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    Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton should be afraid with Sergio Perez set to give Red Bull Racing wings in new F1 season

    MERCEDES should be afraid.
    No, not only because Lewis Hamilton has not yet signed a new contract, but because of what is going on down the road in Milton Keynes.

    Sergio Perez paid a visit to Red Bull HQ this week for his seat fittingCredit: Getty Images

    Sergio Perez paid his first visit to Red Bull Racing’s HQ on Tuesday where he did his seat fitting for this year’s F1 car.
    The Mexican has joined from Racing Point after an excellent season where he finished in fourth place in the driver’s championship.
    So why should Merc be worried?
    Well, the simple answer is that the fresh line-up at Red Bull could reinvigorate the team’s fortunes.

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    Red Bull finished last season strongly as they continued to make improvements, as they so often do.
    In recent years, their Achilles’ heel has been their slow start to the campaign, as Mercedes rack up the early victories forcing Red Bull to play catch up.
    Only I feel that with Perez on board, things will be different this year.

    You see, Perez has always had the amazing ability to drag the most performance out of his car.

    Lewis Hamilton won his seventh world title last season, but could face a stiffer task in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association

    Sergio Perez showed his prowess at Racing Point to earn the Red Bull seatCredit: AFP
    You saw it at Sauber, Force India, McLaren and Racing Point.
    He now has the benefit of joining a team capable of providing him with a car that is capable of fighting for victories.
    At 30-years-old, Perez is now in his prime and has vast experience – the kind that could be missing from Max Verstappen’s feedback when it comes to car development.
    He’s also had previous experience of being with a top team.

    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
    He joined McLaren in 2013 on an £8million a year deal, and while things didn’t work out with the Woking-based team, he has had experience of dealing with the pressure and commitments that come with driving for a big operation.
    And then there is the big one. Perez has the potential to get the best out of Verstappen.
    The Dutchman has become something of a team-mate killer at Red Bull since he was promoted from Toro Rosso.

    He’s crushed Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon – but I don’t expect him to do that to Perez.
    If anything, he will be forced to up his game to contend with Perez in what could spark some healthy rivalry.
    And for those reasons, plus the fact we have no big regulation changes this season, I believe it will be Red Bull, not Ferrari or McLaren, who offer the greatest threat to Mercedes’ dominance.

    F1 champ Lewis Hamilton hikes up mountain in the snow in intensive altitude training More

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    F1 legend Jenson Button’s model fiancee Brittny Ward shows off stunning bikini body after giving birth just month ago

    JENSON BUTTON’S fiancee shared an incredible throwback snap as she wished him a happy 41st birthday.
    Brittny Ward, who gave birth to their daughter last month, showed off her bikini body as she gave him a cheeky kiss.

    Brittny Ward shared a throwback snap of the pair together on a boatCredit: brittny/Instagram

    Ward, 30, looked stunning as she soaked up the sunshine in a skimpy black swimsuit.
    The former Playboy model shared the image with her 302,000 Instagram followers.
    Alongside the snap, she wrote: “Birthday smooch.”
    In response, Formula 1 legend Button said: “Thanks my love.”

    Ward also treated the 2009 Formula One World Champion to a tattoo for his birthday.
    The 41-year-old now has both of his kids’ names inked down in his arm in italic writing.
    He shared an image of the tattoo and added the caption: “Thanks @brittnyward for my lovely birthday gift.”
    She replied: “You mean the tattoo or giving birth to our two children?! Love you.”

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    Jenson Button is engaged to former Playboy model Brittny Ward Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source

    The couple – who started dating in 2016 – became parents to son, Hendrix, in 2019.
    And they welcomed their baby girl to the world on December 27, 2020.
    Ward bravely showed off her body on social media just five days after her caesarean.

    Jenson Button and Brittny Ward welcomed their daughter to the world in DecemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Brittny Ward shared the throwback snap to her Instagram page Credit: brittny/Instagram

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    Unemployed Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘lots going on’ as £40m Mercedes contract talks rumble on and F1 season gets nearer

    LEWIS HAMILTON has delivered an update on his health since recovering from Covid-19 – but is saying nothing about his Mercedes contract.
    The unemployed star is out of contract and has yet to sign new terms with the Silver Arrows.

    Lewis Hamilton has provided an update after his Covid-19 battleCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton

    The star is still not providing any updates on his F1 futureCredit: Getty

    He’s currently away – presumably at his home in Colorado – where he gave an update on his winter training ahead of the new F1 season.
    The 36 year-old was and was forced to miss the Sakhir GP, while his weight dropped four kilos.
    However, he is now upping his training regime in the mountains after revealing the details on his Instagram.
    Hamilton said: “Hey World, I haven’t been on here for a while. I’m in the mountains training every day, getting my mind and body right.

