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      Lewis Hamilton ‘not in same class’ as Sebastian Vettel with Brit told he was way ahead in terms of F1 talent

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL was “never in the same class” as Lewis Hamilton, according to former Williams and Ferrari team manager Peter Windsor.Four-time world champion Vettel, 35, retired at the end of the 2022 season after 16 years in F1.
      Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have won 11 world titles between themCredit: Getty
      Vettel won four F1 world championships between 2010 and 2013Credit: Reuters
      All of his title triumphs came with Red Bull as he claimed four successive championships between 2010 and 2013.
      He then went on to drive for Ferrari and Aston Martin but failed to clinch a fifth crown.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton has gone on to win seven world titles – a record he shares with Michael Schumacher.
      The Brit, 38, who is preparing to enter his 17th season in the sport, won his first championship with McLaren and has won his other six with Mercedes.
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      Both men made their debuts in the 2007 season and have enjoyed historic careers in F1.
      But Windsor, who worked as a sponsorship manager at Williams and general manager of Ferrari’s UK base in the 1980s, believes Vettel cannot be considered on the same level as Hamilton.
      Speaking on his Twitch channel, he said: “I always thought Vettel was a very reflexy, very fast, very well-balanced driver who, even in his testing for Sauber days, was nothing other than the ultimate exponent of turning the corner into a V shape.
      “And when he couldn’t do that because of the geography of the corner, he was about the same as the average [driver], but when he could do it on a particular type of corner, he was brilliant and had that ability to do it.
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      “And he had that at Red Bull, when he had that amazing grip at the rear, blown diffuser and everything else.
      “When that went away in the regulations in his last year at Red Bull, he became just an ordinary racing driver and actually struggled against Daniel Ricciardo. It was obvious then that that’s how he was exposed.
      “He didn’t say at the end of that year, or during that year, ‘wow, I’m in trouble here. When I don’t have a great back end, I need to start to be able to play with it a bit more and do more with the front, get the front to work.’
      “[There were] all sorts of things he could have done but he didn’t do any of that.
      “He just signed off and went to Ferrari and arrived as the four-time World Champion who was greeted with a lot of money and a lot of fan adulation.
      “And he never got any better, he was still the same driver. That’s the Sebastian Vettel story.”
      Windsor then referenced the collision between Vettel and Hamilton in 2017 where the German hit the back of the Brit after accusing him of brake testing.
      Continuing to talk about Vettel, he added: “The only thing you only can add is that he’s also the guy, behind the Safety Car, who drove into Lewis Hamilton at Baku [in 2017] because he was annoyed with Lewis for driving slowly.
      “He got away with that. He got away with that with a very, very small fine whereas Dan Ticktum lost his licence for a year for doing virtually the same thing. So that was disproportionate. He was very lucky to get away with that.
      “I never would have put him in the same class as Lewis. Maybe, if he’s got a really good back end on the car, I’d put him up there with Fernando [Alonso] – but if he’s got a wayward back end and not a lot of grip [he’s in trouble].
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      “Overall, throw a bit of crosswind at Seb, throw a bit of crosswind at Fernando, throw a bit of oil on the track, throw a bit of tyres going off – Fernando’s always going to do a better job [than Vettel] with all the variables up in the air.
      “Seb is very locked into what he does well.”
      Peter Windsor rates Hamilton well above VettelCredit: Getty More

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      F1’s Mick Schumacher joins Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s backup driver after Ferrari axe as he joins dad’s old team

