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      Mercedes should tell Lewis Hamilton ‘take it or leave it’ says ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone as he recalls row over Senna

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      BERNIE ECCLESTONE has called on Mercedes to offer Lewis Hamilton a ‘take it or leave it’ contract.
      Negotiations over the world champion’s seat in the coming season continue to rumble on.

      Bernie Ecclestone has given his take on Lewis Hamilton’s contract sagaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had promised that an agreement would be found ‘soon’ but Hamilton remains the only driver on the grid without a contract.
      Ecclestone, 90, ran the Brabham team in the 1970s and 80s before heading F1 itself for a number of decades and he set out how he would approach the Hamilton talks.
      He told F1 Insider: “I would have made it quite clear to Lewis.
      “Either you take what we offer you now – or you leave it.

      “Everyone is replaceable. Only one person decides who drives here – and that’s me!”
      Ecclestone recalled a similar negotiation with multiple world champion Nelson Piquet at Brabham in the mid-1980s.

      Hamilton is yet to confirm his Mercedes seat for 2021Credit: PA:Press Association

      Ecclestone recalled his attempt to bring Ayrton Senna to Brabham in 1984Credit: Reuters
      An up-and-coming Ayrton Senna had caught the Brit’s eye but star man Piquet helped veto the call.
      Ecclestone continued: “In 1983 we became world champion with Nelson Piquet.

      “I had to decide who would drive alongside him in 1984. We had an extremely good test with a young Brazilian driver called Ayrton Senna.
      “I wanted him. When Nelson heard about it, he really got upset and reacted like a defiant child.
      “He absolutely did not want Senna as a team-mate. He immediately recognised his potential. But I didn’t care.
      “Our main sponsor Parmalat didn’t want two Brazilians. I weighed everything carefully.
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      “In the end, peace in the team was more important to me.
      “But since I was also the head of the constructors’ association, I made sure that Senna got a job elsewhere, with Toleman.
      “I knew he was going to be the future superstar, so I really wanted to see him in Formula One.”

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      Lewis Hamilton takes £140k Porsche on shopping trip to Beverly Hills jewellery store as contract talks drag on

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      LEWIS HAMILTON took time out of contract talks with Mercedes to go jewellery shopping in Beverly Hills on Friday.
      The seven-time Formula One World Champion, 36, has yet to agree terms with the Silver Arrows over the renewal of his £40million-a-year contract.

      The F1 world champion has been locked in contract talks with MercedesCredit: BackGrid

      Hamilton took his £140k 2000 Porsche Taycan Turbo S for a spinCredit: BackGrid

      Hamilton attempted to distract himself from the uncertainty surrounding his future in F1 with a visit to the exclusive XIV Karats Ltd store near Rodeo Drive.
      The Hertfordshire-native adhered to Covid-19 safety protocols as he sported a white face mask before peeling away in his £140,000 2000 Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
      Hamilton has been relaxing in California as he continues his recovery from coronavirus.
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      The former McLaren driver tested positive less than 24 hours after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix in November.
      Hamilton and Mercedes have been locked in talks over a new deal during F1’s off-season, as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year eyes a record eighth World Drivers’ Championship.
      The length of Hamilton’s contract is believed to be a sticking point in negotiations with Mercedes, with the Hertfordshire-native hoping to extend his stay in F1 for two more years.
      However, the Constructors’ Champions are only willing to offer Hamilton a one-year-deal, despite him being crowned World Drivers’ Champion less than two months ago.

      There are also suggestions he is seeking a cut the TV cash his star status helps attract to Mercedes.
      Mercedes will be hoping they can tie Hamilton down for the 2021 season before their new car is unveiled on March 2.

      Mercedes hope to have Hamilton signed on by the start of next monthCredit: BackGrid

      Testing for the new season begins in Bahrain 10 days later.
      Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is confident Hamilton will put pen to paper ‘soon’.
      Negotiations are thought to have been thrown off by Wolff contracting coronavirus last month with the team boss speaking of ‘curveballs’ delaying an agreement.
      Mercedes are the last F1 team to confirm their driver line-up for the 2021 season.

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      Unemployed F1 star Lewis Hamilton considering switch to Formula E as all-electric sport is the ‘future’

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      UNEMPLOYED Lewis Hamilton has previously revealed he’s thinking about racing in Formula E – but only once his F1 career is over.
      The joint-record seven-time F1 champion is out of contract at Mercedes and is yet to agree terms over an expected two-year deal worth £40million a season.

