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    Lewis Hamilton slams F1 critics over GOAT row and reveals he has ‘never been so close’ with his dad

    LEWIS HAMILTON has hit back at Formula One legends with ‘a bee in their bonnet’ over his claim to be the sport’s greatest of all-time.
    Speaking just hours after equalling Michael Schumacher’s 91 race wins with victory in the Eifel Grand Prix, the enormity of the 35-year-old’s achievement was beginning to sink in.

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    Lewis Hamilton says he and dad Anthony are enjoying a fresh start to their relationshipCredit: Getty – Contributor

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    The Brit insists he will cheer on the generations of racers after him, after his achievements were played down by Sir Jackie StewartCredit: Getty – Contributor

    But with his position in the GOAT debate downplayed by the likes of Sir Jackie Stewart, Hamilton revealed he will instead be cheering the next generation of F1 stars, such as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, to go one better after he retires.
    He also opened up on his relationship with his dad, Anthony, a bond that has been tested to breaking point during his F1 career.
    Hamilton said: “On Saturday night, my dad sent me a text and said, ‘You know what to do tomorrow and I know you’re going to do it’.

    “That’s how he has been since day one. Family is everything and I feel really really fortunate to have a dad who has been there since the start who has been supporting me.
    “Dad and I have never been so close as we are now, which brings me so much happiness.
    “We talk a lot, which I never ever thought me and my dad would do. We have conversations, grown-up conversations about all sorts, politics, food, training, relationships.
    “I never thought I would be in that place with him. Just calling him after the race, were like, ‘Jeez, remember when we were having that bacon sarnie on the Sunday watching the race, or remember that time we won that championship and the guy who we were racing who had millions’.

    “We just reminisce a lot because it was, it’s been an emotional roller-coaster.”
    STEW VS LEW
    Despite all his success, Hamilton is a divisive character who splits opinions, none more so than in the old racing fraternity.
    And while his statistics might have him nailed down as the sport’s greatest driver, it is a reputation he struggles to get accepted – not that he wants it.
    He added: “There’s a lot of talk, in all sport, of the greatest past and present, but it’s impossible to compare people. It’s different times – we are evolving as human beings.
    “If you put all the top drivers that have been the most successful in the sport and put them in the same cars, wouldn’t that be something?
    “But all the talk of who is and who’s not, that’s not important to me, what’s important is the journey in this time and while I’ve been here.
    “I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do, how I’ve navigated through, definitely made lots of mistakes, but that’s life, we all do that.

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    “I think yes you can be definitely remembered for having the most and that will be something special to have, but as I said, it’s the journey.
    “It’s what we’ve done along the way, it’s obstacles you’ve faced, and everyone’s got a different journey and a different way of doing things.
    “I don’t think you should knock anybody for the way you do things. I get knocked by many people, particularly older drivers.
    “They still have a bee in their bonnet, I don’t know why, maybe they’ll get over it one day.
    “I have so much respect for the past legends, even though they do continue to talk negatively about me all the time.
    “But I still hold them in high regard as I know it was so difficult at a different time in history, it was incredibly tough for them, they remain the legends.

    The responsibility as an older driver is to shine the light as bright as possible and encourage those.
    Lewis Hamilton

    “In 20 years’ time, whenever it is, when I’m looking back, I can promise you this, I will not be talking down any young driver that is coming through and succeeding.
    “The responsibility as an older driver is to shine the light as bright as possible and encourage those.
    “There’ll be someone else, whether it is Max or whoever it may be, who is going to be chasing the record that I eventually set.
    “It would be the wrong kind of characteristic and approach to be hoping he doesn’t break it.”
    Hamilton now says he will take time out this week to think about his 91 wins, his first coming in the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix.
    But he says he will not lose sight of the fact that, despite having a 69-point lead in the championship, he is still waiting for his seventh world title.

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    He said: “I’m definitely going to take this next couple of days to try to really try to understand, let it marinate and what I can not do is drop the ball.
    “Yes I have a gap, yes I have the great wins, but the championship is to be won, the job is not done yet.
    “Training will continue to be important, diet, getting the right sleep. This moment will pass very quickly and we’ll be on to the next thing.”

