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      Fernando Alonso posts training snap as F1 legend is back in action just DAYS after he was hospitalised in bike crash

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      TWO-TIME Formula 1 king Fernando Alonso is back in the saddle just days after fracturing his jaw in a crash – and keen to show off his return.
      The Spaniard posted an Instagram snap of his workout in the Swiss sunshine as he still aims to launch his F1 comeback next month.

      Fernando Alonso looked as strong as ever in training, despite surgery on his jaw and teeth just days ago following a crash with a carCredit: EPA

      Spanish motor-racing great Fernando Alonso also went through some body-strengthening exercises as he bids to be ready for the new F1 seasonCredit: Instagram @fernandoalo_oficial

      And stunning ex-wife Raquel del Rosario was one of the first to give his recovery the thumbs up on social media.
      Alonso showed no obvious signs of the jaw damage he suffered when he was knocked off his bike by a car on the outskirts of Lugano where he now lives.
      The 39-year-old looked happy and relaxed while he listened to music on headphones as he worked out, posting: “Vitamin D, elastics and some walks to keep the level high.
      “Happy with everything and grateful for your messages.”

      The snap was the first he had posted since leaving hospital in Bern on Monday following an operation to have his upper jaw re-positioned following last Thursday’s collision.
      A TV crew pictured him leaving hospital with a face mask on alongside a doctor.
      Gran Canaria-born singer Raquel, married to Alonso between 2006 and 2011 and still a friend, responded to his message with flexed biceps and heart emoticons.
      But she was beaten to first place by Alonso’s new team Alpine, who responded with messages on Instagram and Twitter where a spokesman described him as “bulletproof.”

      Former F1 king Fernando Alonso was up the challenge of a swift returnCredit: EPA

      Alonso’s girlfriend Linda Morselli was by the Spaniard’s side in hospital
      Former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore was also quick to offer the Spaniard his encouragement for a swift recovery with applause emojis.
      And another impressed fan wrote: “This man had me worried for more than 12 hours and not even a week has passed.
      “He looks absolutely perfect and started training. What a man.”
      The race is now on for Alonso to recover in time for the start of the new F1 season in Bahrain on March 28.
      He is returning to Formula 1 with Alpine, previously known as Renault, after a two-year absence from the sport.
      Alonso’s Italian model girlfriend Linda Morselli, who rushed to his hospital bedside after he was knocked off his bike while finishing a training session, is understood to be with him as he bids to recover in time for the new season.
      Testing for the new season is taking place between March 12 and 14.
      Alonso was transferred from a hospital in Lugano to another in Bern so he could be operated on last Friday.

      Swiss police said after his collision with a woman driver who was turning left into a supermarket car park that he had broken his jaw.
      Alonso won two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006.
      He quit F1 after leaving McLaren at the end of the 2018 season.
      His return to the grid for the 2021 season comes 20 years after he made his F1 debut with Minardi in 2001, starting a career which brought him 32 Grand Prix victories and 97 podiums across stints at Renault, McLaren and Ferrari.
      Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez was among those to wish Alonso a speedy recovery in the aftermath of his crash, tweeting “All my best wishes for Fernando Alonso.

      “We hope his injuries from this accident are minimal. A big hug.”
      Alonso and his former wife have stayed friends since their split in 2011.
      Raquel, 38, now lives in Los Angeles with her current partner, photographer Pedro Castro, and their two sons Leo and Mael.

      Fernando Alonso hospitalised ahead of F1 return after being hit by car while cycling in Switzerland More

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      F1 star Sebastian Vettel selling EIGHT supercars worth £5million including rare limited edition Ferrari Enzo

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL is having a garage clear-out like no other after putting some of his multi-million pound supercar collection up for sale.
      The four-time F1 champ has enlisted the help of supercar salesman Tom Hartley Jnr to flog the motors.

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

      Sebastian Vettel has put a stunning collection of supercars up for saleCredit: PA:Press Association

      Vettel, who will race for Aston Martin in F1 this season after being dumped by, Ferrari has put up EIGHT cars for sale, including a bespoke LaFerrari.
      Here they are in all their glory – coming in at just a shade under £5million in total.
      2016 Ferrari LaFerrari – £1.5m
      One careful owner from new. Vettel ordered this direct from Ferrari and he has looked after the 950hp sought-after motor.
      It has been regularly serviced and has just 300 miles on the clock. Finished in Ferrari red, it has his own personal logo etched into the headrests.

