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      Ferrari 2021 F1 car labelled ‘ugliest on grid’ as fans slam green stripes and burgundy rear wing

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      FERRARI fans are in a spin after the they launched their challenger for 2021 – which features a splash of green.
      The Italian F1 team is synonymous with the colour red.

      Fans have slammed Ferrari’s 20201 car as the ‘ugliest on the grid’Credit: AFP

      Fans aren’t happy at the introduction of green stripes and a burgundy rear wingCredit: credit: © Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

      Ferrari fans are unhappy with the move away from the traditional all-red liveryCredit: credit: © Scuderia Ferrari Press Office

      But this season contains a green logo on the engine cover belonging to that of sponsors Mission Winnow, which is owned by tobacco giant Philip Morris International.
      Philip Morris, who’s major brand, Marlboro cigarettes, used to feature so heavily on the Ferrari and McLaren cars when tobacco advertising was legal.
      And fans are not happy with the new colour scheme that goes from red to burgundy at the rear, with green on the top, with some likening it to a red chilli pepper.
      One fan Tweeted: “Ferrari have made it! And by it I mean the ugliest car on the grid.

      “I don’t know what is worse: the green logo or the burgundy rear.”
      Another wrote: “You have got to give it to Ferrari! They really know how to let down the fans.”
      Despite their estimated £400million budget last season, Ferrari plunged to sixth in the constructors’ championship in 2020.
      It was the worst result in four decades, amid season-long issues with its car while Sebastian Vettel was also given the boot.

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      The car has weak aerodynamics and was limp due to an engine rules change following a controversial FIA investigation.
      The details of that report were hushed up and kept private between the team and the FIA – much to the frustration of their rivals.
      But team boss Mattia Binotto is hopeful that the winter redesign will improve the team’s performance along with a fresh driver pairing of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
      He said: “This car was born out of last year’s car due to the new regulations so it was partially frozen, but we tried to improve it in all of its areas, wherever it was possible.
      “The aerodynamics was revised, and it has a completely new power unit.
      “Its livery has also changed, the posterior is a burgundy colour similar to the very first Ferrari racing car, the 125S.
      “It’s the same colour we used last year at Mugello to celebrate our 1000th Grand Prix. This year is going to be full of challenges.”

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      It is the team’s youngest driver line-up since 1968 as Sainz 26, and Leclerc 23, get to grips with their new motor at three days of testing in Bahrain starting on Friday.
      Racing Director, Laurent Mekies, added: “There’s plenty of positive energy coming from our two drivers.
      “Carlos has spent a lot of time in the factory and has integrated with the team very quickly.
      “As for Charles, he is already perfectly at home with the team: he knows what he wants and is also very aware of the role he has in the team, both in and out of the car.
      “Over the winter, we have witnessed the two guys getting on very well together and this can only be a good thing for the whole team.”
      Meanwhile, Aston Martin launched their car for 2021 earlier this month with a little help from James Bond star Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton.
      And Williams were forced to delay their virtual car unveiling after their app was hacked.
      Elsewhere, Haas were criticised after showing off their new ‘Russian flag’ livery.

      Lewis Hamilton ‘a bit grumpy’ during pre-season Sky filming and ‘seemed unhappy’ at Mercedes negotiations More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘a bit grumpy’ during pre-season Sky filming and ‘seemed unhappy’ at Mercedes negotiations, says Brundle

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      LEWIS HAMILTON appeared ‘grumpy’ while pre-season filming ahead of the upcoming Formula One season, according to Martin Brundle.
      Brundle, a former driver and long-time commentator with Sky Sports, believes Hamilton is frustrated at the way negotiations with Mercedes turned out.

      Lewis Hamilton was ‘grumpy’ while pre-season filming ahead of the upcoming F1 seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Martin Brundle is a former driver and long-time commentatorCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The seven-time Formula 1 champion only signed a one-year deal with Mercedes, weeks before pre-season testing in Bahrain.
      Brundle was with Hamilton while filming features to go out later in the season and reflected on the Brit’s morale.
      Speaking at a Sky F1 testing preview, he said: “We did a couple of features with him that we will play out through the year on Sky F1.
      “He was very generous but a bit grumpy actually, I thought generally.

      “It’s interesting that his right-hand man, Marc Hynes, is no longer working with him.
      “I sensed he possibly wasn’t super happy with the way the negotiations have worked out at Mercedes.”
      Hamilton’s short deal was due to a lack of negotiating time and opportunity, according to Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.
      Brundle added that Hamilton’s mood improved but he still feels there will be real competition this season.