    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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    F1 Eifel Grand Prix LIVE REACTION: Hamilton equals Schumacher record after stunning victory – updates from Nurburgring

    Mood#eifelgp 🇩🇪 #f1 pic.twitter.com/uCaReasrHr— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2020 “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602422968,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:29″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354480″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354480″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    NORRIS IS OUT SAFETY CAR DEPLOYEDnn
    He has been managing his engine problems for most of this race but he has been forced to pull over and retire his McLaren. n”,”raw”:”
    NORRIS IS OUT SAFETY CAR DEPLOYED

    He has been managing his engine problems for most of this race but he has been forced to pull over and retire his McLaren. “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602422545,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:22″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354479″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354479″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    VETTEL STOPS AGAIN FOR TYRESnn
    He has used mediums, hards and softs in this race. He is down in P15.n”,”raw”:”
    VETTEL STOPS AGAIN FOR TYRES

    He has used mediums, hards and softs in this race. He is down in P15.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602422364,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:19″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354477″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354477″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    Lap 41nn
    Gasly pulls off a great move on Vettel to go into 8th place. That was superb from the Frenchman.n”,”raw”:”
    Lap 41

    Gasly pulls off a great move on Vettel to go into 8th place. That was superb from the Frenchman.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602422183,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:16″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354476″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354476″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    Lap 39/60 nn
    Lewis Hamilton has just lapped Lando Norris in P6. This is shaping up to be one crushing win for the Brit.nn
    Verstappen now 8.3 seconds behind Hamilton.n”,”raw”:”
    Lap 39/60

    Lewis Hamilton has just lapped Lando Norris in P6. This is shaping up to be one crushing win for the Brit.

    Verstappen now 8.3 seconds behind Hamilton.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602422009,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:13″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354473″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354473″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    HAMILTON IS STILL SETTING FASTEST LAPSnn
    The Brit is still opening a gap over Verstappen’s Red Bull. He is now 6.5 seconds ahead.nn
    The gap from Verstappen to Ricciardo, in P3, is 56 seconds.n”,”raw”:”
    HAMILTON IS STILL SETTING FASTEST LAPS

    The Brit is still opening a gap over Verstappen’s Red Bull. He is now 6.5 seconds ahead.

    The gap from Verstappen to Ricciardo, in P3, is 56 seconds.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602421625,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:07″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354469″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354469″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    LAP 31 OF 60nn
    At just past the halfway stage it is Hamilton, then Verstappen, separated by 5.6 seconds.nn
    Then Ricciardo, who is 54 seconds behind the Red Bull man. That is HUGEn”,”raw”:”
    LAP 31 OF 60

    At just past the halfway stage it is Hamilton, then Verstappen, separated by 5.6 seconds.

    Then Ricciardo, who is 54 seconds behind the Red Bull man. That is HUGE”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602421284,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:01″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354468″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354468″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    NORRIS STILL HAS POWER ISSUESnn
    He comes into the pits for fresh tyres while the team still tinker with the electronics remotely to try and solve the problem. n”,”raw”:”
    NORRIS STILL HAS POWER ISSUES

    He comes into the pits for fresh tyres while the team still tinker with the electronics remotely to try and solve the problem. “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602421191,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”13:59″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354466″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354466″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    LAP 26 nn
    Lando Norris in P3 is panicked. He is complaining about a loss of power too. His McLaren team tell him it is a sensor issue and give him instructions on how to fix it.nn
    He replies that it is not getting any better.n”,”raw”:”
    LAP 26

    Lando Norris in P3 is panicked. He is complaining about a loss of power too. His McLaren team tell him it is a sensor issue and give him instructions on how to fix it.

    He replies that it is not getting any better.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602420835,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”13:53″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354465″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354465″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    ALBON RETIRESnn
    Red Bull have seen enough and retired him from the race. That is a shock and raises big questions about his future in the team, especially with Gasly doing well for sister team AlphaTauri.n”,”raw”:”
    ALBON RETIRES

    Red Bull have seen enough and retired him from the race. That is a shock and raises big questions about his future in the team, especially with Gasly doing well for sister team AlphaTauri.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602420695,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”13:51″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354463″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354463″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    ALBON GETS A PENALTYnn
    The stewards have taken a dim view of him crashing into Kvyat and given the Red Bull man a five second penalty.n”,”raw”:”
    ALBON GETS A PENALTY

    The stewards have taken a dim view of him crashing into Kvyat and given the Red Bull man a five second penalty.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602420614,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”13:50″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354461″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354461″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    ESTEBAN OCON RETIRESnn
    He says he has lost his brakes.n”,”raw”:”
    ESTEBAN OCON RETIRES

    He says he has lost his brakes.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602420570,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”13:49″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”354460″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-354460″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    THAT WAS CLOSEnn
    Albon, who has already clattered into Daniil Kyvat, then comes close to smashing into Pierre Gasly.nn
    He is in P8, having started in P5. n”,”raw”:”
    THAT WAS CLOSE

    Albon, who has already clattered into Daniil Kyvat, then comes close to smashing into Pierre Gasly.

