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      Inside Formula 1 drivers’ luxury car collections – including Max Verstappen’s James Bond car and Hamilton’s £13m garage

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      FORMULA 1 drivers definitely live life in the fast lane – on and off the track.As some of the highest-paid sports stars in the world, they have huge mansions, designer outfits, and an impressive supercar collection to show for it.
      Lewis Hamilton shows off his Mercedes-Benz GLC SUVCredit: LewisHamilton/twitter
      Carlos Sainz with his Ferrari 600 LT SpyderCredit: mclarenautomotive/facebook
      And as many of them have shown, driving for some of the world’s biggest carmakers like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Mercedes-Benz comes with incredible perks.
      Just ask Lewis Hamilton, whose partnership with Mercedes has netted him some of the manufacturers’ most amazing vehicles.
      Here, we take a peek into the garage of some of Formula 1’s biggest stars to see what they drive when they are not competing on the grid.
      Sergio Perez
      Sergio’s private car collection is said to be worth £4.3millionCredit: Rex
      His Bugatti Chiron cost a mind-blowing £2.5millionCredit: bugatti
      Although Sergio is yet to win a major championship, he’s still one of the most recognisable Formula 1 stars and is the fourth highest-paid driver on the grid right now.
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      The Mexican reportedly has five luxury cars to his name including a Bugatti Chiron, which retails from a mind-blowing £2.5million.
      Other cars in his collection include a McLaren 720S, a Mercedes Benz AMG, a Porsche Panamera, and a BMW X7.
      In total, the Red Bull racer’s cars are said to be worth over £4.3million.
      Charles Leclerc
      Charles Leclerc is one of the richest stars on the grid todayCredit: AP
      His vast collection includes a Rolls Royce WraithCredit: AFP
      Monte Carlo-born Charles is one of the grid’s most talented stars, with an estimated net worth of £42.5million after signing a deal with Ferrari in 2019.
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      He has one of the most impressive collections of private vehicles said to be worth £5.6million, including the powerful Bugatti Chiron and a Rolls Royce Wraith, worth £811,180.
      He also has a Ferrari GTC4 in his garage, which reportedly set him back £689,000, and a McLaren GT, which retails at £649,000.
      But that’s not all – the 25-year-old owns a Ferrari F8, a Land Rover Discovery, and a Jaguar XF.
      Max Verstappen
      Max’s collection is inspired by James BondCredit: Max33Verstappen/twitter
      Max also owns an Aston Martin Valkyrie, said to give drivers an F1 experienceCredit: Reuters
      The Red Bull driver is one of the highest-paid stars in Formula 1 and has a private car collection inspired by James Bond.
      Max owns a 007-type DB11, a follow-up to the DB10, driven by the fictional secret agent in Spectre.
      The Dutchman is reported to have added an Aston Martin Valkyrie to his collection. According to reports, the vehicle is priced at a whopping £2.1million.
      The manufacturer’s website describes the car as the closest anyone will get to having the Formula 1 experience on the road.
      Lewis Hamilton
      The Mercedes-Benz driver has several cars made by his teamCredit: MercedesAMGF1/twitter
      He says he no longer drives many of his supercars for environmental reasonsCredit: Xposure
      As a seven-time champion, it is no surprise that Lewis Hamilton likes to travel in style with a collection of some of the most luxurious vehicles.
      He has owned a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and a Ferrari LaFerrari.
      But these days, he prefers to be a bit more low-key as he takes the environment into consideration.
      In 2020, he told Reuters: “I don’t drive any of the cars that I own anymore. I only drive my [electric Mercedes] EQC.”
      It’s been reported that he also has a Mercedes-Benz G63, a GLC SUV, a McLaren P1, and a Pagani Zonda 760. According to reports, his private car collection is worth over £13.8million.
      Carlos Sainz
      Carlos Sainz has proudly shared snaps of his McLaren 720S on social mediaCredit: mclarenautomotive/facebook
