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      F1 chiefs finalising 2021 drivers with Hamilton yet to sign at Mercedes, Alonso back at Renault and Vettel with new team

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      FORMULA ONE bosses are putting together the finishing touches on the calendar for the 2021 season.
      While Lewis Hamilton has yet to sign his Mercedes deal, the majority of seats with the big teams have been filled.

      Hamilton is yet to sign a new deal to continue his relationship with Bottas at MercedesCredit: AFP

      But there are still plenty of places on the grid still available.
      With the rumour mill cranking into action, we look at who could end up where next season…
      MERCEDES
      Lewis Hamilton – Expected to sign
      Valtteri Bottas – Confirmed for next season

      The world champions plan to stick with a winning partnership – and who could blame them?
      While Bottas is already signed up, it is expected that Hamilton will do the same.
      FERRARI

      Sainz, right, will replace Vettel to join Leclerc at FerrariCredit: AFP or licensors
      Charles Leclerc – Confirmed for next season
      Carlos Sainz – (from McLaren) Confirmed for next season

      A new pairing for the Italian team as Sainz arrives alongside Leclerc.
      But if you listen to Ferrari, victories will still be a long way off, given their engine-power deficit.
      RED BULL

      Albon will hope to continue partnering Verstappen at Red BullCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Max Verstappen – Long term contract with the team
      Alex Albon – Contract with the team but it is uncertain if he will be in the car next season.
      Another option could be Nico Hulkenberg, who has impressed when he has filled in at Racing Point.
      Pierre Gasly could also make the move back from AlphaTauri.
      McLAREN

      Ricciardo will be joined by Lando Norris at McLaren for 2021Credit: Splash News
      Daniel Ricciardo (from Renault) Confirmed for next season
      Lando Norris – Confirmed for next season
      McLaren look to have an excellent partnership in these two, plus they will also use Mercedes engines next season too.
      Podiums should be achievable.

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

      RENAULT

      Alonso will be back at Renault in 2021 – joined by Esteban OconCredit: AFP – Getty
      Fernando Alonso – Confirmed for next season
      Esteban Ocon – Confirmed for next season
      Alonso’s return is a boost to Renault following Ricciardo’s departure.
      Can the Spaniard turn them into regular winners?
      He is expected to be paired with Frenchman Esteban Ocon, although Gasly has also been mentioned.
      ASTON MARTIN

      Vettel will be joined by Stroll at Aston Martin after leaving FerrariCredit: Splash News
      Sebastian Vettel – Confirmed for next season
      Lance Stroll – Confirmed for next season
      Racing Point will be rebranded and with it comes a new, experienced face in Vettel.
      Stroll will keep his place in the team by virtue of him being the owner’s son.
      ALPHATAURI

      AlphaTauri’s line-up is unknown, but they could promote F2 star Yuki TsunodaCredit: Alamy Live News
      Unknown
      Unknown
      With Gasly, Albon, Daniil Kvyat all under contract at Red Bull, the sister team could stick with their line up.
      Or another option would be to promote Yuki Tsunoda, who has impressed in Formula 2.
      HAAS

      Mick Schumacher could race for Haas next season with Magnussen and Grosjean outCredit: Alamy Live News
      Unknown
      Unknown
      Haas boss, Guenther Steiner, is weighing up his options with Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean out.
      Hulkenberg, Sergio Perez and Mick Schumacher have been listed as possible replacements.
      F2 star Nikita Mazepin – son of a Russian billionaire, Dmitry Mazepin – is another in the frame.
      ALFA ROMEO

      Kimi Raikkonen is out out contract by Alfa Romeo are likely to retain himCredit: Reuters
      Unknown
      Unknown
      Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi are both out of contract next season, yet sources in the paddock think the Finn will be retained.
      As for his team-mate? Ferrari juniors Schumacher, Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman could be possible options.
      WILLIAMS

      Russell and Latifi are the confirmed racers for Williams in 2021Credit: Splash News
      George Russell – Confirmed for next season
      Nicholas Latifi – Confirmed for next season
      Both drivers expect to remain in the team, but that said there are plenty of suggestions that Perez could replace Russell, who is on loan from Mercedes.
      Perez would bring in sponsorship money for the team’s new owners.