    He is in P8, having started in P5. “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602420531,”date_formatted”:”11th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”13:48″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}}],”archived”:false},”pageMeta”:{“activeCarouselIndex”:0,”articleId”:12872901,”articleMountId”:”main-content”,”section”:{“slug”:”sport”,”id”:321,”sectionName”:”sport/motorsport”,”type”:”UNKNOWN”,”theme”:”theme-sport”},”spotId”:”sp_5v3VPY0c”,”pushlyKey”:”KtL4100XTLLEgUtYDKtO1stRdc1XNxnLUb5i”,”commentsAllowed”:true,”pageType”:”article”,”isSection”:false,”pageTags”:[“F1″,”Sport Live Blogs”],”renderedArticleId”:12872901,”sharingEnabled”:true,”socialHeadline”:”F1 Eifel Grand Prix LIVE: Follow all the latest drama from the Nurburgring”,”socialSharingServices”:[“twitter”,”facebook”],”urlAbsolute”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12872901/f1-eifel-grand-prix-live-results-hamilton-reaction/”,”cssManifest”:{“adsDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/adsDesktop.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”adsMobile.css”:”/assets/client/adsMobile.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”article.css”:”/assets/client/article.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”articleSocial.css”:”/assets/client/articleSocial.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”boxout.css”:”/assets/client/boxout.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”brightcoveDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveDesktop.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”brightcoveMobile.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveMobile.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”comments.css”:”/assets/client/comments.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”core.css”:”/assets/client/core.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”coreMobile.css”:”/assets/client/coreMobile.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”customiser.css”:”/assets/client/customiser.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”liveblog.css”:”/assets/client/liveblog.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”oembed.css”:”/assets/client/oembed.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”opta.css”:”/assets/client/opta.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”page-404.css”:”/assets/client/page-404.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”pagination.css”:”/assets/client/pagination.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”rails.css”:”/assets/client/rails.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”,”section.css”:”/assets/client/section.e217514010118f44eca7.1.css”},”cssBundles”:[{“src”:”article.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”articleSocial.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”liveblog.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”adsDesktop.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”comments.css”,”lazy”:true}],”siteContext”:{“site”:”sun”,”lang”:”en-gb”,”articleDateFormat”:”D MMM YYYY,H:mm”,”timezone”:”Europe/London”,”sourcepoint”:{“enabled”:true,”accountId”:259,”siteId”:5048,”mmsDomain”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”privacyManagerId”:165581,”baseEndpoint”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”amp”:{“accountId”:259,”propertyHref”:”https://thesun.co.uk.amp”,”propertyId”:7736,”privacyManagerId”:165581,”stageCampaign”:false,”checkConsentHref”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk/wrapper/tcfv2/v1/amp”,”promptUISrc”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk/amp/index.html”,”mmsDomain”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”pmTab”:”purposes”,”targetingParams”:{“color”:”red”},”policy”:{“default”:{“timeout”:{“seconds”:5,”fallbackAction”:”reject”}}}}},”isProd”:true,”features”:{“enable-newsletter”:false,”dockedPlayer”:true,”podWidgets”:true,”swipe”:false,”swipeOnBoarding”:false,”digitalPersonalisation”:false,”digitalPersonalisationServerSide”:false,”burgerMenu”:false,”galleryAds”:true,”newBrightcove”:false,”redisAMPCacheEnabled”:true,”redisCacheAMPVersion”:31,”stickySocial”:false,”nextBestAction”:false,”redisArticleCacheEnabled”:true,”redisSectionCacheEnabled”:true,”billboardTeaser”:false,”firstScrollAnalytics”:true,”pushlyNotification”:true,”redisBrotliCompressionEnabled”:false,”optimizelySnippetEnabled”:true,”fsStickyWidgets”:true,”liveblogV2Enabled”:false}},”site”:”sun”,”isProd”:true},”siteLinks”:{“help”:”https://help.thesun.co.uk”,”login”:”https://login.thesun.co.uk”,”profile”:”https://home.thesun.co.uk”},”articleTeaser”:[{“content”:{“kicker”:”ALL CHANGE”,”headline”:”Utd & Liverpool push for HUGE PL changes including cut to 18 teams & EFL bailout”,”lead”:”LIVERPOOL and arch-rivals United are pushing for a raft of changes to the top flight, with Reds owners FSG authoring a spectacular ‘Revitalisation’ document. 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    All Football

    F1 FEVER

    Live Blog

    11 Oct 2020, 16:30
    Updated: 11 Oct 2020, 16:30

    LEWIS HAMILTON picked up his 91st Grand Prix win at the Eifel GP today – equalling Michael Schumacher’s record.
    The Brit started second on the grid behind team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the Nurburgring.

    Follow all the latest from Germany below…

    Load more entries… More

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    Hamilton vs Schumacher: Wet weather, coping with pressure & consistency – who’s the GOAT as Brit matches F1 wins tally?