      The star also has a McLaren 600 LT SpyderCredit: mclarenautomotive/facebook
      Carlos’ net worth is estimated to be £6.4million, meaning he has the means of securing himself an enviable car collection.
      It includes a Ferrari 812 Competizione, worth nearly £488,000.
      The Ferrari driver also has two McLarens – a 720S and a 600 LT Spyder – and has proudly shared snaps of them on social media.
      At £177,310, his Ferrari Roma is the least expensive vehicle in his possession.
      Fernando Alonso
      Fernando has several supercars including a McLaren
      Before switching teams from Alpine to Aston Martin, Fernando, 41, used to travel around in an Alpine A110 but has since upgraded.
      He now drives an Aston Martin DBX luxury SUV, which Fernando says is his dream car – the car doesn’t come cheap either, with the 2022 version boasting a starting price of £158,000.
      According to Slash Gear, the Spaniard’s garage includes a La Ferrari, a Porsche 918 Spyder, and a McLaren P1, which costs a staggering £895,000.
      Other cars in his collection are a Maserati GranCabrio, and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fernando Alonso Edition, which only had 40 units and typically sells for £244,000.
      Lance Stroll
      Lance Stroll is worth £41.6million and and owns a range of supercarsCredit: Splash
      His Ferrari California set him back a staggering £290,000Credit: Alamy
      Although Lance Stroll is worth £41.6million, his father Lawrence, who is a part owner and executive chairman of Aston Martin has a £2.4billion wealth.
      Lance’s car collection is one of the most incredible and is said to include a Ferrari California, which set him back £290,000.
      The Canadian also owns a Lamborghini Huracan, a Mercedes Benz AMG GT-R, and an Aston Martin Vantage, which is sold for about £131,000.
      His father, on the other hand, has a £50million Ferrari 250 GTO – the world’s most expensive car, and a £200million superyacht.
      Lando Norris
      Lando Norris has been living a glam life ever since swapping the UK for MonacoCredit: Getty
      Lando drives a powerful McLaren 720S, with a £248,800 price tagCredit: Getty
      He was seen driving a Fiat 500 Jolly in MonacoCredit: Norrislandofans/twitter
      He left the UK for Monaco when he got an extension to his McLaren deal last year and has been living the glam life ever since.
      Lando’s supercars includes a £248,800 McLaren 720S, which has the capability to go from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 212 mph.
      Staying loyal to his team, he also owns a McLaren 570 GT, which comes with a £169,000 price tag.
      He isn’t all about the big cars, however – he has been spotted driving around Monaco in a cute Fiat 500 Jolly, which has sparked a ton of memes and TikTok videos.
      Valtteri Bottas
      Valtteri Bottas has a £25million fortune and a number of carsCredit: EPA
      Valtteri owns a McLaren 765LT, which sells for £310,000
      Vatlterri, 33, who spent most of his career at Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate, has a £25million fortune in his own right and takes home £8.6million a year driving for Alfa Romeo.
      It’s no surprise then that he can afford a car collection that includes a McLaren 765LT Spyder, which goes for £310,000.
      There’s also a Mercedes Benz AMG GT Black Series for nearly £286,000, and an Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifogilo for £74,736
      The least expensive car in the Finnish racer’s collection is a Mercedes AMG C63 for £69,000.
      George Russell
      George Russell with his Mercedes AMG GT that cost £97,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      He also owns a Mercedes C63 S Coupe and posted a picture on social media of him washing itCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      As a driver for Mercedes, George, 25, has an array of supercars he could choose from, including his Mercedes AMG GT, which costs £97,000.
      Powered by a 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, it can go from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 and has a top speed of 190 mph.
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      The British racer also owns a Mercedes C63 S Coupe which is on the market for £63,482.
      He has even shared pictures of himself on social media washing the car himself by hand. More

