F1

SIR FRANK WILLIAMS has left hospital and is ‘on the mend at home’, according to his family.
The Formula One icon, who founded Williams in 1977 before turning it into one of the sport’s most successful teams, had been in hospital with an unknown medical condition.

Sir Frank Williams is at home for Christmas after being released from hospitalCredit: Reuters

Williams was described as ‘stable’ earlier this month, with his medical condition kept private.
And the 78 year old’s family have now released a statement revealing he is now at home for Christmas.
It read: “We’re delighted to say that Sir Frank has been discharged from hospital and is now on the mend at home.
“The Williams family would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time, and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

It follows a previous statement released on December 15, which said: “Sir Frank Williams has recently been admitting to hospital where he is currently in a stable condition.
“Frank’s medical condition is a private matter and therefore the family will not be releasing any further details at this time.
“We ask for you to respect the family’s privacy. The team will release a further update in due course.”
Williams has used a wheelchair since a car accident in France, on 8 March 1986, rendered him tetraplegic. 

Williams is one of Formula One’s greatest legendsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

He has two sons, Jonathan and Jamie and daughter Claire, with his late wife Virginia, who passed away in 2013 aged 66.
The Williams family left the team Sir Frank found over 40 years ago in September.
After a series of difficult years, the team was sold to US investment group Dorilton Capital In August, with Sir Frank and Claire, the deputy team principal, both stepping down.
Williams won nine constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, and they dominated F1 for large portions of the 1980s and 1990s.
But their last win at a Grand Prix occurred in 2012 and for the past two seasons they finished last in the championship.
Due to financial losses last year, the Williams family sought out new investment, and that led to them leaving the team to make way for new management.

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NIKITA MAZEPIN will race for Haas next season in F1 despite a controversial video online.
The F1 team reaffirmed their commitment to the Russian driver to race alongside Mick Schumacher.

Nikita Mazepin will race for Haas next season, the F1 team confirmedCredit: Getty Images

That’s despite the 21-year-old posting a video of him groping a woman’s chest.
Haas, however, say the matter has been dealt with and the Russian will keep his race seat next season.
A statement read: “Haas F1 Team would like to reaffirm that Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will form its driver lineup for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
“As per the team’s previous statement regarding the actions of Nikita Mazepin (December 9) – this matter has now been dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made.”

The Haas F1 team previously condemned the 21-year-old’s behaviour.
Team boss Gunther Steiner said: “We take it very seriously, as you saw with what we sent out. I just want to reinforce that, that we will deal with it.
“I’m not going into detail on what we’ll do and how we’ll do it, but we take it seriously, and we will work to sort this out, what happened. Nothing more to say.”
Mazepin is no stranger to controversy both on and off the track.

Nikita Mazepin in action for Hitech during the 2020 F2 seasonCredit: Getty Images
During his final F2 race in Bahrain last weekend he picked up two penalty points to take his tally to 11 – one short of a one-race ban.
And in 2016, he was banned from a European Formula 3 race for punching Brit Callum Ilott.
Steiner added: “That is part of it, what we’re going to speak to him about privately.
“I don’t want to go public on how we are doing this. I just go back, I don’t want to comment any more.
“I guess I ask people to respect that privacy, because we treat it seriously. But we will deal with it.”
F1 and the FIA issued a joint statement to support Haas and condemn Mazepin’s behaviour.
It said: “The ethical principles and diverse and inclusive culture of our sport are of the utmost importance to the FIA and Formula One.”
Having deleted the post, Mazepin apologised for his actions, insisting he must hold himself ‘to a higher standard’.
He wrote: “I would like to apologise for my recent actions both in terms of my own inappropriate behaviour and the fact that it was posted onto social media.
“I am sorry for the offense I have rightly caused and to the embarrassment I have brought to Haas F1 Team.
“I have to hold myself to a higher standard as a Formula 1 driver and I acknowledge I have let myself and many people down.
“I promise I will learn from this.”