    LEWIS HAMILTON has equalled Michael Schuamcher’s record of 91 Formula One wins.
    The British star, 35, is also likely to match the German’s record seven world titles this season, too.

    6

    Hamilton has equalled Schumacher’s F1 wins tally on 91Credit: Splash News

    6

    Schumacher’s record seven world titles could be equalled this season by HamiltonCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Hamilton has already beaten Schumacher’s record for the most podiums and pole positions.
    But which of the two F1 legends is the greatest?
    Sadly, the two only competed against each other for three seasons in F1 when Schumacher came out of retirement to drive for Mercedes, who were then uncompetitive.
    SunSport breaks down the drivers’ skills into five categories to establish who is F1’s No1.

    WORK-RATE
    Hamilton
    The Mercedes man gets a fair chunk of stick for his jet-setting ways and there is a feeling he doesn’t do his homework in the same way as other drivers do.
    Wrong. He does and has his notebook that he carries with him that he uses to provide feedback to his engineers.
    Score: 8

    Schumacher
    When Schumacher joined Ferrari he was already well-known for his attention to detail, but after signing for the Italian team he cranked it up to a new level.
    Yes, Ferrari did surround him with the best people and a defacto No2 driver, but Schumacher’s work-rate was next level.
    Score: 10

    6

    Lewis Hamilton has looked in imperious form this season – particularly in the wetCredit: EPA

    OVER A SINGLE LAP
    Hamilton
    In F1, there is a term that is frequently used that is along the lines of “being able to extract the most from the package”.
    To everyone else, that means going as quick as you can… and the best measurement of that is in qualifying.
    Hamilton is untouchable over one flying lap, his performances, especially for Mercedes, on a Saturday are mesmerising.
    Score: 10
    Schumacher
    While Schumacher achieved an impressive 68 poles during his F1 career, Hamilton currently sits on 95, and having reached that number on 47 fewer races.
    Make no mistake, Schumacher was quick, but Hamilton easily edges this one.
    The argument of who had the better car also goes out of the window.
    Score: 8

    6

    Hamilton has reached the level of Schumacher – something no one thought possibleCredit: Reuters
    DRIVING IN THE WET
    Hamilton
    Whenever it rains, Hamilton is the favourite.
    Since his impressive performance in the wet at Silverstone in 2008 to his bravery in qualifying for this year’s Styrian GP, he always seems to keep it on the black stuff, whatever the weather.
    This year’s pole in Austria was particularly impressive, with his Merc boss Toto Wolff hailing the performance as “not from this world”.
    Score: 10
    Schumacher
    Like Hamilton, the German has a reputation for being an excellent wet weather driver.
    One race that stands out is the 1995 Belgian GP where he stayed on slicks while most of the other cars pitted for wets.
    Despite being slower, Schumacher held off Damon Hill to win the race.
    Score: 9

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

    Live Blog

    F1 LIVE
    All the latest from the Nurburgring as Lewis starts 2nd and hunts for Schu’s record

    EIFEL POWER
    Hamilton equals Schumacher’s record of 91 wins after victory at Eifel GP

    RACING TRAGEDY
    Spanish rally car co-driver Laura Salvo, 21, dies in crash at Rally Vidreiro

    LIGHTS OUT
    F1 Eifel Grand Prix practice: UK start time, live stream, TV info and schedule

    FULL THROTTLE
    Jackie Stewart claims ‘it’s hard to justify’ calling Hamilton F1’s greatest

    Revealed

    GRIDLOCKED
    Hamilton’s Merc deal expires in under THREE MONTHS… with no new agreement near

    CALM UNDER PRESSURE
    Hamilton
    With team radio now regularly played out on TV, fans get an insight into life in the drivers’ cockpits.
    For the best part, Hamilton’s comments on tyres are interesting for those studying the lap times.
    But while he sometimes sounds flustered, it’s worth remembering he’s travelling at 200mph and pulling G-forces of 5G.
    Whatever he says to his team, Hamilton keeps things clean on track and does not resort to dirty tricks.
    Score: 10
    Schumacher
    Without the radio exchanges from Schuamcher’s era, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between their attitudes in the heat of battle.
    But there is a clear winner when it comes to gentlemanly conduct when handling the pressure.
    Time and again, Schumacher was at the centre of a foul play storm, be it blocking, dangerous moves or even inexplicably stopping on track to halt a qualifying session.
    Score: 8

    6

    Hamilton’s consistency race-on-race, season-after-season is mightily impressiveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    6

