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      Lewis Hamilton wants to see if he is still smiling behind wheel at end of season before deciding F1 future

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he still wants to see if he’s smiling behind the wheel before deciding his F1 future.
      Last month, the world champion signed a 10-month deal with Mercedes when it was widely expected that he would sign a multi-year contract.

      Lewis Hamilton is determined to keep enjoying himselfCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It has raised serious questions over whether he will retire at the end of the current season.
      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.

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
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      “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.”
      Hamilton was struck down with COVID-19 towards the end of last season and was forced to miss a race for the first time in his F1 career in Bahrain.
      Speaking at the launch of his new F1 car he says it has taken him time to regain his full fitness.
      He added: “It wasn’t the easiest of breaks. I just kept to myself and was focused on recovery – because it wasn’t a quick situation – and getting myself back to full strength.”
      Mercedes are sticking with a black livery in support of their move to improve diversity while part of Hamilton’s contract saw the formation of a joint charitable foundation for inclusion.
      And while he says that the focus on track is winning races, Hamilton says his main goal this season is not an eighth world title but to continue his quest for change.

      I’m really proud of my team here, I’m already seeing the steps we started taking last year
      Lewis Hamilton

      He said: “I think there was a lot of great discussion around this diversity issue and it still remains an issue to this day and it’s not going to change overnight.
      “But what’s really important is to make sure that we’re actually delivering and actually taking action.
      “I’m really proud of my team here, I’m already seeing the steps we started taking last year, particularly towards the end of the year, I’m starting to see that progress little by little and it just takes one step at a time.
      “So that’s kind of my driving force this year too, to make sure that we continue to push for accountability. And on top of that hopefully I can deliver some good performances.”
      Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was also quizzed about Hamilton’s future and while he did not rule out a move for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, said he would be speaking to his own drivers first.

      Max Verstappen is bound to be on everyone’s radar come the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters
      He said: “What we have decided is to discuss things much earlier this year and not at the end of the season.
      “The old system in the relationship we have is that we have a mutual understanding of what we want to do in the future.
      “And that would also be the case with the discussions we have with Lewis going forward.
      “Max is certainly an outstanding young driver who will undoubtedly be on everybody’s radar in the future, but we are not flirting outside before we have a clear understanding with our two drivers.”

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      Lewis Hamilton puts Mercedes future in doubt AGAIN by insisting all he ever wanted was one-year deal ahead of F1 season

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has lifted the lid on his Mercedes contract saga saying he only ever wanted a one-year deal.
      The Formula One world champion had stalled on signing a new deal with the Silver Arrows.

      Hamilton has thrown his future at Mercedes in doubt after admitting he only ever wanted a short-term contractCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hamilton was speaking at the launch of Mercedes’ car for the 2021 seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      And when it was finally confirmed last month, it proved to be a ten-month contract worth £40million.
      It had been expected that the 36-year-old was agreeing terms over a two-year deal.
      But Hamilton says he only wanted a short-term contract.
      It increased speculation that he could retire from F1 at the end of this season in which he is looking to win a stand-alone record eighth world crown.

      Hamilton said: “I am in a fortunate position where I have achieved most of the stuff I have wanted to achieve up to this point.
      “So there is no real need to plan too far ahead in the future.
      “I think we are living in an unusual period of time and you look at life and I just wanted one year.
      “Then, we can talk about if we want to do one more, and then add one if we have to.”

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      Hamilton has claimed he isn’t looking too far into the future at this pointCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hamilton was speaking at the launch of this season’s F1 car and was also quizzed as to the most important aspect of his year ahead.
      But rather than winning the title, Hamilton says what matters more to him is continuing his push for equality.
      He added: “The main priority for 2021… in the past it was just about winning championships but now it is about pushing.
      “Last year there was a lot of discussion about equality and inclusion.
      “There was a lot of talk and so this year it is about pushing for diversity and making sure that action is taken.
      “That is at the core of the drive for me but of course, we exist to win.
      “And that’s what all these guys and girls are working towards at Mercedes.
      “That’s also my goal, to also achieve it for them.”

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner

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

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      MERCEDES have released images of the car they hope will power Lewis Hamilton to a record eighth world title.
      Hamilton, who is currently tied on seven with Michael Schumacher, will be going all out in 2021 to move into a class of his own.