A woman who claims to have been in the video, however, has insisted the incident was an ‘internal joke’ between ‘friends’.
She wrote: “Hi guys, I just want to let you know Nikita and I have been good friends for a long time and nothing from the video was serious at all!
“We trust each other so much and this was a silly way of joking between us.
“I posted the video on his story as an internal joke. I am truly sorry.
“I can give you my word he’s a really good person and he would never do anything to hurt or humiliate me.” More

LEWIS HAMILTON lost almost a STONE when he had coronavirus.
But the Formula One ace has vowed to work hard and regain the lost muscle from a point of ‘low strength’.

Lewis Hamilton revealed the weight loss to his 21.3m Instagram followers

Hamilton wrote: “I’ve lost 6kg over the past two months. Four of which I lost when I got Covid.
“I’ve lost so much muscle.
“Starting from a low point in strength now, not fun but I’m determined to get my strength back and to be 100 per cent again.
“No pain, no gain.”

The 35-year-old then posted a video clip of his adorable bulldog Roscoe asleep on an exercise mat behind him.
Earlier this month, Hamilton said he was grateful to be alive after contracting coronavirus.
The superstar Brit returned to the circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after he was forced to sit out the Sakhir GP.
After testing positive, Hamilton spent 10 days in isolation at the beginning of December.

Hamilton was forced to sit out the Sakhir GP after testing positive for Covid-19

But his month drastically improved as he recovered and then bagged the 2020 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The Formula 1 legend won the gong for a second time, having earned the title back in 2014.
He beat off stiff competition from the likes of third-placed Hollie Doyle and runner-up Jordan Henderson, as well as Tyson Fury, Stuart Broad and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
The Mercedes driver won a fourth Driver’s Championship in a row this season, his seventh overall.
And he beat F1 icon Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Grand Prix wins along the way.
Victory at the Turkish Grand Prix last month saw Hamilton extend the record to 94.

Lewis Hamilton won the 2020 BBC SPOTY

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LEWIS HAMILTON has been named Sports Personality of the Year 2020.
The Formula 1 legend has won the gong for a second time, having earned the title back in 2014.

The seven-time champion collected his award remotelyCredit: supplied by Pixel8000

Hamilton won his seventh Driver’s Championship in Istanbul last monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Hamilton, 35, beat off stiff competition from the likes of third-placed Hollie Doyle and runner-up Jordan Henderson, as well as Tyson Fury, Stuart Broad and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Upon winning the award, he said: “Congratulations to all the new incredible nominees.
“I’m so proud of what they have achieved this year and I really want to say thank you to everyone who has called in and voted for me.
“I really wasn’t expecting this, knowing there was so many great contenders, but I think we’re all winners.

“I really want to send a merry Christmas to everyone, I know it’s been such an unusual year – but all the frontline workers, all the children around the world, please try and stay positive through this difficult time.
“Sending everyone positivity and again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
On being one of a number of great drivers to have won the award, Hamilton continued: “It shows many iconic heroes we have here in the UK, again I’m really proud to be among them all.
“I will continue to try and do my part representing the country in the best way I can and please everyone out there, go out and follow your dreams, to all the kids – please, never give up on yourself, continue to believe in yourself, because you have what it takes to be great.”

Hamilton delivered an uplifting winner’s speech to hosts Clare Balding and Alex ScottCredit: PA:Press Association

The Brit secured his 94th Grand Prix win in Istanbul last monthCredit: AFP

Hamilton has been an important voice within F1’s battle for racial equalityCredit: Getty – Pool

The Mercedes driver won a fourth Driver’s Championship in a row this season, his seventh overall.
And he beat F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Grand Prix wins along the way.
Victory at the Turkish Grand Prix last month saw Hamilton extend the record to 94.
After the win in Istanbul Hamilton, who has also won Championships in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019, said: “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible.
“Seven is just unimaginable but when you work with such a great group of people and you really trust each other, there is just no end to what you can do together.
“I feel like I’m only just getting started, it’s really weird.”
Hamilton has also been a fearless promoter of racial equality this year.

