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    How Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other sporting ventures are going as Man Utd chief admits Nice are ‘so much better without’ him

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE promised a bright new dawn for Manchester United.More than a year on, the club are set for their lowest Premier League finish and worst domestic season since their 1974 relegation — all while firing a staggering 450 club staff.Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been busy this seasonMan Utd are set for their worst ever Premier League finishBut Nice are experiencing immense success in Ligue 1Victory over Tottenham in next week’s Europa League final could alter the narrative, sealing Champions League football to add to ambitious plans unveiled recently by Ratcliffe and Ineos – his multinational chemical company.United are just one part of a £2.2BILLION-plus sporting empire that  once looked dominant but is now showing some cracks. Here, SunSport’s MARTIN LIPTON breaks down the rest of Sir Jim’s portfolio — sport by sport . . . FOOTBALLRead More on FootballBEFORE Manchester United, there was Lausanne and Nice.In 2017, Ineos announced a deal to take over the Swiss club, described as part of the chemicals giants’ “continuing investment in youth and  community sports” in the area.A pledge of “full backing” for manager Fabio Celestini lasted until the club were demoted six months later.Lausanne have been a yo-yo club in the Ineos era but now sit well clear of relegation and  are settling into the 13,000-capacity Stade de la Tuiliere, which was opened in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTwo years after the Swiss investment, Ineos bought French side Nice in an £89million deal, with Ratcliffe stating: “We made some mistakes at Lausanne but we are fast learners.“These have been rectified and we are already seeing the benefits.”Ineos arrived with Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira in the dugout but he was sacked after 15 months. Four full-time successors have come and gone since, with Franck Haise now reaching the end of his first season, where he is well positioned to improve on Ineos’ best Ligue 1 finish of fifth.Despite a winless Europa League campaign, Nice are fourth domestically with a game left.They are one of three teams on 57 points and could finish as low as  seventh. But a home win over Brest on Saturday will all but guarantee Nice entry to Champions League qualifying.Last summer, after investing £1.3billion to take over “sporting operations” at United, Ineos were forced by Uefa to transfer most of their shares in Nice to a blind trust.’So much better without our interference’Ratcliffe admitted in March: “The best season that Nice has had is this one, where we’ve not been allowed to get involved due to multi-club ownership rules. They’ve been so much better without our interference! Maybe there’s a lesson.”When Ratcliffe confirmed his buyout of just over a quarter of United’s stocks from the Glazers, he vowed to lead the Old Trafford club back to the top but said: “It’s going to take two or three seasons.”That looks an understatement.The dismissal of Erik ten Hag was overdue but paying Newcastle £3million for sporting director Dan Ashworth only to sack him after five months was an expensive embarrassment.Ratcliffe publicly backs Ruben Amorim but has criticised certain players.The announcement of the £2bn plan to build a 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” as the centrepiece of a huge development project next to the club’s home since 1910 was a signal of ambition.With Ineos’ finances under scrutiny, it has been claimed Ratcliffe could exit MercedesFORMULA ONEINEOS became Mercedes’ “principal partner” in a five-year £100m deal signed in 2020 and by the end of the year had taken a one-third stake.Back-to-back team championships in their first two years made it eight in a row, Sir Lewis Hamilton winning the drivers’ title in 2020 and only losing out to Max Verstappen