      Lewis Hamilton by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £42m a year More

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      Portuguese Grand Prix practice: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and race schedule from the Algarve

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      LEWIS HAMILTON continues his quest for a seventh world title as the F1 season moves to Portugal.
      The Brit star was back on top of the podium as he dominated at the Eifel Grand Prix, giving him a 69-point lead over teammate Valtteri Bottas.

      Mercedes are hoping to dominate once again in PortugalCredit: Reuters

      Racing Point driver Lance Stroll tested positive for coronavirus after the GP in Germany and will miss the race.
      When is Portuguese Grand Prix practice?
      Three days of high-octane action begins with two practice sessions on Friday, October 23.
      Practice 1 begins at 11am, with the second session at 3pm BST.
      Qualifying follows on Saturday at 2pm, before the big race on Sunday at 1.10pm.
      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of the weekend’s drama live on Sky Sports F1.
      Coverage of the first practice session begins at 11am on Friday.
      If you’re not a Sky subscriber, grab a NOW TV pass to stream from just £9.99.

      Race schedule
      Friday, October 23
      Practice 1 – 11am to 12.30pm
      Practice 2 – 3pm to 4.30pm
      Saturday, October 24
      Practice 3 – 11am to midday
      Qualifying – 2pm to 3pm
      Sunday, October 25
      Race – 1.10pm More

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      Lewis Hamilton blasts FIA’s decision to hire Petrov as Portuguese GP steward after he criticised his anti-racism stance

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has blasted the FIA’s decision to hire Vitaly Petrov as a steward for this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix after the Russian’s outspoken remarks.
      Last month, the former F1 racer was quoted by Russian publication Championat, criticising Hamilton’s anti-racism stance as being “too much”.

      British racing hero Lewis Hamilton has been using his platform to fight for racial equalityCredit: Reuters

      Ex-F1 driver Petrov last month spewed his anti-BLM agenda

      Petrov is also quoted as saying “let’s say a driver admits to being gay – will they come out with a rainbow flag and urge everyone to become gay as well?”
      SunSport put those quotes to Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s race and the world champion said he was shocked to see him appointed by the FIA as part of their four-man panel who effectively referee the race.
      He said: “I have not seen all the quotes, and you have just recited some of them.
      “Of course, it is a surprise to see that they are hiring someone who has those beliefs and is so vocal about things we are trying to fight against.

      “You should take it up with the FIA because there is nothing I can particularly do about.”
      Formula One launched its ‘WeRaceAsOne’ campaign ahead of this season to promote diversity and inclusion, however the Russian’s views seem to oppose that stance.
      Hamilton added: “We should definitely be including people here who are with the times, understanding of the times we are living in and sensitive to the matters that are surrounding us.
      “So I don’t really quite understand what the FIA’s goal is or why particularly he is here because it is not like they don’t have other options.”

      Hamilton has questioned the FIA’s Petrov appointmentCredit: Reuters

      Hamilton’s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, said: “Obviously I also haven’t heard any of those quotes and I don’t know them in detail so it’s tough to say.
      “But I think as Lewis said we all should have the same mindset for the things that we are pushing on.”
      Meanwhile, Mick Schumacher has shot straight to the top of Haas’ wishlist after the F1 team failed to offer Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean new deals.
      Schumacher is currently leading the Formula 2 championship and, if he wins it, the rules mean that he cannot remain in the series.
      Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael, is part of the Ferrari academy but the Italian team have already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Charles Leclerc next season.
      So Ferrari will look to park the German at either Haas or Alfa Romeo in 2021 so he can get some F1 experience.
      Haas have now cleared the decks in the hope of securing Schumacher’s signature, although other options include Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg, British racer Callum Ilott and Nikita Mazepin, the son of Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin.

