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      Lewis Hamilton admits he’d ‘love to drive’ F1 rival’s car as he opens up on ‘two difficult years’ at Mercedes

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted he would love to drive Red Bull’s Formula One car.Mercedes have had a challenging couple of years since the new era of F1 car designs were introduced into the sporting regulations.
      Lewis Hamilton has admitted he would ‘love’ to drive the Red Bull F1 carCredit: Alamy
      Max Verstappen enjoyed unprecedented success behind the wheel this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Brackley-based team have won just won race in the last two seasons, with that sole win coming with George Russell in Brazil 2022.
      And that has left seven-time world champion Hamilton without a race win for two years, having previously won a race in every season he had featured in beforehand.
      Hamilton showed his quality by finishing the best of the rest in the 2023 drivers championship, but was still unable to snatch a race win thanks to the unprecedented dominance of Red Bull.
      Indeed, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was the only driver not in a Red Bull to take a chequered flag this season as Max Verstappen hoovered up a record-breaking 19 race wins and Sergio Perez landed two.
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      Red Bull brainiac designer Adrian Newey has already claimed their car evolution plan next year will be “so difficult for anyone to catch up”, so Hamilton’s challenge may get even harder.
      NOT that the 38-year-old is backing down from the challenge, but he believes every driver on the grid would love driving the “most dominant car of all-time”.
      As quoted by F1i.com, he said: “Every driver here looks at the Red Bull car and would love to drive that car, and I am not saying that I wouldn’t love to drive that car and feel how good it is, every driver would feel that.”
      However, he also backed Mercedes to recreate the winning formula which allowed Hamilton to land six of his seven world titles.
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      He said: “We’ve had two difficult years, and if we work towards beating that car, it is going to be a way better feeling than stepping into the best car.
      “That wouldn’t do much for me, in the sense of stepping into the car that is the most dominant of all-time.
      “Working with my team to build and be able to beat them, that would be better for my legacy.”
      Despite this, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has backed Hamilton to be fighting for the title in 2024, so long as the team deliver a car capable keeping up with Red Bull.
      When asked by Sky Sports as to whether they can bridge that gap next season, Wolff said: “New season starts with a completely new car and that gives opportunities but also risks.
      “I think we’ve got to be realistic.”
      He added: “If we are able to give him the car, then he will be fighting for a world championship.
      “I have no doubt. It’s clear that when you have a Formula 1 car like we have now, you are never at ease with it.”
      Verstappen broke a number of records with Red Bull in 2023, including the sport’s longest race-winning streak with ten and becoming the first driver to ever lead 1000 laps in a season.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Susie Wolff slams ‘misogynistic’ allegations as F1 Academy chief accused of sharing info with Mercedes boss husband Toto

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      SUSIE WOLFF has slammed allegations that she exchanged confidential information with husband and Mercedes team principal Toto as “misogynistic”.A report in Business F1 magazine claimed rival team bosses had raised concerns that Wolff was sharing confidential information from her employer Formula One Management (FOM).
      Susie Wolff, right, has slammed allegations she has shared confidential information with husband TotoCredit: Rex
      Wolff is employed by F1’s commercial rights holder FOM and in her role as the director of the sports all-female series, F1 Academy, reports directly to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
      On Tuesday, the FIA announced its compliance unit had opened an investigation into the pair’s conduct relating to the claims.
      The FIA statement said: “The FIA is aware of media speculation centred on the allegation of information of a confidential nature being passed to an F1 team principal from a member of FOM personnel.
      “The FIA Compliance Department is looking into the matter.”
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      Neither party were named by the FIA in the statement, but both Wolff and Mercedes F1 rebutted the claims.
      In a social media post, Wolff, 41, said she was “deeply insulted but sadly not surprised” by the allegations.
      She added: “It is disheartening that my integrity is being called into question in such a manner, especially when it seems to be rooted in intimidatory and misogynistic behaviour, and focused on my marital status rather than my abilities.”
      Meanwhile, a Mercedes spokesperson said: “We note the generic statement from the FIA this evening, which responds to unsubstantiated allegations from a single media outlet, and the off-record briefing which has linked it to the team principal of Mercedes-AMG F1.
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      “The team has received no communication from the FIA compliance department on this topic and it was highly surprising to learn of the investigation through a media statement.
      “We wholly reject the allegation in the statement and associated media coverage, which wrongly impinges on the integrity and compliance of our team principal.
      “As a matter of course, we invite full, prompt, and transparent correspondence from the FIA compliance department regarding this investigation and its contents.”
      A further statement from F1 said they had not been briefed on the governing body’s statement before its release.
      An F1 spokesperson added: “We note the public statement made by the FIA this evening that was not shared with us in advance.
      “We have complete confidence that the allegations are wrong, and we have robust processes and procedures that ensure the segregation of information and responsibilities in the event of any potential conflict of interest.
      “We are confident that no member of our team has made any unauthorised disclosure to a team principal and would caution anyone against making imprudent and serious allegations without substance.”
      Wolff was the last woman to drive in an F1 practice session and was appointed the director of F1 Academy in March 2023.
      She married Toto in 2011, several years after first meeting, in a Capri wedding.
      The pair have a son together named Jack.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      F1 announce huge 2024 calendar update set to leave world champion Max Verstappen fuming