      Mercedes have released their car for the 2021 season as they look to win the Constructors’ Championship for the eighth year in a rowCredit: © Daimler AG

      Fans will see the W12 in action on the opening day of pre-season testing in Bahrain next weekCredit: © Daimler AG

      Lewis Hamilton is hoping the car helps him win a record eighth F1 World ChampionshipCredit: © Daimler AG

      The Brit already has the most wins (95), pole positions (98) and podium finishes (165) in F1 and can now go on to become the undisputed champ.
      He said: “The launch day of a new car is always a really exciting one. It’s great to reveal to the world the result of everyone’s hard work at the factories and to see some of my team-mates in person, which has been so rare during the past year.
      “I’ve been in touch with the engineers through the winter, keeping track of their preparations as I prepare myself for the season ahead.
      “The excitement has been building and building, so now I just can’t wait to get out on track in the W12.”

      The car – or to give it its full title the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance – is an evolution of last year’s motor.
      With comparatively few rule changes for this season, there are some notable aerodynamic changes alongside improvements to the suspension, cooling system and Power Unit.
      Merc have again opted for the black base livery remains for a second season, to underline the team’s commitment to improving diversity and inclusion within the team and our sport.
      There is a nod to their Silver Arrows heritage on the engine cover that will also help to reduce engine temperatures, plus a single red three-pointed star to acknowledge the late Niki Lauda, the team’s non-executive chairman.

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      The new F1 season starts with pre-season for the Bahrain GP on Friday, March 12Credit: © Daimler AG

      Mercedes won 13 out of the 17 races in the 2020 season, with Hamilton winning 11 timesCredit: © Daimler AG
      The W12 will complete its first laps on the opening day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, on Friday, March 12.
      Team principal and co-owner Toto Wolff added: “Every year we reset our focus and define the right objectives.
      “That may sound simple but it’s damn hard and is probably why there are no sports teams out there with seven consecutive titles.
      “So many things can happen and it’s very natural to get used to success, and therefore not fight as hard for it.
      “But this team has not shown any of that. I see the same fire, hunger and passion now as I did the first time I walked through the doors in 2013.
      “Every season presents a new challenge and therefore, a new goal for us to achieve.
      “2021 brings changes to the regulations, which could impact our competitiveness, plus the cost cap and working on the major rule changes of 2022. These challenges excite us.”

      Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has finished each of the last two seasons in second placeCredit: © Daimler AG

      Team principal Toto Wolff has backed Hamilton and Bottas to succeed in 2021Credit: © Daimler AG
      The largest development is the aerodynamic regulations, with the introduction of several significant changes to key performance areas on the car.
      However, the introduction of the new cost cap this year, to limit team’s spending to $145million (£104m) means Mercedes have also set up their own Applied Science division.
      Wolff added: “We had to change the structure of our team, the way we work with each other, streamline our processes and become more efficient.
      “We fundamentally believe that the more efficient we are, the more performance gain that will translate to out on the circuit.
      “So, it’s had a huge impact, but it has also provided us with the opportunity to re-evaluate our organisation.
      “That’s why we set up Applied Science, bringing F1 know-how to many different customers, and it’s going to really play a big part in our evolving business.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton will be partnered by Valtteri Bottas and Wolff is backing the winning partnership to continue to deliver success.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      He said: “I think the consistency we’ve had within this team over the years has been a real strength and advantage of ours.
      “As we’ve seen in past seasons, it’s a line-up that works well for us, with two incredibly strong drivers who also have a very professional working relationship together.
      “Both are hungry and fired-up to get back racing again soon and we’re all looking forward to seeing them drive our new car in anger for the first time in a few weeks.”

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      F1 star Lewis Hamilton vows to fight for equality ‘as long as I have air in my lungs’ in Black Lives Matter rally cry

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has vowed to maintain his fight for equality ahead of the new Formula One season.
      Last year saw the seven-time world champion expand his anti-racism efforts, drawing a particular focus on motorsport.

      Lewis Hamilton has updated fans on his anti-racism effortsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      F1 bosses agreed to increase their own equality campaign with several drivers taking a knee alongside Hamilton before races.
      However, the 36-year-old will not stop there and continues to support the Black Lives Matter movement as well as causes such as the Justice for Breonna Taylor campaign.
      On Friday, he posted his latest thoughts on Instagram, and wrote: “Black Lives Matter. Last year some of us took a knee in support of equality which I am proud of.
      “My question is, what’s next? The inequities within our sport and within the world persist. Change is still needed.

      “We must keep pushing to hold ourselves and others accountable. We have to keep striving for equality for all, in order to continue to see true and lasting change in our world.
      “As long as I have air in my lungs, I will continue to fight for change in everything I do.
      “I will work to create pathways and opportunities for kids of colour, within sciences, engineering and creative disciplines.
      “Let’s keep pushing. What are you committed to?”

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

      Hamilton will attempt to secure a record-breaking eighth world title in the upcoming F1 season.
      Mercedes agreed a new £40million contract with the Brit earlier this month but there is speculation over his future beyond that.
      As well as the BLM post and a picture of his shadow standing with a fist raised in the air, he updated fans on another passion of his on Friday.
      Hamilton filmed a clip of his laptop and soundboard setup while mixing his own music, with the caption: “Back doing what I love.”

