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      ‘I’m definitely not fast any more’ Lewis Hamilton’s damning verdict of his form after Qatar Grand Prix sprint qualifying

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has given a damning assessment of his own performances this season after another disappointing effort in qualifying.Hamilton, 39, qualified seventh for the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton has claimed he is ‘definitely not fast anymore’Credit: RexHamilton finished 0.399 seconds slower than teammate George Russell in sprint qualifying in QatarCredit: AFPThe Mercedes ace, who will join Ferrari next season, has claimed he is “definitely not fast anymore” after finishing 0.399 seconds slower that teammate George Russell. He said: “Same as every other qualifying – not that great.”I’m just slow. Same every weekend. Car felt relatively decent. You know, no issues. Not really much more to say.”When pressed on if the issue is related to him or the car, Hamilton doubled down that it’s a him-problem.READ MORE IN SPORTHe added: “When you are always back where I am it makes it almost impossible to compete for wins from there. But that’s the sprint. I’ll do what I can tomorrow.”Not particularly [any positives]. The positive is the car is fast and George should be able to shoot for pole tomorrow.”Who knows? I’m definitely not fast anymore.”Hamilton’s teammate Russell will start today’s sprint in second, behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRussell has now out-qualified Hamilton 17 TIMES in 22 races, despite the seven-time world champ holding the record for the most pole positions in F1 history (104).While Russell is averaging an advantage of 0.16 seconds per lap over Hamilton this season. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPThe 26-year-old, who won last week’s Las Vegas GP, is also one place ahead of Hamilton in the driver’s standings.Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc when he makes the highly-anticipated switch to Ferrari next season.Today’s sprint in Qatar is set to get underway at 2pm UK time with the race itself taking place on Sunday at 4pm.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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

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

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      ‘Man you were flying,’ Lewis Hamilton in awkward exchange with Russell and Sainz en route to podium at F1 Las Vegas GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and George Russell were engaged in an awkward exchange following the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix.The British duo took a sensational one-two finish for Mercedes, with Russell taking the chequered flag after starting from pole as Hamilton recovered from P10 in qualifying to finish runner-up.Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Carlos Sainz shared an awkward car rideCredit: F1TVRussell said how Hamilton was ‘flying’Credit: F1TVSainz had pointed to Hamilton following Russell’s commentCredit: F1TVHamilton responded by remarking how he still had a long way to go to catch upCredit: F1TVHe was also seen pulling down a sun visor and looking in the mirror before the podiumCredit: F1TVThe pair and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz all shared a car ride to the podium.A camera inside the car picked up the conversation between them en route to pick up their trophies.Following his second win of the season, Russell, 26, remarked to Hamilton: “Man you were flying at one point.”Looking over, Sainz then pointed to Hamilton and said: “This guy?”READ MORE IN F1Russell then replied: “Yeah,” while shaking his head.Hamilton – who has now picked up podiums around a record 36 F1 tracks – responded by saying: “Had a long way to go though, to catch up. I was so far behind.”During the car ride itself, Hamilton was seen pulling down a sun visor and using the mirror in it before arriving at the podium while Russell and Sainz were engaged in conversation.Seeing the exchange, one fan said: “Imagine the tension.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Lewis is secretly like get me out of this car now.”A third added: “Damn the tension… Lewis man,.. haha.” Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPAnother said: “Sooo awkward in that car.”During the race Hamilton punched in a number of fastest laps but was unable to catch his team-mate in the end, finishing seven seconds behind him.He had bemoaned his poor qualifying performance on Saturday, and believes it ultimately cost him the race win.Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “If I’d done my job yesterday, it would have been a breeze today. But it’s ok. I had fun coming from 10th. The team did a fantastic job.”We don’t know why we were so quick this weekend, but that’s the best the car’s ever felt, so I’m grateful to have been a part of getting it to that point.”We don’t know why we were so quick this weekend, but that’s the best the car’s ever felt, so I’m grateful to have been a part of getting it to that point.”The championship’s done, so now it’s just all out, fight for the best positions possible.”Hamilton is now entering his final two races with Mercedes before he joins Ferrari in 2025 after signing a two-year deal worth £100million.Following the win, Russell has revealed he has cancelled his travel plans to party with the team, calling it a “dream” weekend.He said: “I was planning to fly in a couple of hours but I’m definitely not getting on that flight! I’m going to enjoy this evening with all my team.”It’s been a dream of a weekend. I don’t know how we’ve been so quick but I’m just riding this wave right now. “To get the victory here, pole position, a dominant weekend, one-two with Lewis as well… We couldn’t have chosen a better place to make this happen.”Elsewhere, Max Verstappen confirmed his fourth world drivers title after finishing P5 ahead of Lando Norris in P6 – despite the McLaren star also picking up an extra point for the fastest lap.Despite the drivers championship now being concluded, the constructors’ remains a close battle before the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcLaren sit on 608 points with Ferrari close behind 584. Red Bull are some way off in third on 555, while Mercedes are confirmed fourth place with their 425 points.Meanwhile, Martin Brundle’s grid walk went viral once again after he snubbed a playboy bunny. More

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      Max Verstappen wins fourth F1 world title at Las Vegas Grand Prix as Russell & Hamilton complete British one-two