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      FORMULA ONE have announced a huge update to the 2024 season calendar.Next season is set to feature a record-breaking 24 races, one up from the 23 held this season.
      Sprint Races are returning for the 2024 seasonCredit: Alamy
      Max Verstappen has a well known dislike for Sprint RacesCredit: Getty
      Scroll down to see full 2024 Sprint Race calendar
      However, F1 bosses have pressed forward with plans to expand the divisive Sprint Race format.
      F1 held six different weekends featuring a Sprint Race in the 2023, with varying degrees of success.
      There will once again be six weekends which feature Sprint Races, including two tracks holding one for the first time.
      The Chinese Grand Prix, which saw its 2023 race cancelled due to difficulties with Covid-19, has been pencilled in as one weekend to hold a Sprint Race.
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      The other new venue for a Sprint Race is Miami. Returning tracks for the format are Austria, America (COTA), Brazil and Qatar.
      However, this move is likely to upset reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who is well known to not be a fan of Sprint Races.
      On the race format, he previously said: “I’m not a fan of it at all.
      “When we do all that kind of stuff the weekend becomes more intense and we’re already doing so many races. So that’s not the right way to go about it.
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      “I understand of course they wanted to have every day exciting but then it’s maybe better to reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.”
      He has even gone so far as to threaten to QUIT F1 if sport bosses keep making changes to the rules.
      Finer details of the Sprint Races are yet to be finalised with sport bosses set to discuss potential changes to the format, including revised timings and parc ferme regulations.
      On next year’s sprint calendar, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “I am delighted to announce six exciting venues for next season’s F1 sprint events, including two new hosts China and Miami, both of which will be fantastic additions and provide great racing for all our fans at the race and watching at home.
      “Since its creation in 2021, the sprint has been consistent in delivering increased audiences on TV, more on track entertainment for the fans at events and increased fan engagement on social and digital platforms, and we are looking forward to the exciting events next year.”
      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “I’m pleased to confirm the six sprint events for next season and am looking forward to the return of four host venues that have provided some thrilling action in the sprints this year.
      “The addition of Shanghai will be a challenge for the teams and drivers as Formula 1 heads back to China for the first time since 2019, while a sprint in Miami will add a new dimension to an enthralling weekend.
      “We must continuously develop and adapt to ensure we are doing what is best for the sport, and as such we are working with FOM and the teams to define the future direction of the sprint format.”
      The 2024 Sprint Race calendar in full
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Iconic F1 GP set to be moved after 35 years to incredible street track with stars to race past world’s best footballers

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      FORMULA ONE’S Spanish Grand Prix could be moved to a stunning new circuit in Madrid.Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – which underwent a revamp ahead of the 2023 race – has hosted the event for the last 35 years.
      The Spanish Grand Prix is set to have a new additionCredit: Getty
      The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is set to have a sister circuit in 2026Credit: Getty
      How the proposed new track in Madrid will look
      But it appears a new track in Madrid is set to be introduced to the calendar in 2026.
      Reports from Spanish outlet OK Diario claim F1 is set to announce the new “Formula 1 Madrid Grand Prix” after registering trademarks with the name.
      F1 reporter Joe Saward said the announcement will see the Madrid circuit hold races for at least ten years from 2026.
      Saward adds the race will take place on a semi-permanent track around the Ifema convention centre close to Barajas Airport and next to Real Madrid’s training ground Ciudad Real Madrid.
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      The centre is located around 7km away from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium — which itself has undergone a face lift in recent months.
      F1 chiefs have been looking at Madrid as a new host for some time.