    Schumacher is likely to see his record for most F1 wins broken this seasonCredit: EPA
    CONSISTENCY
    Hamilton
    Ah, the old argument about having the best car.
    The best car of the season is always defined by who won the title that year.
    The best drivers get to drive the best cars.
    Currently, the Mercedes is the best car and Hamilton’s consistency there has been staggering.
    He’s won 68 of the last 129 GPs.
    Score: 10
    Schumacher
    Schuamcher’s 13 wins out of 18 in his title winning 2004 season is the standout, yet that level of dominance is similar to Hamilton’s six wins in eight for this season.
    But when you look at Schumacher’s stats, the results are punctuated by retirements – something Hamilton rarely does.
    In fact, Hamilton’s last retirement from a race was over two years ago.
    Score: 8
    TOTAL SCORE
    Hamilton: 48
    Schumacher: 43

    Lewis Hamilton claims F1 chiefs are trying to stop him winning a seventh world title by slowing Mercedes down More

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    Eifel GP results: Lewis Hamilton equals Schumacher’s record of 91 GP wins after cruising to victory at Nurburgring

    LEWIS HAMILTON has matched the legendary Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 race wins after a faultless performance at the Eifel GP.
    In an incident-packed race at Nurburgring, the Brit finished ahead of Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo after Valtteri Bottas was forced to retire early on.

    5

    Lewis Hamilton holds up Michael Schumacher’s race helmetCredit: Reuters

    5

    Lewis Hamilton is cheered on by his team as he crosses the lineCredit: AFP

    5

    The Brit celebrates picking up his 91st GP winCredit: Reuters

    It was only fitting that Hamilton would level Schumacher’s record, set in 2006, in the former Ferrari driver’s native Germany.
    It was a track where Schumacher won five times in his illustrious career.
    And in a touching moment after, he was presented one of the helmets from Michael’s career by son Mick Schumacher.
    Hamilton started the race in second behind team-mate Valtteri Bottas and survived an early scare when the two cars touched on the first corner.

    The Finn then made a major error on lap 13 when a right lock up sent him wide, allowing Hamilton to make the overtake.
    Bottas’ day went from bad to worse when he lost power on lap 19 forcing him to pull out of the race.
    That allowed Hamilton to create a lead of over 10 second upfront before the safety car was deployed with 12 laps to go when Lando Norris crashed.
    But after moaning the safety car was travelling too slowly, he kept his cool to cruise to his seventh win in 11 races.

    Verstappen maintained his record of a podium finish in every race he has finished this season while Ricciardo’s was his first of the season and Renault’s first in nine long years.

    5

    Hamilton has matched Michael Schumacher’s 91 race winsCredit: PA:Press Association

    5

    Hamilton has won seven out of his last 11 racesCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Live Blog

    F1 LIVE
    All the latest from the Nurburgring as Lewis starts 2nd and hunts for Schu’s record

    RACING TRAGEDY
    Spanish rally car co-driver Laura Salvo, 21, dies in crash at Rally Vidreiro

    LIGHTS OUT
    F1 Eifel Grand Prix practice: UK start time, live stream, TV info and schedule

    FULL THROTTLE
    Jackie Stewart claims ‘it’s hard to justify’ calling Hamilton F1’s greatest

    Revealed

    GRIDLOCKED
    Hamilton’s Merc deal expires in under THREE MONTHS… with no new agreement near

    Sir Jackie Stewart claims ‘it’s hard to justify’ calling Lewis Hamilton F1’s greatest ever and blasts Mercedes dominance More

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    Eifel GP: Lance Stroll was replaced by Nico Hulkenburg for Nurburgring qualifying as he couldn’t get off the TOILET

    LANCE STROLL was unable to compete in qualifying for the Eifel Grand Prix because he ‘couldn’t get off the toilet.’
    The Racing Point driver was a no-show on Saturday and was pulled out of Sunday’s race to be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg.

    2

    Lance Stroll was forced to pull out of Sunday’s raceCredit: AFP or licensors

    There were initial fears that the 21-year-old Canadian had contracted coronavirus after feeling unwell.
    But the team confirmed four tests came back negative and he was in fact suffering from a stomach bug.
    Team boss Otmar Szafnauer confirmed: “He hasn’t been feeling great since Russia.
    “I think he had a bit of a cold. At first we thought, ‘Well you had better get tested for the virus.’

    “We’ve tested him multiple times, including the pre-event test for this race.
    “And he’s come back negative three or four times. He doesn’t have the classic Covid-19 symptoms, he just doesn’t feel well in himself.
    “And last night he had a bit of an upset stomach.
    “So he was on the toilet the whole time. And he said, ‘I’ve got rid of a lot of fluid, and I can’t get off the toilet for long enough to get in the race car’.

