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      Ferrari forced to deny Sebastian Vettel conspiracy theory over his slower car which left F1 driver ‘biting tongue’

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      FERRARI team boss Mattia Binotti has rubbished Sebastian Vettel’s claim that team-mate Charles Leclerc has a faster car.
      The 33-year-old – who will be joining Aston Martin for the 2021 season – made the controversial remark after the Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday.

      Sebastian Vettel believes his car is slower than Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc’sCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto has rubbished Vettel’s controversial claimCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Vettel finished tenth in the race, while Leclerc, 23, just missed out on the podium after coming home in fourth.
      The four-time Formula One world champion has finished higher than his less experienced French team-mate in just three of the 12 races in 2020.
      And having been told he was no longer wanted by Ferrari earlier this year, Vettel has insisted that he has been left biting his tongue over his car’s performance.
      Speaking to RTL after the Algarve race, Vettel said: “On the one hand, I’m satisfied because I had the feeling that I drove a good race.

      “I had a hard time at the beginning, lost places, and almost lost the car two or three times. After that I actually drove a good race.
      “But, on the other hand, it is obvious that the other car is much faster. Where I lose time? I have been biting my tongue all year long.
      “Some idiot might never figure it out, but am I a complete idiot? I doubt it.
      “At some point you should be lucky and hit the limit. I never hit it and if I do, then only with a lot of difficulty. On the other side [of the garage] it looks much easier.

      “I have to look at myself and do my thing, but of course it hurts. Especially because my own expectations are higher than the expectations from outside.
      “I don’t really care about all the fuss. But for me in the car, it is of course difficult to process, because I am too ambitious and too hungry for more.”
      IDENTICAL CARS
      But despite Vettel’s claims, Binotti was quick to rubbish the conspiracy theory, as he told Sky Italia: “Seb and Charles’ cars are identical, no doubt.
      “I sincerely hope that Sebastian will be able to qualify better in Imola, and show more of what he is capable of during the race.
      “Charles is certainly very good, but maybe you expect even more from the second driver.”
      Vettel sits in 13th spot in the Formula One World Championship, while Leclerc is fifth thanks to his seven top ten finishes.

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      Sebastian Vettel picks Michael Schumacher over Lewis Hamilton in F1 GOAT debate despite Brit equalling German’s record

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL has backed Michael Schumacher in Formula One’s debate over the greatest driver of all-time.
      With Lewis Hamilton going level with the German legend, 51, and his record 91 race wins, the sport has been keen to discuss exactly who is better.

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      Sebastian Vettel has gone toe-to-toe with Lewis Hamilton on several occasions in their championship battlesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Childhood hero Michael Schumacher will forever be the best, in Vettel’s eyesCredit: EPA

      For Vettel, Ferrari hero Schumacher ranks higher thanks to his ‘natural’ talent.
      He told reporters: “I think he was better than anybody else I’ve ever seen so far. I think he had a natural talent that is very difficult to explain.
      “I think if you saw him go karting, obviously I didn’t see him at a young age but I did at an older age, and I was happy to join him in the Race of Champions a couple of times.

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      “So you see a little bit more of the skills and the car control. And both the karting experience and the Race of Champions experience, I think he had a natural ability that, as I said, I haven’t seen with anyone else so far.

      “On top of that, he had an incredible work ethic, but I think it’s the combination of the two that for me stands out. I haven’t seen a match yet.”
      Schumacher won seven world titles in a fantastic career split between Benetton and Ferrari, with a stint at Mercedes before Hamilton’s arrival.
      Indeed, it was the six-time champion Brit who ended Vettel’s supremacy in F1.
      Four consecutive world titles in a row put the German on course to match his compatriot, before the Mercs dominated the Hybrid V6 era that began in 2014.

      Michael will always be my hero. And I think he had something about him that I haven’t seen in another driver so far.
      Sebastian Vettel

      Vettel noted: “I think I can’t respect [Hamilton’s] efforts enough.
      “It’s been the number in my head that I thought would never be beaten or equalled. I think we can be quite certain he will exceed this number.
      “Nevertheless, I have to say that Michael will always be my hero. And I think Michael had something about him that I haven’t seen in another driver so far.”
      Growing up in Germany and beginning his racing career at the height of Schumacher’s fame, 33-year-old Vettel admits he will always make the argument for his childhood idol.
      And he believes youngsters of today are likely to be visceral supporters of Hamilton, even if a handful of F1 veterans are not.