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      I’m Michael Schumacher’s pal – His wife banned me from visiting him but now I understand why she’s protecting him

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s pal says his wife banned him from visiting the Formula 1 star – but now understands why she’s protecting him.Schumacher’s wife Corinna – dubbed Michael’s “guardian angel” – has overseen the effort to ensure his wish for privacy is respected as he continues to recover from his horrific ski crash ten years ago.
      Michael Schumacher with his wife Corinna after winning the Japanese Grand Prix in 2000Credit: Getty
      Pal Eddie Jordan he knows and understands why he has been prevented from visiting MichaelCredit: Getty
      Michael and Corinna seen together in 2003Credit: EPA
      That has meant even close family friends, such as Eddie Jordan, who gave Schumacher his big break in F1 with Jordan Grand Prix back in 1991, has been prevented from seeing him.
      Eddie has revealed in a heartfelt interview said the constant battle and pressure has left Corinna almost like a “prisoner” and he understood her situation amid the intense interest surrounding the stricken ace.
      Speaking to The Sun Online via his involvement in betting firm OLGB, Eddie said: “Privacy is such a vital aspect to sport, business and your personal life.
      “[Corinna] has set out some rules, I know her very well and a long time before Michael Schumacher.
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      “She’s a lovely girl and I knew her when she married Michael so there is a long history of good relations.”
      Eddie continued: “I made an effort to go see Michael in the early days and Corinna refused, and rightfully so because too many people wanted to go see him.
      “Jean Todt was given the privilege to go see him because of how close they were from their time together at Ferrari which is completely understandable.
      “I was not able to go see Michael and they said ‘We love you Eddie and we’ve been involved with you for a very long time, but we do need privacy and safeguard of Michael’.”
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      Corinna is understood to have imposed a “family only” rule on visits with Michael.
      And one of the only people outside their immediate circle who is allowed to visit him is F1 chief and ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt.
      Eddie added: “This was the most horrific situation for Mick and Corinna.
      “It’s been nearly ten years now and Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that, she’s like a prisoner because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn’t need reminding of it every minute.”
      Eddie managed the Jordan F1 team from 1991 to 2005 – with the bright yellow team known for fostering young talent, including Schumacher and his brother Ralf.
      Schumacher was given his big chance by Eddie aged 22 at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1991.
      It was an extraordinary set of circumstances in which Jordan driver Bertrand Gachot couldn’t make the race as he was jailed for 18 months after spraying a taxi driver with CS gas.
      The team entered 250 races, won four Grand Prix, and mounted a world championship challenge in 1999.
      Even after the selling the team – which eventually morphed into what now known as Aston Martin F1 – he remained involved in F1 as a regular fixture in the paddock and as a pundit in the media.
      Jordan has often spoken of his “love” for his friend Michael – including earlier this year describing the 91-time winner as “there but not there”.
      Corinna rarely speaks about Michael – but did reveal snippets in a touching, tearful interview for Netflix documentary Schumacher.
      “I miss Michael every day. But it’s not just me who misses him,” she said.
      “It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him.
      “I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here. Different, but he’s here and that gives us strength, I find.”
      She went on: “We try to carry on a family as Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives.
      “’Private is private’, as he always said. It is very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible.
      “Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael.”
      And Eddie told The Sun Online about how he has spoken to the legend’s son Mick.
      MICHAEL’S ‘GUARDIAN ANGEL’CORINNA is at the centre of the tightly knit inner circle and slick PR operation that works to keep Michael’s life private.
      She has reportedly slimmed down his £500m business empire and sold prized assets such as his private jet and house in Norway as the family retreated to their secluded home on the shore of Lake Geneva.
      And there were reports last year that she was preparing to set up the family with a “new life” in Majorca.
      Schumacher spoke of his love for his wife just days before his crash, telling German TV: “During all the time I was racing she was my guardian angel.”
      And she has continued to watch over him ever since, reportedly being by his side from the moment he was rushed to hospital in Grenoble.
      Corinna is said to have converted part of their £50million lakeside mansion in Gland into a state-of-the-art hospital, with a team of 15 medics providing 24-hour care at a cost of £115,000 a week.
      Meanwhile the thick surrounding forest and security fences kept him away from any possible intrusion.
      And its reported Corinna has been kitted out their £27million Majorca home with a mini hospital to help make the German racer comfortable.
      he family even waged a legal battle in 2016 after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.
      The court case actually led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk two years on from the crash.
      Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend”.
      It is alleged to have been offered to European news outlets for a staggering £1million.
      German prosecutors in Offenburg later confirmed that “an unknown person” had taken “secret” snaps and were offering them for “high amounts of money”.
      They called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.
      Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.
      And in a rare interview with Germany’s She magazine in 2019, Corinna revealed it is her notoriously private husband who has dictated the news blackout.
      She said: “He is in the best of hands right now and we are doing everything we can to help him.
      “Try to understand that we follow Michael’s desire to keep his health a secret.”

