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    F1 Spanish Grand Prix second practice LIVE: Stream, start time UK, TV channel, Hamilton nabs quickest time at Practice 2

    F1 is BACK this weekend as Lewis Hamilton aims for a third win in four races at the Spanish Grand Prix starting with today’s first practice.The Englishman has been bested just once this season, by Max Verstappen at the Emilia Romagna GP in March.

    GET HUGE 20/1 OFFER ON LEWIS HAMILTON TO PODIUM

    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    ALL of the F1 action from Friday to Sunday will be shown live on the Sky Sports F1 channel.
    First practice coverage will begin from 10am on Friday, May 7.
    Coverage of the Grand Prix will begin at 12.30pm on Sunday, May 9.
    You can live stream all of the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    FULL F1 Spanish Grand Prix schedule
    Friday, May 7

    Spanish GP Practice One – 10.30am
    Spanish GP Practice Two – 2pm

    Saturday, May 8

    Spanish GP Practice Three – 11am
    Spanish GP Qualifying – 2pm

    Sunday, May 9

    Spanish Grand Prix – 2pm

    Stay up to date with all the latest from Barcelona in our live blog…

    FER REAL
    Can Ferrari close the gap this weekend?

    WHERE THEY CAME
    Lewis Hamilton impressed again during practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.

    TOP TEN IN FP2
    1. HAM – 1:18.1702. BOT – Just over a tenth off3. LEC – More evidence of Ferrari pace4. OCO 5. ALO – Alpine looking strong6. GAS – Most laps (32), joint with Lewis7. TSU8. SAI9. VER – Six tenths off but time was on Medium tyre as Softs run ruined, ended with damaged front wing.10. PER – Behind his team-mate despite getting Soft hot lap in.
    Credit: AP
    CHEQUERED FLAG
    That is time for Friday’s track time ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix!
    Lewis Hamilton cruises home in the Mediums to end his race run but there was some heavy graining on his right-rear tyre on his later laps – likewise Sergio Perez.
    But the hot laps on the Softs in the first half of FP2 have left the Brit on top, followed by Valtteri Bottas and Charles Leclerc.
    FINAL FIVE
    Fernando Alonso radioing back to the Alpine garage complaining of ‘oversteer’ but the Spaniard is sitting pretty in fifth.
    And Pierre Gasly, in sixth, is warned of wind picking up across the track.
    Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton averaging times in the mid 1m 22s to lead the race-pace timesheet.
    GIMME ME FUEL GIMME FIRE
    While we know the tyres being deployed by each car, we do not know the exact amount of fuel loaded into each car at this stage.
    And the teams appear to have all filled up for practice race runs around Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya.
    Credit: Getty
    TURNAROUND
    Plenty of quick cars hanging further back than expected with 20 minutes to go.
    Daniel Ricciardo is 15th with McLaren team-mate Lando Norris 12th, and the Red Bulls are ninth and 10th.
    It is currently the Alpines and AlphaTauris making the most of that opening, all four of which are in the top seven.
    SLOW BURNER
    Sergio Perez was 16th but is still seven-tenths off Lewis Hamilton as he goes 10th.
    Like Max Verstappen, Sector 1 was his slowest part of the track before gathering momentum later on.
    Most of the pack appear to be doing the opposite – a deliberate strategy perhaps?
    TOP TEN AT HALFWAY
    1. HAM 2. BOT3. LEC4. OCO5. ALO6. GAS7. SAI8. VER9. TSU10. VET
    Credit: AP
    FLYING DUTCHMAN
    Max Verstappen, on the Softs, runs wide and tickles the gravel at Turn 10 to cancel his hot lap.
    Meanwhile Nikita Mazepin and Kimi Raikkonen come out of their garages right at the same moment and almost trip over each other.
    GETTING FASTER
    The battle for third is on with the Soft compound plugged in for the midfield runners.
    Charles Leclerc puts his Ferrari behind the Mercs and ahead of Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.
    No sign of the Red Bulls on the quickest tyres just yet.
    TSUNODA PROBLEM
    Yuki Tsunoda has lost power after flying over a kerb at Turn 9 – the same area Carlos Sainz broke some bodywork on.
    It looks like the vibrations cut his electronics and he’s crawled back to the pits.
    BACK UNDERWAY
    In the meantime, Valtteri Bottas has pushed into first on another hot lap after a brief interlude behind Max Verstappen.
    The Finn puts in a 1:18.419 but Lewis Hamilton is right on his tail in second, 0.042 behind.
    Then it’s three-tenths back to Max Verstappen with the Alpines fourth and fifth.
    VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR
    A piece of shrapnel has pinged off Carlos Sainz’s front wing as he ran over a kerb.
    And the stewards are slowing down the pack to allow it to be retrieved.
    MERCS FIRST UP
    The Mercedes cars have been much quicker than Red Bull to hammer in hot laps during practice sessions recently.
    Valtteri Bottas puts in an early time which Lewis Hamilton comes in just behind, but neither driver is in the 1m 18s yet.
    RACE PACE
    The Medium tyres are the order of the day with a lot of race runs expected in this session.
    Many of the quicker teams will also try to use the middle compound for the first rounds of qualifying tomorrow.
    But the grip level still isn’t perfect for Mick Schumacher who so nearly puts it in the gravel at Turn 2 but wrestles his Haas back just in time.
    GREEN LIGHT
    The second practie session is underway!
    Kimi Raikkonen and Mick Schumacher are first out the gate.
    PRACTICE TWO
    Just ten minutes to go until we start FP2 and get a good look at who will be coming out on top on Sunday afternoon.
    Credit: EPA
    RED-Y STEADY GO
    Christian Horner believes Red Bull and Mercedes are evenly-matched going into second practice.
    Max Verstappen separated Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton this morning and certainly looked like he had a lot more in the tank.
    Horner told Sky after FP1: “It looks like we are very close.
    “It looks good today, but the red flag was unfortunate for us, so it was not a clean session for us. The gap is only less than one tenth with Mercedes and that at a circuit where Mercedes were very good last year.
    “Barcelona is a circuit that has everything and you can see that Mercedes and Red Bull are very close. We are now close today and that is of course very encouraging for us.”
    WE GO AGAIN
    Second practice is less than an hour away…
    Check out how FP1 shaped up ahead of the afternoon’s running.

