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      Piers Morgan leads well-wishes for Michail Antonio after horror crash trapped him in his Ferrari for 45 minutes

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      PIERS Morgan has lead well-wishes for Michail Antonio after a car crash saw him trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes. The footballer, 34, was airlifted to hospital with “shattered” legs after the horror unfolded on Coppice Row, in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm. Piers Morgan has led well-wishes after the horror crashCredit: RexA source told The Sun on Sunday ‘everyone at the club is very worried’Credit: GettyPhotographs at the scene show extensive damage to the front of the FerrariCredit: XThe footballer was trapped for nearly an hour before fire crews cut him freeCredit: XMichail was eventually cut free by fire crews at 1.45pm after being trapped for nearly an hour. Piers Morgan posted his well-wishes on X after shocking photographs from the scene circulated.”Whoa… this looks very bad. Hope he’s OK,” wrote the Uncensored host.When West Ham later posted a major health update stating the player was in “stable condition”, the presenter added: “Good news…”.Michail’s former team-mate Jobi McAnuff, who played with him at Reading, also wrote on Instagram: “Thoughts and prayers to Michail and his family.”It comes after the footballer’s £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees after leaving the road.Ex-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.Most read in Football“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.One said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved.”It looked like it had spun out of control.“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out. It looked like he had some face injuries.”Another source also claimed the footballer’s legs had been “shattered” in the crash.Horrific photographs from the scene show the shocking aftermath. Michail’s silver Ferrari lay at the side of the road on the verge of surrounding woodland. There appeared to be extensive damage to the front, driver’s side, with the windshield crumpled. Pictures revealed only the back of the car remained in tact.In an update on X, the club confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and remains in hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.”West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area,” the club wrote on social media. “Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. READ MORE SUN STORIES”On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”The player is in ‘stable condition’Credit: Getty More

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      West Ham’s Michail Antonio trapped in wrecked Ferrari for almost an HOUR before being airlifted to hospital after smash

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      PREM star Michail Antonio had to be cut from the wreckage of his £260,000 Ferrari yesterday after a horrific road smash.West Ham star Michail was airlifted to hospital after fire crews took almost an hour to free him from the car crash.West Ham star Michail Antonio was said to be in a serious conditionCredit: GettyPrem ace Antonio had to be cut free from his Ferrari after crashing the £260,000 motor into treesThe smashed supercar at the side of the road after the horrific accidentMichail was said to be in a serious condition after hitting trees at Theydon Bois, Essex.Shocking images showed his £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees after leaving the road at 12.50pm.Fire crews alerted by other drivers battled to release the 34-year-old striker by 1.45pm.Dad-of-four Antonio was flown to a central London hospital.READ MORE ON MICHAIL ANTONIOEx-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois, Essex — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.Most read in FootballOne said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved. It looked like it had spun out of control.West Ham star Michail Antonio involved in horror car crash “I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”A motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out.”Dad-of-four Antonio was flown to a central London hospitalMichail Antonio was unhurt in another smash in 2019Credit: Chris EadesThe Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011Credit: SuppliedEssex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were called at 1.02pm. Firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm.”The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”The Ferrari FF was the fastest four-seat car in the world when released in 2011.It can reach 208mph and go from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds.West Ham said in a statement: “We can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident in the Essex area.’Thoughts and prayers’“Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michail, his family and friends.”“The club will make no further comment this evening but issue a further update in due course.”West Ham face Wolves in their next Premier League match tomorrow night.South London-born Antonio crashed a Lamborghini in 2019.He began his career with non-league Tooting & Mitcham.Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospitalEssex PoliceHe joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest in 2015 for £7million and is the London club’s all-time Premier League top scorer with 68 goals in 268 games.He was picked three times for England squads but never played. In 2021 he switched allegiance to Jamaica, where his parents are from.He is divorced from Debbie, who he married in 2017, and fronts the BBC’s Footballer’s Football podcast alongside Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.Essex Police are investigating and appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe force said: “We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday December 7 to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The crash happened close to the home of West Ham owner David SullivanCredit: Getty Images – GettyPrevious Christmas crash in LamboMICHAIL Antonio was previously involved in another supercar crash — in his £210,000 Lamborghini.He blamed an icy road when he hit a garden wall on Christmas Day 2019 — while dressed as a snowman.He said: “I’m going like 30, maybe 35, on a 30 road.“It holds corners so I’m thinking I don’t even need to brake, I’m just gonna go around the corner, sick car.“As I’m going round the corner, it skids. I s*** myself and slam on the brakes.“Worst thing you can do on ice, slam on the brakes ’cause you speed up. It’s a madness — and I’m in the snowman costume as well.”He walked away unscathed and played for West Ham on Boxing Day in a 2-1 London derby loss at Crystal Palace.By Len Read More