The fearless star will keep promoting the message of social justiceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford received a Special Award for his outstanding charity workCredit: PA:Press Association

Jurgen Klopp was recognised as Coach of the YearCredit: PA:Press Association
The Brit called for Formula 1 to do more to promote diversity within the organisation back in July.
And he could often be seen on track wearing his Black Lives Matter shirts.
Hamilton has also continued his campaign to try and help save the environment this year, by launching an all-electric racing team to take part in Extreme E championship.
And the F1 star is to soon be knighted in the New Year’s Honours list.
Former winner Damon Hill wrote: “Congrats to @LewisHamilton on his second SPOTY. Some of you may have seen me not concentrating. Apologies. I was Tweeting when I should have been smiling. But you try smiling for 2 hrs just in case!”
Elsewhere on the night, Liverpool scooped the Team of the Year award, while manager Jurgen Klopp secured Coach of the Year.
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was recognised for his outstanding charitable work off the pitch, by receiving a brand new Special Award following his successful campaign for free school meals to be given to children that need them most during the holidays.
UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was named World Sport Star of the Year.

Jordan Henderson was runner-up in the main awardCredit: PA:Press Association

Hollie Doyle came thirdCredit: PA:Press Association

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LEWIS HAMILTON is worth every penny of his new £40million a year contract according to his Mercedes bosses.
SunSport revealed how his F1 team was being restructured thanks to the investment from the UK’s fifth richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is the Chairman of chemicals firm INEOS.

Lewis Hamilton’s current contract expires on December 31Credit: AP:Associated Press

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now involved with MercedesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

And in another boost to the world champion, Toto Wolff will remain as the racing team’s principal after he increased his stake in the operation.
It means Wolff, Ratcliffe and Mercedes will become co-owners with an equal shareholding – and all three are committed to getting Hamilton’s new deal done.
Ratcliffe, who is worth around £18bn, said: “I am very clear in my mind that Lewis is the greatest or one of the two or three greatest ever racing drivers, there is absolutely no question of that.
“He is a very likable chap, but all these contract decisions go through Toto, as he runs the team.

“But clearly there has been no diminution of his skills; he is still at the absolute top of his game, despite being 35. There is no sign of any change.”
Wolff, who rowed back on claims that he contemplated leaving his position in the team, also reiterated his desire to keep Hamilton.
He added: “We have had such a successful run for seven years, there is no reason why not to continue.
“He is at the top of his game and he will be for a while. That is why continuing together is a no brainer.

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“In terms of why we have not yet signed the contract yet, the reason is simple. We prioritise getting the championship done and not being distracted by sometimes difficult discussions, but we are not worried.
“We are not putting a date on it and sooner or later it will be done at the latest before we go testing.”
Hamilton’s current deal expires on December 31st and while he would not be drawn on the £40million figure, Merc chairman, Ola Kallenius, has also backed the Brit and urged Wolff to get the deal signed.
He said: “I have known him since he was a teenager. I was the Mercedes guy at McLaren in 2002 and 2003 and I could see him move up the ranks.
“I met him when he was 15 and we used to joke that he was the future world champion.

We would like to continue this partnership and it is up to Toto in his role to get that done
Ola Kallenius

“We would like to continue this partnership and it is up to Toto in his role to get that done.”
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez has been confirmed as a Red Bull driver for 2021 and will partner Max Verstappen.
The Mexican, who finished fourth in the drivers’ championship, was ruthlessly axed by Racing Point, who picked Sebastian Vettel instead.
Perez, 30, has agreed a one-year deal while Alex Albon will be demoted to the team’s test and reserve driver roles.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “Alex is a valued member of the team and we thought long and hard about this decision.
“Having taken our time to evaluate all the relevant data and performances we have decided that Sergio is the right driver to partner Max for 2021 and look forward to welcoming him to Red Bull Racing.
“Alex remains an important part of our team as Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development and we would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution.”

Sergio Perez has agreed a one-year deal with Red BullCredit: PA:Press Association

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SERGIO PEREZ has been confirmed as a Red Bull driver for 2021 and will partner Max Verstappen.
The Mexican finished fourth in the drivers’ championship.

Sergio Perez has been confirmed as a Red Bull driver for 2021Credit: Getty

But he was ruthlessly axed by Racing Point, who picked Sebastian Vettel instead.
Perez, 30, has agreed a one-year deal.
Alex Albon will be demoted to the team’s test and reserve driver roles.
Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “Alex is a valued member of the team and we thought long and hard about this decision.