    HOME AWAY FROM HOME
    Valtteri Bottas has shown off the mobile home he lives in during race weekends since the pandemic hit.
    The gorgeous Redwood 4001 LK boasts modern fittings, a kitchen, TV and much more…
    Take a look here.

    QUIDS IN
    Lando Norris might want to think about striking a bet with his McLaren boss Zak Brown.
    The Brit is currently third in the drivers’ championship just behind Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen after an excellent start to the season.
    But so far his performances have failed to catch the creative mind of his McLaren chief, who is famed for his sporting wagers.
    Norris said before FP1: “Sadly I don’t have any bets with Zak. I know he does with some people, but not me.
    “Maybe it is because he is afraid I might achieve what he says! I know he sticks to his word. Pato O’Ward will get his McLaren F1 test after winning his IndyCar race.
    “I saw with Daniel, he’s done a bet to drive a NASCAR in Zak’s private collection. Maybe he will give me a car to drive at home.
    “Maybe if I am third in the championship at the end of the year, I could ask for the actual racecar, that would be lovely.”
    SKID MARKS
    An old head and a young head both encountered difficulties in that session.
    Haas rookie Nikita Mazepin ended up in the gravel early on after losing it coming out of Turn 7.
    And Robert Kubica was in for the session with Alfa Romeo but spun into the gravel at Turn 10, bringing about a late red flag.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Splash
    TOP TEN FOR FP1
    1. BOT – 1:18.5042. VER – Plenty still to come despite being only 0.03 seconds back3. HAM4. NOR – Another strong run from the Brit5. LEC – Ferrari in good form6. SAI – On the Medium tyres like his team-mate7. GAS – Most laps (26)8. VET9. PER – Held up by traffic on good lap10. STR
    CHEQUERED FLAG
    Sergio Perez pulls out of his hot lap after encountering a Daniel Ricciardo-sized piece of traffic.
    Valtteri Bottas comes back into the Mercedes garage with the quickest time, a 1:18.504.
    Credit: Splash
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    Inside Valtteri Bottas’ luxury motorhome with spacious living room and huge bed that Mercedes star lives in at F1 races