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      Lewis Hamilton could join Aston Martin F1 team next season with co-owner Lawrence Stroll labelling 2022 bid ‘tempting’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could receive an offer to join Aston Martin if he leaves Mercedes at the end of the season.
      The Formula One team’s co-owner Lawrence Stroll has admitted that he would be ‘tempted’ to try and land the world champion should he become available.

      Lewis Hamilton could enter the Formula One drivers’ market in 2022Credit: AFP

      Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll has admitted to being tempted by the BritCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ahead of the 2021 season, Canadian billionaire Stroll has brought in four-time title winner Sebastian Vettel to race alongside son Lance.
      But the possibility of putting Hamilton in an Aston Martin is one he could not ignore.
      Stroll, 61, told an interview with PA: “It’s definitely tempting.
      “Lewis in any car is great and I’m sure everyone would say yes because he is a seven-time world champion.

      “But right now, I am extremely focused on getting started this year.”
      Hamilton, 36, ended speculation over his future in F1 by signing a one-year deal with Mercedes earlier this month.

      The Anglo-German team have dominated the sport throughout the current era, winning seven consecutive constructors’ titles – Hamilton picking up six drivers’ crowns along the way.
      But a significant rulebook revamp ahead of the 2022 campaign could shake up the grid.

      One team hoping to launch a championship bid is Aston Martin, who rebranded from Racing Point over the winter after Stroll linked up with the historic British manufacturer.
      And he believes it is ‘realistic’ for the team to challenge for titles in the future.
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      There is no reason why world championships are not on the horizon.
      Lawrence Stroll

      The fashion magnate noted: “This team has outperformed itself with significantly fewer resources.
      “And I sincerely believe that with the same amount of people and the same budget, there is no reason why world championships are not on the horizon.
      “It is very realistic to think that.”

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      Racing icon Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals ‘enjoy a few nights out’

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      FUN-LOVING motor racing icon Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his will and told pals: “Enjoy a few nights out.”
      The Formula One legend, who died last April aged 90, gave the order among a string of big-hearted legacies to 18 of his nearest and dearest.

      Sir Stirling Moss left £20million in his willCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      The gifts included £1,000 handed to a couple to spend on dinner at Miami, Florida, restaurant Joe’s Stone Crab.
      And he dished out his favourite paintings, model cars and even a lucky silver rabbit’s foot to others.
      He left the bulk of his fortune to his wife since 1980 Lady Susie, 66, plus daughter Allison, 53, and son Elliot, 40.
      Probate office figures showed the star, who lived in Mayfair, central London, left £22.08million in his will but this did not include US assets.

      The daring racing style of Sir Stirling, who won 16 of 66 F1 races from 1951 to 1961, led speeding motorists when stopped by police to be asked: “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?”

      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last yearCredit: AFP or licensors

      Sir Stirling died after a long illness last year with Lady Susie at his bedside.She paid tribute, saying: “It was one lap too many.
      “He died as he lived, looking wonderful.
      “He simply tired in the end and closed his beautiful eyes and that was that.”

      Sterling has been married to Lady Susie since 1980Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      List of Sir Sterling’s legacies

      £1,000 to a pal (now dead) for him and his wife “to enjoy a few of our usual nights out” and two trophies
      £10,000 and a Marcel Lebrun painting to his former secretary
      A hand-carved Birdcage Maserati sculpture by artist Dennis Hoyt to a male pal
      A John Brierley model train to another male friend
      £2,000 and his Mercedes Benz boxed edition Silver Arrows, given to him by Mercedes Benz in 1998, to a male pal
      A Talbot model to a male friend
      £1,000 to a married London couple to “enjoy at Joe’s Stone Crab” restaurant in Miami, US
      £1,000 to a female friend
      A Cooper model to a male pal
      £5,000 to a married couple
      Another £5,000 to a US friend
      His silver rabbit’s foot – given to Sir Stirling in 1954 by friends – to his ex-psychotherapist for “giving me more than luck”
      £1,000 to a female friend “to help towards her telephone bills”
      £1,000 to another female friend
      £10,000 to his niece to “put towards buying another horse”
      £5,000 to a married couple as “my thanks for their loyalty”
      A painting of Hyde Park by artist Dexter Brown to “remind her of her many numbered bottles enjoyed after walks through that park”.
      £10,000 to his rally driver sister, Pat, who sadly died in 2008
      £20,000 to his god-daughter

      Stirling Moss wins Grand Prix d’Europe in 1957
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      Max Verstappen tight-lipped over replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes as F1 star prepares for season with Red Bull

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is staying tight-lipped about his chances of taking Lewis Hamilton’s world crown – and he’s not the only one.
      The Dutchman got behind the wheel of Red Bull’s new motor for 2021 on Wednesday but is giving nothing away.