      It has a Nero roof, Alcantara upholstery with Rosso stitching throughout, 4-point safety harnesses, Ferrari telemetry, integrated audio system, track inner camera kit, suspension lifting system, red brake calipers, carbon fibre fog lamp, carbon fibre mirrors, carbon fibre lower part, anti-stone chipping film, sport exhaust pipes.
      Forbes valued the car at £1.5million.

      Sebastian Vettel’s logo is etched into the headrestsCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2004 Ferrari Enzo – £450k
      One of only 400 ever made, this Ferrari has a screaming 651hp 6.0-litre V12 engine that can easily power the car to over 200mph.
      Again, it is very low mileage for the year, just 1,100 miles have been driven in this beast.

      The car also benefits from a fantastic service history from new and Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification confirming it still retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox.
      The usual going price of the car is in the region of half a million pounds.

      One of only 400 Ferrari Enzo cars ever madeCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      1996 Ferrari F50 – £1.3m
      This beauty was picked up by Vettel on his first season at Ferrari in 2015. He picked it up from a collector in Denmark.
      It has a 4.7-litre V12 engine that draws on the power unit in the back Ferrari’s former F1 cars. It has a full service history and stands with 4,312 miles on the clock.
      It comes complete with its flight case, hard top, roll hoops, tonneau cover, Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification binder which confirms the car still retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox.
      The car also retains its original handbooks including the very important service/warranty supplement, luggage bag, spare key, Ferrari car cover, battery conditioner and documented history file.
      The retro F50 can cost millions depending on the rarity.

      The F50 is one of Ferrari’s iconic modelsCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2016 Ferrari F12tdf – £725k
      Yours for around £725,000, ironically Vettel helped to launch this model in 2015.
      Finished in yellow triple layer paint it has large carbon fibre racing seats with the ‘Vettel’ logo and prancing horse embroidered on the headrests.
      Extras include a coloured steering wheel, carbon fibre dashboard, yellow rev counter, passenger display, high power hi-fi system, radio navigation and Bluetooth, integrated audio system and personalisation plate.
      The also include suspension lifting system, 20″ forged Diamond rims, yellow brake callipers, carbon fibre filter box, carbon fibre fog lamp, engine covers in carbon fibre and an engine cover.
      The cover is signed by all the technicians who worked on the car through the production and there’s also titanium exhaust pipes, carbon fibre headlight buckets, plus a parking camera.

      Sebastian Vettel is also selling his yellow Ferrari F12TDFCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale – £350k
      Maybe he is bitter about being shown the door by Ferrari, because this was the German’s order with the team.
      He requested metallic black paint, a grey racing stripe. Again it has large carbon fibre racing seats with the ‘Vettel’ logo and prancing horse embroidered on the headrests.
      A 4-point safety harnesses, Alcantara central tunnel, headliner in Alcantara, coloured steering wheel, yellow rev counter plus loads of carbon fibre add ons.
      It has an asking price of £350,000.

      The 2015 Ferrari 458 has an asking price of £350,000Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series – £275k
      An absolute thumper of an engine, this super car is powered by a twin-turbocharged V12 engine that is said to crank out 670hp.
      This model has a carbon fibre roof.
      Only 350 ‘Black Series’ were ever produced and this particular example was gifted to Vettel after his victory at the first ever Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.
      It is expected to sell for around £275,000.

      He also has two Mercedes cars up for sale, including this black SL65Credit: tomhartleyjnr.com
      2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – £175k
      Another sporty Merc with plenty of punch thanks to a 6.2litre V8 engine.
      Painted in Magno Matte designo paint it has an AMG carbon ceramic braking system with yellow painted brake callipers and sports suspension.
      Inside, exclusive Nappa leather, AMG interior carbon fibre package, AMG performance steering wheel, Bang & Olufsen stereo.
      It will set you back £175,000.

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

      2002 BMW Z8 Roadster – £175k
      Modelled on the BMW 507 used by James Bonds in the film ‘The World Is Not Enough’, the Z8 took ten-times longer to produce than a contemporary BMW as it was primarily assembled by hand.
      The most desired colour was Titan Silver metallic, of which only 1,895 examples were produced.
      Originally a US model, Vettel had this car converted to European specifications when he bought it in 2015.
      It has a £175,000 asking price.

