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      F1 star Charles Leclerc lashes out on Twitter after being accused of racism – saying his ‘words were manipulated’

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      CHARLES LECLERC has lashed out on social media and insists he is not a racist.
      The Ferrari driver tweeted his comments following a recent interview where he explained his reasoning for not taking a knee at the start of F1 races.

      It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist.I am not racist and I absolutly hate racism. Racism is disgusting. 1/3
      — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) August 6, 2020

      Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating others because of their skin colour, religion or gender. I’m not part of them and I never will. I’ve always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today’s world. 2/3
      — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) August 6, 2020

      And to whoever is using my image to promote their wrong ideas, please stop. I’m not into politics and I don’t want to be involved in that. 3/3
      — Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) August 6, 2020

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      Leclerc was one of seven racers who failed to take a knee before last weekend’s British GPCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Leclerc, along with six other drivers, stood while the remainder of the grid all kneeled last weekend at the British GP.
      When asked why he refused to kneel, Leclerc told Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport it was due to the violence brought forth by Black Lives Matter protests.
      Leclerc said: “I’m against racism, I fight it and I’m glad F1 is using its platform to show the world the right way.
      “But I didn’t want to [kneel] because there have been many protests all over the world associated with violence, and I don’t accept any form of violence.

      “And I don’t like a civil protest to be used by politicians.”
      His comments sparked something of a backlash on social media, with many accusing him of being a “racist”.
      But in a strongly-worded statement on Twitter, Leclerc has now hit back at the claims.
      In a series of tweets, he wrote: “It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist.

      “I am not racist and I absolutely hate racism. Racism is disgusting.
      “Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating [against] others because of their skin colour, religion or gender.
      “I’m not part of them and I never will. I’ve always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today’s world.”

      2

      Charles Leclerc finished third in last weekend’s British GPCredit: Reuters
      When quizzed about his tweets ahead of this weekend’s GP at Silverstone, the 22-year-old said he wanted to post his comments to get his voice heard.
      He added: “I just don’t want to be judged anymore.
      “As I’ve said many times I’m active on social media and I don’t accept to be called the way I’ve been called in the last few weeks negatively obviously just because of not kneeling.
      “I wanted to make a straightforward tweet just to express my feelings and that’s it.”
      Meanwhile, Kevin Magnussen has explained why he did not take a knee ahead of the British GP last weekend – when he had done so in the previous three races.

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      The Haas F1 driver said: “In terms of standing or kneeling, I want to make sure that I’m with the messaging of ending racism.
      “I support that movement, and not any sort of political organisation that I think the Black Lives Matter movement is.
      “I want to separate myself from that, and then push on with ending racism and that messaging, which I think is great that Formula One is doing.”

      F1 drivers given time to kneel at start of British GP after Hungarian farce, but seven still refuse More

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      What is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix and why is it being held at Silverstone?

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      SILVERSTONE is due to host its second race for the second weekend running as Formula 1 gears up for the 70th anniversary.
      Last week Mercedes dominated even though both cars suffered tyre failures in the closing stages of the race.

      2

      Hamilton will be ready to go again after his victory a week ago
      Lewis Hamilton just about managed to cross the finish line in first but Valtteri Bottas dropped out of the points race entirely.
      Carlos Sainz and Nicholas Latifi suffered punctures towards the end of the race as well, leading Pirelli to undertake a thorough investigation into their problems.
      What is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix?
      The F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix is a one-off Formula One motor race that’s due to be held at the Silverstone Circuit in Silverstone, UK.
      It is a 70-year commemoration of the F1 World Championship’s first ever race, which was held at the same track in May 1950.

      Formula One had existed since 1947 while Grand Prix racing is believed to have existed since 1901, but the 1950 race at Silverstone marked the birth of the World Championship.
      The race was not initially scheduled in the calendar but has been added after the cancellation of other non-European races due to coronavirus.

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      The race will take place with no audience due to government coronavirus guidelines
      When is the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix?
      The 70th Anniversary Grand Prix is set to go ahead on Sunday 9th August. 
      See below for timings.

      Practice One: 11:00 BST
      Practice Two: 15:00 BST
      Practice Three: 11:00 BST
      Qualifying: 14:00 BST
      Grand Prix: 14:10 BST
      Where can I watch it?
      Every session of the anniversary race will be shown on Sky Sports F1 channel.
      The Formula One dedicated channel will show all of the footage.
      If you aren’t already a Sky Sports subscriber, pick up a NOWTV sports pass at £9.98 per day More

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      F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix practice: Start time, TV channel, live stream and schedule for Silverstone

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      F1 is celebrating its Platinum Anniversary after 70 years of high octane action.
      Silverstone is the venue once again as Lewis Hamilton looks to make it four race wins out of five this season.

