his idol and, as he closes in on his F1 debut at the first race of the season in Bahrain on March 28, he is showing a similar determination.
      He added: “The first Bahrain race took place in 2004 and my father won there, so I definitely have good memories of that.

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      Mick’s Haas car was unveiled to fans on ThursdayCredit: Haas F1

      Schumacher will hope to secure a number of points finishes in his debut yearCredit: Haas F1

      “There is a corridor which runs to the track that is filled with memories. My dad is on there which is nice to see and very special.
      “I am looking forward to getting underway now and getting out on track and eventually getting to do my first race in F1 which sounds great and feels great so I am really looking forward to my first season.
      “I will try to improve in every aspect – that is what I want to do – and I will work my arse off for that and give everything I have.
      “I want to start the season on a high and carry on everything I have learned over my past years and use it on a higher level.”

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      Sebastian Vettel slams F1 plans for new ‘sprint races’ this season as Aston Martin star says ‘it makes no sense’

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      PLANS to shake up Formula One qualifying with Saturday sprint races have been slammed by Sebastian Vettel.
      The four-time world champion is preparing for his first season with Aston Martin, having unveiled their contender alongside Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton on Wednesday.

      Sebastian Vettel has criticised plans to experiment with qualifying by introducing sprint racesCredit: Splash News

      Talks are underway to test the new sprint set-up, with Brazil, Monza and Canada eyed for trials this year.
      Shorter races, which will start with a grid set in Friday practice, will decide the Sunday Grand Prix grid – and award a small number of points to the top finishers.
      New F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali described the idea as necessary to prevent the sport from stagnating.
      He said last month: “It’s important to think of new ideas to be more attractive or interesting, but no need to lose the traditional approach to racing.”

      But Vettel, 33, added his voice to concerns over sprint races, which could be given the green light later this month.
      The German stated: “I don’t know what the thinking is behind it.
      “I don’t like it. Why would you have a pre-final to a final? What’s the point of that? I don’t understand it.
      “Obviously if there is a race on Saturday, then I will have to take part because I still want to drive on Sunday, but from my point of view, it makes no sense.

      “You have the Grand Prix and it has always been around 300km and the main challenge of the weekend.
      “I think if you have to introduce something like this, then there is something else that you need to fix other than the format, or another race, or another two minutes, or a Q4 or Q5, or whatever it is.
      “Maybe it’s shifting or taking the focus away from the real problem. It’s more of a patch rather than a fix.”
      McLaren star Daniel Ricciardo said recently that he is open to the idea, particularly as a better shake-up concept than reverse grids.
      He said: “At first, I was a little apprehensive. But I do feel better at the thought of that, certainly, than a reverse grid.
      “So I think, ultimately, if the best guys and the best teams are still coming out on top, and it’s kind of not manipulated or artificial, so to speak, then I’m less scared of it.
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      Vettel and team-mate Lance Stroll unveiled Aston Martin’s car on Wednesday alongside actor Gemma ArtertonCredit: Splash News

      “Competition is obviously what I love most, so I would love to do more races and less practice or whatever. So it kind of does go towards probably what I want.
      “But I think the biggest thing is I want an F1 win to still feel as big as what it should be. I don’t ever want an F1 win to feel diluted, or just somewhat lower than what it should.
      “So if they do bring in another race on the weekend, as long as it kind of carries the same value, then I guess I’m certainly more open-minded towards that.”

      Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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      Sebastian Vettel insists he did NOT flog his Ferrari supercar collection for £5m because he was axed by team

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL says flogging some of his old Ferrari cars has nothing to do with him being ditched by the Italian team.
      The four-time world champion was shown the door by the Scuderia, who opted to sign Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc for this season.

      The 2015 Ferrari 458 has an asking price of £350,000Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      The 2016 LaFerrari – which has his personal logo etched into the headrests – costs a cool £1.5millionCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      Vettel, 33, had a garage clearout selling eight supercars, of which five were Ferrari’s, for around £5million.
      But the German, who has now signed for Aston Martin – the rebranded Racing Point F1 team, says it was simply because he didn’t have time to drive them all.
      He said: “The rationale was to free up a bit of space. I am very busy in my life, so I don’t get the time to enjoy and drive around doing nothing, so no big secrets.”
      Vettel endured a miserable season last year with Ferrari and finished the season down in 13th place in the drivers’ championship.