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      MICK SCHUMACHER has joined Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s backup driver.The son of legend Michael failed to earn a new deal with Ferrari’s feeder team Haas.
      Mick Schumacher is the new Mercedes reserve driverCredit: Getty
      Father Michael spent three years with the team before he retiredCredit: AFP
      Mercedes revealed the news in a tweet that said: “Willkommen, Mick. 👋 Say hello to our 2023 Reserve Driver, @SchumacherMick.”
      The deal is a lifeline for Schumacher, who will also serve as back-up to George Russell for the 2023 season.
      It could be an emotional move, with father Michael having driven for Mercedes for three years until his ultimate retirement in 2012.
      Ferrari recently announced the axing of Mick Schumacher from its young driver academy, with the decision made just two days after Fred Vasseur was confirmed as new team principal of the Italian outfit.
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      A statement from Scuderia Ferrari confirmed the team and Schumacher had “mutually decided not to extend their collaboration, after working together for four years with Mick having been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.”
      It added: “Mick joined the Ferrari family through the young driver programme in 2019 and, as an FDA driver, competed in Formula 2 for two seasons with the Prema Racing team.
      “He won three races and secured the 2020 championship title. The following year, he made his Formula 1 debut with the Haas F1 Team.
      “He raced for the team for two years, starting in 43 races and scoring 12 points, finishing sixth in this year’s Austrian Grand Prix and eighth in the British Grand Prix.
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      “In addition, he covered the role of reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
      “Scuderia Ferrari thanks Mick for these four years and the many kilometres covered together, and wishes him all the best for the future.”
      Schumacher, 23, was axed by Haas as a driver for the 2023 campaign in favour of the experienced Nico Hulkenberg, 35, after struggling to get to grips with F1.
      The German failed to gain a single point in his debut season in 2021.
      He then improved in 2022, along with the car, and finished in 16th place in the Drivers’ Championship.
      However, his 12 points accrued still left him 13 points behind team-mate Kevin Magnussen.
      After the 2021 season, it was revealed that Mick Schumacher had caused more damage to his car in that campaign than any other driver.
      The German racked up a £4million bill for the Haas team after requiring eight new front wings and nine sets of suspension.
      Ahead of his deal with Mercedes, Schumacher said he was humbled to hear of Toto Wolff’s interest.
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      He commented: “Mercedes is an awesome brand and what they’ve achieved in Formula 1 is incredible.
      “For sure I am looking at my options, and Mercedes is a part of it.”
      Mick Schumacher will be backup to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell after joining MercedesCredit: Getty More

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      Ferrari hire replacement for axed Mattia Binotto as McLaren and Sauber get involved in bizarre managerial merry-go-round

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      FERRARI, McLaren and Sauber have all appointed new team chiefs in a bizarre managerial merry-go-round.Ferrari have signed Fred Vasseur as team boss after axing Mattia Binotto earlier this month.
      Ferrari have found a replacement for axed team boss Mattia BinottoCredit: Splash
      Fred Vasseur is joining Ferrari from SauberCredit: PA
      Vasseur, 54, joins the Italian team from Sauber, who have confirmed that highly-rated German, Andreas Seidl, has taken the position of CEO of the Sauber Group, which in turn is expected to run as the Audi F1 team in 2026.
      Seidl, who previously worked at BMW and Porsche, has left his role at McLaren where he has helped the team rebuild after a wretched few years.
      And he will be replaced by Andrea Stella, who has been promoted from his role as Executive Director by the Woking-based team.
      It is one of the biggest managerial shake-ups in years and will have widespread repercussions across the paddock as each new arrival tries to recruit new team members.
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      Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said: “We are delighted to welcome Fred Vasseur to Ferrari as our team principal.
      “Throughout his career he has successfully combined his technical strengths as a trained engineer with a consistent ability to bring out the best in his drivers and teams.
      “This approach and his leadership are what we need to push Ferrari forward with renewed energy.”
      Vasseur will be charged with delivering Ferrari their first title since 2008.
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      Andreas Seidl joins Sauber from McLaren, and has been replaced by Andrea StellaCredit: Getty
      He has a long career in motorsport and co-founded the ART Grand Prix junior team, which helped Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Nico Rosberg on their way up the ladder.
      Meanwhile, McLaren will be disappointed to lose Seidl, who has taken credit for the team’s improvements on track since he joined in 2019.
      Seidl will take over the CEO position held by Vasseur at the Sauber Group, which run as the Alfa Romeo team in F1.
      However, he will not hold the role of Team Principal, with a new appointment to be announced in due course.
      Seidl said: “It is great to join the Sauber Group from January: this is a team with a rich history in Formula One and an organisation I know really well from my time working and living in Hinwil for four years.
      “I can’t wait to join the team and work with all the colleagues at the Sauber Group on the ambitious goals we have set together.”
      And McLaren boss Zak Brown says replacing Seidl by promoting Stella was a natural choice.
      He said: “Andrea is a highly talented, experienced and respected member of our team with a strong track record of leadership and success in Formula One.
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      “His move into this role is a great example of the strength in depth we have in our team, and I’m excited to be working more closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.”
      The triple signings come a day after Williams parted company with their team boss Jost Capito, with no replacement yet announced. More

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      Newcastle star Joe Willock cheekily tries to win Ferrari from Allan Saint-Maximin as he promotes his board game for fans

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      JOE WILLOCK has cheekily tried to win a Ferrari from Newcastle team-mate Allan Saint-Maximin.The midfielder commented on Saint-Maximin’s post in which he thanked his fans for downloading the “Helios: The game” app.