      Sebastian Vettel also has a BMW Z8 RoadsterCredit: tomhartleyjnr.com

      F1 star Sebastian Vettel makes classy tribute to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with new helmet at Eifel GP More

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      Mercedes staff living in ‘constant fear’ ahead of new F1 season as Lewis Hamilton’s team worry about repeating success

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      MERCEDES Technical Director James Allison has revealed the team are living in ‘constant fear’ about replicating success in the 2021 season.
      Despite the Silver Arrows winning seven consecutive Constructors’ Championships, the 52-year-old has stated there is always a worry their car isn’t fast enough.

      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team are the ones to beat in the 2021 F1 ChampionshipCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mercedes go into the 2021 season as the huge favourites for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship.
      And the team were boosted by Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension earlier this month to put an end to speculation over his future.
      But with Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine and Aston Martin all bringing in a new driver, Allison has opened up on the anxiety surrounding his team.
      In quotes obtained by Essentially Sports, he said: “We exist for one purpose.

      “And that is to produce a racing car that’s capable of fighting at the front, and hopefully, securing wins and championships.
      “At this stage of the year, you hope you’ve done enough work.
      “But we’re never certain until the cars are actually on a track, doing it for real.”
      Before adding: “Alongside all that excitement is the fear and that fear nagging away continuously at you.

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      “The moment you open your eyes in the morning, all the way through the day until you go to bed at night, the fear that you haven’t done enough.”
      Red Bull team boss Christian Horner believes Max Vertsappen could be eyed up by Mercedes when Hamilton’s deal expires after this season.
      He said: “I am sure that should Lewis decide to stop, then Max will naturally be the driver at the top of the list.
      “Mercedes also have George Russell and other drivers available to them.
      “It is all down to relationships and us having a competitive car and there are no guarantees for 2022.
      “It is a complete clean sheet of paper so if there is going to be a significant mix-up of the order, one would assume it will come with that big regulation change.
      “The reality is, that yes of course, as there has always been, there is an element of performance-related clauses to Max’s contract.
      “It will be down to us to deliver a competitive car. That is what he wants and that is what we want, so we are in an identical situation.”

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      Lando Norris warns Daniel Ricciardo he’s under ‘more pressure’ than him at McClaren ahead of new F1 season

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      LANDO NORRIS has insisted Daniel Ricciardo will be under more pressure than him at McLaren this season.
      Seven-time race winner Ricciardo signed a three-year contract with McLaren after spending two years at Renault.

      Daniel Ricciardo claimed he is ‘excited’ about his prospects at McLarenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Australian Formula 1 star, 31, will be racing alongside team-mate Norris this year.
      But Norris, who has given up pizza in a bid to get in shape, thinks all eyes will be on Ricciardo.
      Speaking at the launch of McLaren’s new MCL35M car, Norris said: “I don’t think the arrival of Daniel will make it any harder for me.
      “I worked with Carlos who is an extremely good driver and there are things Carlos is going to be better at than Daniel and vice-versa.

      “I don’t believe Daniel is a big step above anything that Carlos has achieved, and there is more pressure on him because he has been in Formula One for longer and he has to come in and perform very well.
      “It is harder for someone to go up against a much younger driver than it is for a younger driver going up against someone with more experience.
      “I am in that earlier phase of my career but I still need to perform very well, and there are no excuses for me anymore.”
      Meanwhile, Ricciardo has admitted he is ‘excited’ about his prospects with McLaren.

      Lando Norris, 21, is going into his third season in F1Credit: PA:Press Association

      He said: “Everything I have seen excites me about where McLaren is heading.
      “I really believe in the personnel.”
      Before he added: “They are doing what it takes to be a real contender in the championship.”
      F1 fans have been going crazy for McLaren’s new launch song created by Norris and Ricciardo.

      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner

      Lewis Hamilton hikes to the top of a mountain every morning to ‘set his goals’ More

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      Lewis Hamilton and Alonso to go head-to-head before F1 season begins as Mercedes and Alpine announce same day car launch

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and Fernando Alonso will go head-to-head before a wheel has turned this season.
      Hamilton’s Mercedes team will launch their challenger for 2021 on March 2 – and now the newly-rebranded Alpine team have picked the same date.

