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      F1 chiefs on collision course with human rights activists after confirming Saudi Arabian GP on 2021 schedule

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      FORMULA ONE chiefs are on a collision course with human rights activists after confirming the Saudi Arabian GP is on the schedule for 2021.
      F1 have released a mega 23-race calendar that includes the controversial GP in Jeddah, while a purpose built track is under construction in Qiddiya that will be completed in 2023.

      Jeddah will host a Formula One Grand Prix for the next two years, starting with next season’s penultimate raceCredit: Saudi Arabia Tourism

      The move to Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism from human rights activistsCredit: AFP or licensors

      But the move has been blasted by Amnesty International, who claim it is an attempt to ‘sportswash’ the country’s poor human rights record.
      In more controversy, there is no place for the Vietnam Grand Prix, which was on the 2020 calendar until it was redrawn during the coronavirus pandemic.
      The circuit was completed in February but following the arrest of Hanoi People’s Committee Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung, one of the main supporters of the race, it has been pulled from the schedule.
      The loss of Vietnam is a huge blow to F1’s owners, Liberty Media, with CEO Chase Carey having invested vast amounts of time in trying to complete the initial deal.

      F1 has already lost the Korean, Indian and Malaysian GPs and there are growing concerns about the future of the Chinese GP.
      Plus the Singapore GP will be in the final year of its contract in 2021, leading to concerns that the sport will lose a massive slice of the Asian market.
      Further problems for F1 include another controversial decision to switch locations in Brazil.
      For 2021, the race is penciled in for Interlagos in Sao Paulo, pending an agreement with the promoters, who themselves are furious that F1 is looking to move to Rio.

      Interlagos bosses have spent fortunes updating their paddock buildings in the hope of securing future F1 races.
      However, the sport is poised to switch to a purpose-built track – only the site identified is in a 500-acre forest and would require the removal of almost 200,000 trees.
      Brazil’s far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, who has overseen devastating levels of deforestation, has supported the plans.
      However, it is proving extremely unpopular with local residents and environmental groups that are sure to present F1 with yet another headache.
      Meanwhile Carey says he is confident that fans will be able attend next season’s races.
      The new calendar will see the season start in Melbourne on March 21 and Australian GP bosses say they can create a ‘Covid-safe venue’.
      Oz GP boss Andrew Westacott said: “We continue to work closely with health authorities and the Victorian Government as we develop our plans for fan attendance, which will be announced when finalised.
      “We’re adopting a sensible, adaptable and flexible approach, ensuring that a safe environment for fans and participants is our top priority.

      The races will be held of a street track in Jeddah until the mega new track at Qiddiya is built
      “Our massive parkland venue with 10.6km of track frontage provides us with the perfect opportunity to create a Covid-safe venue.”
      The British GP is scheduled for July 18 while there is also a new race in Zandvoort in Holland.
      However, there is still a slot up for grabs for April 25, which could mean either the return of the German, San Marino or Portuguese GP.
      Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO of Formula One, said: “We are pleased to announce the 2021 provisional calendar after extensive conversations with our promoters, the teams and the FIA.
      “We are planning for 2021 events with fans that provide an experience close to normal and expect our agreements to be honoured.
      “We have proven that we can safely travel and operate our races and our promoters increasingly recognise the need to move forward and manage the virus.
      “In fact, many hosts actually want to use our event as a platform to show the world they are moving forward.
      “We are delighted to see Saudi Arabia become part of the schedule and are equally excited to return to the venues we hoped to race at in 2020.

      “We want to thank all our promoters and partners for their ongoing enthusiasm and collaboration and look forward to giving our fans an exciting season on the track.”
      Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton can win his seventh world title at this weekend’s Turkish GP.
      The Brit, who has won nine times already this season to open up an 85-point gap over his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, only needs to finish ahead of the Finn.
      Meanwhile, Bottas must outscore Hamilton by at least eight points to roll the title fight on to the following round in Bahrain.

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      Lewis Hamilton shows off ripped body in pink jeans and shares throwback of F1 ace as six-year-old winning first trophies

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      LEWIS HAMILTON stays on the pink again – showing off his ripped body in some garish jeans.
      The Formula One legend also shared a photo of himself as a six-year-old boy winning one of his first trophies.

      Lewis Hamilton in his pink jeans with pet bulldog Roscoe

      Hamilton shared this image of him as a six-year-old with one of his first trophies in karting

      Lewis Hamilton in his pink denim outfit with his pet bulldog RoscoeCredit: Splash News

      Hamilton, 35, always likes to set trends in the fashion stakes – and it was not the first time he has gone for the pink look.
      He rocked up at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy last month completely in a pink denim outfit.
      The Brit, who has hinted he could quit F1, shared on Instagram a revealing shot in his pink jeans with his muscular, tattooed naked torso – with an impressive six pack – on show.
      Also in the shot was his sleeping pet bulldog Roscoe.