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      ‘Find the way out’ – Ferrari urged to RIP UP Lewis Hamilton’s £78m contract by F1 legend after ‘worrying’ admission

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      FERRARI have been urged to tear up Lewis Hamilton’s mega-money contract after the Brit made a “worrying” admission.It has been a season to forget for Hamilton as he has struggled to bring the best out of his car in his final year with Mercedes.Ferrari have been urged to rip up Lewis Hamilton’s dealDavid Coulthard believes Ferrari should reconsider Hamilton’s dealHamilton, 39, is due to switch to childhood heroes Ferrari next season, as Carlo Sainz heads to Williams.But last week, he was called out for making a “worrying” comment ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.Hamilton said after sprint qualifying: “The positive is that the car is fast and George should be able to shoot for pole tomorrow. “Who knows? I’m definitely not fast anymore.”READ MORE ON F1Ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has now advised the Italian team to tear up Hamilton’s contract in light of his admission.Jordan told the Formula For Success Podcast: “If you don’t believe 100 per cent, you’re f****d. Do you understand that? “Because belief, 99.9 per cent means that there is that tiny, little, little thing in there knocking on your head that gives you the things that maybe, oh, I don’t really have that confidence. “I don’t really have the ability. And at the moment what I heard from Lewis, I’m not fast enough anymore, they were the words, I think.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe added: “Honestly, if I was Ferrari, I would say close the book, find the way out. That’s it. “I think also, if it’s a little message to you, Lewis, if you’re out there, always remember in life. You’ve got your music, you’ve got your fashion, you’ve got all sorts of other things.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant”You are, in most people’s view, the greatest driver of all time. Please remember what I’m going to say to you. Always, always think about the best exit. And this is the time to take the money off the table. Go.”Former F1 star David Coulthard also found Hamilton’s uncharacteristic admission troublesome.Coulthard said: “He’s as low as he can be right now. But I would say that’s pretty worrying.”It doesn’t detract from his brilliance, it doesn’t take away anything from the records, but there is a thing called mother nature and the clock is ticking.”Hamilton holds the all-time F1 record for pole positions but has been beaten over one lap by team-mate George Russell 20 times this season.And it has raised questions about his competitive edge as he looks towards teaming up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit did manage to win two races, at Silvertone and in Belgium earlier this term but sits seventh in the driver’s standings.The seven-time champ activated a release clause in his Mercedes contract to join Ferrari in a “multi-year” deal that is reportedly worth £78million per year.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s incredible Mercedes story comes to an end after 11 record-breaking years – but now a new chapter awaits