      Mick Schumacher is top of Haas’ wishlistCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick hands Lewis Hamilton one of his dad’s old helmets as Brit equals legend’s GP win record More

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      Nico Hulkenberg on standby for F1 team Racing Point at Portuguese GP after Lance Stroll’s coronavirus drama

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      NICO HULKENBERG is on standby for Racing Point should either of its drivers fail another Covid-19 test at this weekend’s Portuguese GP.
      The German replaced Lance Stroll, who missed the Eifel GP after complaining of feeling unwell before flying home to Switzerland, where he tested positive.

      Lance Stroll is set to return in Portimao after missing the Eifel GPCredit: Splash News

      Nico Hulkenberg has stepped in twice for Racing Point and is primed to do so again this weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hulkenberg also filled in for Sergio Perez in two races at Silverstone after he too tested positive after flying back to Mexico to visit his mum.
      Team boss Otmar Szafnauer said: “Nico is here in Portugal and I think other teams have also opted to bring reserve drivers for the first time.
      “It just makes sense to have reserve drivers.
      “Nico is here as a precaution and I am confident Lance will be in the car this weekend.”

      Stroll revealed he had tested positive for Covid-19 after missing the Nurburgring race but questions were raised as to why Racing Point did not test him sooner if he was feeling unwell.
      The Canadian returned a negative test on Tuesday but did not undergo another test until Sunday evening – despite mixing with his team members.

      Szafnauer has defended his team’s decision not to test his driver, insisting he was told that his symptoms were not Covid related.
      He said: “He had the same symptoms he had in Russia where we tested him twice thereafter and he came back twice negative.

      “The one thing Lance did is he called his doctor. So what should I do? So instead of listening to Otmar he called his doctor. I’m not a physician.
      “He’s Lance’s private physician in Switzerland. It was a phone call. It was the same guy Lance saw after Russia.

      So what should I do? Instead of listening to Otmar he called his doctor. I’m not a physician.
      Otmar Szafnauer

      “So he’s got a stomach upset after Russia, we tested him a couple of times, Lance went and saw the doctor in Switzerland so called him.”
      Meanwhile, in an intriguing twist, Stroll’s father Lawrence, who owns Racing Point and Aston Martin, also tested positive for Covid-19 on the same day as his son – despite not being in Russia or Germany.
      Szafnauer added: “Lawrence went to Aston Martin that weekend and was there on Thursday where he tested and he got a result on Friday that was negative.
      “And then when Lance landed and tested, Lawrence tested at the same time again. And then both tests came back positive.”

      Watch F1 star Daniel Ricciardo’s hilarious celebration after sinking impossible 50ft putt on golf course More

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      Mick Schumacher top of Haas wanted list after F1 team axe Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean for next season

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      MICK SCHUMACHER has shot straight to the top of Haas’ wishlist after the Formula One team failed to offer Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean new deals.
      Schumacher is currently leading the Formula 2 championship and, if he wins it, the rules mean that he cannot remain in the series.

      Mick Schumacher is set for an F1 seat after impressing in the reserve F2 seriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The son of Michael Schumacher, Mick recently congratulated Lewis Hamilton on matching the German’s race wins recordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael, is part of the Ferrari academy but the Italian team have already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Charles Leclerc next season.
      So Ferrari will look to park the German at either Haas or Alfa Romeo in 2021 so he can get some F1 experience.
      Haas have now cleared the decks in the hope of securing Schumacher’s signature, although other options include Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg, British racer Callum Ilott and Nikita Mazepin, the son of Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin.
      Haas’s decision to ditch their current line-up was not unexpected.