      Hamilton posted the words: “No matter what they say, be you!”
      That’s all well and good if you look like an Adonis rather than Wayne Slob!
      Hamilton surpassed Michael Schumacher’s world record in F1 when he claimed his 92nd race win last month.
      The Hertfordshire racer, who should wrap up a record-equalling seventh world title this year to move level with German Schumacher, has been hailed as the greatest of all time by the likes of Damon Hill.

      Hamilton posted his other shot as a boy with one of this first trophies, with another nice message.
      The Brit made his name at Hoddesdon’s famous Rye House karting track in east Hertfordshire, winning multiple titles where he made a reputation which impressed McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who took the youngster under his wing.
      Hamilton’s post read: “I was 6 years old here when I earned my first two trophies remote control car racing.
      “The small trophy was 2nd place in the electric class championship, against grown men.
      “The bigger was for best new comer in the bigger petrol cars again against men. I was the youngest by at least 15 years.
      “We were also the only people of colour there in a much smaller field.
      “I was so proud, these were some the best days of my life spending time with my dad out the back of the old car we had with our pot noodle soup and bacon sandwiches which was very much an English thing. #1991.”
      Hamilton is next in action in the Turkish Grand Prix next weekend (November 15).
      He is 85 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in this year’s F1 drivers’ standings.

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

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      Lewis Hamilton urged to speak out over ‘abysmal’ human rights record as Saudi Arabia lands F1 GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is being urged to speak out over Saudi Arabia’s ‘abysmal’ human rights record.
      Formula One has confirmed it will stage a first Grand Prix in the Middle East country next year.

      Formula One has been criticised for agreeing a ten-year deal to race in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP or licensors

      The races will be held of a street track in Jeddah until the mega new track at Qiddiya is builtCredit: Qiddiya

      The GP, the penultimate race of a record 23-round calendar, will be a night event on the streets of Jeddah as part of a ten-year, £500million deal.
      But human rights organisation Amnesty International slammed the decision and wants Britain’s six-time world champ Hamilton, his fellow drivers and the teams to express ‘solidarity with jailed human rights defenders’.
      F1 follows golf, tennis and boxing by hosting a major event in Saudi Arabia, while the all-electric Formula E series has already staged two races there.
      But Amnesty’s head of campaigns, Felix Jakens, said: “It would be incredibly important if Lewis could speak out.

      “The onus isn’t just on star drivers but the whole industry to be aware of what is happening in Saudi Arabia.
      “If the sport’s most high-profile driver is willing to speak out and say, ‘Actually, this is a country that has an appalling human rights record’, that takes the sheen off Saudi Arabia’s ability to sportswash its image.
      “F1 talks about diversification, inclusivity and appealing to LGBT people, so it needs to make a sustained effort on human rights.”
      Hamilton has actively campaigned for the Black Lives Matter movement and is demanding more diversity within F1.

      Lewis Hamilton has been urged to speak out against F1’s decision to stage races in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP

      And an Amnesty International statement read: “Formula One should realise a Saudi Grand Prix in 2021 would be part of efforts to sportswash the country’s abysmal human rights record.”
      Jakens added: “With critics of the government either jailed, exiled or hounded into silence, the Saudi authorities have pursued a twin approach of crushing human rights while throwing huge amounts of money at glittering sporting events.
      “It isn’t just motor racing — it’s golf, boxing, tennis, horse racing and the attempt to buy Newcastle United Football Club.”
      The Saudi state has come under severe criticism over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018.
      But F1 defended its decision to hold a race in Saudi Arabia.
      A spokesperson said: “For decades Formula One has worked hard to be a positive force everywhere it races, including economic, social and cultural benefits.

      We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on human rights and other issues clear to all our partners.
      F1 Spokesperson

      “Sports like Formula One are uniquely positioned to cross borders and cultures to bring countries and communities together, to share the passion and excitement of incredible competition.
      “We take our responsibilities very seriously and have made our position on human rights and other issues clear to all our partners.”
      In 2023, the Saudi GP is set to move to capital Riyadh, where a track is being built at the Qiddiya tourism project.
      Next year’s bumper schedule is due to begin in Melbourne on March 21, ending in Abu Dhabi on December 5.

      Trial opens in Turkey of 20 Saudi Arabian nationals over murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi More

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      Formula One announce Saudi Arabia Grand Prix with controversial race in Jeddah to join calendar in 2021

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      FORMULA ONE have announced that there will be a Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia in November 2021.
      The brand-new race will take place in the city of Jeddah, with the track to run along the banks of the Red Sea.