      Joe Willock commented on the post asking for a FerrariCredit: Getty
      He sent the message under Allan Saint-Maximin’s post
      Allan Saint-Maximin launched the game in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / @helios_zone
      The Frenchman added a heartfelt message to his fans on the post that included: “A big thank you to everyone who downloaded the Helios: The game app.
      “This is just the beginning, this app is for you, for all the people who have always been there and believed in the project.
      “I won’t forget who helped me when I really needed it without me asking for anything and who turned a blind eye.
      “I will always help anyone I can help. What I’m going to earn and everything I’m putting up through this app with my team will be proof that when you want to be generous you can.
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      “[It’s] too easy to hide and always make excuses when we have the means and resources to help so many people.
      “Everything we have and think we have, money, notoriety etc, material things will disappear but your good deeds, kindness you will have with everyone you will meet will remain intact.
      “People won’t remember how many 0’s were in your account but the person you are so fight for it.
      “The love you give to your children, your family, will remain intact. Feel free to comment which car, prizes, you would like to win. LOVE”.
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      After the post, fans started to comment with want they wanted, with some asking for Newcastle-signed shirts or games consoles.
      But Saint-Maximin must have been surprised when one of his teammates commented: “I want a Ferrari please bro”, as Willock tried his luck at winning something off the star player.
      But he was too quick for the former Arsenal player and replied: “With the bonus.”
      Newcastle have been in great form this season and are currently challenging for a spot in the Champions League next season. More

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      Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto AXED after failing to break 14-year F1 title drought with string of tactical blunders

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      FERRARI have axed boss Mattia Binotto after he failed to guide the Italian F1 team win their first title since 2008.Only last week, Ferrari moved to reject claims that Binotto was being replaced by Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur.
      Mattia Binotto has been axed from FerrariCredit: Reuters
      However, Binotto has now tendered his resignation and will leave the role at the end of the year, having held the position as team principal for four years.
      Binotto, who has worked for Ferrari for a total of 28 years, oversaw the team build arguably the quickest car this season.
      However, a catalogue of strategy and operational cock-ups have cost Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz valuable points.
      Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said: “I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari and particularly for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year.
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      “As a result, we are in a strong position to renew our challenge, above all for our amazing fans around the world, to win the ultimate prize in motorsport.
      “Everyone here at the Scuderia and in the wider Ferrari community wishes Mattia well for the future.”
      Binotto, who has been linked with a job-switch with Vasseur, was popular within the team.
      He added: “With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari.
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      “I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set.
      “I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I’m sure, to achieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future.
      “It is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me.
      “I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction.”
      Ferrari finished second in the F1 constructors’ championship, 205 points behind Red Bull.
      Leclerc was second in the drivers’ championship and Sainz was fifth, despite SIX retirements. More

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      Michael Schumacher’s record-breaking Ferrari sells at auction for £13m and becomes most valuable ‘modern-era’ F1 car

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S old Ferrari Formula One car has become the most valuable of the “modern era”.The Ferrari F2003 was sold for an immense £12.6million, breaking the previous record, which was also held by an old Schumacher model.
      Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2003 was sold for over £10m in a recent auction.Credit: AP:Associated Press
      The auction of the car took place in Geneva, Switzerland at Sotherby’sCredit: Getty
      The car helped Schumacher become one of the best Formula 1 drivers of all time.Credit: Getty – Contributor
      That car was the F2001, which was sold in 2017 for £6.4m, almost half the price of the new record holder.
      The F2003 was the car in which Schumacher won his sixth Formula One world title.
      And five of Schumacher’s six victories that season came in the exact model sold in Geneva, along with two more podium finishes.
      Top Gear magazine revealed that the car was presented in “in full running order” after being rejuvenated by Ferrari.
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      It is believed that Mick Schumacher, Michael’s son, had a look at the car to check it over at Ferrari’s private testing ground at Fiorano.
      Since the vehicle has stopped racing it has only covered 148 miles, mostly driven by Mick.
      The car’s final price surged past the £9m that it was expected to be sold for.
      Mick is currently racing for the American team Haas, but could be replaced by Nico Hulkenburg next season.
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      Team Williams have been rumoured to be interested in giving him a lifeline by offering him a seat.
      RM Sotheby’s, a classic car auction house, said that the record breaking car: “provided an unforgettable moment for all Formula One fans.”
      Whoever has bought the car has got themselves a bit of Formula 1 history and one of the finest bits of F1 memorabilia ever offered up.
      The car gave Schumacher five wins and two further podiums in 2003Credit: EPA
      It had been back to Ferrari and is now as it was when it lined up on the grid in 2003Credit: EPA More