on the final lap in 2021.But that was the end of Mercedes’ domination and Hamilton joined Ferrari ahead of this season.George Russell remains a title contender even if his car is slower than the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as well as Verstappen’s Red Bull.With Ineos’ finances under scrutiny, it has been claimed Ratcliffe could exit but team principal Toto Wolff said: “He is one of us three amigos — Mercedes, Jim and I. We are never going to part ways.”New Zealand Rugby launched a legal case alleging a ‘breach of contract’RUGBY UNIONRATCLIFFE’S Ineos became a “performance partner” of the All Blacks in 2021 on a  six-year deal worth £4million per season — but they could be kicked into touch.New Zealand Rugby launched a legal case alleging a “breach of contract” in February after announcing Ineos had “failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit” the agreement.That came with Ineos admitting  it is suffering financially from rising levels of carbon tax in Europe, making chemicals a “tough industry to be in”.Ratcliffe can’t Haka it, moaning in March: “We talked to New Zealand Rugby about the fact that times are tough.“We wanted to see if we could find a compromise, which you would have thought as a sponsor of the All Blacks they’d have listened to, but they didn’t want to listen.”NZ are currently an unacceptable No2 in the world.Ineos bankroll the cycling team to the tune of £40million per yearCYCLINGTEAM SKY had become the dominant force in world road cycling under Sir Dave Brailsford with riders including Tour de France winners Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas.They were rebranded as Team Ineos in 2019, becoming Ineos Grenadiers the following year. The company promised to match or even exceed the team’s £34million annual budget.Colombian Egan Bernal won the team’s seventh Tour de France title in the first year of sponsorship but there have been no further triumphs in cycling’s elite race.Ineos bankroll the team to the tune of £40m per year but are closing in on a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with another petrochemicals giant, TotalEnergies.In January, Ineos announced a third challenge — but without Sir Ben Ainslie’s involvementSAILINGOLYMPIC sailing legend Sir Ben Ainslie and Royal Yacht Squadron Commodore Jamie Sheldon were with Ratcliffe in 2018 to announce the launch of Ineos Team UK and its bid to finally win the America’s Cup.The crew, including another Olympic champion in Giles Scott, reached the final of the Prada Cup qualifying campaign in 2021 but were outsailed by Italy’s Luna Rossa, who in turn was comfortably beaten by the holders, Emirates Team New Zealand.Ineos committed more than £110million and renamed the team Ineos Britannia before the 2024 edition of the world’s oldest sailing race.This time, with another Olympic champion, Dylan Fletcher, joining Ainslie at the helm of the twin-hulled craft, the British boat reached the final in the waters off Barcelona.But they again fell short, beaten 7-2 by the Kiwi vessel.In January, Ineos announced a third challenge — but without Ainslie’s involvement.Ratcliffe suggested: “Ben wanted to do his own thing and that’s fine.” But Ainslie claims he has the right to be the “Challenger of Record” with access to more information than other contenders.Ainslie’s team  was “astounded” by the Ineos move, adding it “raises significant legal and practical obstacles”.ATHLETICSKENYAN superstar Eliud Kipchoge’s successful bid to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon distance in 2019 was bankrolled by Ratcliffe through the Ineos 1:59 Challenge.Read More on The SunKipchoge covered 26.2 miles in Vienna in 1:59:40.2 — although it did not count as an official world record as he was allowed a series of pace-setters and it was not an open event.Later, in 2022, Ineos signed an agreement to become “performance partner” to Kipchoge’s Dutch-based NN Running Team.In 2022, Ineos signed an agreement to become “performance partner” to Eliud Kipchoge’s NN Running Team More