      The team, which is based in Brackley, is currently in ninth place in the constructors’ championship after a difficult season.
      Frenchman Grosjean, 34, has been with Haas since the team entered Formula One in 2016 while Dane Magnussen, 28, joined the following year from Renault.
      Team boss Guenther Steiner said: “I want to extend my thanks to both Romain and Kevin for their hard work and commitment to Haas F1 Team over the past few seasons.
      “Romain was a fundamental part of our establishment as we sought to get a driver onboard with both speed and experience.

      “His results in early 2016 were a just reward, not only for his own talent, but also for the sheer amount of effort the team had put in to be on the grid that season.
      “When Kevin joined a season later, we saw an immediate return with both cars scoring points, and of course, our first double points finish in Monaco that year.
      “We have a lot of good memories together – in particular our 2018 season when we finished fifth in the standings in only our third season.”

      Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen are both leaving Haas at the end of the yearCredit: EPA More

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      Lewis Hamilton to reignite rivalry with F1 icon Nico Rosberg as ex-Mercedes star creates Extreme E race team

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is set to reignite his rivalry with Nico Rosberg after the German revealed he is launching his own Extreme E race team.
      SunSport exclusively revealed in September that Hamilton was entering the electric off-road racing series that kicks off in January as boss of the X44 team.

      Lewis Hamilton is set to reignite his rivalry with Nico Rosberg after the German revealed he is launching his own Extreme E race teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The series will race in remote areas in the world to raise awareness and support projects to stop climate change

      And he will go head-to-head with his former Mercedes team-mate who has created the Rosberg Xtreme Racing team.
      The series will race in remote areas in the world to raise awareness and support projects to stop climate change.
      Rosberg said: “We are thrilled to unveil Rosberg Xtreme Racing as the latest addition to Extreme E.
      “The series represents an amazing opportunity to not only drive awareness but also inspire action in the fight against climate change – the single biggest threat to our planet today.

      “Since retiring from F1 I have dedicated my career to sustainable technologies so to be able to combine these endeavours with my passion for racing is incredibly fulfilling.”
      Alejandro Agag, Extreme E Founder and CEO, said: “We are ecstatic to finally announce that Rosberg Xtreme Racing will be joining our line-up for the first season of Extreme E.
      “We have been talking about this project for many months and we are thrilled he has chosen Extreme E for his formal return to motorsport as Founder and CEO of his own racing team.

      “There is clearly a great synergy between Nico’s endeavours in the sustainability field and the aims of Extreme E so his team is a hugely welcomed addition to the series.”

      Rosberg is the only man who has stopped Hamilton from winning the F1 title during the last seven years and had a bitter fallout with the Brit during their time at Merc.
      He stunned the sport by retiring from F1 in 2016 having won the title and has since been heavily involved in electric mobility and invested in Formula E.

      Lewis Hamilton releases album about drinking too much, sleeping with women and having his heart broken More

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      Watch F1 star Daniel Ricciardo’s hilarious celebration after sinking impossible 50ft putt on golf course

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      FORMULA 1 star Daniel Ricciardo declared himself ‘Gilmore Happy’ after sinking a monster 50ft putt – and celebrated like he had won the lottery.
      The Australian Renault driver was enjoying some time off before this weekend’s Portugal GP.

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      Daniel Ricciardo set the putt off from all of 50ft awayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/danielricciardo/

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      The putt looked like missing miles right before it curled inCredit: https://www.instagram.com/danielricciardo/

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      Ricciardo then does Happy Gilmore’s famous celebration after seeing the ball dropCredit: https://www.instagram.com/danielricciardo/

      Brit hero Lewis Hamilton – who recently had to change his own tyre when his car broke down – is miles ahead of everyone else on a record-tying 91 wins.
      But Ricciardo – who had a nasty crash in Styrian GP practice – proved he is king of the golf course with this ridiculous putt.
      The ex-Red Bull driver, 31, posted a video to his Instagram of himself setting off the huge putt.
      It looks to be going well right of the hole before catching the slope and rolling back down towards it.