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      Michael Schumacher’s record-breaking Ferrari tipped to sell for staggering £8.4MILLION as it is put up for auction

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S world championship-winning Ferrari is expected to sell for more than £8MILLION at auction.The F1 legend, 53, won seven drivers titles between 1994 and 2004 – the last five of which came with the iconic Italian racing team.
      Schumacher claimed five titles in a row between 2000 and 2004Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The German used the iconic car for the 2003 campaignCredit: EPA
      The legendary Ferrari car is going up for sale on FridayCredit: Reuters
      It will be auctioned off at a sale in Geneva, SwitzerlandCredit: EPA
      Schumacher won five races in this car during the 2003 seasonCredit: Reuters
      He beat Fernando Alonso to the crown in this carCredit: EPA
      It has an iconic design, made historic by Schumacher’s achievementsCredit: EPA
      A picture of the steering wheel shows the fascinating set-up of the carCredit: AFP
      And now the German’s 2003 Ferrari car – which helped Schumacher to five race wins on his way to the title – is going up for sale at an auction in Geneva on Friday.
      The supreme feat of engineering saw him eclipse Juan Manuel Fangio to become the first ever racer to win six F1 world championships.
      Now, someone will be able to own the incredible piece of motor racing memorabilia.
      Vincent Luzuy, executive assistant to the director of RM Sotheby’s sales – who are auctioning the car, explained why it is such a precious commodity.
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      He told Reuters: “It’s special because this car is one of the only four cars with more than four wins in the Ferrari history and especially with one of the most skilled driver’s of his generation, Michael Schumacher.”
      The “Chassis 229” Ferrari is set to fetch around £8.4m at auction as F1 fans flock to try and snap up the car.
      Back in April, his 1998 Ferrari car was sold at auction for £5m, while his 2001 car used at the Monaco Grand Prix hit the £6m mark.
      Schumacher’s record-breaking tally of seven world titles has since been matched by Lewis Hamilton.
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      But it is still yet to be beaten after Hamilton missed out on an eighth crown last year as Max Verstappen passed him on the last lap of the final race of the season.
      Meanwhile, Schumacher is currently living back home in Switzerland with his family.
      In December 2013, the German racing legend suffered a severe brain injury during a skiing accident in the French Alps.
      He was placed in a medically induced coma until June 2014.
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      Since the horrifying incident nearly nine years ago, he has lived an extremely private life with very few updates on his health.
      His son Mick, 23, currently races in F1 with Haas.
      Schumacher is Ferrari’s greatest ever F1 driverCredit: EPA More

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      World champion Max Verstappen reveals he could RETIRE from F1 in 2028 to try his hand at ‘few different kinds of racing’

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      TWO-TIMES World Champion Max Verstappen has revealed he could retire from F1 as soon as 2028. The Red Bull driver wrapped up his second Driver’s Championship last week after a chaotic Japanese Grand Prix.
      Verstappen was in high spirits after he won a strange race in Japan and sealed the ChampionshipCredit: Rex
      It was a stroll to the title for Verstappen who has dominated the second-half of the season.
      And the star celebrated the achievement in style with his McLaren driver pal Lando Norris.
      With the star only 25 and showing no signs of slowing down, Red Bull might have hoped for a long and successful dynasty with Verstappen at the helm.
      But the Dutchman has revealed he may only stay in F1 until 2028, when his long-term deal with the team expires and he will only be 31.
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      He told Sky Sports: “I don’t see myself driving until I’m 40 because I want to also do other stuff.
      “I’m having a lot of fun with what I’m doing right now and I’m still in F1 for a couple more years… I’m signed until ’28.
      “After that, it also depends how everything is going but I will probably try to do a few different kinds of racing because it’s important also to try different things.”
      But he added: “I really enjoy being part of this team for a long time and hopefully for a long time to come.”
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      In recent years F1’s most successful drivers have tended to stay on the grid deep into their careers.
      The best example is Fernando Alonso who returned to the sport last year and is 41-years-old.
      Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is 37 and has recently signalled he could be driving well into his 40s as well.
      But as F1’s youngest ever driver, Verstappen entered the sport far earlier than either of them.
      Verstappen’s stock is currently very high after his controversial title win in Abu Dhabi last year and his far more dominant win this year.
      It had appeared Red Bull would face a real battle with Ferrari this year but the famous Italian team’s season came undone due to team errors and reliability issues.
      In contrast, Verstappen repeatedly impressed with a series of stunning drives, most notably at the Belgian Grand Prix and the race in Hungary. More