      Mick followed in his dad’s footsteps into F1 – but the young driver, 23, struggled and lost his race seat at the end of 2022 after a series of crashes for the Haas team.
      Eddie told The Sun Online: “It’s also difficult for Mick, he is trying to make a career for himself in motor racing.
      “If Mick did not have this pressure of his father looming over him, he would probably be a much better driver than what we think. 
      “However, it is his father and he has to understand and cope with that, but my thoughts are with him.
      “I don’t reach out to Mick often, but I loved what he said about driving the Jordan car that his father had driven, it was a nostalgic and a very nice touch.
      “Nevertheless, Mick needs his own free space and time like everyone in that family needs.”
      She has reportedly slimmed down his £500m business empire and sold prized assets such as his private jet and house in Norway as the family retreated to their secluded home on the shore of Lake Geneva.
      Mick – who was dropped by Haas in favour of veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg for 2023 – is now a reserve driver at Mercedes.
      He will be backing up Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, potentially stepping in for them if they have to miss a race.
      In a touching link to his dad, Mercedes is the team that Michael ended his career with – having a brief three-season comeback from 2010 to 2012 after his initial retirement in 2006.
      Schuey is credited with helping to lay the foundations of the Silver Arrows as they went on to dominate the sport – winning eight constructors’ and seven drivers’ titles – between 2014 and 2021.
      Michael was left in a medically induced coma after his accident while skiing off piste on December 29, 2013 – spending three months in hospital before being released home.
      He is reported to have suffered a traumatic injury to his brain – but little other info has been released on his health.
      The lack of official updates has left room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
      Some have claimed he was in a vegetative state while others claimed he was awake and able to talk.
      The F1 legend was a seven-time-world champion – winning five times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton – and is regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
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      He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012, winning 91 races.
      Some pals have criticised the family for not being more open – including Schumacher’s manager of 20 years, Willi Weber, and Schumacher’s boss at Mercedes, Nick Fry.
      Corinna Schumacher once tearfully admitted Michael was ‘different’ now
      Jordan said his ‘love’ for Michael ‘still lasts’ after he gave him his break in F1Credit: Corbis – Getty
      Eddie Jordan with Michael Schumacher in 1991Credit: Sutton Motor Sport Images More

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      Michael Schumacher’s iconic 200mph Ferrari F1 car that racing legend won first world championship with goes up for sale

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s legendary F1 car from his 2000 season is going up for auction.The Ferrari in which Schuey won his third world championship and first with Ferrari could be yours if you put up enough money.
      The shiny Ferrari could be yours if you join the auction in Hong KongCredit: Jam Press/Andrew Trahan Photogra
      The F1 legend won four back to back world championshipsCredit: Getty
      He secured the Aussie championship with the vehicleCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The 2000 Ferrari F2000 – chassis 198 – is being sold in Hong Kong by RM Sotheby’s from April 3 to April 12.
      The V-12 engine car was driven to victory by Schumacher at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2000.
      The race car can hit speeds of up to 200mph or more – making it a great addition to any thrill seeker’s life.
      He also drove it to pole position at the Monaco Grand Prix – the only pole position achieved by Schumacher at that circuit with Ferrari.
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      RM Sotheby’s said of the car: “There is no greater name in the pantheon of motorsport than Ferrari, and few more decorated or celebrated drivers than Michael Schumacher.
      “The Prancing Horse’s total domination of the sport from the turn of the millennium was due in no small part to Schumacher’s incredible once-in-a-generation talent.”
      When the Ferrari made its debut in 2000, it boasted amazing aerodynamics and a redesigned V-10 engine – which lowers the car’s centre of gravity.
      RM Sotheby’s added: “Chassis 198, the car offered here, proved vital to the success of Schumacher’s Championship-winning 2000 season.
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      “Serving initially as the Scuderia’s spare car, it played a pivotal role from just the second round of the championship after Schumacher ran wide during qualifying at Interlagos for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
      “Having badly damaged the undercarriage of his first car, chassis 198 was called up during qualifying and subsequently started the race third on the grid.
      “The car put Schumacher into pole position in that competition, winning him the title.
      “The car’s next competitive outing would come at Monaco, on the hallowed asphalt of Monte-Carlo.”
      Schumacher’s first Ferrari set him on a path to success, as he went on to win the next four world championships.
      The now-54-year-old also won an additional seven world titles, putting him in a tie with Brit driver Lewis Hamilton.
      Schumacher suffered a severe brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013, and has since lived privately in Switzerland.
      Last month, a touching photo of Schumacher and Max Verstappen was released.
      Seven-time champ Michael is seen smiling as he sits in a hanging chair with the baby driver in his lap alongside his own daughter, Gina-Maria.
      The photo was released as part of Netflix’s hit F1 show Drive to Survive and features in episode 4 – Like Father, Like Son? – with the series being released tomorrow.
      The double world champion – who broke Sir Lewis Hamilton’s four-year stranglehold on the F1 title – is the son of Michael’s former Benetton teammate Jos Verstappen.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Schumachers and the Verstappens became very close, with Mick, 23, and Max, 25, sharing a bond which endured as they both rose through the racing ranks into the top flight.
      The auction ends on April 12Credit: Jam Press/Andrew Trahan Photogra
      The low centre of gravity of the engine makes this car a winnerCredit: Jam Press/Andrew Trahan Photogra
      It’s an amazing addition to add to an F1 fanatic collectionCredit: Jam Press/Andrew Trahan Photogra
      The details on the championship winning vehicle are amazingCredit: Jam Press/Andrew Trahan Photogra More