      1

      Lewis Hamilton is looking for another victory at SilverstoneCredit: AFP or licensors
      Hamilton heroically held on to beat Max Verstappen despite having a punctured tyre at last week’s British Grand Prix and might be looking for a less wild ride this time around.
      What time is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix practice?
      The F1 race weekend gets underway on Friday, August 7.
      Practice one will commence at 11am UK time.
      Practice two will then follow at 3pm.

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      What TV channel is the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?
      Every minute of the F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix will be live on Sky Sports F1.
      To live stream the race, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can watch the full race by purchasing a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.
      Unlike last weekend’s British Grand Prix, only highlights will be shown on Channel 4.
      Full schedule
      Friday, August 7
      Free Practice One (11am)
      Free Practice Two (3pm)
      Saturday, August 8
      Free Practice Three (11am)
      Qualifying (2pm)
      Sunday, August 9

      Race (9pm) More

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      Lewis Hamilton could be set for a PAY-CUT on £40million-per-year Mercedes contract because of coronavirus

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      LEWIS HAMILTON could be set for a pay-cut following the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
      The F1 world champion has not started talks over the new deal because he feels uncomfortable speaking about it when people are losing their jobs.

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      Lewis Hamilton could be set for a PAY-CUT on his £40million-per-year Mercedes contract
      Hamilton’s current contract, believed to be worth around £40million a year, is due to expire in December.
      But the Brit’s moral compass has kicked in after last month Merc’s owners Daimler said they needed to cut more than the 15,000 jobs they had previously announced.
      He said: “Ultimately, it honestly doesn’t feel like the right time to sit down and talk about it.
      “When you think about so many people in the world who have lost their jobs, people unemployed, and to sit down and negotiate a big contract, it doesn’t feel like the most important thing that I need to apply time to at this second.

      “I do want to continue with the team and it is not a big effort for us to sit down and get it done.
      “It is just right now I don’t feel comfortable about it so I am going to wait a little bit longer.”

      At last week’s British Grand Prix, he said he had not even started talking to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff about new terms.
      And Thursday, ahead of F1’s 70th Anniversary GP, the 35-year-old said he intends to commit to the team to help see through their increased diversity programme.

      He added: “I am not talking to anyone else and I am looking forward to continuing, particularly as we have just started a new chapter as a team in terms of how we educate ourselves, how we understand what we are going to do to help be more diverse and more inclusive.
      “I am super excited that what is possible with Mercedes-Benz and this team moving forward. It will get done at some stage so I am not stressed.”

      Hamilton now has a whopping 30 point lead in the drivers’ championship ahead of his team-mate, Bottas, who yesterday (THU) signed a new one-year deal.
      It is understood that Bottas’s £12million-a year deal with the Silver Arrows has simply been extended until the end of 2021.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton says that this season’s title race comes in “the most important year of his life” as he continues to fight to end racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement.
      He added: “It is the most important year of my life to date with everything that is going on.

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      “It is a different fight, championship-wise to other years. In the past, we have had the years where we fought Ferrari or Red Bull.
      “This year, it is different up to this point. But I do think it is a special year and I don’t take that lightly.
      “People often ask where we get our motivation from and there are so many things to take inspiration for and to be fighting for a championship in a time like this is empowering and exciting with the thought that there could be change to follow.” More

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      Perez set for shock return to racing and can compete in 70th Anniversary GP just week after positive coronavirus test

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      SERGIO PEREZ is in line for a shock return to racing – just seven days since testing positive for COVID-19.
      The Racing Point driver failed a coronavirus test ahead of the British GP after admitting he flew home to Mexico to see his mum, who had suffered an accident.

      2

      Mexican Sergio Perez can race in the 70th Anniversary GP at Silverstone after hearing he only needs to spend seven days in quarantineCredit: EPA

      2

      Sergio Perez tested positive for Covid-19 after flying back to see his mum in MexicoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He was placed into quarantine on Wednesday night – just when Public Health England upped the self-isolation limit was increased from seven to 10 days.
      However, the 30-year-old has been told he only needs to serve seven days in quarantine and can return to compete in this weekend’s 70th Anniversary GP at Silverstone – providing his latest test is negative.
      A statement from the team said: “Public Health England have confirmed that Sergio Perez’s period of quarantine has been completed.
      “In line with the FIA Code Of Conduct, Sergio requires a verified negative test result for COVID-19 before he can enter the paddock. The testing process is taking place on Thursday.

      It was always clear I was a temporary replacement. He’s the main driver and whenever he’s good to race again, he’ll be back
      Nico Hulkenberg

      “The team expects to make a decision on who is driving alongside Lance Stroll later.”
      Perez’s return would be a blow to Nico Hulkenberg, who was called up as a late replacement.
      The German rushed to Silverstone and jumped in the Racing Point but was denied a chance to race after a broken bolt lodged in the engine prevented it from turning over.
      Hulkenberg said: “Obviously that would be somewhat disappointing, after having been back in the car and getting a taste of it and then this.

