F1

SIR JACKIE STEWART has denied suggestions there is a distinct lack of diversity in Formula One – despite Lewis Hamilton’s protests.
Hamilton, 35, recently spoke out about the lack of diversity in the sport and vowed to help spark change.

2

Sir Jackie Stewart doesn’t believe the diversity issue in F1 is that bigCredit: Rex Features

2

Lewis Hamilton has been fighting for diversity and against racism since the F1 season startedCredit: Getty
The British racer has taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before both Grands Prix this year.
Hamilton has been joined by a handful of other drivers, with some opting to stay standing.
But Stewart reckons the diversity problem is “not as big” as is being made out – saying everyone is accepted in F1 if they’re qualified.
Stewart told Good Morning Britain: “I think Lewis has been a great example to lots of people.

“He’s quite vocal about these elements, [but] I don’t think there’s as big a problem as there might seem.
“There is no resistance for change if someone is clever and good at what they do.
“They will be accepted in Formula One.
“What we need to do is be sure whatever colour, man or women, they have to be educated in that particular area of engineering.

“And if we had different races wanting to get into Formula One they have to do it through education.”
Last month, Mercedes star Hamilton spoke out about the lack of diversity in F1.
‘BARRIERS’
The six-time world champion said: “Despite my success in the sport, the institutional barriers that have kept F1 highly exclusive persist.
“It is not enough to point to me, or to a single new black hire, as a meaningful example of progress.
“Thousands of people are employed across this industry and that group needs to be more representative of society. 
“For this reason, I have been working with the Royal Academy of Engineering to create The Hamilton Commission…
“[It is] a research partnership dedicated to exploring how motorsport can be used as a vehicle to engage more young people from black backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects…
“[We can then], ultimately, employ them on our teams or in other engineering sectors.”
And after the Styrian GP at the weekend, Hamilton continued: “Formula One, yes they have taken a step forward.
“But ultimately there is more they can do. And the governing body, who dictate what these teams do.
“I asked on a Zoom video call, ‘look, F1 has come forward in supporting end racism and it is amazing to see Mercedes doing the same thing.
“But no other team has said a single thing. Whilst we have seen the Red Bull mechanics take a knee, which I think is great, but publicly, as businesses and teams…
“If you look at Ferrari, who have thousands of people working with them, I have heard no word from Ferrari saying they hold themselves accountable and this is what they are going to do for their future.
“We need the teams to do that. And F1 and the FIA to be the leaders in those scenarios and say ‘hey guys, everyone needs to pull together and fight for this so we can improve’.
“A lot of people don’t know what the problem is. Some people deny there is a problem and that’s why I put this commission together.
“Everyone has their opinion but I want to get to the bottom of it and so when we are putting money in to it, we know the cause and that is the root goal.”

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

Revealed

MAG-ICAL
Stats prove Maguire now better than Van Dijk after his error in Arsenal defeat

Gossip

MILAN SHOCK
Eriksen ‘one of 11 Inter aces on sale’ months after Spurs exit in Conte revamp

Pictured

LET IT RIP
WWE star Rhea Ripley reveals stunning new blonde look

‘I’M SORRY’
Axed Arsenal Fan TV’s Claude issues grovelling apology to Son amid racism storm

Exclusive

GIMME FIVE
Pogba close to agreeing five-year Man Utd contract in huge boost for Solskjaer

TRAINING DAY
Tyson shows off speed, power and reflexes at 54 as he prepares for comeback

Since Hamilton’s comments, Mercedes have turned their cars and racers’ bodysuits black instead of silver.
And F1 as a whole has expanded its “We Race As One” initiative, pledging to spend £800,000 on unearthing talent from BAME backgrounds.
Force India have also kickstarted a scheme to find engineers of BAME backgrounds for the future, by teaming up with RoKit.

Lewis Hamilton and other F1 drivers ‘take a knee’ in support of BLM at Austrian opener More

BRITISH drivers, staff and media are having to comply with incredibly strict quarantine measures at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix – or face the threat of jail.
Formula 1 has been unable to secure an exemption for their workers heading to Budapest for the third race of the season – amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Hungarian officials have slapped UK entrants into the country with a strict set of rules that could have a large impact on the Grand Prix.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton is set to arrive in the country on Thursday and will not be allowed outside for the entirety of his stay.
Brits are only allowed to visit their hotel room and their place of work.
When travelling between the two destinations, they must avoid public transport and drive themselves – without being allowed to stop.