      In an honest assessment of his final season with F1’s most famous team, Vettel said he fell well below par.
      And he is hoping that by joining Aston Martin he can reignite his career, for he says he still has more championships in him.
      He added: “The whole of last year was a challenge and I thought about it a lot and I was not happy with how it went.
      “But I have accepted it and have been living through it and I don’t have any regrets. Ultimately, I am very much looking forward to this year.

      Sebastian Vettel has put a stunning collection of supercars up for sale

      The 2010 SLS model is up for £175,000Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      Sebastian Vettel is also selling his yellow Ferrari F12TDFCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      One of only 400 Ferrari Enzo cars ever madeCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

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      “I am very much at peace with last year, I know it was not to my standards that I hold myself.
      “I never care about what people think or say and that’s why I think it is important. I am at peace with it and that’s why I am looking forward to this year.
      “The spirit is great and people are very enthusiastic and it is a very small team when you compare it to Ferrari, so things are a bit different.
      “But it is not about the fancy looks, it is about the work behind the scenes and from what I have seen, the people are very capable and very talented.
      “It is not a secret that in the last few years you needed to be in a Mercedes to win the championship.
      “But F1 is changing and maybe that gap could shrink and that is the hope, to be closer to the top and not just on the podium if you got lucky.
      “Age-wise, I feel like I have it in me, but then it depends on the circumstances in how things are going in the near future.”

      He also has two Mercedes cars up for sale, including this black SL65Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      The F50 is one of Ferrari’s iconic modelsCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      American Football legend Tom Brady and James Bond actor Daniel Craig took part in the online launch to mark the British manufacturer’s return to F1 for the first time since 1960.
      The car brand is now headed by the dad of Vettel’s team-mate – Lance Stroll – Canadian tycoon, Lawrence Stroll.
      And the race team principal, Otmar Szafnauer is confident they will get the best out of Vettel, who won his four titles at Red Bull.
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      Sebastian Vettel also has a BMW Z8 RoadsterCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      He added: “At 33 years old you don’t forget how to drive a Formula One car fast, so it’s got to be other things.
      “We will work tirelessly to make sure that we don’t introduce those things, and actually alleviate them.
      “An arm around the shoulder means that everybody’s listening to his wants and his needs.
      “And we’ll work hard to make sure the car is to his liking and the setup is like he wants it.
      “I think that’s all it takes with Seb. And then if he doesn’t overdrive the car, drives like he can, and we will definitely get the best out of him.”

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      Champagne axed from podium ahead of new F1 season and replaced with Italian sparkling wine called FERRARI

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      FERRARI are guaranteed to be on the podium at EVERY F1 race this season.
      But before you believe the Italian team have produced a rocket-ship of a car – think again.

      F1 drivers traditionally celebrate by spraying each other with the bubbly stuffCredit: AFP or licensors

      A sparkling wine called Ferrari Trento will be on the podiums this year

      F1 bosses have struck a deal with an Italian sparkling wine producer called Ferrari Trento to be the “official toast of Formula One celebrations”.
      It means Ferrari, rather than Champagne, will be served on the podium at the end of F1 races – even if Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz don’t make the top three.
      The F1 podium ceremony has traditionally used Champagne but it has not always used plonk from the French region.
      After several decades of using Moet and Mumm champagne after races, sparkling wine producer Chandon was used on the podium from the start of 2016.

      But during the 2017 season, F1 did a deal with champagne producer Carbon while non alcoholic rose water is served on podiums where booze is banned.
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said he no problems seeing the sport was breaking from tradition.
      Asked why the sport had decided on the switch, he said: “The answer is very simple: it is the quality of the product and the quality of the company. This is the reason why our relationship has developed.”
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      The start of the 2021 season is rapidly coming into view.
      Yesterday, Mercedes unveiled their new car – the W12 – that they hope will propel Lewis Hamilton to a record breaking eighth world title.
      The reigning champion spoke yesterday about his future, dropping a fresh hint that this season could be his last.
      The British superstar says the most important factor in continuing behind the wheel beyond 2021 will be whether he is happy.
      The first Grand Prix of the year is in Bahrain at the end of this month.

      Lewis Hamilton took a soaking last yearCredit: Splash News

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