    MERCEDES star Valtteri Bottas has revealed that he really does spend his life on the road during race weekends, even after the chequered flag.Since the pandemic struck Europe last year, sports stars have been forced into Covid-secure bubbles, to ensure that events can go ahead safely.
    Valtteri Bottas keenly showed off his home on wheels
    The Finn can unwind in his spacious living area
    The huge Redwood travels all over Europe with BottasCredit: 2020
    And Bottas, 31, has taken his bubble to the next level… by bringing it with him to every race.
    The Finn took to Instagram to show off his Redwood motorhome, which joins him at all European races.
    Spacious and beautifully furnished, the home on wheels offers Bottas all the comfort he could need, while giving him the feeling of a familiar environment while travelling.
    It features a grey-themed living space, with Sky television and an array of comfortable armchairs, as well as a sofa.
    The Redwood 4001 LK, which costs upwards of £100,000, also offers a modern kitchen space, where Valtteri can prepare his pre-race brekkie.
    And a dining area by the window, perfect for toasting a victory or drowning sorrows after disappointment.
    A Greystone electronic fireplace can keep Valtteri warm when he’s back at home.
    And he can rest in his huge king-size bed after a long day on the track.
    The Redwood 4001 LK features a homely interiorCredit: 2020
    Bottas can rest in his huge bedCredit: 2020
    The home features a pleasant dining spaceCredit: 2020
    Bottas travels to all European races in his mobile home
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    The sleek, modern bathroom features elegant furnishings and a spacious shower.
    And the property on wheels also doesn’t lack for storage space, with plenty of cupboards and wardrobes for Bottas to keep his things on the road.
    The Mercedes star has had a disappointing season so far, with rumours awash of George Russell waiting in the wings to replace him.
    But team-mate Lewis Hamilton has leapt to his defence, insisting that ‘people need to give him a break’.
    The sleek bathroom features modern furnishingsCredit: 2020
    Bottas can relax in front of the tellyCredit: 2020
    The electronic fire keeps inhabitants warmCredit: 2020
    Bottas can use the microwave if he’s feeling lazyCredit: 2020
    F1 star Valtteri Bottas signs £12m one-year contract extension with Mercedes More

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    Lewis Hamilton leaps to Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas’ defence as F1 star says ‘people need to give him a break’

    LEWIS HAMILTON has leapt to the defence of under-fire team-mate Valtteri Bottas saying ‘people need to give him a break’.The Finn is facing fresh questions about his future after finishing third twice and posting one DNF in this season’s opening three races.
    Hamilton with team-mate Bottas after they finished first and third in the Portugal GP last weekCredit: Splash
    And while the 31-year old admits he does not know whether he will still be at Mercedes next season, he has dismissed incorrect speculation that he will be replaced midseason by George Russell as ‘bulls****’.
    Hamilton said: “From what I have experienced and the relationship I have with Valtteri, I think he has been an amazing team-mate, as I have always said, if I am really honest.
    “I think we have the best line-up currently in terms of deliverables, in terms of the equilibrium in our team and the general knowledge in terms of moving our car forward.
    “I am not going to be here forever, Valtteri won’t be here forever but right now, we have delivered time and time again over the years and we continue to.
    “Valtteri just qualified on pole in the last race, it is only the fourth race. I think people need to give him a break and let him focus on what he is doing.”
    Ahead of this weekend’s Spanish GP in Barcelona, Bottas was asked directly if he knew his place was under threat.
    He said: “I know that I’m not going to be replaced in the middle of the season.
    “As a team, we don’t do that. I have a contract for this year and I think there’s only one team that does that kind of thing in F1 and we’re not that (team).