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    Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire

    FOR the first time since 2010, SIX rookies will grace the Formula One grid this season.The 2025 F1 season is sure to have it’s fair share of dramatic narratives.The F1 2025 grid has six rookies this year, the most since 2010Credit: GettyThese will range from Lewis Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari, McLaren’s bid to win a drivers title for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri and how Red Bull will recover from their poor season last time out.However, six rookies coming to the grid is one of the most interesting storylines in itself with each of them having bags of talent shown throughout their careers in the junior categories of motor racing.However, they are also as diverse as they come, with some stepping into huge shoes at top teams and others already having F1 racing experience behind them.Below we take a look at each of F1’s 2025 rookies.READ MORE IN F1Kimi Antonelli – Italian born 2006 – MercedesKimi Antonelli is named after F1 royalty and has the nigh-on impossible task of replacing Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: RexKimi Antonelli is the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen. He joined the Mercedes junior programme at the age of 11.The teen – who will run the number 12 and says his spirit animal is a lion – only passed his driving test in January of this year, but has impressed in the junior categories. This included a stunning wet Silverstone F3 test which saw him run four seconds quicker than any of his rivals. But his first test in an F1 car during last season’s Italian Grand Prix saw him crash into the barriers.Mercedes have handed Antonelli more than 5,500 miles of private testing to boost his preparation for a move into F1 after being asked to fill the boots of Hamilton at the team.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOllie Bearman – Brit born 2005 – HaasOllie Bearman is already a millionaire after three successful sub appearances in F1 in 2024Credit: RexOllie Bearman became the first Brit to race in the Scarlet Red of Ferrari in the 21st century when he finished P7 on his super-sub debut at last season’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.He later made two more substitute appearances for Haas before securing a permanent seat based off of those appearances, although he endured a torrid time in F2 when not showing his pace in an F1 car.Moment Toto Wolff gets set to break Lewis Hamilton promise in behind-the-scenes clip on Netflix’s Drive to SurviveBearman turns 20 in May but is already estimated to have a net worth of more than £1m, as estimated from figures of his firm OBR Management Ltd.He joined the Ferrari academy at the age of 16 and races under the number 87. Bearman also astonishingly failed his driving test the first time he took it. His spirit animal is suitably a bear.Gabriel Bortoleto – Brazilian born 2004 – SauberGabriel Bortoleto is one of only four drivers to win back-to-back F3 and F2 championshipsCredit: RexGabriel Bortoleto arguably has the biggest racing credentials out of any of the 2025 rookies as he is one of only four drivers – with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Piastri – to win back-to-back F3 and F2 titles.Bortoleto admits his racing career was saved by Fernando Alonso when the two-time world champion sponsored him in 2022 before he was snapped up by the McLaren development programme a year later.They allowed Bortoleto, who says his favourite movie is Interstellar and his favourite TV show is Peaky Blinders, to then join Sauber for this season, with McLaren chief Zak Brown calling him a “great racing driver”.Bortoleto – whose spirit animal is a lion – will race with the number 5 in F1 this season. His father, Lincoln, is the co-founder of one of the biggest Internet providers in world, Americanet following a merger with Vero in 2023.Jack Doohan – Australian born 2003 – AlpineJack Doohan was gifted his first ever go-kart by legend Michael SchumacherCredit: GettyJack Doohan has been placed under an incredible amount of pressure early in his F1 career with reports suggesting a poor start could see him removed from the seat, which has seen team boss Oliver Oakes praise Doohan for his “punchy” response to the speculation.Doohan is the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick, who admits he tried to keep him away from motorsport for a year when he was 11 before he was forced to give in.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconHe was gifted his first-ever kart by none other than seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and eventually joined the Alpine Academy in 2022.Doohan, who will race with the number 7 in 2025 and who says his spirit animal is either a kangaroo or koala, replaced Esteban Ocon in last season’s season finale at Abu Dhabi to make his debut.Isack Hadjar – Frenchman born 2004 – Racing BullsIsack Hadjar has already been praised for his ‘god-like’ reflexes in F2Credit: RexIsack Hadjar is different from many of his peers in that his parents do not have any sort of background in motorsport.Born into an Algerian family of physicians and physicists, he only gained an interest in cars because his dad was a kart mechanic and after watching the Pixar animation Cars.Hadjar was praised for his “god-like” reflexes in F2 last year when he managed to avoid a collision in the Monaco tunnel when a car ahead of him was around a blind corner.Hadjar – who says his spirit animal is a gorilla – won more races than any other driver in F2 last season but was pipped to the title by Bortoleto. He will race with the number 6 for this season in F1.Liam Lawson – New Zealander born 2003 – Red BullLiam Lawson’s parents had to sell his house to fund his racing careerCredit: GettyLiam Lawson is a weird case when it comes to being rookie since he already has 11 races in F1 under his belt, yet the Kiwi has never started a season so can be considered a rookie for all intents and purposes.Lawson’s parents had to sell their house to fund his racing career while he never officially finished high school as he went to pursue his dream instead.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only became a motorsport fanatic after watching his dad race in karts at the age of six, although Lawson actually cried after the first time he fired up a go-kart when the engine started. Like Hadjar, Lawson is huge Cars fan, and will race with the number 30 this season as he attempts to tame the role of being Max Verstappen’s team-mate. More

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    Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GP

