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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’.
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      “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.
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      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

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      ‘I wouldn’t rule it out’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped to make sensational F1 transfer to Mercedes’ rivals

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      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON could move to a rival Formula One team at the end of the 2022-23 season, according to Sky Sports presenter Simon Lazenby.The seven-time world champion is currently enjoying his 10th year with Mercedes.
      Hamilton could join Ferrari at the end of the season, according to LazenbyCredit: Getty
      But it could be his last with the Brackley-based team as his contract expires at the end of the season.
      While Mercedes principal Toto Wolff remains optimistic that an extension agreement will be made, F1 expert Lazenby has suggested that Hamilton could decide to seek a new challenge – especially if he fails to compete for the title again this year.
      The Sky Sports presenter even hinted that he could switch to Ferrari.
      He told Express Sport: “It’s the desire of all drivers to drive for Ferrari.
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      “In the past, Lewis has been quoted as saying he would like to drive for Ferrari.
      “If Ferrari moves comfortably ahead of Mercedes I wouldn’t rule it out.”
      Ferrari and Red Bull have dominated F1 for the past year while Mercedes have struggled to get up to speed – literally.
      Hamilton, who finished fifth at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this month, has grown increasingly frustrated as a result.
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      He recently told the BBC: “Last year, I told them the issues that are with the car.
      “Like, 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 needs to be and we’ve got to work’.
      “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.”
      If Hamilton were to make the switch to Ferarri, Charles Leclerc could move the other way.
      The Monaco-born driver reportedly wrote to the team’s chief executive, John Elkann, last week to request an emergency meeting following his disastrous start to the season. More

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      Max Verstappen warned he faces ‘very strong’ challenge for F1 title… but not from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes

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      TWO-TIME Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi has warned Max Verstappen he could face a “very strong” challenge to his title bid. Verstappen cruised to victory at the season opener in Bahrain, with team-mate Sergio Perez a comfortable second.
      Max Verstappen cruised to victory at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: The Mega Agency
      But he has been warned he faces ‘very strong’ opposition by Emerson FittipaldiCredit: Rex
      Fittpaldi won his two F1 titles in 1972 and 1974Credit: Getty

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      Everything thus far points to another easy championship for the flying Dutchman.
      However, competition could come from an unusual source this season.
      Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso claimed the final podium spot at the race.
      And Fittipaldi, who won the 1972 and 1974 F1 titles, has warned Alonso could pose the biggest challenge of the season.
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      Speaking to VegasInsider, Fittipaldi said: “Fernando Alonso’s podium was an unexpected one.
      “I think the Aston Martin’s performance even surprised Fernando and everyone in the team.
      “If you look at the mid-corners and slow-speed corners, Fernando was able to have different lines than the competitors. That means he had extra grip there.
      “When he overtook, he was very manoeuvrable on the slow, mid-speed corners. That means the car has a very good grip and handling.
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      Fittipaldi reckons Fernando Alonso could put up the biggest fight this seasonCredit: Rex
      “Lance Stroll was quick. With all the problems he’s had, he was running very strong, very quickly.
      “That means they’ll be a challenge in this year’s Championship. No doubt.”
      Over the last decade, Red Bull have duked out titles mainly with Mercedes and Ferrari.
      However, the regulation changes which came into effect last year saw Lewis Hamilton’s team dramatically drop off the pace of the front of the order.
      Meanwhile, consistency issues in both strategy and reliability have ensured Ferrari have not truly been able to compete on race day.
      Therefore, in 2023, Alonso and Aston Martin could pose the most significant threat to Verstappen achieving a three-peat.
      An incredible omen also suggests Alonso could land his third title before Verstappen, with the winner of the opening race in the last six years NOT going on to win the championship.
      Though the legality of the Aston Martin has now been openly questioned.
      Lewis Hamilton is not likely to challenge this seasonCredit: PA More

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      I’m an ex-Tottenham star the streets won’t forget… I sold my Ferrari after joining new club to live the simple life