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      LEWIS HAMILTON matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles at Mercedes – now he plans to break it in Ferrari red.The 39-year-old will bring down the curtain on his Mercedes career in Abu Dhabi this weekend – the very race that turned his life upside down in 2021.Lewis Hamilton is ending a glittering 11-year career with Mercedes ahead of his final race this weekendCredit: ReutersHamilton joined the team in 2013 and has gone on to win six titlesCredit: GettyIt made him the joint most successful driver in the history of the sport with seven titles overallCredit: GettyBut Hamilton’s final race with the Silver Arrows will come on SundayCredit: GettyNo one thought it would be a bitter-sweet ending like this, a week on from threatening to retire his car early after a disastrous race in Qatar which saw two penalties and a puncture.But Hamilton’s time at Mercedes should be remembered as a glittering 11-year partnership that has delivered six drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ championships.From a fierce rivalry with Nico Rosberg, known as the Silver War, to winning the German Grand Prix from 14th in 2018, Hamilton has delivered box-office drama at Merc while becoming one of the finest drivers to ever grace the grid.The numbers speak for themselves, with Hamilton the most successful driver ever – taking six of his seven championships with Mercedes, 84 of his 105 race wins, and 78 of his 104 poles.READ MORE IN F1For three-years Hamilton and Rosberg went hammer and tongs against each other which eventually led to the latter’s retirement in 2016 and the souring of a childhood friendship.They traded barbs throughout Hamilton’s title winning campaigns in 2014 and 2015 before the tension reached its crescendo a year later.With Hamilton on pole in the season finale in Abu Dhabi in 2016, Rosberg just needed to finish on the podium to become world champion.Hamilton drove slowly in an attempt to bring other drivers into the battle, knowing he needed Rosberg to finish below third.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe British driver rowed with his team over the radio and was repeatedly told to speed up but told the team: “Let us race.”Rosberg came under pressure from Sebastian Vettel but held off the Ferrari driver to finish second. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPThe race summed up just how fraught this rivalry had become and how little ground either driver was prepared to give up – and F1 was all the richer for it.It also lit a fire in Hamilton’s belly though as he won three consecutive titles from 2017 onwards.Over the years Hamilton has been the man to rise above his machine, something we have only really seen from Max Verstappen’s fierce competitiveness on track.Hamilton won the German Grand Prix from 14th in 2018, crossed the Silverstone finish line with three tyres in 2020 and a year later soared to victory in Sao Paulo from 10th on the grid.It was that very year when his career came crashing down, with him so deeply cut after losing what would have been his eighth world title to Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi desert in 2021.He dominated the race from the start, only for race director Michael Masi to fail to apply the rules correctly during a late safety-car period.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconMasi’s decisions to override protocol over the handling of lapped cars and the timing of a restart were followed by Verstappen passing Hamilton when the race was restarted for one final lap and the title changing hands.Hamilton was so distraught that he nearly walked out on the sport for good as he battled with his mental health.Mercedes and Hamilton returned the following season determined to right the wrongs.Things only got worse, and the team’s lack of competitiveness thrust Hamilton to make the shock decision to join Ferrari at the end of this campaign.It hasn’t just been a floundering Mercedes car to blame but he was riddled with self doubt following the Abu Dhabi controversy.This was reinforced by his failure to win a race for 945 days, a week before the safety car chaos in Saudi Arabia that fateful year.But trust Hamilton to break his drought on his home turf at Silverstone in July to become the record-holder for F1 wins at a single circuit.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor the first time in a glittering career spanning three decades and 355 grands prix, Hamilton blubbed like never before as he took the chequered flag when he won Silverstone in June – ending a two-and-a-half year wait for victory.Hamilton now has the chance to write a new chapter in his F1 career at Ferrari, but whether he goes down in the history books as the record title holder, only time will tell.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. 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      Lewis Hamilton demands to RETIRE in meltdown at Qatar Grand Prix as time at Mercedes heads for sad ending

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      LEWIS HAMILTON had a meltdown and rowed with his team after trying to quit the Qatar Grand Prix early.The seven-time world champion threw his toys out of the pram as he suffered a puncture and a penalty in his second to last race in his Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton was hit with a puncture and penalty during a horror Qatar Grand PrixCredit: GettyHe asked his team to retire the car, a request that was deniedCredit: ReutersHamilton’s race engineer Peter Bonnington said on the team radio: “We have got a drive-through penalty in the pit lane. “It looks like you forgot to press the button on that first time behind the Safety Car.”Hamilton said: “Retire the car, mate. Park the car, mate.Bonnington replied: “Negative.”READ MORE IN F1Meanwhile his old rival from 2021, Max Verstappen, roared “simply lovely” as he produced a fierce drive to overtake pole-sitter George Russell and cross the line six-seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, while Oscar Piastri came in third.Lando Norris almost snuck into the lead himself at the start but Verstappen just managed to defend his position going through Turn Two.The safety car was called into action when chaos at the start saw Nico Hulkenberg lost the rear of his car and collided into Esteban Ocon who then clipped Franco Colapinto.Lance Stroll and Alex Albon also made contact amid the drama.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn lap 16, Hamilton, who was eighth, was handed a five-second time penalty for a false start.Russell’s evening went from bad to worse when his rear right tyre got stuck during his pit stop which took seven seconds.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPDrama erupted when Albon lost his mirror going down the main straight, causing debris to scatter over the track.There was only a matter of time before someone drove over it and lo and behold Valtteri Bottas did, fortunately with no major issues.It caused misery for Hamilton, with the debris causing a puncture for his Mercedes before the safety car was deployed.Carlos Sainz’s car was also damaged, and the Ferrari was in the pits for a whopping nine-seconds.Russell ranted at his team for putting hard tyres on, saying: “Why have we put hards on? Why have we put the s*** hards on? They’re s***”On lap 40 at the restart, Verstappen held off Norris on Turn One to go on the outside after the McLaren got a great slingshot out of the final corner.There was more contact and more chaos as Hulkenberg was beached in the gravel and out of the race while Sergio Perez was gone too.Drama continued as the stewards came down HARD on Norris for not slowing sufficiently for yellow flags, slapping him with a whopping 10-second stop-and-go penalty.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton had his meltdown after he was caught speeding in the pit-lane.Verstappen cruised towards victory while Norris snuck back into the points as he moved into tenth.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Four-time F1 world champion snubs comeback for FARMING apprenticeship but leaves door open to Le Mans race