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      F1 introduce bizarre pre-race ban that leaves drivers fuming as Charles Leclerc warns ‘you won’t see me around anymore’

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      FORMULA ONE have introduced a stunning BAN on riding a bike around track before races. Personnel in attendance at F1 races, including drivers, team members and journalists, usually participate in track walks ahead of the weekend’s action.
      Charles Leclerc has been left angry with the bike banCredit: Alamy
      Despite the name, many prefer to do a lap on bikes or scooters due to the long distance often needing to be covered.
      However, this will no longer be possible after event organisers issued a banning order on anything except for walking on track.
      A letter was issued to the teams during the season opener in Bahrain from Formula One Management.
      It read: “To clarify and to avoid future misunderstanding, the use of any means of transport (bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, e-scooters, etc) is forbidden during the time window stated as ‘Team Track Walks’ on the Event Timetable.
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      “No exceptions will be allowed. This decision has been agreed with the FIA.”
      It means the likes of Lewis Hamilton – often seen zipping around on a scooter – will no longer be able to use them on track walks.
      And the move has left drivers furious, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc declaring he will not be doing track walks anymore.
      He told Autosport: “I didn’t walk around.
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      “And as I think they’ve just issued a new thing where we cannot go around the track with a bicycle you probably won’t see me around the track anymore, and I’ll just watch the videos!”
      The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix’s track walk – a circuit with a distance of 6.174km (3.836 miles) – time was listed as 1pm-4.30pm on Thursday.
      The ban is believed to have been implemented due to the track becoming more hectic, particularly on weekends when F2 and F3 are also in attendance.
      The walk was further compromised by filming from musician Will.I.Am, whose crew shot scenes at various points around the track accompanied by a stationary F1 show car for an upcoming single.
      Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg added: “I wanted to do it now, but they blocked the track, and it’s all gone wrong now! I’ll watch the safety car, and I’ll see it tomorrow.”
      Lewis Hamilton will not be able to zip around on scooters for track walks anymoreCredit: Reuters More

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      Toto Wolff sensationally tells Lewis Hamilton he can QUIT Mercedes and find new team if they can’t provide winning car

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      MERCEDES boss Toto Wolff says he will have “no grouch” if Lewis Hamilton quits Mercedes – IF they can’t deliver him a car capable of winning world titles.Hamilton and Wolff are in negotiations over a new deal, with the Brit racer’s contract set to expire in December.
      Lewis Hamilton has been told he can quit Mercedes if they don’t make a title-winning carCredit: Reuters