      Lewis Hamilton is considering driving in Formula-ECredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Brit racing legend is currently a free agent after celebrating a joint-record seventh championship

      But the star has already said he is thinking about what series he races in next.
      Speaking at an event two years ago at Silverstone to mark Mercedes-Benz’s 125th year in motorsport he was quizzed about his future in racing.
      And the 36-year-old,who is spending his time during his ’embarrassing’ Merc stand-off in his wilderness hideout in the United States, hinted he could follow in the footsteps of fellow Englishman Gary Paffett in to all-electric series, which Mercedes will join next season.
      He said: “That is something I have kind of been debating. Up until now it has always been about Formula One.

      “But I just drove an old DTM car today, which I really loved. I rarely get to a track these days and have some fun, so that experience was extraordinary.
      “It was so cool driving my 2015 car and then the 196. It was a unique experience.
      “Being that I have been racing since I was eight years old, I am going to have massive withdrawal symptoms, like every driver has when they stop racing, when Formula One stops for me.
      “There are other things to do. I guess there are other series I could do. Fernando Alonso is doing Indycar and you see Kimi Raikkonen still pushing the boundaries.

      “I actually grew up in the same era as Gary Paffett.
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      “He is a little bit older than me and he is now racing in Formula E and that is now going to be the future.
      “So, who knows, in the future that’s maybe an area where I can use my skills but as you get older, it is more challenging to find the motivation to stay focused and you have to find something you love.
      “I am pretty sure I will always love cars, and for now I am going to try and stay in Formula One, so long as I stay focused and fit, I will carry on driving the best that I can.”

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

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      F1 may see races in Africa, insists new CEO Stefano Domenicali as sport looks to broaden horizons

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      FORMULA ONE could see new races in Africa according to new CEO Stefano Domenicali.
      The Italian revealed that the sport’s owners, Liberty Media, have been approached by interested parties looking to put on races in northern and South Africa.

      New chief Stefano Domenicali has confirmed F1 plans to expand the sportCredit: PA:Press Association

      World champ Lewis Hamilton has been given a month by Mercedes to agree a new deal, as F1 explores options for making the sport even more globalCredit: PA:Press Association

      Domenicali also revealed that F1 are still in negotiations over a race in Miami, with more races in the USA.
      He said: “There is a discussion in place with Miami, that is true.
      “I can tell you that our strategy for the future is to have more presence in the US with more than one GP.

      “Austin has been very important in the last years of our calendar and it will be for the future and we are discussing the renewal of the agreement with them.

      “Miami is a place we are looking at and there is big interest from both parties to be there and let’s work together to see if we can confirm that.
      “There are other areas that I can tell you have shown interest that is in northern Africa and South Africa.
      “This is something that’s very important I think in terms of having new places or old places with heritage back in Formula One.
      “We don’t have to forget that we had also lost some European races that now are showing the interest to be considered again.”

      F1 will again press ahead with their record-breaking 23-race calendar despite the pandemic.
      While the situation remains flexible and the Australian and Chinese GPs have been bumped from their original dates, Domenicali says he is confident that F1 will get their season completed.
      ‘RIGHT BALANCE’
      But he also admitted that with more interest in new races, there needs to be a limit.
      He added: “What is going to happen in the future is we need to decide what is the right balance in terms of the number of races.
      “What are the areas that we need to strategically invest – for teams, for the interests of broadcasters, for the interests of media, for sponsors’ interests – and decide what will be the right way to go.

      “We know that 23 races is at the top end of the scale of what we are doing today.
      “If we are doing a good product you may say that if the value is high you may reach the same kind of business without being too numerous in terms of races.
      “If you are able to make the right choices, I think that will be the way to go. It may not be in the shortest time but that is the target.”

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      Lewis Hamilton urged to sign new Mercedes contract by incoming F1 supremo Stefano Domenicali

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      FORMULA ONE’s new CEO Stefano Domenicali has urged Lewis Hamilton to sign his new Mercedes deal.
      Hamilton is out of contract and yet to agree terms over an expected two-year deal worth £40million a season.

      Lewis Hamilton has been urged to hurry up and sign a new Mercedes contractCredit: PA:Press Association

      Incoming F1 supremo Stefano Domenicali implored the Brit to sort it soonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Former team boss Eddie Jordan told SunSport last week that he believed Hamilton was also angling for a slice of Merc’s TV revenue.
      While news of him committing to the team is expected imminently, Domenicali wants the world champion to stay on and fight for a record eighth title.
      He said: “I really hope that we can have this announcement soon because what he’s going to fight for this year is something that from a sporting perspective is incredible.
      “I can imagine the pressure and the dynamic on how he wants to reach this new record because that would be an incredible story to tell.