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      He continued: “I looked up to Michael when I was a child and Lewis, I didn’t look up to him when I was a child because I was racing him.
      “So it’s a different situation going in. But probably in another 10, 15 or 20 years’ time, there will be more admiration for that.
      “Obviously, when you’re still active, you’re looking at yourself and not so much others. But as I said you cannot cherish him enough for what he has achieved.”

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      F1 star Sebastian Vettel makes classy tribute to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with new helmet at Eifel GP More

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      F1 star Sebastian Vettel makes classy tribute to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with new helmet at Eifel GP

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      FORMULA ONE star Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher with a new helmet for the Eifel Grand Prix.
      German Vettel’s classy act is in honour of compatriot and F1 and Ferrari hero Schumacher – whose health has been shrouded in secrecy since suffering a near-fatal brain injury in a tragic skiing accident in 2013.

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      Sebastian Vettel poses with his special helmet

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      Vettel’s tribute includes Michael Schumacher’s MS logo

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      Michael Schumacher in his original helmetCredit: Ferrari Cars

      Outgoing Ferrari driver Vettel, 33, is commemorating 51-year-old Schumacher’s last win on German soil in 2006.

      At first glance Vettel’s helmet appears unchanged for the race weekend at the Nurburgring.
      But the four-time world champion explained his helmet would include Schumacher’s original design from 14 years ago as a 3-D print beneath his usual style.
      In a clip released by Ferrari, Vettel – who will drive for Aston Martin next year – said: “For this weekend’s German Grand Prix I will wear a new helmet.

      “It doesn’t look very different but actually it is because underneath we will have Michael’s original design from 2006.
      “You have Michael’s stars, the Chinese dragons and the signs on the side and obviously Michael’s MS logo.
      “It’s just a small thought, obviously we all miss him. That way, racing in Germany is always something special.
      “Thinking of him and his last race here – when he won in 2006, last time he won on German soil – so I would believe it’s a nice gesture and I’m looking forward to wearing the helmet this weekend.”

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      Vettel’s helmet bears the Chinese dragon seen on Schumacher’s

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      The 3-D design sits under his usual style

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      The helmet is a touching tribute for Schumacher who suffered a near-fatal skiing accident in 2013

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      Fittingly Michael’s son Mick is making his F1 debut this weekend driving the Alfa Romeo car.
      But the 21-year-old was forced to wait for a taste of the action after bad weather saw the first practice CANCELLED on Friday.
      The latest reports claim tragic Michael now resides in a villa converted into a hospital in Majorca and can only communicate with his eyes.
      Schumacher had been cared for by wife Corinna at his Swiss home.

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      Ferrari chief Louis Camilleri admits team are ‘in a hole’ after latest disastrous race on home circuit

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      FERRARI chief Louis Camilleri says the Formula One team is stuck “in a hole” after their poor home GP.
      After another embarrassing performance, this time at their own Mugello test track, the CEO of the Italian car company warned results might not improve until 2022.

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      Charles Leclerc has struggled after a strong first year with the ScuderiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Louis Camilleri (left) was not impressed with Ferrari’s showing in TuscanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sebastian Vettel finished the race in tenth while Charles Leclerc was promoted from ninth to eighth place after Kimi Raikkonen was given a time penalty.
      To make matters worse for Ferrari, it was all played out in front of chairman John Elkann and Camilleri.
      And after poor results in Spa and Monza, Camilleri said there was no disguising the trouble the team are in.
      He said: “We’re in a hole now, and we know we’re in a hole. It’s a confluence of factors, but anything I say will come across as excuses. And we’re not into excuses.

      “So what matters is to focus on the issues we have and to work hard with determination to get back to what we consider to be our rightful place.”
      New rules have been bumped back a year, so this year’s car designs will be frozen until the end 2021.
      That means Ferrari will not be able to capitalise on many developments with their chassis or engine.
      Camilleri added: “I mean realistically it’s going to be tough.