If any of the 1,700 drivers, engineers, team staff or media from the UK venture out to buy a bottle of water, take some exercise or fill up with petrol, they face a huge fine.
Hungarian authorities have threatened a spell in jail or a €15,000 (£13,400) fine for breaches.
As he did in Austria, Hamilton will head straight to the circuit when he arrives in the country and pitch up in a luxury motorhome.
Fellow British racers George Russell and Lando Norris are likely to do as they and their teams did in Spielberg, and remain in their hotels when not at the track.

2

Facemasks and social distancing are all strictly enforced during race weekends in F1Credit: Getty Images – Getty

2

Podiums have been erected on tracks with remote controlled robots delivering trophiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
F1 are maintaining ‘bubble’ protocols for the early months of the 2020 season where only a couple of designated people, typically their manager and physio, are allowed close contact with drivers.
One example of the altered race weekend is the use of temporary, socially-distanced podiums on the track with trophies delivered by robotic plinths.
So far, the plans have been a success with zero coronavirus cases emerging in Austria amid two fascinating races.
Of the Hungarian measures, Hamilton said: “It doesn’t affect me because I stay at the track, but there will be protocols in place for the team.
“They have been fantastic in terms of how they have managed their bubble during this time.
“I don’t know how their set-up will be and it is unfortunate that unlike us, they cannot stay at the track.

It is a challenge but these are challenging times and why we are taking it very seriously.”
Lewis Hamilton

Live Blog

STYRIAN GP LIVE
Hamilton leads from Verstappen after both Ferraris crash out in Austria

GRIDLOCK
Lewis Hamilton warned he faces PRISON if he breaks isolation rules in Hungary

HUNGARY FOR SUCCESS
Hamilton ready to equal Schumacher with record eighth win at Hungary GP

VAL-IDATED
Mercedes set to confirm Bottas contract extension until end of 2021 season

OFF TRACK
F1 set for first positive Covid-19 test after 10,000 negative in Austrian GP

“It is a challenge but these are challenging times and why we are taking it very seriously.”
McLaren youngster Norris added: “We have to be at the track or hotel but I am happy with room service everyday.
“I can watch Netflix and play Call of Duty but there will be limitations. I cannot go out for a cycle or a run.”

Inside the luxury RV motorhome of F1 Red Bull star Ricciardo at the Austrian Grand Prix More

LEWIS HAMILTON is ready to cement his place as king of the ‘ring by going for a record-equalling eighth win at the Hungarian GP.
The Brit has more wins than any other F1 driver at the Hungaroring and is just one-shy of Michael Schumacher’s haul of eight wins at a single track.

2

Hamilton is hoping to win his eighth Hungary GP this weekend – a single track recordCredit: Alamy Live News

2

Michael Schumacher won eight French GPs at Magny-CoursCredit: Reuters
Schumacher won eight French GPs at Magny-Cours, an achievement that Hamilton can equal on Sunday.
Hamilton said: “Every time I am reminded of the records Michael has, it is just mind blowing to me.
“How many wins, how many championships and pole positions.
“It is record after record. I am constantly reminded of his greatness and the success he had.

“I have always loved Hungary.
“I don’t know why there are tracks we excel on, other that we are good on and others that we are mediocre in racing terms.
“Budapest and Montreal have been my strongest, so I am excited to go back.”
Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel says he will not turn his back on Ferrari and quit the team mid-season.

The four-time world champion has not been offered a new deal by the team for 2021 and is understood to be increasingly frustrated.
The German was wiped out by his teammate, Charles Leclerc, in last weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix but says he’s not ready to quit the team.
He said: “I’m not running away from it. I think I have something to prove mostly to myself. And that’s why I’m here for.
“Obviously a lot of guys in the team have given so much to me in the last couple of years.
“Just out of respect, I want to give that support back and bring it to a worthy end, so I’m not at all even considering running away.”
Reports in Germany suggest Vettel could join Silverstone-based Racing Point in 2021 when they will become Aston Martin F1.

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

‘BAFFLED’
‘Annoyed’ Tyldesley hits back at ITV decision to replace him with Matterface

GRIDLOCK
Lewis Hamilton warned he faces PRISON if he breaks isolation rules in Hungary

THANKS A MIL
How Inter helped Lukaku lose over half a stone as Man U missed dietary needs

PRICE IS RIGHT
Watch rare footage of Fury’s amateur LOSS to Brit rival Price in 2006 scrap

COVER UP
Fergie attends first game since restart… but he’s not wearing face mask properly

Pictured

HAZARD AHEAD
Eden Hazard adds £500k Lamborghini Aventador SVJ to his swish car collection

Vettel added: “Obviously my future at this stage is open. Anything is possible.
“If the right package comes up, then I’m very interested.
“If not, then I’m certainly not the type of guy that just hangs around just to participate or grab some money.
“That has never been my intention.” More