      “So the only thing I can say is that I really hope that personally if they are still talking, it’s great, I just remind them that the first (race) will be the end of March – Bahrain!
      “Lewis is a massive ambassador for F1. He is also an ambassador for other values and points that are really relevant.
      “He is really very important to F1 because he is embracing other values and bringing them into the discussion and putting his face to points out of the normal sport.”
      Domenicali was quizzed as to what the hold up could be on Hamilton’s contract and he felt it was more than just his salary.

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

      He added: “I think they are talking about a lot of stuff. I’m sure that Lewis wants to understand a lot of points also on his own future.
      “But, I want to see him still very very involved in Formula One. It is his life, he may be interested in other things because we can see that he has a lot of interests.
      “Therefore, I think they are discussing a lot of points. I don’t think it is only a point related to his salary.
      “I think it’s more related to what they have in mind to share together in the future. I think that’s the reason why.”
      The Italian is a former Ferrari team boss and replaces outgoing CEO, Chase Carey. He is a breath of fresh air for the sport.
      He will uproot his family from Italy to move to London to run F1 where he will continue the transition from Bernie Ecclestone’s outdated model.
      ‘WE RACE AS ONE’
      He has set up a meeting with F1’s stars to outline his plans to help transform the sport.
      He said: “I sent a letter to all the drivers, also to president of the GPDA Alex Wurz, because I wanted to share how important it is they understand their value in being a positive ambassador for F1, not only the sport but also the values on which F1 is focussed.
      “The ‘we race as one’ project, the diversity and sustainability projects. I invited them to a meeting — the target is to have it in Bahrain – to discuss and share this opportunity.
      “We have never had so many fantastic drivers in F1 and we cannot lose the opportunity in making sure they understand they are more than drivers.
      “I would like to invest a lot of time, not only on the sporting side but I want to share how I believe we should work together using our platform and their role model to push for issues that are important for our society.”

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      The four forgotten F1 tracks that could be used in 2021 including snake-infested Korea circuit after Australian GP moved

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      FORMULA ONE’s 2021 calendar has already been tweaked with the Australian GP dropping back until later in the year.
      The Chinese GP has also been pulled from its original slot and there are already rumours of two races in Bahrain to kick off the season.

      The F1 track in Hanoi, Vietnam never hosted a single race after Covid saw its debut axedCredit: AFP – Getty

      In 2020, we saw the return of tracks in Turkey, San Marino and Portugal, plus a new second track layout in Bahrain.
      So where else could F1 look to if they need to plug some gaps in the calendar caused by the ever-changing situation with the pandemic?
      SunSport takes a look four options…
      VIETNAM
      Hanoi Street Circuit

      There was huge excitement over a new race in Asia, especially after losing the Malaysian GP and question marks over the future of the Singapore GP.
      A brand new track was built and completed in February 2020 ahead of the race, which was scheduled for April 5.
      However, the Covid-19 pandemic saw that race scrapped without a single car going around the track.
      It now lies dormant and has the honour of being F1’s greatest white elephant and remains a sore point for owners Liberty Media.

      A key figure behind the race, Hanoi People’s Committee chairman Nguyen Duc Chung, has since been arrested and there are doubts as to whether the track will ever be used for F1.
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      INDIA

      Drivers loved the Buddh International Circuit but tax problems saw it axed from the calendarCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Buddh International Circuit
      Another sad story of a decent track being caught up in red tape –  this time over a tax dispute.
      The circuit was opened in October 2011 and while it was only partially finished, it earned rave reviews from the drivers.
      There was a challenging sequence of corners that ran through turns ten, 11 and 12, plus elevation changes.
      Likened to a rollercoaster, it has a long straight for overtaking and gigantic pitlane.
      However, the race was cancelled in 2014 over a tax row with the government, who argued that F1 was not a sport and was instead entertainment and subjected to different tax rates.
      As a result, F1 pulled the plug after three Indian GPs – all won by Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull – and never went back.
      MALAYSIA

      Sepang was a staple on the calendar for nearly 20 years but was pulled due to the rising cost of hosting F1 racesCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Sepang International Circuit
      Another cracking circuit that hosted F1 from 1999 to 2017.
      The layout was beautiful and the track flowed from corner to corner.
      Plus, like in India, there were plenty of places to overtake.
      Being situated in the middle of a forest and close to Kuala Lumpur it was a favourite for F1 personnel.
      However, it was also too expensive for the locals, as the circuit battled against increasing hosting fees.
      Their contract ended in 2018 and so far a new deal has not been discussed with Liberty Media.
      SOUTH KOREA