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has won his fourth consecutive Formula One world title by finishing ahead of Lando Norris at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.It was also a great day for Mercedes as George Russell won and team-mate Lewis Hamilton came in second.Max Verstappen has won his fourth world titleCredit: GettyRed Bull had t-shirts printed in advanceCredit: RexGeorge Russell led throughout to come home in firstCredit: GettyRussell admitted he had no idea why his car was so quick through the Vegas street circuitCredit: AFPFifth was good enough for Verstappen today as Norris finished in sixth.The 27-year-old won eight times this season and has been clinging onto top spot after failing to see the chequered flag for ten races in a row until victory in Sao Paulo, Brazil last time out.Verstappen joins Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel and Hamilton in becoming a four-time champ.Red Bull were in a business-like mood in Vegas and the Dutchman was solely focused on finishing above Norris rather than catching the Mercedes duo.READ MORE IN F1Their main man was encouraged to stay ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in the latter stages of the contest, but he was overtaken by both yet calmly held off Norris.On the team radio, Verstappen was overcome with emotion, saying: “Oh my God what a season, four times, thank you guys. “It’s a little more difficult than last year, but we pulled through. Thank you so much guys.”Verstappen joked his fans were “spoilt” given his dominance last year and he expects a “proper battle between a lot of cars” in 2025.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRed Bull team principal Christian Horner added: “It’s incredible, he’s done an amazing job, he’s been outstanding all year and we are just very proud of him, he’s driven brilliantly.”He’s won eight Grand Prixs, he’s won the world championship with two races to go, you can’t ask for more than that.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”He just gets in the car and he delivers, he’s a great human. “It puts him amongst the greats, statistics now put him there as well.”He’s only just turned 27 and he’s in the form of his life so as long as we can keep giving him a decent car then he will keep delivering.”Norris put fresh tyres on in the closing stages to land the bonus fastest lap point, which boosted McLaren’s chances at constructors glory.Gordon Ramsay and Steve Aoki at the Vegas Grand PrixCredit: GettyThe chef was seen alongside his daughter Holly Anna and Olympian swimmer Adam PeatyCredit: GettyActor Terry Crews celebrated with Red BullCredit: GettySylvester Stallone waved the chequered flagCredit: GettyRussell, who started the race from the front after a brilliant qualifying session, cruised to victory in a relatively quiet race as Sylvester Stallone waved the chequered flag.The Norfolk-born driver then revealed he was cancelling his flight home to celebrate with a night out on the Vegas Strip.The Mercedes pairing were too quick for anyone else on the street circuit.But both Russell and Hamilton admitted they had no idea why their cars were so fast this weekend. The latter climbed his way through the pack after starting tenth in the grid.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was a superb drive from Hamilton and he now has a podium at 36 different tracks.He delayed his first stop to close his gap to the top and then took his second early in lap 27 to emerge second after the Ferraris pitted.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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

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

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      Sergio Perez opens up on overwhelming SMELL at Las Vegas Grand Prix that ‘all the F1 drivers will talk about’

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      FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez has complained of a “very noticeable” SMELL in Las Vegas ahead of the Grand Prix.The Red Bull driver is in Sin City ahead of the Vegas GP on Sunday.Sergio Perez has opened up on the smell that has been wreaking havoc at the Las Vegas GPPerez claimed he was tired of the weed smell around the Vegas circuitPerez revealed that all F1 drivers will talk about the strong scent of WEED in the Nevada desert.Speaking after his second free practice session, Perez said: “What is very noticeable around the circuit is the smell of marijuana throughout the night.”I’m a bit tired of it already — the amount is incredible. It’s something all the drivers will definitely talk about.”Unlike the UK, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in the state of Nevada.READ MORE ON F1Fans attending the race are banned from bringing drugs to the 3.8-mile circuit, but it seems that’s not been enough to clear the air.Fellow driver Franco Colapinto took note of the scent as well.The Williams ace joked: Yes, there was a smell of weed.”If they dope the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive, I swear – when we all test positive, there will be a mess.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs expected, cannabis is a prohibited substance for F1 drivers as part of the FIA Anti-Doping Regulations from the sport’s governing body.While fans attending the Grand Prix will be following suit, Jade – a cannabis dispensary – is situated a few miles from the racetrack.Monaco Grand Prix hit by RED FLAG after horrific first-lap crash tears Sergio Perez’s F1 car in halfThe shop even specifically markets itself to F1, with a statement on their website reading: “For the Las Vegas Formula 1 event attendees, the experience can be elevated with cannabis.”Rival chains last year also capitalised on F1’s arrival by offering discounted weed to locals affected by road closures and heavy noise.On track, Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton seemed to be unperturbed by Vegas’ scent as he topped both Friday’s practice sessions.The Vegas GP debuted last year, with Max Verstappen winning the inaugural race.Reigning three-time champ Verstappen can wrap up a fourth successive title with another victory on a track he won last year.The conditions for practice have carried a bad smellVegas is the third last race of the 2024 season🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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

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

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      Stunning house Lewis Hamilton ‘will live in at Ferrari as he’s given honour only bestowed to Michael Schumacher’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will reportedly move into a house formerly owned by Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari next year.The seven-time world champion is set to join Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula One season, putting an end to his 11-year spell with Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton will move into a huge new house when he officially joins FerrariCredit: GettyThe Brit has been granted permission to move into Enzo Ferrari’s old houseCredit: AlamyAnd when he swaps Brackley for Maranello, he will be granted the permission to move into a famed Italian house.Sky Sports Italy claim he is expected to move into a house previously occupied by Mr Ferrari himself.The home is located next to the team’s Fiorano circuit.F1 legend Michael Schumacher is the only other driver to have been given the privilege to live there.Read More on F1He would reside at the house on testing days.The three-storey building houses Enzo’s iconic office, which has been preserved since his death in 1988.Every door and window shutter on the outside is painted in the iconic Scuderia red.And the interior is littered with Ferrari memorabilia.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe house is littered with Ferrari memorabiliaCredit: Instagram @tony__qianIt is located next to Ferrari’s baseCredit: Instagram @tony__qianMercedes have announced initial plans for Hamilton’s final race with the team, which will be at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next month.The Brit will have the names of 150 fans printed on his car for the event.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Mercedes opened a competition this week to determine the lucky supporters.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More