    SIR LEWIS HAMILTON made history as he drove Formula One legend Ayrton Senna’s 1990 title-winning car in the Brazilian Grand Prix.Hamilton, 39, rocked the Sao Paulo crowd by paying tribute to local hero Senna, who died after crashing at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994 at the age of 34.Sir Lewis Hamilton drove Ayrton Senna’s legendary 1990 title-winning carCredit: RexHamilton paid tribute to Senna during the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: RexFormula One legend Hamilton finished 10th in the Sao Paulo GPCredit: RexThe Mercedes star – who’ll soon move to Ferrari – showed up with the Brazilian legend’s white and orange vehicle as the crowd went wild and he later revealed that was the “greatest honour” of his career.Hamilton said: “I can’t believe I had the opportunity to do it and it’s been the greatest honour of my career.”Sir Lewis suffered a difficult race in Brazil that saw him finishing 10th and far off winner Max Verstappen.However, that didn’t stop the Brit from taking to social media with the Brazilian flag and thanking the fans.Read More on F1Hamilton tweeted: “Thank you Senna, Thank you Brazil.”F1 fans were moved by the seven-time world champion’s gesture and expressed their gratitude on social media.One fan posted: “Thank you Lewis.”Another tweeted: “Such a special weekend, despite the results on track! we love you dearly.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “My GOAT.”This fan said: “Thank you for this moment, Lewis! We’ll never forget.”Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’And that one stated: “Iconic.” More

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    F1 legend Ayrton Senna’s ‘most famous’ car pops up on Auto Trader with fans able to buy iconic ride for £500k

    FORMULA ONE legend Ayrton Senna’s “most famous” car has popped up for sale on Auto Trader – but it will cost a whopping £500,000.The Brazilian icon is widely-regarded as one of the greatest sporting superstars of all-time.Fans can secure a piece of history by buying Ayrton Senna’s ‘most famous’ carCredit: AUTOTRADERThe late Brazilian F1 legend won three world titlesCredit: AFPHis former Honda NSX is up for sale on Auto Trader for half a million quidCredit: AUTOTRADERSenna was famously pictured washing his red Honda NSXCredit: SuppliedThe three-time F1 world champion dominated throughout the late 1980s and 90s and won 41 races.Senna tragically lost his life at Imola during the San Marino Grand Prix in May, 1994, but his legacy still lives on.He remains a national hero in Brazil and a critically acclaimed film depicting his life was released in 2010.Now fans can buy the late Senna’s personal Honda NSX after it was advertised on the UK’s largest automotive marketplace Auto Trader for a cool half a million quid.READ MORE ON F1The iconic red ride is currently owned by Robert McFagan from East Sussex.Senna kept it at his home in Portugal whilst he was in the country and he was famously photographed washing the car in 1991.The motor also featured in the film “Racing is in my Blood” as Senna performed a wheel spin in it.He also owned two other NSX cars, a personal one in black in Brazil and another black NSX purchased for him by his manager Antonio Braga.Most read in MotorsportAs part of the 25th anniversary of Senna’s death, the red Honda NSX was taken to the Imola circuit and driven by Giancarlo Minardi in front of a packed out crowd in 2019.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe car boasts a powerful engine, responsive handling, aerodynamic design and delivers an exhilarating driving experience for those getting behind the wheel.There are only a handful of these models in existence – ensuring the lucky buyer will own a piece of automotive and racing history. McLaren to pay touching tribute to F1 legend Ayrton Senna by etching his name on side of their cars as mark of respect Seller McFagan said: “I first bought the car in 2013 during a trip to the Algarve in Portugal and have owned it ever since where it has sat proudly at my estate in East Sussex.“Senna’s red NSX was given to him by Honda who he had a commercial partnership with and Senna frequently used and was photographed with the car during his stays in Portugal.“Being a huge Senna fan myself, I was delighted when I was able to get my hands on the NSX which was crafted to perfection and features a sleek and powerful machine to give an incredible experience on the road.“It’s been a real pleasure owning what is one of the most famous cars belonging to a true sporting legend and the thrill of driving Senna’s car never goes away.”Erin Baker, the editorial director at Auto Trader added: “As the UK’s largest automotive marketplace for used and new cars we sell c.450,000 vehicles every day of different sizes, styles and price points and we often see cars once owned from celebrities to royalty being listed on our site.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Senna’s impact on Formula One and the world of motorsport was immeasurable and Senna’s iconic Honda NSX is a chance to own a rare piece of sporting history which will no doubt turn heads and spark conversations amongst friends, family and neighbours.”The car has just over 39,100 miles on the clock and was first registered in 1991.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    Mercedes driver George Russell enjoys life in the slow lane on trip to the countryside with girlfriend Carmen Mundt