      It has been announced that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been added to the 2021 calendarCredit: Saudi Arabia Tourism

      The remainder of the F1 2021 schedule is expected to be revealed in the near futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Saudi Arabia will become the 33rd country to host a round of the Formula One World Championship when it showcases the race next year.
      Jeddah will be the venue for the Grand Prix until a purpose-built track at Qiddiyah is completed, with it not expected to be ready until 2023.
      F1 have announced that the final track design for the 2021 circuit is yet to be decided, though organisers want it to take place at night under the lights.
      Speaking of the news, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1 Chase Carey said: “We are excited to welcome Saudi Arabia to Formula 1 for the 2021 season and welcome their announcement following speculation in recent days.

      “Saudi Arabia is a country that is rapidly becoming a hub for sports and entertainment with many major events taking place there in recent years and we are very pleased that Formula 1 will be racing there from next season.
      “The region is hugely important to us and with 70 per cent of the population of Saudi being under 30 we are excited about the potential to reach new fans and bring our existing fans around the world exciting racing from an incredible and historic location.
      “We will be publishing our full provisional 2021 calendar in the coming weeks and this will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council for approval.”
      Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud added: “Saudi Arabia is accelerating forward and the speed, energy, excitement of Formula 1 perfectly reflects the transformational journey the country is on.

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      “As we’ve witnessed in recent years our people want to be at the very heart of the biggest moments in live sport and entertainment.
      “And they don’t come any bigger than Formula 1.
      “No matter where in the world it’s held, Formula 1 is an event that brings people together to celebrate an occasion that goes far beyond sport.
      “We look forward to sharing this unique experience and sharing Jeddah with the world. For many Saudis this will be a dream come true.”
      The remainder of the F1 2021 schedule is expected to be revealed in the near future.

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      Toto Wolff avoiding Lewis Hamilton contract talks due to coronavirus fears after last negotiations took 10 hours

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      MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff is holding off contract talks with Lewis Hamilton amid the coronavirus pandemic and revealed their last negotiations took 10 hours.
      The British F1 star dropped a bombshell last month by declaring he could quit the sport.

      Lewis Hamilton will be out of contract in December and has hinted he could quit F1Credit: Getty

      Merc chief Toto Wolff revealed it took 10 hours the last time they thrashed out a contractCredit: Getty

      Hamilton, whose contract expires in December, made the revelation after winning the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last Sunday.
      When asked by Wolff’s own uncertain future, Hamilton replied: “I don’t even know if I’m going to be here next year.”
      That took some of the shine off Merc’s celebrations after they won the constructors’ title for a record seventh straight time.
      Wolff has tried to play down talk of Hamilton leaving, but admitted ahead of the last race contract discussions would likely be lengthy based on how long they took last time.

      He said: “The last time took 10 hours but then we had it done and we finished the day with pizza.
      “So the truth is, like we’ve always said, there’s a lot of trust between us and we keep saying we’ve got to find a day but I think the championship is more important, the drivers championship.
      “I completely understand that Lewis and Valtteri [Bottas] want to concentrate on that, and the constructors for us, and it kind of seems that we have to get that done and then find the time to sit down together.
      “And I don’t want to contaminate either of the drivers with Covid and if you spend so much time together, you know, the worst thing would be if they miss a race or more.”

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      Wolff also hinted that Hamilton’s talks may even rumble into next year before the season opener in Melbourne in the middle of March.
      But Wolff, who is weighing up a new role as chairman of the Mercedes F1 team, believes he is close to agreeing new terms.
      Hamilton and the rest of F1’s stars head to Istanbul next week for the Turkish Grand Prix.

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals he is homesick for UK and misses ‘trees’ and ‘Buckingham Palace’ despite living in plush Monaco

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he loves the UK – even if some Brits don’t love him back.
      The reigning F1 world champion has made no secret of his fondness for his home country, even if he lives in the tax haven of Monaco.

      Lewis Hamilton has opened up on how he misses the UKCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Brit wakes up to this view from his flat in Monaco

      Hamilton, 35, is a big fan of the queen and in an Instagram post joked that he’d love to move into Buckingham Palace.
      The Brit, who is on course to win a record-equalling seventh F1 title next week in Turkey, has not lived in the UK since 2007.
      He wrote: “This year I have missed England more than any year since I’ve lived abroad.
      “I never miss the cold or grey skies but the countryside, the trees, cars driving on the right side of the road lol, the little villages I used to drive through and Buckingham Palace where I’ve always wanted to live (kidding, that’s a line from the movie Cool Runnings).