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    “So no pressure from my side and I know how things are. There’s always bulls*** around, that’s part of the sport.”
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said that after Bottas finished third in Portugal that the team had let their driver down due a sensor failure on his car’s exhaust.
    However, when asked whether he expected to be at Mercedes next year, Bottas replied: “I don’t know. It’s early days. I haven’t thought about it really.
    “At the moment I don’t care. I’m just focusing on this year.”
    Meanwhile, despite opening up an eight point lead in the championship over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton says they still have their work cut out in Barcelona.
    Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Christian Horner pose the biggest threat to Mercedes in yearsCredit: Getty
    He added: “This year is more exciting and something I have been wanting every year.
    “In the past, there were moments where we were fighting Ferrari and had that close pace but there were not too many opportunities to have the fight like we did in the last few races, so I hope we can have some more.
    “We are max, flat-out trying to get the best out of the car. It is not perfect, there are areas that need to be improved.
    “These rules changes have hit our team hard. We still have a good package, but we have got to squeeze more out of it and improve things.
    “It means we started slightly behind and if Red Bull do a perfect job, they should be ahead.
    “So that is why this weekend is a good benchmark for us and at the end we will get a good gauge of where we are.”
    Lewis Hamilton’s post race reaction to winning the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix More

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    F1 Spanish Grand Prix first practice: Live stream, start time UK, TV channel and full race schedule

    F1 is BACK this weekend as Lewis Hamilton aims for a third win in four races at the Spanish Grand Prix.The Englishman has been bested just once this season, by Max Verstappen at the Emilia Romagna GP in March.
    Lewis Hamilton won the Portuguese Grand Prix last monthCredit: Splash
    What time is F1 Spanish Grand Prix first practice?

    The Spanish Grand Prix first practice session will get underway from 10.30am UK time on Friday, May 7.
    The race will take place in Catalonia at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
    There will be 1,000 fans in attendance the the event, all socially-distanced because of coronavirus restrictions.

    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    ALL of the F1 action from Friday to Sunday will be shown live on the Sky Sports F1 channel.
    First practice coverage will begin from 10am on Friday, May 7.
    Coverage of the Grand Prix will begin at 12.30pm on Sunday, May 9.
    You can live stream all of the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    FULL F1 Spanish Grand Prix schedule
    Friday, May 7

    Spanish GP Practice One – 10.30am
    Spanish GP Practice Two – 2pm

    Saturday, May 8

    Spanish GP Practice Three – 11am
    Spanish GP Qualifying – 2pm

    Sunday, May 9

    Spanish Grand Prix – 2pm More

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    UK’s first all-disabled race team join British GT Championship and close in on dream of competing in Le Mans 24 Hour

    TEAM BRIT, the UK’s first all-disabled race team, has moved a step closer to their goal of competing in the Le Mans 24 Hour race after joining the British GT championship.Its team of rookie and experienced racers, who have a range of physical and psychological disabilities, are competing in the Britcar Championship this year.
    Team Brit are moving into the British GT Championship after success in BritcarCredit: Instagram / @teambritracing
    Bobby Trundley, who was diagnosed with severe autism as a child, and 30-year-old Aaron Morgan, who is a paraplegic after breaking his back in a motocross accident, are currently racing the team’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4 in the Endurance category.
    However, next season they will progress to the British GT Championship, racing in a McLaren 570S GT4, that means they are only one category away from being eligible to compete at Le Mans.
    Team Founder, Dave Player, said: “This is huge news for us.
    “One of my proudest moments in the history of Team BRIT was purchasing our Aston Martin, which meant we took a step further into seriously competitive racing.
    “To now be ready to move on to the British GT championship – the pinnacle of GT racing in Britain – is testament to the incredible hard work of the team, our sponsors and our drivers, who I know will do everything possible to make this a success.
    “Racing in a McLaren will be an incredible privilege and Bobby and Aaron have made such progress over the past year, so I know they’ll be the perfect team ambassadors as we take this next step forwards.
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    Our challenge is to build the funding, infrastructure and support we need to be as competitive as possible on track.Dave PlayerTeam Founder