    2

    Stroll was replaced by Nico HulkenbergCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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

    Live Blog

    F1 LIVE
    All the latest from the Nurburgring as Lewis starts 2nd and hunts for Schu’s record

    EIFEL POWER
    Hamilton equals Schumacher’s record of 91 wins after victory at Eifel GP

    RACING TRAGEDY
    Spanish rally car co-driver Laura Salvo, 21, dies in crash at Rally Vidreiro

    LIGHTS OUT
    F1 Eifel Grand Prix practice: UK start time, live stream, TV info and schedule

    FULL THROTTLE
    Jackie Stewart claims ‘it’s hard to justify’ calling Hamilton F1’s greatest

    Revealed

    GRIDLOCKED
    Hamilton’s Merc deal expires in under THREE MONTHS… with no new agreement near

    “I don’t know if it’s something he ate, or if it’s a tummy bug.
    He just said, ‘I’m just not feeling up to it. We’re going to have a double-header coming up soon. And I’d rather rest and get ready for that.’
    “We were hoping that he was going to get better. He had kind of flu-like symptoms.
    “Just not well in himself, and couldn’t exercise, and so now that, with whatever he ate or a tummy bug together, he said, ‘I can’t do it.’
    “We’ve got a doctor looking after him and when he’s fit to leave, he’ll go home.
    “It’s the race that he wasn’t really looking forward to, in the state that he was in.
    “He was hoping that he could get off the toilet and come in.
    “But it was 30 minutes before FP3. Otherwise yesterday we would have called Hulkenberg a day earlier, and he would have done FP3.”

    F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo shows off the stunning views from ones of Austria’s mountains More

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    F1 Eifel Grand Prix race: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and race schedule for Nurburgring

    FORMULA ONE is back in Germany this weekend and the iconic Nurburgring.
    Lewis Hamilton leads the Drivers Championship by 44 points ahead of teammate Valterri Bottas, but will have to start second on the grid after the Finn dominated in qualifying.

    1

    Bottas is going for back-to-back victories after his triumph in SochiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    There was no German Grand Prix initially on this year’s calendar, following Hockenheim’s omission for 2020 – but this race has been included in the new-look schedule after the Covid-19 pandemic caused havoc.

    When is the Eifel Grand Prix?
    F1 Eifel Grand Prix qualifying was held at 2pm on Saturday, October 10.
    The big race is set for Sunday, October 11.
    Light’s out is at 1.10pm BST.
    Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
    You can watch every moment of this weekend’s action live on Sky Sports F1.
    If you’re not a Sky subscriber, grab a NOW TV pass from £9.99 to stream all the action on your mobile, tablet or PC.
    Highlights with the best bits from the race will be shown on Channel 4 at 6.30pm on Sunday.

    Live Blog

    F1 LIVE
    All the latest from the Nurburgring as Lewis starts 2nd and hunts for Schu’s record

    EIFEL POWER
    Hamilton equals Schumacher’s record of 91 wins after victory at Eifel GP

    RACING TRAGEDY
    Spanish rally car co-driver Laura Salvo, 21, dies in crash at Rally Vidreiro

    FULL THROTTLE
    Jackie Stewart claims ‘it’s hard to justify’ calling Hamilton F1’s greatest

    Revealed

    GRIDLOCKED
    Hamilton’s Merc deal expires in under THREE MONTHS… with no new agreement near

    What is the race schedule?
    Friday, October 9
    Practice 1 – 10am to 11.30am
    Practice 2 – 2pm to 3.30pm
    Saturday, October 10
    Practice 3 – 11am to midday
    Qualifying – 2pm to 3pm
    Sunday, October 11
    Race – 1.10pm More

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    F1 Eifel Grand Prix LIVE: Race build-up, Bottas ON POLE, Hamilton second – latest updates from Nurburgring

    🏁 END OF QUALIFYING 🏁TOP 10Bottas 📸HamiltonVerstappenLeclercAlbonRicciardoOconNorrisPerezSainz#eifelgp 🇩🇪 #f1 pic.twitter.com/xO62MwrVnT— Formula 1 (@F1) October 10, 2020 “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602338745,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:05″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353866″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353866″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    BOTTAS TAKES POLEnn
    The Finn gets it with his final flying lap. He is on pole. nn
    Hamilton will start in second place while Verstappen will line up in P3 alongside Albon.n”,”raw”:”
    BOTTAS TAKES POLE

    The Finn gets it with his final flying lap. He is on pole.

    Hamilton will start in second place while Verstappen will line up in P3 alongside Albon.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602338471,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:01″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353864″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353864″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    IT WILL BE HAMILTON ACROSS THE LINE FIRSTnn
    Then Bottas and finally Verstappen.nn
    It is set up perfectly.n”,”raw”:”
    IT WILL BE HAMILTON ACROSS THE LINE FIRST

    Then Bottas and finally Verstappen.

    It is set up perfectly.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602338353,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:59″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353863″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353863″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    FINAL TWO MINUTESnn
    Can Verstappen hold on to that P1 spot?nn
    It would be great if he could.n”,”raw”:”
    FINAL TWO MINUTES

    Can Verstappen hold on to that P1 spot?