    FORMULA ONE driver George Russell has taken a break from the 200mph world of F1 for a relaxing trip to the countryside with his girlfriend. The Mercedes driver enjoyed another top-five finish for his team at the Monaco Grand Prix, remaining the only man to achieve this feat in every race this season.
    Russell with his partner MundtCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
    The pair have reportedly been together since 2020Credit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
    Russell dons a flat cap as he poses for a pictureCredit: Instagram / @georgerussell63
    Mundt captioned her post with “Country girl” followed by a Scottish flag emojiCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
    Russell posted photos on his Instagram storyCredit: Instagram / @georgerussell63
    The pair were joined by their dog on the tripCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
    Russell, along with girlfriend Carmen Mundt, took to Instagram to show off a trip to the countryside.
    The 24-year-old was previously pictured with his partner courtside for an NBA game in Miami when F1 held the inaugural Miami Grand Prix there earlier this year.
    They have reportedly been together since 2020 and Carmen can often be seen cheering on the Brit.
    Russell, who joined the Mercedes senior team this year, currently sits fourth in the Formula 1 World Drivers Standings thanks to a very consistent start to the season.
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    He has achieved two podiums so far and has fared better than team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who has 34 points less.
    Russell spent the first three years of his F1 career in a struggling Williams car, waiting well over a season to score his first points.
    However, Russell has always been backed to perform well in a competitive team, with his F2 title win in 2018 proof of his ability.
    He was on course to collect his first F1 win at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020 when he was drafted into the Mercedes seat for a Covid-19 stricken Hamilton – who at the time had already secured his record-equalling seventh title.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in 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0, .5, 1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1m4l212:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7eo7xt{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}.css-1p3zf0v{width:626px;height:104px;margin-left:0;}.css-vcp1ln{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;width:626px;height:104px;margin-left:0;}.css-s6ldkx{position:relative;width:100%;display:block;height:auto;padding-top:0;width:156px;border-radius:0;}.css-ksk4ta{opacity:1;display:block;border-radius:inherit;height:104px;width:156px;-webkit-animation:fadeIn 300ms;animation:fadeIn 300ms;}@-webkit-keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}@keyframes fadeIn{from{opacity:0;}to{opacity:1;}}.css-1b3rpqk{width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-1ip4d38{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-4px/2);margin-right:calc(-4px/2);width:470px;height:104px;margin:0;padding:0 16px 0 16px;border:1px solid #dcdddd;background-color:#ffffff;}.css-14dqn90{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(4px/2);margin-right:calc(4px/2);}.css-12an5ma{font-family:The Sun;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;padding:1px 0px;}.css-12an5ma::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.261875em + -1px);}.css-12an5ma::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:calc(-0.25em + -1.3px);}.css-dzrove{color:rgba(37,129,145,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;margin-right:4px;}.css-dzrove:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}WHO’S LEW? .css-1efa55o{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1efa55o:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton is no longer Mercedes top dog with Russell taking over, claims Jordan
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    Unfortunately, a Mercedes pit crew error robbed him of that opportunity.
    A year later at the Belgium Grand Prix he scored his first F1 podium and Williams’ first since 2017.
    Russell will next be in action at Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan on June 12 for the 10th round of racing from this season’s calendar. More

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    Lewis Hamilton is no longer Mercedes boss with George Russell taking over F1 team this season, claims Eddie Jordan