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      While no terms have yet been agreed, both are adamant they are committed to extending their partnership.
      However, for the first time, Wolff has admitted that the seven-time world champion could be forced to look elsewhere if he wants a record eighth title.
      He said: “I don’t think that Lewis will leave Mercedes.
      “He’s at the stage of a career where we trust each other, we have formed a great bond among each other and we have no reason to doubt each other, even though this is a difficult spell.
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      “But so nice it will be when we come out of this valley of tears, and come back to solid performances.
      “As a driver, nevertheless, if he wants to win another championship, he needs to make sure that he has the car.
      “And if we cannot demonstrate that we’re able to give him a car in the next couple of years, then he needs to look everywhere.
      “I don’t think he’s doing it at that stage, but I will have no grouch if that happens in a year or two.”
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      Amid Mercedes’ struggles, Hamilton has been linked with a move to a rival constructor, including Ferrari and Red Bull.
      Indeed, the 38-year-old has in the past admitted driving for Ferrari was something he wished to achieve.
      He told Sky Sports Italia: “For many years, when I came to Monza, walking next to the fans… I could hear them saying ‘Come to Ferrari!’
      “This warmed my heart, but it’s pretty amazing that I’ve never driven for Ferrari in so many years. Because it is a dream for anyone, a goal to be achieved.”
      Charles Leclerc has been linked with a sensational swap with HamiltonCredit: AP
      He later added: “It has never really been possible [to drive for Ferrari] and I will never quite know exactly why.
      “I wish them the best and in my near future I will continue to prevent them from winning the world championship.
      “I’ve seen photos of their drivers and red is always red. I have a couple of Ferraris at home. I can drive those, but not the Ferrari F1.”
      Rumours persist that Hamilton could be part of a sensational swap with Ferrari poster boy Charles Leclerc.
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      The 25-year-old Monegasque driver requested an emergency meeting with Ferrari president John Elkann following the Scuderia’s poor Bahrain race.
      Friday practice ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix saw Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s best finishes down at P6 and P9 respectively. More

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      Lewis Hamilton breaks silence over claims he could quit Mercedes next season for bitter F1 rivals Ferrari

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      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON confirmed he is not leaving Mercedes but insists the team needs a “kick” after a poor start to the 2023 Formula 1 season.The campaign started in nightmare fashion for Hamilton with another car that appears well below the standards set by Red Bull and Ferrari – and even Aston Martin.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton insists he won’t leave Mercedes despite a poor start to the seasonCredit: Alamy
      Lewis Hamilton, though, insists Mercedes need a “kick” to improve
      The 38-year-old is desperate to be world champion for a record-breaking eighth time and reports suggested he could be tempted to switch to a rival team, like Ferrari, in order to reach his goal.
      However, the star driver insists he is going nowhere as he still has “100 per cent belief” in his team.
      Hamilton told Sky Sports: “In hindsight, I think looking back it wasn’t necessarily the best choice of words.
      “Of course there are times where you’re not in agreement with certain team members, but what’s important is that we continue to communicate, continue to pull together.
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      “I still have 100 per cent belief in this team, it is my family and I’ve been here a long time, so I don’t plan on going anywhere else.
      “But we all need a kick, we all need to get on – the proof is in the pudding, we’ve seen where the performance is and how people are extracting the performance, and we’ve got to now start making some bold decisions, some big moves in order to close the gap to these guys.
      “Hopefully at some point during the year, we’re hopeful we might be able to close the gap but at that point it will be probably too late in terms of fighting for a championship, but we can still turn some heads hopefully.”
      Speculation over Hamilton’s future was fuelled by his current contract running out at the end of the season.
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      There was also talk of a performance clause but the British legend dismissed the speculation.
      Hamilton added: “There are no performance clauses. We are in talks, just in the process of going through the motions of what that looks like, what the future looks like, what we want to do.
      “[We are] Always looking to continuously challenge ourselves rather than just doing a driver’s contract like everyone does.
      “What can we do? We did the Ignite partnership last year on how we can promote diversity within the sport, just exploring different avenues and what else we can do. I’m fully integrated within Mercedes-Benz.
      “I’ve been with them for such a long time, since I was 13, so I’m very proud of the brand and the business, what they do, what they stand for and the impact they have throughout the world, but you can always do more, so discussions are around what else we can do together to lift people up.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton boost ahead of Saudi Arabian GP with rival set to receive TEN-PLACE grid penalty after Bahrain incident