    “Now, our challenge is to build the funding, infrastructure and support we need to be as competitive as possible on track, whilst further developing a sustainable ladder of opportunities for disabled drivers, well into the future.”
    Ian Morgan, director of McLaren Customer Racing, added: “I’m delighted Team BRIT has chosen to enter British GT in 2022 with a McLaren 570S GT4.
    “The team’s inspirational approach will help tremendously, and I look forward to following their progress throughout the season.”
    Racing driver and double-leg amputee Billy Monger takes on a gruelling triathlon in support of Red Nose Day More

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    Romain Grosjean to make emotional F1 return as Mercedes test driver just months after miracle fireball crash escape

    ROMAIN GROSJEAN will make an emotional return to Formula One seven months to the day after his horrifying fireball crash in Bahrain.The Haas car driven by the Frenchman careened off track and split in half when it hit the barrier, creating a huge fireball explosion that left drivers and fans fearing for his life.
    Romain Grosjean will enjoy one last drive in a Formula One car with MercedesCredit: PA
    The veteran’s Haas car split in two in a horror fireball crash last NovemberCredit: Splash
    But the racer clambered out of the wreckage having spent 20 seconds wrestling himself free of his melting harness.
    Grosjean then managed to walk away from the incident with only burns to his hands and a minor leg injury – much to the relief of all in F1.
    His departure from the sport had already been confirmed before the November race and he quickly voiced his desire to have one last runout to round off his 179-race career in proper fashion.
    An offer came from world champions Mercedes and, on Wednesday, Grosjean’s return was confirmed.
    The 35-year-old will drive Lewis Hamilton’s 2019 title-winning car in a specially-organised test at Circuit Paul Ricard on June 29, the seven-month anniversary of his crash.
    And he will also turn out at the same circuit for a few parade laps before the French Grand Prix two days earlier.
    Grosjean said: “I am so excited to jump back in an F1 car!
    “It will be a special opportunity for me and to drive a World Championship-winning Mercedes will be a unique experience.
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    The first I heard about the chance to drive a Mercedes was in my hospital bed in Bahrain. It cheered me up a lot!Romain Grosjean
    “I’m very grateful to Mercedes F1 and to Toto for the opportunity.
    “The first I heard about the chance to drive a Mercedes was in my hospital bed in Bahrain when Toto was speaking to the media and made the invitation. Reading that news cheered me up a lot!
    “F1 didn’t get the chance to race in France during 2020 because of Covid so driving a Mercedes at the French Grand Prix in 2021 and then completing a test at the Circuit Paul Ricard, my home track, will be so special.
    “I can’t wait for the day to arrive.”
    Grosjean is racing in the US IndyCar series this year having left F1 but spent time with Mercedes for a seat fit and simulator run in March.
    Team boss Toto Wolff said he was ‘very happy’ to hand the veteran his deserved send-off while Lewis Hamilton spoke of the fear he and others felt at the time of the crash.
    Grosjean visited Mercedes’ Brackley factory in March for a seat fittingCredit: PA
    The Frenchman will appear at his home circuit of Paul Ricard next monthCredit: PA

    The Brit said: “I’m really happy to see Romain back in an F1 car after his accident last year.
    “When it happened, we were all praying for him and seeing him walk away from it and recover so well was a massive relief.
    “I’m looking forward to seeing him again in France and welcoming him to the team for the weekend – although he better look after my W10!”