      Lewis Hamilton will help unveil Mercedes’ 2021 car on March 2Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Fernando Alonso is plotting a route back to the top with AlpineCredit: AP:Associated Press

      It means both will be vying for coverage, as Alpine unveil their new livery since changing their name from Renault.
      Alonso, who drives for the French team, is recovering after undergoing surgery on a broken jaw following an accident on his bike in Switzerland.
      The 39-year-old is making his F1 comeback this year after quitting McLaren in 2018.
      The two-time world champion spent one turbulent season at McLaren with Hamilton in 2007 before quitting and returning to Renault.

      Alonso will be hoping he can get up to speed and challenge Hamilton for wins.

      Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo got his first taste of driving McLaren’s new F1 car at Silverstone on Tuesday.
      The Aussie, who joined from Renault, took to the track for a designated filming day to put the new car through a series of tests.
      It also allowed McLaren to assess the strength of their new Mercedes engine having parted with Renault over the winter.

      Ricciardo says he is confident having joined the Woking-based team and says they are on an upward trajectory.
      He said: “I feel like I’m coming here with a bunch of momentum behind the team as well.
      “There’s really good stability in the team, infrastructure. I’m basically just fitting into the puzzle as opposed to trying to put it all together.
      “I’m certainly feeling good about it. It all feels pretty right at the moment.
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      McLaren were first out the block in unveiling their 2021 carCredit: PA:Press Association

      “Do I know how it will turn out? I don’t. But I certainly feel McLaren have done the right things to set themselves up in particular for these rule changes coming in 2022.
      “I think that next era of F1 has the ability to certainly turn the field around a little bit.
      “Everything I’ve seen and everything I’ve known up until now certainly excites me about where McLaren is heading.”

      F1 fans go crazy for McLaren song Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo created as team joke ‘your job is safe Drake’ More

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      F1 fans go crazy for McLaren song Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo created… as team joke ‘your job is safe Drake’

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      F1 fans have gone crazy for McLaren’s new launch song created by Lando Norris and new signing Daniel Ricciardo.
      The duo swapped the track for the music studio to create a tune that would ‘get them hyped up’ before the first race in Sakhir in March.

      Daniel Ricciardo spitting some bars for McLaren’s new songCredit: Twitter @McLarenF1

      The F1 driver and team-mate Lando Norris hope to release the track next monthCredit: Twitter @McLarenF1

      Each driver headed into the booth to perform a rap as they were later let loose on instruments such as drums, bass guitar and the tambourine.
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      McLaren released a snippet of the music track on their official account and tweeted: “Your job is safe, Drake. For now…”
      And fans reacted in their droves with one replying: “This is sending me.”

      Another said: “Don’t listen to the haters. Fair play for taking a different approach, it’s great.”
      But a third added: “Fire your marketing team.”
      A fourth commented: “We love you McLaren. This is so much fun.”
      SunSport revealed this week that Norris has banned pizza in an attempt to get in shape for the new F1 season.

      The Brit, 21, is going into his third season in F1 and relishing going up against his new team-mate Ricciardo as Carlos Sainz moved to Ferrari.

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      He said: “I don’t think the arrival of Daniel makes it any harder. I worked with Carlos and he is an extremely good driver and there are things Carlos is going to be better at than Daniel and vice-versa.
      “I don’t believe Daniel is a big step above anything that Carlos has achieved so it doesn’t change much for me.
      “There is more pressure on him because he has been in Formula One for longer and he has to come in and perform very well and that is what he is here to do with his experience.”

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      F1 star Lando Norris bans PIZZA in bid to keep fit with McLaren driver struggling for motivation to go to gym

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      LANDO NORRIS has banned pizza in an attempt to get in shape for the new F1 season.
      The Brit, 21, is going into his third season in F1 alongside a new team-mate in Daniel Ricciardo.

      Ricciardo and Norris launch this season’s McLaren F1 car earlier this weekCredit: PA:Press Association

      Norris admits there is more pressure on him to step up this yearCredit: Splash News

      Norris has promised a more mature approach to his racing this season and says he has been struggling for motivation to go to the gym.
      But he thinks he has finally cracked it after ditching the deep-pans.
      Speaking at the launch of this year’s McLaren F1 car, he said: “I have tried to be more strict with certain things, whether that is with food and trying not to have a pizza as often.
      “I can still have a little treat now and then, but it is also the physical side of it, too. Trying to do more in the gym because I struggle with that part of it.