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL has ruled out a return to Formula One as he pursues a new career in FARMING.Green-fingered Vettel, 37, won four F1 drivers championships in a row between 2010 and 2013 with Red Bull.Sebastian Vettel has revealed he has started an apprenticeship in agricultureCredit: GettyHe left the Racing Bulls to join Ferrari in 2015, where he stayed until joining Aston Martin in 2021. Vettel left the motorsport in 2022 and has since promoted several environmentally friendly initiatives.And his latest adventure has seen the German take up an apprenticeship in agriculture.During an appearance at an awards ceremony in Braunschweig, Germany, Vettel told RTL: “I am actually going to school.READ MORE IN F1″I am doing an apprenticeship in agriculture.”Asked whether he was looking to become a full-time farmer, he said: “Not quite. It is basically a condensed form of it. After that, I can run my own business.”This area fascinates me. I find it extremely exciting when it comes to the future of agriculture.”Vettel lives with his wife and three children on a farmhouse in Switzerland.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has been a long-term champion of being climate-friendly and was one of the main voices who spoke about the cause during his days in F1.Speaking about his life with his three children, he said: “With the three kids, there is enough to do anyway. F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “My life is much quieter than it used to be. I don’t travel as much anymore.”However, Vettel has not completely closed the door on a return to motorsport and teased a possible appearance at Le Mans in the future.He said: “I’m not returning to F1.”But Le Mans could be an option.”Vettel won 53 races and scored 122 podiums during his F1 career. He is the youngest-ever F1 world champion, a title he took from Lewis Hamilton.Max Verstappen emulated Vettel after being crowned a four-time world champion in Las Vegas last weekend, once again with Red Bull.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      F1 legend Nigel Mansell reveals why Lewis Hamilton can win eighth world title with Ferrari

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      FORMULA ONE legend Nigel Mansell is confident Ferrari’s “magical” team will help Lewis Hamilton to an EIGHTH world title.Britain’s 1992 F 1 world champion is a huge fan of the Stevenage racer, who will end his glittering 12-season stay at Mercedes to join the Italian team next year.Nigel Mansell has revealed why Lewis Hamilton can land a record eighth world title with FerrariCredit: GettyHamilton is leaving Mercedes to join the Scuderia at the start of next seasonCredit: GettyHamilton has signed a two-season mega-bucks deal with the Scuderia and Mansell, 71, is delighted he will now experience the Ferrari magic — just like he did in 1989 and 1990.Mansell said: “Lewis has done some incredible things throughout his career.“And it is absolutely fantastic he is going to drive for Ferrari which, for me, is the most romantic team in the whole of Formula One.“The fans will embrace him and I am sure he will be able to win for them and be a great team-mate for Charles Leclerc.READ MORE IN F1“Lewis has all the attributes to get another world title.“He will have a renaissance in the car because he’s super quick and Ferrari will do a good job for him.”Mansell won his only world title with Williams but ‘Our Nige’ insists he has special memories of driving for Ferrari for two seasons before leaving following a bust-up with team-mate Alain Prost.Mansell said: “It means a lot to me having driven for them.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s close to magical and I do feel fulfilled that I didn’t miss out driving for one of the greatest makes of car in the history of the world.“There isn’t a person in the world who doesn’t love a Ferrari.” Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPHamilton, 39, has won a record 105 grand prix and hopes Ferrari can reignite his career which has stalled in recent seasons as Max Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated Mercedes.His last driver’s title was in 2020, equalling the record of seven set by Ferrari superstar Michael Schumacher in 2004.His move to the Scuderia marks Hamilton as the 13th British driver who will don a scarlet red race suit, and he will be aiming to be the first Brit in 60 years to win the F1 title for Ferrari.Mansell, who now lives in the US, was company founder Enzo’s Ferrari’s last personal signing shortly before he died in 1988.And the man christened ‘The People’s Champion’ by his British followers was also adored by Italian fans.They dubbed him Il Leone — The Lion — for his aggressive driving style which earned him 31 race wins, 32 poles and 482 points during his career.And Mansell celebrated his Ferrari debut in 1989 by roaring to an unexpected victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix.That feat endeared him to everyone in the Italian camp — even though he failed to land them the title he craved.Mansell added: “You have one chance to win your first race for your new team and goodness knows how that car kept going but I won in Rio and that cemented a very, very special relationship.“I feel, as much as I missed out on a number of things in Formula One, I didn’t miss out driving for Ferrari.“OK, I didn’t win the championship for them but I won races for them and had the experience.“The difference is working with the Italians, the Tifosi fans — even the reporters all wear their hearts on their sleeves.“They are so excited. It’s one of those Marmite situations: You love ’em or you hate ’em and I was very fortunate.“I just loved the whole experience and it was reciprocal. They supported me and loved me and I think they still do today.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s wonderful and Lewis will find a different level of feeling comfortable and being supported.“I think he will just embrace it and go from strength to strength.”Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals how close he came to QUITTING Mercedes before the end of the F1 season after Brazil GP fiasco