    FORMER Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has claimed Lewis Hamilton is no longer the top dog at Mercedes.The 37-year-old is a seven-time world champion, but has not enjoyed the 2022 season so far, sitting 75 points off the pace set by Max Verstappen.
    Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were popular in the paddock this weekend, meeting tennis star Roger Federer among othersCredit: Splash
    Perhaps more worrying for Hamilton fans is that new teammate George Russell has consistently delivered strong points finishes, seeing him sit 34 points above his far more experienced teammate after seven races.
    The season’s form has lead to questions over Hamilton’s dominance of the sport, and now pundit Jordan has claimed his loss of form has lead to a changing of the guard at the German constructor.
    Talking to Channel 4, the 74-year-old was asked about Russell’s step-up from Williams to Mercedes, and whether he had met expectations so far.
    He said: “Absolutely, I think it’s the big surprise for everyone in the world, in the context of those who thought that Lewis Hamilton is the best”
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FINN-ISHED PRODUCT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Inside Valtteri Bottas’ motorhome with spacious living room and huge bed
    “But (Hamilton) is no longer the boss, not even in that team (Mercedes) because Russell has taken his position.
    “And I think it will be very interesting and I want to see how Lewis is going to overcome that.”
    The newly knighted Hamilton has been the centrepiece of Mercedes’ F1 dominance since his first championship with the team in 2014.
    In the years that followed that victory, he came out on top against his teammate every year other than 2016, where Nico Rosberg claimed his only drivers championship as Hamilton’s teammate.
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    Now though, 24-year-old Russell has taken the fight to Hamilton, controlling the car’s numerous issues far better than the seven-time champion so far.
    The former Williams driver has beaten his teammate in every race since the opener in Bahrain, taking his place on the podium twice.
    The pair will currently be preparing for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, which takes place on the 12th of June. More

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    Lewis Hamilton refuses to admit he’s Mercedes No1 as team face tough decision after George Russell’s hot start to 2022

    LEWIS HAMILTON denied being Mercedes’ top driver and insisted that he works in tandem with team-mate George Russell.Russell’s outperformed Hamilton in the F1 this season by finishing amongst the top five during every race thus far.
    Hamilton denied he’s Mercedes’ leader and insisted he and team-mate Russell are equalsCredit: Reuters
    The 24-year-old’s scintillating start has catapulted him into fourth spot in the F1 rankings.
    Hamilton’s beginning to the campaign has been the polar opposite, and the former world champion languishes in sixth position on the table.
    The 37-year-old remains 28 points behind his Mercedes compatriot despite producing a magical display to finish in P5 at the Spanish GP after an early collision.
    Russell ended the same race on the podium, just behind Red Bull duo Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen – who finished in P1.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}RED LIGHT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Leclerc in major F1 title race blow with Ferrari facing huge grid penalties
    Hamilton and Russell’s contrasting form of late seems to be signalling a power shift at Mercedes where Hamilton’s ruled the roost in recent times.
    However, Hamilton refuted rumours suggesting he calls the shots at Mercedes, and claimed he and new-boy Russell synergistically work for the team’s progress.
    Speaking to the Independent, Hamilton said: “Well, firstly, I wouldn’t say I’m the leader. George and I work equally hard together, I would say, to help drive the team and row just as hard as everyone else in the team.
    “But through adversity and challenging times you always learn more about yourself, how you deal with things, how you reflect on things, how you are able to turn negatives into positives.
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    “I wouldn’t say I’ve learned particularly much more, so I will say past experiences have helped during this phase. And I would say to just reassuring the strength I know I have mentally.”
    The Mercedes collective now have the difficult task of catching up to F1 leaders Red Bull who lead the rankings with 195 points.
    Ferrari sit in second on 169 points, leaving third-placed Mercedes needing to reduce a 75 points deficit.
    But Hamilton’s relishing the challenge and insisted he and Russell are up to the task at hand.
    He added: “Also, just reassuring us I still love my job, I still love the challenge even if it’s not fighting for wins.
    ‘I’m still enjoying this battle we are having internally in terms of trying to, with the car I mean, trying to chase down these other guys.”
    Hamilton’s optimism was shared by Mercedes’ boss Toto Wolff who explained his theory on how his team can turn things around after the Spanish GP.
    However, some critics believe Wolff will have to make a choice between Hamilton and Russell soon for the team’s benefit.
    This sentiment was echoed by Jacques Villeneuve who reckons Mercedes can either keep hold of “mega-star” Hamilton – or choose to nurture Russell’s talents. More