      “Anyway, I’m so proud to stand and represent the British flag and I’m so grateful to those who support me.
      “The greatest honour an athlete gets is to stand and lift the flag of their nation. I will continue to do so for as long as I can.”
      Hamilton is F1’s most successful driver of all time with 93 wins, first moved to Switzerland before switching to Monaco.
      It has led to accusations that he did so to avoid paying tax. Yet even with his shrewd business set up, he is still in the top 5,000 of UK taxpayers.

      And he continues to be beaten by the hate mob, unlike Sir Jackie Stewart, who lives in Switzerland, or Jenson Button, who lived in Monaco before moving to the US.
      Hamilton, who is estimated to be worth £224million, has yet to sign a new deal at Mercedes, believed to be worth up to £40m a year.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton has been hailed as ‘honourable’ by former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh, who also referred to Michael Schumacher as ‘dirty’.
      In an interview with Motorsport Magazine, Whitmarsh, who joined McLaren in 1989 and left in 2014, said: “I’ve got many happy memories of Jenson Button, Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Räikkönen, Juan Pablo Montoya, even Fernando [Alonso]. Extraordinary people in many ways. 
      “But the two who hover in my personal experience, that have had this aura of ‘incredibleness’, were Ayrton Senna and Lewis.
      “When I met Ayrton he had that already, but when I first met Lewis he didn’t.
      “It has grown, and it’s all his doing, his achievement. I was fortunate to have been close to the journey.

      “I could never relate to Schumacher in the way maybe I should have done.
      “He was always the foe, the dirty one trying to cheat against my driver, so I’m not balanced about Michael.
      “Lewis is ruthless, but he wants to win in a genuinely honest and honourable way. I don’t think that mattered to Schumacher.
      “You have got to admire people who maintain a degree of innocence and sincerity, like Lewis and Mika, who never pulled a dirty move.”

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      Toto Wolff dismisses Lewis Hamilton’s quit threat and is confident world champ WILL sign new Mercedes deal

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      TOTO WOLFF has dismissed Lewis Hamilton’s quit threat and is confident the world champion WILL sign a new deal with Mercedes.
      Hamilton, whose contract expires in December, made the startling revelation after winning the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last Sunday.

      Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton will continue in F1Credit: Getty

      Asked by SunSport about Wolff’s own uncertain future, Hamilton replied: “I don’t even know if I’m going to be here next year.”
      The revelation took the shine off Merc’s celebrations after they won the F1 constructors’ title for a record seventh time, and now Wolff has tried to play down talk of Hamilton leaving.
      He said: “I think we go together in a way. We have a symbiosis and obviously it’s important where our heart is and mindset is for next year.
      “But I’ve said that this is my team. I’m in a very proud corner with Mercedes and I’m not going to go anywhere.

      “My role may change in the future, and it’s something that he is asked and, and I think nothing is ever secure.
      “It was like Niki Lauda in the 1970′. You could wake up one morning on a Friday or Saturday morning on a track and say ‘I’m just not having fun anymore.’
      “And I think that can happen to anybody, but we want to continue this journey. We are not finished. Lewis and I and all the team, we’re not finished.”
      It is most unusual to see both Wolff and Hamilton wind down their respective deals, especially as Valtteri Bottas was confirmed for 2021 back in August.

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      But Wolff says that the delay has been caused because they are focused on winning their respective titles.
      And he hinted that Hamilton’s talks may even rumble into next year before the season opener in Melbourne in the middle of March.
      But Wolff, who is weighing up a new role as chairman of the Mercedes F1 team, says he is close to agreeing new terms.
      He added: “With Mercedes and I, we are pretty much clear – it’s just down to putting pen on the paper at the right moment.
      “I was also concentrating on bringing these championships home and it always feels not right to spend days with lawyers, when I’m so focused on what’s happening on track.
      “That this is where Lewis and I are very similar. It just didn’t feel the right opportune moment to sit down before those championships were not done.
      “There will be a moment when the drivers’ championship is going to be decided, to sit down. And we have a few months before the first race happens in Australia.”
      However, if Hamilton does indeed quit, it would not be the first time Mercedes and Wolff were caught cold.
      Nico Rosberg made the shock decision to retire from F1 after winning the 2016 title, leaving Merc in the lurch.

      Lewis Hamilton admits he doesn’t know if he’ll be in F1 next year after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix More

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      Lewis Hamilton admits ‘I don’t know if I’ll be in F1 next year’ after winning Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

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      LEWIS HAMILTON helped his Mercedes team win a record seventh straight constructors’ championship – then cast a major doubt over his future in the team. Hamilton, 35, won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix and can wrap up the drivers’ championship title next time out in Turkey. Both Hamilton and his Merc boss Toto Wolff are out […] More