      What looked impossible a second earlier now looks likely as the ball keeps tracking its target before dropping in.
      The camera then cuts to Ricciardo who jumps up and down, punching the air in delight before copying Happy Gilmore’s famous celebration.
      He captioned the clip: “I’d like to go by Gilmore Happy this weekend please.”
      Fans were equally impressed.

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      Ricciardo said fans should call him ‘Gilmore Happy’Credit: Handout

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      Pictured

      HAM SOLO
      Lewis Hamilton changes his own tyre after £70k electric Mercedes suffers BLOW OUT

      GLAM HAM
      Inside F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s stunning £13m car collection & gorgeous £5m yacht

      Pictured

      FLIGHT RISK
      MotoGP star Rossi, 41, jets to Wag’s birthday and then tests positive for Covid

      HORROR CRASH
      Fears for Moto GP star in crash at Aragon GP as rider taken away on stretcher

      HAM’S THE MAN
      Hamilton’s achievement must NOT be rubbished because of F1 car, blasts Wolff

      One asked Ricciardo to organise a sports crossover when they said: “Do a collab with Gareth Bale.”
      Another commented: “So every single F1 driver will become a golf player now? Is that right?”
      While a fellow user replied: “Full-time golf players, part-time F1 drivers.”
      Ricciardo will have to go some way if he wants to mix it with the big boys though.
      Patrick Reed showed how good you have to go be at the top with his hole in one at last month’s US Open.
      And his hole out was from 165 yards, rather than 50ft.

      Lewis Hamilton by far F1’s top earner on a staggering £42m a year More

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      Australian Grand Prix bosses confident race will kick-start 2021 F1 season despite unknown over coronavirus pandemic

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      AUSTRALIAN GP bosses are confident their race will kick off the 2021 F1 season – despite the coronavirus pandemic.
      This year’s race in Melbourne was called off at the 11th hour following a positive test among the McLaren team.

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      Bottas lifts the trophy after winning the 2019 Australian GPCredit: EPA

      Despite the local promoter insisting the race was going ahead, the plug was eventually pulled by F1’s CEO, Chase Carey.
      As a result of the pandemic, Melbourne Airport is currently closed to incoming flights.
      However, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott says he was confident of meeting the mid-March race date.
      He revealed: “Melbourne will again host the F1 season opener in the traditional March time slot, which will form a significant part of the recovery of the major sports and events industry in Victoria.”

      F1 bosses are still drawing up their calendar for 2021 after struggling with this season’s schedule.
      The plan so far is for it to include at least 22 races.
      As well as the normal destinations, fans will also get to witness new GPs in Holland and Vietnam- whether from the track or on TV.
      There is also a suggestion that there could also be an F1 race staged in Saudi Arabia.

      Pictured

      HAM SOLO
      Lewis Hamilton changes his own tyre after £70k electric Mercedes suffers BLOW OUT

      GLAM HAM
      Inside F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s stunning £13m car collection & gorgeous £5m yacht

      Pictured

      FLIGHT RISK
      MotoGP star Rossi, 41, jets to Wag’s birthday and then tests positive for Covid

      LEW BEAUTY
      F1 salaries for 2020 reveal Hamilton is top earner on £42m ahead of rivals

      HORROR CRASH
      Fears for Moto GP star in crash at Aragon GP as rider taken away on stretcher

      NO GRACE
      Renee Gracie slams Supercars for ‘sex sells’ role after quitting for porn job

      Lewis Hamilton is leading this year’s competition and has a 69 point lead over Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
      Racing resumes in Portugal this weekend as the Brit looks to extend his lead and surpass Michael Schumacher’s win record.
      Reigning world champ Hamilton, 35, will be hoping he doesn’t have any more car trouble after being forced to change his own wheel on his £70,000 electric motor after getting a blow-out on the motorway.

      Lewis Hamilton releases album about drinking too much, sleeping with women and having his heart broken More