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      FORMER Tottenham star Adel Taarabt has revealed he lived an easier life at Benfica.The Moroccan spent seven years with the Portuguese giants before leaving in 2022 and insisted that it was another level to the club he also played for.
      Adel Taarabt has said that the best club he played for was BenficaCredit: Getty
      His Premier League season with QPR has gone down in Premier League folkloreCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The player was known for his flair during spells with QPR and Fulham.
      Taarabt is often hailed as a “streets won’t forget” player in social media posts as fans still rave about his skillful displays in the Premier League.
      But after struggling to settle at a club he eventually joined Benfica in 2015 and developed into a different type of player.
      While in Portugal, the 33-year-old’s mentality changed and he dropped to a defensive midfielder and became a regular for the team
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      Although he did have injury issues as well as a spell with the B team which meant that he had to wait almost four years to make his debut, he went on to make 79 league appearances.
      But he was more than impressed with the mentality of the club as he changed his lifestyle while at the club.
      He told French outlet 90football: “When I arrived at Benfica, I saw the 15-year-old boys, I was shocked! They are the first in the gym. After training, in the gym.
      “The Portuguese have the best mentality.
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      “I left London, arrived in Lisbon in a Ferrari.
      “I arrived at the car park, do you know what cars I saw? Peugeot 307, 407… Do you know how they dressed?
      “Adidas, Nike, sponsors. No Givenchy, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana.
      “I sold the Ferrari, I bought a Mercedes Class A, what a life! Magnificent, simple life”
      Taarabt also added that he believes Benfica is the best club that he played for, adding: “People would say to me: ‘You played for Milan, for Tottenham…’, but Benfica is another level.”
      He left the club in September after his contract we terminated but would go on to join UAE Pro League side Al-Nasr SC later that month. More

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      Incredible omen suggests Lewis Hamilton may yet win F1 title after Max Verstappen storms to victory in Bahrain opener

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      LEWIS HAMILTON may not be out of the Formula One title race just yet. This is because of an incredible omen which has befallen the sport since 2017.
      Lewis Hamilton has been handed a boost to his F1 title hopesCredit: Splash
      Despite Max Verstappen’s dominating victory in the season openerCredit: AFP
      Max Verstappen cruised to victory at the season-opener in Bahrain, producing a dominant display which has left fans believing the season is already over.
      However, as Hamilton will know all too well, F1 is a marathon, not a sprint.
      And an omen which has gone in his favour in the past could return to haunt Verstappen as he endeavours to land a third title in a row.
      A remarkable pattern has revealed the winner of the opening race in each of the last six seasons has NOT gone on to win the world championship.
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      Seven-time champion Hamilton benefitted from this phenomenon on its first four occasions.
      He beat then-Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel to the title after Vettel won the season opener in Australia in 2017 and 2018.
      He then emerged victorious over former team-mate and 2019 and 2020 opening race winner Valtteri Bottas.
      Hamilton himself fell victim to the curse in 2021, winning the season opener in Bahrain before Verstappen controversially clinched the title on the final lap of the season.
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      Verstappen then won his second title last season after Charles Leclerc won the 2022 opener.
      Therefore, if we believe this pattern, despite Verstappen’s Bahrain win the season is far from over.
      The same time period has seen another strange data set emerge.
      In this case, the driver topping the charts in the second free practice session (FP2) of the season’s first grand prix has gone on to land the title.
      This points towards Fernando Alonso winning his third-ever F1 title – and first since 2006 – after he topped the charts during this year’s session.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      The Spaniard’s Aston Martin allowed him to claim his 99th career podium after overtaking Carlos Sainz with a hilarious reaction.
      This shows a remarkable turnaround by a team who only finished seventh in the constructor’s championship last year.
      Data trends since 2017 suggest Fernando Alonso could pick up a third F1 titleCredit: Alamy More

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      Fernando Alonso’s hilarious reaction caught on Aston Martin team radio after passing Carlos Sainz in F1 Bahrain GP

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      FORMULA 1 fans were left in hysterics after Fernando Alonso’s hilarious reaction to overtaking Carlos Sainz.The two-time world champion, 41, moved up to fourth with 18 laps left of the season-opener in Bahrain after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was forced to retire with reliability issues.
      Fernando Alonso secured his first podium since 2021Credit: Reuters

      Carlos Sainz watched Alonso overtake him in the battle for third placeCredit: Getty
      It left the Spaniard right behind the other Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, as he eyed a podium spot.
      And just a few minutes later, after nearly touching Sainz earlier in the lap, Alonso passed his countryman to move into third place.
      Following the overtake, he could be heard on the Aston Martin team radio saying: “Bye bye”.
      Reacting to the comment, one fan said: “He’s back!!!”
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      While another added: “Fernando Alonso hype train”.
      And a third responded: “HE DON’T MISS”.
      Alonso thoroughly enjoyed his afternoon in Bahrain as his new team showed they are set to be the surprise package of the 2023 season.
      In the closing stages of the Grand Prix, the legendary driver even took the time to praise the car.
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      Heading towards his first podium finish since 2021, he told the team radio: “This is a lovely car to drive”.
      Reigning world champion Max Verstappen cruised to victory in the first race of the season as he seeks a third successive title.

      The Dutchman’s team-mate Sergio Perez came home in second to clinch a Red Bull one-two.
      And Alonso rounded off the podium ahead of Sainz, Lewis Hamilton and fellow Aston Martin man Lance Stroll. More