      “I know I am in Formula One and I am in a very privileged position, but that doesn’t matter because I can still struggle to want to go out on a run or go into the gym and lift weights.
      “I struggle to motivate myself, so I have tried more things and pushed myself through moments that I hate because I know that good things come of it.
      “I am better prepared physically because of it. I am trying to think outside the box and dedicating more time to work out what is good for me and push myself to the next level.
      “A lot of it is a mental game. I have tried to understand myself a bit more to push myself to the next level.”

      Norris is relishing going up against his new team-mate after Ricciardo joined from Renault as Carlos Sainz moved to Ferrari.
      He added: “I don’t think the arrival of Daniel makes it any harder. I worked with Carlos and he is an extremely good driver and there are things Carlos is going to be better at than Daniel and vice-versa.
      “I don’t believe Daniel is a big step above anything that Carlos has achieved so it doesn’t change much for me.
      “There is more pressure on him because he has been in Formula One for longer and he has to come in and perform very well and that is what he is here to do with his experience.

      “I am in that earlier phase of my career. I still need to perform very well. I am in my third year and there are no excuses for me anymore.
      “It is an opportunity to learn from someone different and with more experience. I think it is harder for someone to go against a much younger driver than it is for a younger driver going up against someone with more experience.
      “I have more responsibility now than the past few years. There is more on me now to lead the team and areas we can improve.
      “In many ways it is going to be the hardest season but I am hoping the best season, too.
      “The hardest because I am the guy with the experience at McLaren so I need to take on that role and show how it is done and lead the team in the right direction.
      “It is a big opportunity for me to take up that lead and I will work very hard on.”

      Mercedes chief Toto Wolff insists Lewis Hamilton’s new £40m deal was never in doubt More

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      Lewis Hamilton could be replaced by Max Verstappen at Mercedes, admits F1 rival Red Bull chief Christian Horner

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN will be top of Mercedes’ wish-list to replace Lewis Hamilton – according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
      The world champion has only signed a one-year deal with the Silver Arrows, leading to speculation that he could quit after this season.

      Max Verstappen could be a wanted man if Mercedes need a new driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lewis Hamilton is only tied to another season in Formula OneCredit: AFP

      However, Horner is confident of holding onto the Dutchman after Red Bull announced plans to build their own engines from 2022 onwards.
      It is a big financial commitment from the four-time constructors’ champions, who are taking over Honda’s UK base in Milton Keynes.
      And Horner says Verstappen is encouraged by their renewed commitment amid substantial new car design rules coming in from next year.
      He said: “I am sure that should Lewis decide to stop, then Max will naturally be the driver at the top of the list

      “Mercedes also have George Russell and other drivers available to them.
      “It is all down to relationships and us having a competitive car and there are no guarantees for 2022.
      “It is a complete clean sheet of paper so if there is going to be a significant mix-up of the order, one would assume it will come with that big regulation change.
      “The reality is, that yes of course, as there has always been, there is an element of performance-related clauses to Max’s contract.

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      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      “It is a binary performance at a certain measurement in time.
      “As with all these things, it is not about forcing a driver that doesn’t want to be there.
      “It is more about relationships than contracts, and you only pull a contract out of the drawer when you have got a problem in my experience.
      “The relationship with Max is very strong, he believes in the project, in what we are doing, he sees the investment that Red Bull is making.
      “He believes in the people within the team and that work within the team, so I am confident that we won’t need to refer to any contractual clauses.
      “It will be down to us to deliver a competitive car. That is what he wants and that is what we want, so we are in an identical situation.”
      Red Bull will continue to use Honda engines this season until the Japanese company withdraws from F1 at the end of the year.
      Then Red Bull will use their own power units across their two teams, including Alpha Tauri.

      Christian Horner hopes to stave off any Mercedes approach for his top talentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Horner added: “As Mercedes is a Mercedes it will be an incorporated part of the car, so it’ll just be a Red Bull engine.
      “Honda are continuing to operate as usual this year and will stay committed to Formula 1 to the 31st of December.
      “During which time they’re obviously working with our fuel partner ExxonMobil on it, which they’re currently doing, with the development of the E10 fuel [a mix of 90 per cent traditional fuel and 10 per cent biofuel], which is the biggest regulation change.
      “So it’s business as usual very much for the 2021 year. And obviously the engine will then be handed over for pre-season testing this time next year.” More