    It would be great if he could.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602338276,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:57″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353861″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353861″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    GOOD START FOR VERSTAPPENnn
    The Dutchman takes provisional pole from Bottas and then Hamilton.nn
    Albon in P4n”,”raw”:”
    GOOD START FOR VERSTAPPEN

    The Dutchman takes provisional pole from Bottas and then Hamilton.

    Albon in P4″},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602338111,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:55″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353858″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353858″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    Q3 IS GOnn
    The top 10 shoot-out and pole for the Eifel GP is underway.nn
    It is a simple fight.nn
    Hamilton vrs Bottas vrs Verstappen.n”,”raw”:”
    Q3 IS GO

    The top 10 shoot-out and pole for the Eifel GP is underway.

    It is a simple fight.

    Hamilton vrs Bottas vrs Verstappen.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602337685,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:48″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353856″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353856″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    VETTEL IS OUT IN Q2nn
    Disappointing for the German as he qualifies down in 11th place.nn
    His Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, does get into the top 10 shoot out.nn
    Also eliminated are Magnussen, Giovinazzi, Kvyat and Gasly.n”,”raw”:”
    VETTEL IS OUT IN Q2

    Disappointing for the German as he qualifies down in 11th place.

    His Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, does get into the top 10 shoot out.

    Also eliminated are Magnussen, Giovinazzi, Kvyat and Gasly.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602337337,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:42″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353854″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353854″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    HAMILTON NOW OUT ON SOFTSnn
    He goes quickest. Comfortably so. nn
    That was a strange one, as he looked assured of going into Q3 with a time set on medium tyres.nn
    It now means both he and Bottas will start the race on soft tyres.n”,”raw”:”
    HAMILTON NOW OUT ON SOFTS

    He goes quickest. Comfortably so.

    That was a strange one, as he looked assured of going into Q3 with a time set on medium tyres.

    It now means both he and Bottas will start the race on soft tyres.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602337102,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:38″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353851″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353851″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    BOTTAS FORCED TO RUN ON SOFT TYRESnn
    The Finn was in danger of being eliminated, so Mercedes have put him out on a set of softs.nn
    Ideally, he would have done enough on the mediums, like his teammate.nn
    But, assuming he qualifies in the top 10, it all means that they will be on alternate strategies.nn
    Hamilton starting the race on the mediums, Bottas on the softs. n”,”raw”:”
    BOTTAS FORCED TO RUN ON SOFT TYRES

    The Finn was in danger of being eliminated, so Mercedes have put him out on a set of softs.

    Ideally, he would have done enough on the mediums, like his teammate.

    But, assuming he qualifies in the top 10, it all means that they will be on alternate strategies.

    Hamilton starting the race on the mediums, Bottas on the softs. “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602336925,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:35″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353849″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353849″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    VERSTAPPEN IS IN P1nn
    But the Red Bull man set his time on the quicker soft tyres.nn
    Hamilton in P2 set his on the medium.nn
    Alex Albon in P3, also on the softs.nn
    In the drop zone are – Gasly, Kvyat, Magnussen, Giovinazzi and Vetteln”,”raw”:”
    VERSTAPPEN IS IN P1

    But the Red Bull man set his time on the quicker soft tyres.

    Hamilton in P2 set his on the medium.

    Alex Albon in P3, also on the softs.

    In the drop zone are – Gasly, Kvyat, Magnussen, Giovinazzi and Vettel”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602336769,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:32″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353845″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353845″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    Q2 IS GOnn
    Green light in the pitlane and the Merc are wasting no time.nn
    Red Bull also out on track early.n”,”raw”:”
    Q2 IS GO

    Green light in the pitlane and the Merc are wasting no time.

    Red Bull also out on track early.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602336404,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:26″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353842″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353842″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    HULK LEAVES IT LATEnn
    But it is just not enough to get into Q2. He is eliminated and will start last.nn
    Not a bad effort from the German given he had zero practice.nn
    Raikkonen, Latif, Russell and Grosjean also given the boot from Q1.n”,”raw”:”
    HULK LEAVES IT LATE

    But it is just not enough to get into Q2. He is eliminated and will start last.

    Not a bad effort from the German given he had zero practice.

    Raikkonen, Latif, Russell and Grosjean also given the boot from Q1.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602336044,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:20″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353836″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353836″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    VERSTAPPEN NOW GOES QUICKESTnn
    The Red Bull man looks fired up.nn
    As do Ferrari, who appear to have rediscovered some much-needed pace.nn
    In the dropzone are Hulkenberg, Giovinazzi, Raikkonen, Magnussen and Grosjean.n”,”raw”:”
    VERSTAPPEN NOW GOES QUICKEST

    The Red Bull man looks fired up.