      Saward reports the race will be fully accessible by public transport including the city’s metro network, a move which would contrast the restricted viewing fans saw at the Las Vegas GP.
      Madrid last hosted an F1 race at Jarama in 1981, with Barcelona hosting the country’s race since 1991.
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      The reported new track will run by Real Madrid’s training groundCredit: AFP
      It means drivers will go past some of the world’s best footballersCredit: Getty
      The new track will also be close to the Santiago BernabeuCredit: Getty
      The Catalunya circuit’s deal runs until 2026 with Madrid and Barcelona set to initially both host races.
      It is understood to be unlikely that the Barcelona track with continue to host Grands Prix beyond then.
      Although F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously suggested there is a chance two Spanish races could stay on the calendar.
      Valencia has previously hosted the European GP alongside the Catalunya race.
      Speaking at the launch of an F1 exhibition in Madrid earlier this year, Domenicali said: “They are working to bring a race here and F1 is delighted to have so many contenders, because this way we become more and more popular.
      “Two races in Spain of course is very difficult, so we are happy with Barcelona who have a contract and a strong relationship – but it is true that Madrid wants a race so we will see. All of this is good for F1.”
      FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also hinted at this move, saying: “It is a matter of meeting around a table and negotiating what is best for F1, also on the commercial side.”
      Asked about Spain hosting two races, he added: “I think so. We have to study the commercial part, but I am sure that Formula 1 will be doing that. And then it will work very well.”
      It comes after Domenicali also suggested that F1 could have as many as 30 races over the course of a season.
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      This season had 23 races and was a record in of itself, though the current Concorde agreement between teams and F1 maxes this number out to 24.
      However, that deal only runs until 2025 and could pave the way for F1 to return to Africa and head to new venues.
      F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have openly backed the idea of a Madrid GPCredit: Rex
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Spice Girl Geri, much-loved Sky Sports host Anna Woolhouse and Penélope Cruz in stunning outfits for Ferrari premiere

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      GERI HALLIWELL-HORNER was one of many celebrities to wow on the red carpet at the Ferrari premiere.The Spice Girl accompanied her husband, Red Bull principal Christian Horner, to the premiere at Leicester Square, London.
      Geri Halliwell-Horner and Christian Horner donned classy outfits at the Ferrari premiereCredit: Getty
      The couple took shelter from the rain under an umbrellaCredit: AFP
      Penelope Cruz also made an appearanceCredit: Reuters
      She is one of the cast members in the filmCredit: Splash
      Geri, 51, looked classy in her white blazer and matching trousers over a low-cut top.
      Horner himself had a dapper attire on, an open-collar shirt under a navy suit.
      The principal completed his look with a smart overcoat.
      Plenty of other famous faces at the premiere, such as Penelope Cruz.
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      The Spanish actress plays Laura Ferrari in the movie and stunned on the red carpet.
      The 49-year-old rocked a long flowing dress paired with a short blazer.
      Sports fans will also be happy to know that Sky Sports host Anna Woolhouse made an appearance.
      She wowed in a black dress as she was photographed alongside fellow host Rachel Brookes.
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      TV hosts Anna Woolhouse and Rachel Brookes looked glamorousCredit: Getty
      Piero Ferrari and Antonella Ferrari were in attendanceCredit: Getty
      Brookes donned an orange dress and let her hair flow on the red carpet.
      The film ‘Ferrari’ tells the story of the car company as it faced bankruptcy in 1957.
      Owner Enzo Ferrari, played by Star Wars star Adam Driver, puts his hopes on a 1,000-mile race across Italy, the Mille Miglia.
      It was directed by Michael Mann and will be released on December 29.
      Some of the other famous faces on the red carpet included Piero Ferrari, Shailene Woodley, Jessica Creighton and Patrick Dempsey.
      Scroll down for more pictures from the premiere…
      Shailene Woodley is in the movieCredit: Splash
      Jessica Creighton rocked a sparkly outfitCredit: Getty
      Patrick Dempsey and spouse Jillian FinkCredit: Getty
      Nat Pinkham wore red for FerrariCredit: Getty
      Adam Driver wore a tuxedoCredit: Getty
      The film’s main starsCredit: Getty
      Jack O’Connell went for an all black lookCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen’s F1 legend dad Jos, 51, underwent secret heart surgery during son’s record-breaking season