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    Romain Grosjean back in cockpit just 86 days after fireball F1 crash for IndyCar More

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    Mercedes could dump Bottas this season and replace him with Russell after ‘losing faith in Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate’

    MERCEDES could dump Valtteri Bottas BEFORE the end of the season, according to reports.The Finn is in his fifth year with the team, having joined from Williams to partner Lewis Hamilton in 2017.
    Valtteri Bottas is under pressure at MercedesCredit: Splash
    George Russell is in line to join the teamCredit: Alamy
    But Mercedes insiders are reportedly ‘losing faith’ in the 31-year-old.
    This could open the door to current Williams star George Russell – with the Brit part of their young driver programme.
    Bottas has posted second placed finishes in the last two Driver’s Championships, as well as previous third and fifth-placed efforts.
    But, in a dominant car, Merc chiefs expect better.
    Bottas finished third in Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix, despite starting the race in pole position.
    And one team source told the Mail: “There is some unrest at the factory about Valtteri.
    “He is not up to it, which was made clearer by the job we saw Russell do in Bahrain.”
    Bottas has won nine races since joining Mercedes, including two last season.

    Mercedes may decide to replace Bottas, 31, as Lewis Hamilton’s partnerCredit: Getty
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    Russell, meanwhile, impressed when stepping in for Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix last year.
    The 23-year-old could count himself unlucky not to win the race, after a botched pit stop spoiled his chances.
    He is very much expected to become a full part of the team next season, even if Bottas manages to survive this campaign.
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
    Lewis Hamilton’s post race reaction to winning the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix More

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    F1 badboy Nikita Mazepin says sorry to Sergio Perez for blocking Red Bull star but blames his own Haas team for error

    FORMULA ONE bad boy Nikita Mazepin has apologised to Sergio Perez after blocking him during the Portugal GP.The Russian was slapped with a five second time penalty and given a point on his superlicence for ignoring blue flags and almost causing a smash.
    Nikita Mazepin arrives in the pit lane on a scooterCredit: Alamy
    Nikita Mazepin trails team-mate Mick Schumacher in the Portugal Grand PrixCredit: Getty
    Mazepin, who was dead last, blocked Perez who was leading the race at the time, causing the Mexican to take defensive action.
    Mazepin, who finished the race last, accused his Haas team of not warning him that Perez was approaching at speed.
    He said: “It’s pretty simple, totally my mistake on that. I didn’t really get a warning from the team, but no excuses on this.
    “It is just my fault. I apologised to Checo already.”
    Perez, who was fourth, added: “I thought that he saw me. He apologised after the race. He basically didn’t see me. I thought he did.”
    Defending champion Lewis Hamilton won the race for the 97th win of his career.
    The Brit’s victory in Portugal was far from routine however as he battled back from third place and seized upon errors from Max Verstappen and his own team-mate, Valtteri Bottas.
    Nikita Mazepin has apologised for blocking Sergio PerezCredit: Getty
    Lews Hamilton sprays champagne on the podium in PortugalCredit: Getty
    Hamilton’s Mercedes team celebrate his victoryCredit: Splash

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    Hamilton said: “Max had a small mistake which then put me in a nice position.
    “And then with Valtteri, I managed to just get him at Turn One. Just right on the limit.”
    For Verstappen, he now trails Hamilton by eight points in the championship after the opening three races.
    But while Hamilton has pounded out the results like a machine, Verstappen has made costly errors.
    The Dutchman was judged to have fallen foul of the rules with regards to going off track and gaining an advantage.

    Verstappen has now been punished THREE times, costing him a victory in Bahrain and a pole position and fastest lap bonus point in Portugal, with the race won by Lewis Hamilton.
    Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko said: “Now we’ve lost the victory, fastest lap, and pole position.
    “All good things come in threes. I hope that’s the end of it. Something has to change.”

    Lewis Hamilton’s post race reaction to winning the 2021 Portuguese Grand Prix More