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “But it was always clear that I come in as a temporary replacement for Checo, not knowing if it’s one race, two races or what.
      “He’s the main driver and whenever he’s good to race again, he’ll be back.”
      Hulkenberg says he has now been speaking to other teams about making a full-time F1 return in 2021.
      He added: “I’ve been in contact with quite a few people from the F1 industry, and team principals, because obviously we all know each other.
      “Some is just casual chat, some is more about the future subject. So I’m definitely in discussions and in talks there, but nothing to say concrete yet there.

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      “I guess it’s still a matter of a couple of weeks before things will get a bit more concrete and firm.
      “If not F1, to be honest, that is not so clear in my mind yet either.
      “I think I’ll take one step at a time and then see how things roll, and which way they’re going in a couple of weeks’ time.”

      Lewis Hamilton and Co given time to kneel at start of British GP after Hungarian GP farce.. but seven still refuse More

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      F1 star Magnussen refused to kneel at British GP for first time to ‘separate’ himself from Black Lives Matter politics

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      KEVIN MAGNUSSEN has explained why he did not take a knee ahead of the British Grand Prix last weekend – when he had done so in the previous three races.
      The Dane decided to stand with the other six drivers ahead of the race at Silverstone for the anti-racism message.

      2

      Kevin Magnussen (back, right) took a knee in the early races of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      2

      But the Haas racer (near, left) stood for the British GP while others continued to take a kneeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The Haas F1 driver had previously explained his concerns that the gesture of kneeling is associated with the Black Lives Matter organisation.
      And ahead of the race this weekend, he says he now wants to separate himself from supporting a political organisation, but says he is committed to supporting the anti-racism messaging.
      He said: “I think in terms of standing or kneeling, I want to make sure that I’m with the messaging of ending racism.
      “I support that movement, and not any sort of political organisation that I think the Black Lives Matter movement is.

      “I kind of just want to separate myself from that, and then push on with ending racism and that messaging, which I think is great that Formula One is doing and that all of the drivers are supporting.”
      F1 has failed to gather total unity over taking a knee with several drivers not taking part in pre-race shows of support.

      I am really proud of all the drivers wearing the end racism t-shirts and I think there is progression.
      Lewis Hamilton

      However, each racer has vowed to help end racism and world championship leader Lewis Hamilton is hopeful of further progress being made.
      He said: “I’m not going to tell you my opinion on whether everyone needs to [take a knee] or not.

      “But if you look at all the other sports – look at basketball, look at football, Spanish teams, Italian teams, teams all over the world – no matter what nationality or mixture, they are all doing it united.
      “You’ve got players from Russia, players from Spain. So I think it is a work in progress.

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      “But when the reason for perhaps not doing it is how you think it would be perceived in your country, all you have to do is look at the other sports, because they are doing it.
      “So I do hope that bit by bit we can come more and more together and more united.
      “I am really proud of all the drivers wearing the end racism t-shirts and I think there is progression.
      “I don’t know why Magnussen hadn’t done it, I’ve not spoken to him. But I think we will just try to improve each other’s understanding.”

      Lewis Hamilton blasts Formula 1 drivers after Hungarian Grand Prix win as anti-racism message continues to fall flat More

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      Valtteri Bottas signs £12m one-year contract extension with Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton set for talks over new deal

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS has signed a one-year extension to his Mercedes deal – with the team set to switch their attention to Lewis Hamilton.
      The Finn, who is currently second in the championship, will remain with the team until 2021.

      2

      Valtteri Bottas will remain with Mercedes until 2021 after signing a contract extensionCredit: PA:Press Association
      The 30-year-old’s deal is worth around £12million a year as Merc decided against breaking up their winning partnership.
      Bottas, 30, has eight wins and 48 podiums for the Silver Arrows and is incredibly low-maintenance in his relationship with Hamilton.
      He said: “I’m very happy to stay with Mercedes in 2021 and build on the success we’ve enjoyed together already.
      “The past few years have been all about continuous improvement, working on every aspect of my performance.

      “I’m confident that today I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, but I can always raise the bar. Mercedes embraces the same philosophy: They always want to get better and are always hungry for more.
      “Ever since I fell in love with F1 as a kid it’s been my dream to one day become world champion.
      “I’m in the fight for the title this year and staying with Mercedes puts me in the best possible position to compete for it next season as well.”

      Merc boss Toto Wolff is now expected to start talks with Hamilton as his deal expires at the end of this year.

      Wolff added: “We are very excited that Valtteri will stay with the team for at least one more season.
      “We’re seeing the strongest Valtteri we’ve ever seen this year — in terms of his on-track performance, but also physically and mentally.
      “He is second in the championship, finished the last season in P2 and plays a very important part in our overall team performance.

      2

      Bottas and Lewis Hamilton are team-mates at MercedesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      “I’m confident that we have the strongest driver pairing in F1 today and signing Valtteri is an important first step in retaining this strength for the future.
      “Valtteri is a hard-working, straightforward guy who has a good relationship with the entire team — including his team-mate, which is not a given when both drivers are fighting for the championship.
      “I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to raise the bar together with us this year and in 2021.”

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