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      CHARLES LECLERC has been slapped with a ten-place grid penalty for this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.The Ferrari star was forced to retire in Bahrain due to issues with his car’s electronic control unit [ECU].
      Charles Leclerc will face a ten-place grid penalty this weekendCredit: AFP
      Leclerc, 25, had been in third place before being forced to quit.
      Ferrari experienced issues with Leclerc’s ECU on the morning of the race, before similar problems with its replacement forced their star man out of the opening GP of the season.
      Competition rules dictate that teams can only go through two ECUs in the space of an entire campaign.
      With Ferrari already requiring a third, Leclerc will have to start Sunday’s Saudi GP with a ten-place penalty.
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      Speaking about the issue, Prancing Horse team principal Frederic Vasseur said: “It is something we have never experienced in the past and I hope now it is under control.
      “But unfortunately we will have to take the penalty in Jeddah because we only have a pool of two ECUs for the season.”
      Despite being on track for a place on the podium, Leclerc had been way off the pace set by Red Bulls Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
      After the Monegasque’s retirement, veteran Fernando Alonso pounced to grab the third spot on the podium, with Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz coming fourth.
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      Leclerc’s Ferrari was forced to retire from the Bahrain GP a fortnight agoCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton came fifth, with his Mercedes team-mate George Russell in seventh and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll between them in sixth.
      On his team’s prospects this weekend, Vasseur added: “I can’t be satisfied with the situation and I want to do a step forward.
      “The characteristics of Jeddah are completely different compared to Bahrain and already it will swing a little more to what we have today and we will also bring some updates to Jeddah and I hope we will do a step forward.”
      Mercedes, meanwhile, reportedly held an emergency meeting following their underwhelming start to the season.
      Hamilton, who has been linked with a sensational move to Ferrari, aired his frustrations with his current team after the Bahrain GP.
      I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t needLewis Hamilton
      He said: “Last year, there were things I told them, I said the issues that are with the car.
      “I’ve driven so many cars in my life, so I know what a car needs, I know what a car doesn’t need. And I think it’s really about accountability.
      “It’s about owning up and saying, ‘Yeah, you know what? We didn’t listen to you. It’s not where it used to be and we’ve got to work’.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We’ve got to look into the balance through the corners, look at all the weak points and just huddle up as a team, that’s what we do.
      “We’re still multi world champions you know, it’s just they haven’t got it right this time, they didn’t get it right last year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get it right moving forwards.”
      Lewis Hamilton has been linked with a stunning move to FerrariCredit: Reuters More

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      Romantic story of how Michael Schumacher played cupid with ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt and Oscar winner wife Michelle Yeoh

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      FORMULA ONE legend Michael Schumacher blessed fans with some incredible on-track moments throughout his racing career.But for ex-Ferrari Principal Jean Todt, his most memorable act was helping him land the love of his life – and it came at a Scuderia event in Shanghai almost 20 years ago.
      Schumacher and Todt became great friends during their time at FerrariCredit: AFP
      The German played cupid to help Todt in his relationship with Michelle YeohCredit: Alamy
      In 2004, Todt set his eyes on now-Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh for the first time and instantly fell in love.
      But the relationship did not blossom until Schumacher stepped in.
      The German played cupid for the pair and offered Todt some important relationship advice.
      It’s understood Schumacher offered his pal tips on how better to communicate with Yeoh.
      Read More on Michael Schumacher
      It clearly worked as the happy couple got engaged one year later and have been going strong for almost two decades.
      As quoted by German outlet BILD, the former Ferarri boss recently said: “I knew immediately that she was my dream woman, even before I met her.
      “It was destiny. She was the woman I had been waiting for.”
      Todt’s relationship with Yeoh led to Schumacher becoming close friends with the Malaysian actress.
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      The trio have been pictured together at events in the past.
      And according to BILD, Todt and Yeoh are among the few people who are aware of the full details of Schumacher’s health following his horrific skiing accident in 2013.
      Yeoh made history on Sunday by becoming the first Asian woman to win the award for best actress at the Oscars.
      Following his partner’s historic Academy Award win, Todt tweeted: “Moment of pure grace and immense happiness! What a journey! So proud of Michelle who received the Oscar Academy Award of the best actress.”
      Yeoh won the award for her performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. More