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S father Jos has revealed he underwent heart surgery earlier this year.The Formula One legend, who clocked up more than 100 races, has opened up about his operation which he admits has “put things into perspective”.
      Jos Verstappen underwent heart surgery as his son won the F1 championshipCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen won the F1 championship with ease in a record-breaking campaignCredit: Getty
      Jos, 51, kept his surgery away from the spotlight while his son embarked on a record-breaking F1 championship-winning campaign.
      But he has now opened up about his health issue, which has been resolved thanks to the surgery.
      He told Dutch outlet Formule 1: “It’s annoying that I had to have it, but it’s now resolved. Fortunately they were able to find the problem and I now feel fit again.
      “It was something that I have had all my life and was never discovered, otherwise it could have helped immediately. But you can live to be a hundred years old with it.
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      “Any operation on your heart is always exciting, of course, because they can do something wrong and you’re totally dependent on other people.
      “But I also had a neck hernia 20 years ago, which made me even more nervous.
      “It puts things into perspective and makes you appreciate what you have even more.
      “I have a nice wife and two small children with whom I want to spend beautiful time with for as long as possible.”
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      Red Bull star Verstappen, 26, won 19 out of 22 races this year to win the championship with 575 points – eclipsing the record he set last year by 121 points.
      Between May-September the Dutchman broke a record by winning ten consecutive Grands Prix, culminating with victory at the Italian GP. More

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      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff tips Lewis Hamilton to WIN F1 world title in 2024… but only if team ‘gets its act together’

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      MERCEDES BOSS Toto Wolff has said that he believes Lewis Hamilton can win the 2024 F1 Drivers Championship… but only if his team get their act together.Mercedes finished second in this season’s Constructors’ Championship but were some way behind champions Red Bull.
      Hamilton and Wolff will be looking to cook up a more competitive car next seasonCredit: Rex
      George Russell’s podium finish in Abu Dhabi was enough to secure second, three points in front of Ferrari, but it represents a fall from grace from Mercedes who had won eight constructors’ titles in a row up to 2021.
      Red Bull finished on 860 points, with Mercedes finishing on 451 so there is a considerable gap for Wolff’s team to make up.
      When asked by Sky Sports as to whether they can bridge that gap next season, Wolff said: “New season starts with a completely new car and that gives opportunities but also risks.
      “I think we’ve got to be realistic.
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      “We are aiming for the stars but we finished only second against a team that was out-performing everybody else.”
      When asked if another constructor, such as Ferrari could usurp them to become Red Bull’s main competitor, Wolff said: “I mean I’ve always said that this is a meritocracy and best driver and best car wins, and therefore we have to just get out act together, and I hope it’s us [that can fight Red Bull].”
      Wolff says it is up to the team to give Hamilton a car worthy of beating Verstappen next year, saying: “If we are able to give him the car, then he will be fighting for a world championship.
      “I have no doubt. It’s clear that when you have a Formula 1 car like we have now, you are never at ease with it.”
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      It has been an unlikely winning drought for Lewis Hamilton, with the Brit not winning a Grand Prix since Saudi Arabia in December 2021.
      He finished third in the 2023 Drivers standings on 234 points – a whopping 341 off 2023 champion Max Verstappen. More

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      Max Verstappen reveals plans are underway to form Le Mans dream team with huge F1 rival

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      FORMULA ONE champion Max Verstappen is willing to put aside his rivalry with a fellow driver on the circuit to form the perfect Le Mans dream team.The Red Bull driver was unstoppable again in his pursuit of a third successive world title.
      Max Verstappen has revealed his dream of racing in Le Mans
      Verstappen wants to race with Fernando Alonso at Le Mans
      The Dutchman appeared at Honda Thanks Day, where he revealed what he dreams of doing.
      Unsurprisingly, it was the 24 hours Le Mans race that came up as a discussion.
      He said: “What I do want to race is the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I have already been there, when my father raced in Le Mans. The atmosphere is incredible in Resistencia.
      “There are so many people, driving at night, at dawn… I think it’s really cool.”
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      Usually, teams are comprised of two or three drivers for the endurance test.
      That prompted Verstappen, 26, to reveal his ideal partner that would form a Le Mans dream team.
      He said: “I’ve been talking to Fernando (Alonso) about it. He said he’d just want to do it with me again. So I told him it would be great.
      “The only thing is, for Le Mans, there’s no minimum weight for the driver. I’m a Quite a heavy competitor, so I would have to find light teammates to compensate.
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      “But Fernando is quite light, so that would be very good for us. But we would need to find another one, so I have to take a look.”
      Alonso knows what it’s like to win Le Mans.
      The Spaniard is a two-time winner in 2018 and 2019, winning with Toyota. More