    “I’m hiking to the top of the mountain every morning. 3 of those hikes I cross country ski once I get to the top which is at 3400m – killer!
    “I love altitude training, there is less oxygen high up so working out is much harder than at sea level, just walking up the stairs you feel it at 2000m.
    “Normally when I finish training here and return to sea level running is such a breeze.
    “I’m trying to find the right balance in cardio and strength building. On top of that, lots of work is ongoing in the background.

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

    “Many moving parts but just checking in to let you know I’m doing good, I’m healthy and mentally strong right now in my bubble.
    “I hope you are staying as positive as you can with all that is still going on. Keep your head up. I can’t wait to see you all again at some stage soon. Sending you love and light.”
    Mercedes say they have no concerns that the seven-time world champion will not commit to the team.
    But this is an unusual position to be in given contracts are normally resolved around August.

    Lewis Hamilton is by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £40m a year More

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    F1 season boost as Monaco Grand Prix organisers confirm race WILL go ahead despite coronavirus pandemic after axe

    F1 chiefs have received a boost from the organisers of the Monaco Grand Prix – who say this year’s race WILL go ahead as planned.
    There was growing speculation street races would be forced to be scrapped for the 2021 season due to the ongoing pandemic.

    The Monaco GP WILL go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemicCredit: AFP – Getty

    That would rule out races in Melbourne, Baku, Singapore and Sochi as well as the principality.
    However, the Automobile Club de Monaco have rubbished suggestions their race on May 23 will be canned.
    A statement said: “Despite the latest rumors circulating on certain websites and social media, the Automobile Club de Monaco can confirm that the 78th Formula One Monaco Grand Prix will take place from May 20-23, 2021.
    “The ACM also confirms the 12th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and the 4th Monaco E-Prix.”

    The season opener in Melbourne plus the Chinese GP have been bumped from their original date as F1 plan to host the races later in the year.
    An F1 spokesman said: “We have set out the details of the revised 2021 calendar and there are no other changes.
    “The suggestion street races will not take place is completely wrong.”
    On Thursday, Charles LeClerc became the fifth F1 driver to test positive for Covid-19.

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

    The Ferrari ace had been on holiday in Dubai and upon his return to his Monaco home discovered that he had come into contact with a positive case.
    A subsequent test returned a positive result and the 23-year-old confirmed he was suffering with ‘mild symptoms’.
    He said on his Instagram: “I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19.
    “I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols.
    “Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with.
    “A subsequent test I took has come back positive. I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms.
    “I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”
    Lando Norris and F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton both also picked up the disease when in Covid-ravaged Dubai.

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    Eddie Jordan would ‘show Sir Lewis Hamilton the door’ if legend is driving too hard a bargain and says he is replaceable

    EDDIE JORDAN claimed he would ‘show Sir Lewis Hamilton the door’ if the Formula One legend is driving too hard a bargain over a new contract.
    And the Irishman insisted the seven-time world champion is replaceable.

    Lewis Hamilton turned 36 earlier in January and is yet to sign a new Mercedes contractCredit: Twitter @LewisHamilton

    The Brit won Mercedes the world title last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

    Hamilton, 36, is technically unemployed at the moment after his Mercedes deal expired on December 31.
    Talks over an extension worth a record £40million per year rumble on.
    But while the two-time Sports Personality of the Year does look set to stay with the Silver Arrows, Jordan is unimpressed by the way Hamilton is handling the situation.
    He spent 14 years as an F1 team boss and had the likes of Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher as drivers.

    So the now-TV pundit knows what it takes to secure contracts with the sport’s biggest stars – and believes Hamilton does not deserve special treatment despite his success.
    Jordan told F1 Insider: “Apparently the parties disagree on the terms. I just heard that Lewis wants more than Mercedes are willing to pay.
    “It’s also about sharing the team’s income and having an influential role in the Mercedes group.
    “If I were the boss of Daimler, I would show him the door – either you drive on our terms or you go.

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

    “I would also tell him what Bernie Ecclestone said after Ayrton Senna’s death.
    “Even though Bernie was shocked and sad like everyone else, he was the first to regain his composure and said to us, ‘Now stop whining – everyone is replaceable.’
    “Lewis should know that by now.”