    As do Ferrari, who appear to have rediscovered some much-needed pace.

    In the dropzone are Hulkenberg, Giovinazzi, Raikkonen, Magnussen and Grosjean.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602335525,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:12″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353829″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353829″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    MERC ON TRACKnn
    And the two Silver Arrows drivers go P1 and P2. They are comfortable.nn
    Norris in P3 is almost 0.8 seconds behind Bottas in P2.n”,”raw”:”
    MERC ON TRACK

    And the two Silver Arrows drivers go P1 and P2. They are comfortable.

    Norris in P3 is almost 0.8 seconds behind Bottas in P2.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602335186,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:06″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353826″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353826″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    WE ARE GOnn
    Qualifying for the Eifel Grand Prix is underway here at the Nurburgring.nn
    And Hulkenberg is straight out on the track, he is getting a round of applause from the fans in the grandstands.n”,”raw”:”
    WE ARE GO

    Qualifying for the Eifel Grand Prix is underway here at the Nurburgring.

    And Hulkenberg is straight out on the track, he is getting a round of applause from the fans in the grandstands.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602334881,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”14:01″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353822″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353822″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    QUALIFYING IS JUST MINUTES AWAYnn
    The big news is that Nico Hulkenberg is in for Lance Stroll, who is feeling unwell.nn
    No further details from Racing Point as to what is wrong with the Canadian.nn
    Racing Point aside, let’s see if Red Bull can break Mercedes’ strangle-hold on Saturday qualifying sessions.nn
    Weather remains cold – eight degrees – the risk of rain is 40 percent.n”,”raw”:”
    QUALIFYING IS JUST MINUTES AWAY

    The big news is that Nico Hulkenberg is in for Lance Stroll, who is feeling unwell.

    No further details from Racing Point as to what is wrong with the Canadian.

    Racing Point aside, let’s see if Red Bull can break Mercedes’ strangle-hold on Saturday qualifying sessions.

    Weather remains cold – eight degrees – the risk of rain is 40 percent.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1602334539,”date_formatted”:”10th October 2020″,”time_formatted”:”13:55″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”353807″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12872901″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-daniel-brookes odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-353807″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
    HULKENBERG IN FOR STROLLn
    Racing Point have confirmed super sub Nico Hulkenberg will replace Lance Stroll, who is unwell, for the remainder of the Eifel GP this weekend.n More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton’s £40m-a-year Mercedes contract expires in under THREE MONTHS with Brit no closer to new deal

    LEWIS HAMILTON and Toto Wolff are no closer to committing  to Mercedes — despite having just 2½ months to run on their deals.
    Hamilton, who earns around £40million a year, said in August  he was uncomfortable about agreeing terms in a pandemic.

    2

    Lewis Hamilton is no closer to a new Mercedes deal with less than three months to run on his current contractCredit: Splash News

    And during the same month, Wolff, who has a 30 per cent share in the F1 team, said he was considering his own future “in a moment of reflection”.
    But with seven races still to go this season, time is running out for them.
    Wolff said: “We  don’t have time to sit down and have a chat. And it is the same for my own contract.

    “We want to continue in the partnership we have and for Lewis, he wants to be in the quickest car and for Mercedes, we want the quickest driver.

    “It seems pretty obvious but we need to find the time to sit down.”
    Hamilton can equal Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 F1 victories today  in the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.
    But he will have to fight it out with his team-mate, Valtteri Bottas, who took pole position.
    Hamilton cooled talk of becoming a joint record holder, saying he was not bothered if it came at a track that was synonymous with Schumacher’s success.

    2

    Hamilton is looking to match Michael Schumacher’s 91 wins with victory at the Eifel GPCredit: AFP

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    He said: “It wouldn’t make any difference. It’s not something I particularly think about. If and when it happens, it’ll be great.
    “I’m solely focused on trying to do the best job I can. If that gets me to that win then great but I’m not looking short term, I’m looking further ahead.” 
    Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg was recalled by Racing Point to fill in for Lance Stroll who complained of feeling unwell.
    The Canadian — who was not displaying Covid  symptoms — has been replaced by the German, who had earlier filled in for Sergio Perez following his positive Covid-19 test earlier in the season.
    Hulkenberg, who will start last after no practice laps, said: “It was even  crazier than last time.
    “I was in Cologne, which is an hour from here.
    “I was sat with a friend having a coffee at 11am when Racing point boss Otmar Szafnauer rings me and says, ‘Hulkenberg hurry, we need you here’. “So I stepped in the car and came here.”

    Sir Jackie Stewart claims ‘it’s hard to justify’ calling Lewis Hamilton F1’s greatest ever and blasts Mercedes dominance More