      Max Verstappen remained tight-lipped over replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: PA:Press Association

      Red Bull held a filming day at Silverstone, but only released images of their RB15 car from 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And his team aren’t either after releasing 76 images from their official filming day at Silverstone – none of which show the RB16B, only the RB15 from 2019.
      Verstappen said: “Mercedes had the dominant car towards the end of the season so we know we have to keep improving.
      “We have made good steps with Honda but the competition does not stand still so we have to wait and see if it is competitive enough to fight for wins.
      “I am always very realistic and it makes no sense to talk about stuff now. I don’t like to talk it up.

      “We know where we want to be, and where we want to get to and that is what we have to now try to realise.
      “We worked a lot with Honda throughout the winter and it is all looking promising but it makes no sense at the moment trying to hype it up.
      “I want to stay low-key and we should do the talking on the track, not next to the track. We want to make it more difficult for Mercedes because they must be the favourites.”
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      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Verstappen was third behind Merc’s Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas last season, while Red Bull finished second in the constructors’ championship.
      He has been linked with a move to Mercedes should Hamilton call time on his F1 career at the end of this season.
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner admitted his star driver would be at the top of Merc’s wanted list.

      But for the meantime the 23-year-old says he is not bothered about the speculation surrounding his future.
      He added: “At the end of the day, I don’t know what Lewis is going to do so I just focus on myself.
      “I am very focused on this year and making that a success. It is still very early in the season, so those kind of things I am not thinking about at this stage.”

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      Mercedes dominance has KILLED what F1 is all about and Lewis Hamilton’s endless wins are boring, slams Haas team owner

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      THE DOMINANT Mercedes engine has ‘killed’ Formula One’s competitive foundation, Gene Haas has claimed.
      The 68-year-old and owner of the Haas team believes that races have become stale during the hybrid era, which has seen Mercedes claim seven consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

      Lewis Hamilton won 11 of the 17 races as he cruised to the 2020 titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Gene Haas (centre) has seen his team drop back amid Ferrari’s woeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lewis Hamilton romped to the world championship in 2020 and is heavy favourite to do so again this year.
      Potential challengers Ferrari, who supply much of the Haas car, have floundered of late, starving the car of power and aiding the Mercs’ hegemony.
      Haas told Racer: “In 2020 when Ferrari had a reduction in their horsepower, it was pretty obvious that all of the Ferrari engine cars had horsepower deficits compared to Mercedes, Honda and Renault.
      “Our boat’s tied to the Ferrari ship, so when they’re going slow we’re going even slower – I don’t think there’s much you can do about that.

      “We have no control over the parts that we obtain from Ferrari. We have faith that Ferrari can fix the problem.
      “And not only does Ferrari have this problem, but so does Honda and Renault – everyone’s at a deficit to the Mercedes engine.
      “They built an extremely high performance, high fuel efficiency, durable engine that no other team’s been able to come close to.
      “To me, it’s really killed what Formula One’s all about.

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      “More power to Mercedes for being able to dominate so much of the thing, but who wants to go to a race when you know who’s going to win every friggin’ race that’s out there? That just gets boring.”
      The coronavirus pandemic has led to F1’s next rulebook shake-up being delayed to 2022, which will be the most likely window for a new challenger to emerge.
      Haas is content for his cars to leave Ferrari to fight for the title, noting that his team, the youngest on the grid, is financially stable and enjoying the brand benefits of being in F1.
      Confident that he will remain in the sport for ‘at least the next five years’, the American admitted that the coming season will be another tough one for the team that claimed just three points in 2020.
      He added: “I’m optimistic about the future.
      “I know that this year’s going to be difficult because we basically have the same car as last year, and the power plant from Ferrari is going to be very similar to last year, so we know that’s not going to give us any competitive advantage.

      It’s also participating in races and drivers and the whole other aspect of the glory of Formula One racing. Which is fun!”
      Gene Haas

      Haas are set for another tough year after finishing ninth in the 2020 constructorsCredit: Getty – Pool

      “So I think that we have the mindset of realizing our position is always going to be probably three of four positions behind Ferrari. It kind of tells us where we’re going to be racing.
      “And that’s OK, this is Formula One, the pinnacle of motor racing.
      “We know we’re not going to be beating any of the Mercedes teams, so we just have to take what we have and learn to make the best of what we’ve got, which isn’t bad.
      “This whole sport is a lot more than just the engineering challenges and the engine development and all that stuff, it’s also participating in races and drivers and the whole other aspect of the glory of Formula One racing. Which is fun!”

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