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      He said: “I did say to him, ‘You’re going to burst through 100 poles this year at some point, most likely’.
      “And he went, ‘Why?’ McLaren were a quarter of a second behind us in Abu Dhabi, now they’ve got our engine; what about Red Bull, maybe the high rake works; and don’t count out Ferrari, and the Aston Martin will be strong.
      “He sort of really challenged me quite hard and I said, ‘Well, you have got 98 of them, mostly in the hybrid era, you scored 10 last year – there’s half a chance you’ll get two more this year’.
      “But when we got over that little hurdle – because Lewis does love to poke you a little bit before you sit down to do stuff like that.
      “I had an hour with him talking about that amazing race in Istanbul last year when he took his seventh world title and he was very generous on inside his head, inside his life of a grand prix weekend and how qualifying unfolds.”

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      Portuguese GP CONFIRMED for 2021 Formula One season with Portimao hosting third race and could welcome fans

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      FORMULA ONE has confirmed a return to Portugal for the third race of the 2021 season.
      The slot had been left open amid Vietnam’s failure to pull off a much-anticipated race through the streets of Hanoi.

      Lewis Hamilton will return to the scene of his record-breaking win in MayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Drivers voiced their pleasure at racing around the Algarve last yearCredit: Splash News

      And F1 bosses have now confirmed the race at Portimao’s Algarve International Circuit on May 2.
      Last season saw Lewis Hamilton romp to victory at the track, which was drafted in during the pandemic shake-up of the calendar.
      Some 27,000 fans watched the Mercedes star top Michael Schumacher’s race wins record and attendees are hoped for once again in May.
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “We hope to welcome fans to Portimao again this season in a safe way and are working with the promoter on the details of that plan.”

      The 23-race season begins with testing on March 12 in Bahrain before the first race at the same circuit a fortnight later.
      Portugal is currently on the UK’s ‘red list’ of travel nations, meaning anyone returning from the country must remain in a ten-day hotel quarantine.

      However, team staff and drivers will travel straight to the following weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, a country not red-listed.
      Last season’s trip to the Algarve saw drivers tested on a notoriously undulating track, with many explaining their thrill at racing around Portimao.

      But the GP itself produced little in the way of action, with world champ Hamilton cruising to victory over Valtteri Bottas by a huge 25 seconds.
      After Friday practice in October, Hamilton stated: “The undulations are incredible.
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      “There’s a lot of places where you can’t see where you’re going. The exit of Turn 8, you’re looking at the sky for a period of time and you have no idea what’s beyond the hill.
      “Also into [Turn] 11, you don’t know where you are and all of a sudden it arrives at you out of nowhere.”
      Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc agreed, adding: “The track itself is amazing.
      “It took quite a few laps to get into the rhythm because we don’t see any apexes but once you get into the rhythm then it feels very good.”

      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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      Williams forced to abandon virtual launch of new F1 car after app is targeted by hackers

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      WILLIAMS were forced to scrap their augmented reality car launch because their app was hacked.
      The F1 team planned an innovative unveiling that would’ve brought the car into people’s homes.

      Williams unveiled their 2021 car on Friday – but their augmented reality plans were scrappedCredit: AFP

      Williams revealed their app was hacked before their planned car launch

      But their plans were sent crashing when hackers targeted their app.
      The team were forced to delete the app from the App Store and Play Store before unveiling their 2021 car on Twitter instead.
      Augmented reality combines the real world and virtual reality – so the car would’ve appeared on phones in the spaces around users.
      The team said in a statement: “Williams Racing planned to reveal its 2021 challenger, the FW43B, via an augmented reality app later today (5th March).

      “However, sadly, because the app was hacked prior to launch, this will no longer be possible.
      “We have subsequently removed the app from both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play store.
      “We were very much looking forward to sharing this experience with our fans, particularly during this difficult time when being able to bring in-person experiences directly to our fans is sadly not possible.
      “We can only apologise that this has not been possible.”

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      Williams driver George Russell gave fans a demonstration, which showed the car being built on his phone.
      He said: “It’s a shame the augmented reality app got hacked and we couldn’t use it.”
      The team showed off their new 2021 car in famous white and blue colours.
      Williams have finished 10th in the constructors’ standings the last three seasons.
      The once great outfit – which last won the F1 title in 1997 – are under new ownership after being brought out last year.
      Frank Williams and daughter Claire stepped down from management roles and gave the side a fresh start.
      Russell added: “I like the new look. It’s got a hint of heritage in there with a dash of yellow which is cool.
      “It’s exciting and I think that’s the team at the moment. New ownership, new look, new brand and it’s the start of a new beginning.”

      Chief executive Jost Capito said: “We wanted the car to remember the good old times and the heritage of the team.
      “But we also wanted to show that we’re doing a forward step.
      “It’s a very fresh and unique design. We don’t forget our history, our heritage, but we are moving on to a bright future.”

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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.”

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