      The Korea International Circuit was one of the most bizarre, located in the southernmost tip of South Korea in MokpoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Korea International Circuit
      Possibly one of the most surreal races ever to be on an F1 calendar, the bizarre race remains a keen talking point.
      If you were there for the races between 2010 and 2013, you’d know what I mean.
      Located in the southernmost tip of South Korea in Mokpo, it was a four-hour train ride from the international airport.
      Hotels were in short supply in what was otherwise a ship-building town, so team’s were forced to stay in love motels – the kind of places rented by the hour.
      Sadly, the track was fairly unspectacular but snakes were common.

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      Lewis Hamilton’s contract stand-off with Mercedes ‘a shame and embarrassing’, slams Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S delay in agreeing a new contract with Mercedes has become ’embarrassing’, according to Ralf Schumacher.
      The Brit equalled Ralf’s brother Michael’s record of seven world championship titles last year.

      Lewis Hamilton is yet to put pen to paper on a contract to race in 2021Credit: PA:Press Association

      Ralf Schumacher, with brother Michael, believes a deal should have been signed by nowCredit: AFP

      But a deal to race in 2021 is still yet to be signed, making the defending champ the last driver on the grid to agree to race next season.
      For Schumacher, the delay has gone on long enough.
      He is quoted by Speedweek as describing the situation as: “A shame and almost a bit embarrassing.”
      He added: “It’s February now, and the most important man in Formula One, the seven-time world champion, has still not been confirmed.

      “I always hear that it’s all about the money, but I hope that’s not true.
      “Hamilton in particular, given his humanitarian streak, has to understand that you cannot demand 100 per cent in these times.

      “And Hamilton also has to be clear – Formula One is bigger than any individual.

      “Maybe Hamilton should give himself a jolt now.”
      Schumacher, who won six F1 races during a decade-long career in the sport, also reminded Hamilton that Mercedes are not tied to the 36-year-old.
      George Russell impressed when replacing Hamilton for a race last year.
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      And the German believes the ‘risk’ of being permanently dropped for a younger driver is something the defending champ should ‘never forget’.
      Reports this week suggested Merc have given their star a one-month deadline to put pen to paper.
      Team boss Toto Wolff said recently that an agreement will be reached ‘soon’ but ruled out a three-year contract.
      Former F1 chief Eddie Jordan has told SunSport that he believes Hamilton wants to negotiate a better cut of sponsorship and TV money.

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      F1 star George Russell shows off incredible home virtual GP simulator with four screens to help him become world champ

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has shown off his impressive high-tech rig that is powering his charge to the new Formula One season.
      Four screens and an authentic racing steering wheel are just some of the features completing the Brit’s home setup.

      George Russell posed in his Virtual Grand Prix setup for his Instagram followersCredit: Instagram / @georgerussell63

      The high-end rig featured four screens and an authentic steering wheelCredit: Instagram / @georgerussell63

      With the Virtual Grand Prix series underway ahead of the 2021 campaign, Russell revealed his simulator on an Instagram story this week.
      A mammoth computer, fitted with blue neon lights, sits at the back of the expensive rig.
      A Sparco racing seat sits behind the wheel and pedals, with a keyboard and mouse to one side.
      And the piece de resistance is the four-screen setup bolted together to give Russell a perfect view of the action on either side, as well as up top.

      Sat next to the high-tech setup was a slightly more relatable home racing system – a boxed-up Scalextric set.
      Williams star Russell, 22, was due to race in last weekend’s 2021 Virtual GP season opener but pulled out late on.

      A huge computer powered the behemothCredit: Instagram / @georgerussell63

      An old school Scalextric track was perched alongside the simulatorCredit: Instagram / @georgerussell63
      He is set to return for Sunday’s Silverstone race, featuring the likes of Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi in the online challenge.
      During F1’s pandemic shutdown last year, Russell shone in the Virtual series and won the unofficial championship.

      Following that, he produced a number of strong displays in his second year with Williams.

      He very nearly snatched a maiden F1 win when replacing the coronavirus-stricken Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes for December’s Sakhir GP.
      Another good year in the underperforming Williams could be enough to convince the Mercs to promote their academy star to the team full-time for 2022.
      Valtteri Bottas is yet to put together a serious challenge for the title while seven-time champ Hamilton still hasn’t signed his contract to race next season.

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