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      “In Formula One we’re always fighting time, both on the track and in development, and there’s no magic bullet.
      “So we’ll take time. I’m hoping with a bit more flexibility in the regs next year we can at least step it up from where we are.
      “Mercedes, hats off to them, they’ve done an incredible job and we’ll see in 2022 with the new regs, whether it creates a reset. That’s our hope.”

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      Watch Mick Schumacher drives his dad’s iconic Ferrari to mark famous Italian brand’s 1000th F1 race

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      MICK SCHUMACHER drove his dad’s 2004 Ferrari before the legendary Italian manufacturer’s 1,000th Formula One race.
      Michael’s son paraded around the track before the start of Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix.

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      Mick Schumacher drives his dad’s old Ferrari before the Tuscan Grand PrixCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Michael Schumacher in the F2004 Ferrari carCredit: EPA

      The 21-year-old was in the cockpit of the F2004 – the car his dad drove to his seventh and final world championship 16 years ago.
      The demonstration run around the track is part of the festivities put on to mark the Italian brand’s milestone.
      And Ferrari described it as ‘a fitting tribute to the Scuderia’s most successful car and its incomparable driver’.
      Michael, 51, suffered a severe brain injury in a horrific skiing accident in 2014.

      Wife Corinna, Mick and Schumacher’s daughter Gina-Marie care for him in Switzerland.
      The F1 legend is still ‘fighting’ to recover according to best pal Jean Todt – one of a handful of visitors allowed to see the racing great.
      Mick won his first feature race at Monza in Formula 2 last week and is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
      It is not the first time he has taken his dad’s retro model for a spin after throwing it around Hockenheim before the German Grand Prix last year.

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      Schumacher drove the car to his seventh world championship in 2004Credit: AFP

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      Mick said: “This was always a dream for me to drive this car.
      “I drove the car at Hockenheim last year but to drive it at Mugello in non-rainy conditions has been an absolute honour.
      “Obviously knowing that a lot of kilometres have been done here with this car as well, and to be able to drive it and the second generation to drive it is something very special.
      “I chose this livery because I wanted really to have everything I could for it to be as it was back then.
      “The feeling, the way it was driving and handling was very impressive. I’m sure some miles off what it was doing back then but it’s incredible.
      “Thank you to Ferrari for this opportunity. ”

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      Mick Schumacher has tasted success in Formula 2Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Michael Schumacher is cared for by wife Corinna (right)Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other special arrangements for Ferrari hitting four figures include a one-off burgundy colour scheme on their SF1000 cars.
      Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc will race in the colour shade in a nod to the manufacturer’s origins.
      The unique livery was first seen on the first racing car ever to carry the iconic Ferrari name.

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      Sebastian Vettel joins Aston Martin for F1 2021 season after disastrous campaign at Ferrari so far

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL has signed a multi-year deal to drive for Aston Martin F1.
      The four-time world champion has agreed terms with the Silverstone-based team, formerly known as Force India and now called Racing Point.

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      Sebastian Vettel leaves Ferrari after six years with the ScuderiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The experienced driver headed out on his Mugello track walk on Thursday, only minutes after his switch to Racing Point brokeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The team is now owned by billionaire, Lawrence Stroll and will be renamed as Aston Martin from next season.
      Vettel, 33, will partner Stroll’s son, Lance Stroll, in the team after being shown the door by Ferrari.
      The German has made no secret of his desire to remain in the sport while Aston Martin are hoping his experience will help them challenge for wins.
      Vettel said: “I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future. I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021.

      “It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter.
      “The energy and commitment of Lawrence to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together.

      “I still have so much love for Formula One and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid.
      “To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege.”

      Vettel, who won all his titles with Milton Keynes-based Red Bull Racing, is a huge lover of English culture, plus a big James Bond fan.
      His switch to the team had been expected after being seen leaving the British GP in the same car as Racing Point’s team principal, Otmar Szafnauer.

      Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions.
      Otmar SzafnauerRacing Point team principal

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      And after Sergio Perez was released from his long-term deal on Wednesday night ahead of this weekend’s Tuscan GP, Vettel has now been confirmed.
      Szafnauer added: “Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team.
      “On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team say he was NOT to blame for Italian GP error

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’s Mercedes team have told him he was NOT to blame for the error that cost him victory in the Italian GP.
      Merc bosses say it was their fault after failing to spot a message on page 3 on their information screens, telling them the pitlane was closed.