    Eddie Jordan would show Hamilton no special treatment and ‘show him the door’ if he was too demandingCredit: Getty Images

    F1 star Lewis Hamilton wakes up on birthday unemployed as new £40m-a-year Mercedes deal rumbles on More

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    Charles LeClerc becomes fifth F1 driver to test positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating with mild symptoms

    CHARLES LECLERC has become the fifth Formula One driver to test positive for Covid-19.
    The Ferrari ace had been on holiday in Dubai and upon his return to his Monaco home discovered that he had come into contact with a positive case.

    Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc has tested positive for Covid-19Credit: PA:Press Association

    A subsequent test returned a positive result and the 23-year-old has now confirmed he is suffering with ‘mild symptoms’.
    He said on his Instagram: “I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19.
    “I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols.
    “Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with.

    “A subsequent test I took has come back positive. I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms.
    “I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”

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

    Lando Norris and F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton both picked up the disease when in Covid-ravaged Dubai.
    Sergio Perez missed two races at Silverstone last season.

    While Lance Stroll was forced to sit out of the Eifel Grand Prix after complaining of being unwell, which was later diagnosed as coronavirus.

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    Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes to keep anti-racism black livery for new season despite doubts over unemployed Brit’s future

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S Mercedes car will once again be painted black for the new season despite continued doubts surrounding the Brit’s future.
    The 36-year-old urged his team’s hierarchy last year to change its traditional silver livery in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

    Lewis Hamilton had urged Mercedes to change its traditional silver liveryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The German manufacturer will keep black livery for the 2021 seasonCredit: Daimler AG

    Hamilton revealed last month that BLM gave him ‘extra drive’ to win races.
    He was also seen at races wearing T-shirts and masks with anti-racism slogans and took the knee on the winner’s podium.
    And Mercedes will continue to show their support by retaining the same colour scheme when Hamilton targets a historic eighth world championship.
    But before March’s opening race in Bahrain, the racing icon must sign a new contract after his deal with the German manufacturer expired last year..

    Hamilton – technically currently unemployed – has always maintained his desire was to stay with the Silver Arrows with a new deal expected to be worth £40million a year.
    And Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently claimed he’s unfazed by Britain’s seven-time world champion still not agreeing a new contract.
    He told Autosport: “It doesn’t worry me at all, because I will always respect Lewis’s decisions.
    ‘Whether this is staying with us for a long time, or whether that means leaving the sport and pursuing different interests.

    “I think we need to be ready for all kinds of curveballs being thrown at us.
    “But at the same time, we talk a lot, and we are very transparent with each other. I think there is more to achieve together.”
    In contrast to the delays over Hamilton’s deal, Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas sorted out an £8m one-year contract last August.

    F1 star Lewis Hamilton wakes up on birthday unemployed as new £40m-a-year Mercedes deal rumbles on More

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    F1 chiefs refuse to delay introduction of new rules to make races more competitive after Lewis Hamilton’s dominance

    FORMULA ONE chiefs will not delay the introduction of their new rulebook for another season – despite the ongoing pandemic.
    New car design rules were set to be brought in for 2021 to make the racing more competitive with world champion Lewis Hamilton continuing to dominate.

    World champion Lewis Hamilton has dominated F1 in recent yearsCredit: AP:Associated Press

    However, those regulations were shelved until 2022 due to the difficulties caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.
    There were some suggestions that F1 could defer them an extra year to 2023, however, the sport say they will not wait another 12 months.
    An F1 spokesperson said: “Any suggestion the 2022 regulations will be delayed is wrong and has not been discussed.
    “The new regulations are designed to improve competition on track and give our fans closer racing.

    “This combined with the new financial regulations will improve Formula 1 and create a healthier and stronger business model for the whole sport.”
    Meanwhile, Aston Martin boss Otmar Szafnauer has backed Sebastian Vettel’s experience to help deliver success to the newly-rebranded team.
    Szafnauer says the German, who was axed by Ferrari, can also benefit his team-mate Lance Stroll.
    He added: “In Sebastian, we have a proven four-time world champion with experience of helping teams become race-winning and championship-contending outfits.

    “That’s why he is such an important signing for us. He brings a winning mentality and we will all undoubtedly learn a lot from him on this journey.
    “In Lance, we have a young and talented, hard-working driver who enjoyed his best campaign to date last year and really made strides in all areas of his racing.
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    “We know if we give him the tools, he’s more than capable of helping the team reach its goals.
    “We also think Sebastian will bring out the best in Lance, with Lance pushing Sebastian hard in return, so we’re delighted with our 2021 line-up.
    “It’s the ideal blend of experience, race-winning knowhow, and raw talent.”

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

    F1 star Lewis Hamilton wakes up on birthday unemployed as new £40m-a-year Mercedes deal rumbles on More