“Having taken our time to evaluate all the relevant data and performances we have decided that Sergio is the right driver to partner Max for 2021 and look forward to welcoming him to Red Bull Racing.
“Alex remains an important part of our team as Test and Reserve Driver with a key focus on 2022 development and we would like to thank him for his hard work and contribution.”
Albon has spent the last 18 months at Red Bull following a rapid promotion from AlphaTauri.
But he has struggled and was outqualified by Verstappen at every race in 2020.

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Red Bull were keen to give the 24-year-old as much time as possible to prove he should keep his place.
But two third-place finishes and a strong drive to fourth in last week’s Abu Dhabi GP have not been enough to do that.
Red Bull’s announcement means Mercedes are the only team to still have a seat left open for 2021 – although Lewis Hamilton’s new deal is almost but confirmed.
In a separate coverstation, Horner revealed he is confident Perez can help Red Bull take the title fight to Mercedes in 2021.
Horner said: “I have known Sergio for many years since he drove for my team in GP2, and seeing how he has matured since that time.
“He is a very rounded driver and has a canny ability to over-deliver in the machinery he has been given.
“I think he will be a good addition to the team and shows our ambition to field a competitive team against Mercedes next year.”
London-born Thai racer Albon remains as part of the team and Horner says it was a difficult decision to drop the likable racer.
However, Horner says the team made their decision based on the data from studying their respective performances over the year.
He added: “The decision has been an incredibly hard one.
“All of us wanted to see Alex succeed but what we said was that we would give Alex the season and we would not make a decision until the end of the season to have a complete set of data.
“That’s what we did and when you look at the data and the ratio between the two drivers it was a decision that was driven by that.
“It was impossible to ignore Sergio’s performance in the Racing Point, particularly in the second half of the season.”
Perez’s arrival will lead to questions about Red Bull’s young driver programme that has nurtured talent including Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo alongside Verstappen.
However, Horner says that on this occasion there was not a ready-made replacement in their stable and opted for the best driver available.
He said: “There was no candidate on the junior programme that was suitable so we decided to go outside of that for the first time since 2007.
“It was impossible to ignore Sergio’s performances this year. He has driven a great campaign and has been truly impressive, particularly in the second half of the season.
“We want to field the strongest team we can to take the fight to Mercedes and you have got to do that with both cars.
“Sergio has the necessary experience and will be a good teammate for Max next year. We want our drivers racing close together at the sharp end.”

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LEWIS HAMILTON is set to sign his new £40million Mercedes contract in days.
Mercedes tweeted a picture of Britain’s seven time world champ with the caption “Announce soon” – accompanied by Hamilton stating: “We as a team have more to do together.”

Lewis Hamilton is set to sign his new £40m deal with MercedesCredit: PA:Press Association

It came as Mercedes are also poised to reveal UK billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe as new joint owner alongside current head of motorsport, Toto Wolff.
And in what promises to be a blockbuster day for F1 moves, Sergio Perez is understood to have put pen to paper on a deal with Red Bull that means he will partner Max Verstappen in 2021.
Hamilton has made no secret of his desire to stay with the team and said he wanted his future resolved before Christmas.
Meanwhile, SunSport understands that Ratcliffe, who is worth £13billion, will become joint owner alongside Mercedes and Wolff.

And at Red Bull, Perez’s expected arrival will mean that Alex Albon will be demoted to reserve and test driver for the Milton Keynes based team for next year.
Hamilton’s own bid for a record-breaking EIGHTH world title will come in the longest season in F1 history.
The 2021 calendar was confirmed yesterday, with a gruelling 23 grands prix.
The Brit, 35, is tied with iconic Michael Schumacher on seven titles but begins his bid to pull clear in Australia on March 21, ending in Abu Dhabi on December 6.

Racing Point’s Sergio Perez is set to join Red BullCredit: Getty Images

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Silverstone, which hosted a double-header in this year’s Covid-ravaged season, will stage the British GP on July 18.
The calendar is dependent on the pandemic and plans are already in place to stage Melbourne’s opener with fans.
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