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team say he was not to blame for his illegal pitstopCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hamilton made the illegal pitstop during the race that earned him a ten second time penalty that resulted in him finishing seventh.
      While the world champion took responsibility for the mistake immediately after the race, his team have now shielded him from blame.
      Mercedes chief strategist, James Vowles, said: “There were two pieces of information to tell us that the pitlane entry had been closed.

      Lewis came on the radio asking for a different set of tyres, we were reviewing whether or not we had time, whether it was the correct decision or not
      James Vowles Mercedes Chief Strategist

      “The first was there were boards around the track that have a cross on it, a red cross indicating that’s the state, and when the driver sees that, he knows he must stay out.

      “The second piece of information is we have TV screens in front of us.
      “One of those is called page three and it contains a number of messages that the FIA wants to send us.
      “This was a key point in the race where the entire field would have come into the pitlane.
      “Lewis came on the radio asking for a different set of tyres, we were reviewing whether or not we had time, whether it was the correct decision or not.

      “These were all conversations that take just a few seconds, but they all add up.

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      Lewis Hamilton’s error led to him finishing seventh at the Italian Grand Prix Credit: AP:Associated Press
      “What you are not doing particularly is looking for a single line on the screen to indicate the pitlane entry was closed and we missed it.
      Meanwhile, Ferrari have ruled out a swoop for Mercedes engine whizz, Andy Cowell.
      The Brit is leaving the world champions having played a huge part in their success in the hybrid-turbo era.
      And while Ferrari have substantial engine problems, boss Mattia Binotto has ruled out signing up the 51-year-old.

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      He said: “In terms of new people joining Ferrari in the future, I think that in F1 you can never be satisfied, so if there is anyone that can bring added value to the team it’s our responsibility to look for it and eventually to do it.
      “You mention Andy Cowell — as far as I’m aware, he’s still working in Mercedes currently.
      “Certainly, there are great names in F1. Is there someone joining Ferrari very soon? It’s not the case.”

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      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick, 21, ‘to make Formula 1 debut’ this weekend ahead of Tuscan GP

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      MICK SCHUMACHER is in line to make his Formula One debut at the Tuscan Grand Prix, according to reports.
      As the son of Ferrari legend Michael, big things are expected of Mick, 21, while he fights for the Formula 2 title.

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      Mick Schumacher is reportedly set for a runout at the Tuscan Grand Prix this weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The German is the son of seven-time world champ MichaelCredit: Getty – Contributor
       According to German outlet RTL, the youngster is being lined up for a free practice runout at Mugello.
      This weekend’s Grand Prix represents Ferrari’s 1000th race in F1 and the appearance of a Schumacher would no doubt attract huge added interest.
      That is particularly the case with the unusual pandemic-affected calendar taking F1 to the Prancing Horse’s very own track.
      It is not yet known which car Schumacher would climb into for an FP1 workout, but Ferrari-affiliated teams Haas and Alfa Romeo are the obvious bets.

      A spot in a Ferrari itself would be a huge statement from the Italian team, particularly amid their own struggles.
      In fact, team principal Mattia Binotto has already talked up Mick’s abilities from inside the Ferrari Driver Academy.

      Last month, Binotto told Bild am Sonntag: “He’s doing very well this season in Formula 2. His job was to improve and make progress and he is doing that.
      “We’ll soon discuss what we’re going to do with him next year.”

      Schumacher won his first F2 race of 2020 with victory in the feature race at Monza on Saturday.
      A string of podium finishes has the German racer in second place of the junior division’s championship, six points behind Brit and fellow Ferrari Academy ace Callum Ilott.
      Many in F1 hope Mick can live up to the legacy of father Michael, 51, who holds the record for the most Drivers’ Championship titles in the sport.
      The seven-time champ was skiing with his son, one of two children with wife Corinna, when he suffered a serious head injury in December 2013.

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      After years of treatment, the racing legend is reportedly conscious while his family remain incredibly private over the state of his health.
      FIA president Jean Todt, who oversaw much of Schumacher’s success at Ferrari, visited the German in July and said: “I saw Michael last week.
      “He is fighting. I hope the world will be able to see him again. That is what he and his family are working towards.”

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