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was ready to quit Mercedes with three races of the season still to go.Britain’s seven-time world champ endured the lowest couple of days of his glittering Formula 1 career in Brazil a fortnight ago.Lewis Hamilton is preparing for the Las Vegas GP after his Brazil woeCredit: EPAThe Brit was fed up after coming tenth at the Sao Paulo GPCredit: GettyHamilton made a cryptic comment to mechanics on his radio in BrazilCredit: RexHe slammed his car as “the worst it’s ever been” after what he described as a “disaster of a weekend”.Hamilton finished tenth in the rain-lashed Sao Paulo Grand Prix having crossed the line 11th in the Interlagos sprint race 24 hours earlier.The 39-year-old — who joins Ferrari next season — then uttered a cryptic remark to his mechanics over the team radio.He said: “If this is the last time I get to perform it was a shame it wasn’t great but I’m grateful for you.”READ MORE TOP STORIESHamilton later remarked he “could happily go and take a holiday”.Mercedes tried to play down the driver’s comments.But ahead of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed he was genuinely ready to quit Toto Wolff’s Brackley-based team early as his 12-year Mercedes career threatened to burn out with a whimper.He said: “In the moment that’s how I felt, like I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend. That’s only natural.Most read in MotorsportHamilton will be scooting off to Ferrari next seasonCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, which I’m pretty sure I won’t have again, or at least I’ll work towards not having again.“It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment, but I’m here.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff“I’m standing strong and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races.”Hamilton finished 50 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen in Brazil — even though Red Bull’s triple world champ started behind him on the grid — and 27sec adrift of team-mate George Russell, who crossed the line in fourth.Despite ending a 2½-year winless streak at the British Grand Prix in July, Hamilton is ­seventh in the world championship, 203 points behind Verstappen.While he sits a place and two points back from Russell.Hamilton was asked about Mercedes boss Wolff saying he “liked” that the Brit chose to leave the team as it may have stopped him from possibly having to get rid of him at a later date.Wolff also spoke of Hamilton ­having a “shelf life” in ­Mercedes’ all-access book Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane.When Hamilton was asked if he felt he had a point to prove, the racer who has won six of his seven world crowns at Mercedes, replied: “No. Just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong. I’ve been training well, I feel great.Hamilton endured terrible conditions at Sao PauloCredit: Rex“Honestly, I feel in the best place I’ve been all year mentally and considering how bad the last race was, that says enough.“I’ve been around this game for a long time.“There have been so many  things said about me, so many ­micro-aggressions.“Not from my boss, because he’s been supportive all these years and we’ve achieved a lot together, but in general and through it all, nothing can take me down.“I’m still here, still fighting and I’m going to continue to push.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a team I genuinely still love and even though I am leaving I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races.“If they provide a car that wants to stay on track then, hopefully, we’ll have a better result.” More