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    Mercedes announce launch date of 2022 car and say Lewis Hamilton WILL be there and break silence despite retirement talk

    WORLD champions Mercedes have announced February 18 as the date for the launch of their car for the upcoming 2022 season. And the team, led by Toto Wolff, will reveal the car that they hope will challenge for the title during the 2022 F1 season again in a month’s time – and Lewis Hamilton WILL be there.
    Mercedes are close to officially unveiling their new car for the 2022 seasonCredit: Getty
    The unveiling will be the first time Hamilton speaks after controversially losing the F1 driver’s title to VerstappenCredit: PA
    Hamilton lost out on the driver’s title to Max Verstappen, but Mercedes still took home the constructor’s championship.
    And the Brit is set to challenge this year in the new W13 car, which will be officially unveiled in a “special digital launch event” at Silverstone.
    This will be attended virtually by both Mercedes drivers, Hamilton and fellow Brit George Russell.
    The team are set to revert to a silver livery after two years in black colours as they bid to claim a NINTH consecutive constructor’s championship.
    But new regulations mean the car will be vastly different to last season, as F1 chiefs have implemented the biggest changes to cars yet in the 71-year history of the sport.
    The aim is to level the playing field, and cut out a two-way battle for both the driver and constructor’s titles.
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    Mercedes are the fourth team to confirm a date for the launch of their new car, after Aston Martin (Feb 10), McLaren (Feb 11) and Ferrari (Feb 17).
    Their announcement confirmed Hamilton’s attendance and the Brit will break his silence after the controversial end to the 2021 season.
    New driver Russell will also be present for his first day as a Mercedes driver after replacing Valteri Bottas, but all eyes will be on Hamilton.
    The 37-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his position in the sport in recent weeks.
    He is set to address the media for the first time next month following the events in Abu Dhabi last month, which saw Verstappen snatch the title from him.
    Hamilton’s future hangs in the balance and is dependent on the outcome of an inquest into the title-deciding race, which is expected to be published TWO days before the start of next season.
    The results of the inquest are crucial to Hamilton’s future, according to Sky Sports.
    Hamilton unfollowed everyone on Instagram last month in the aftermath of the chaotic title decider at Yas Marina.
    And his silence has only heightened speculation that he may have already competed in his last F1 race. More

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    F1 calendar 2022: Grand Prix schedule, testing, tracks and results as Hamilton aims to regain crown in bumper season

    LEWIS HAMILTON may have lost last year’s F1 title in controversial circumstances, but this time he’ll be gunning to get his gong back. Max Verstappen picked up his maiden championship in the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.

    The new season is upon us with testing set to get underway in February, as Mercedes and Red Bull look set to battle it out for the Constructors’ Championship yet again.
    Rumours over Hamilton’s future in F1 have been swirling in recent weeks but he’s yet to give any indication he’s taking a break or retiring from the sport.
    Until then, strap yourselves in for one of the most hotly-anticipated seasons in F1 history.
    Here is how the F1 calendar unfolds for the 2022 season…
    Pre-season testing
    First test

    Wednesday, February 23 – Day 1, First Test, Barcelona
    Thursday, February 24 – Day 2, First Test, Barcelona
    Friday, February 25 – Day 3, First Test, Barcelona

    Second test

    Thursday, March 10 – Day 1, Second Test, Bahrain
    Friday, March 11 – Day 2, Second Test, Bahrain
    Saturday, March 12 – Day 3, Second Test, Bahrain

    F1 calendar 2022
    Practice, Qualifying, Sprint & Race times TBC.
    🇧🇭 Bahrain Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
    Friday, March 18:
    Saturday, March, 19:
    Sunday, March 20:

    🇸🇦 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Jeddah Street Circuit
    Friday, March 25:
    Saturday, March 26:
    Sunday, March 27:

    🇦🇺 Australian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Albert Park Circuit
    Friday, April 8:
    Saturday, April 9:
    Sunday, April 10:

    🇮🇹 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola
    Friday, April 22:
    Saturday, April 23:
    Sunday, April 24:

    🇺🇸 Miami Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Miami International Autodrome
    Friday, May 6:
    Saturday, May 7:
    Sunday, May 8:

    🇪🇸 Spanish Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
    Friday, May 20:
    Saturday, May 21:
    Sunday, May 22:

    🇲🇨 Monaco Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo
    Friday, May 27
    Saturday, May 28
    Sunday, May 29

    🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Baku City Circuit
    Friday, June 10:
    Saturday, June 11:
    Sunday, June 12:

    🇨🇦 Canadian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
    Friday, June 17:
    Saturday, June 18:
    Sunday, June 19:

    🇬🇧 British Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
    Friday, July 1:
    Saturday, July 2:
    Sunday, July 3:

    🇦🇹 Austrian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
    Friday, July 8:
    Saturday, July 9:
    Sunday, July 10:

    🇫🇷 French Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet
    Friday, July 22:
    Saturday, July 23:
    Sunday, July 24:

    🇭🇺 Hungarian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Hungaroring, Budapest
    Friday, July 29:
    Saturday, July 30:
    Sunday, July 31:

    🇧🇪 Belgian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
    Friday, August 26:
    Saturday, August 27:
    Sunday, August 28:

    🇳🇱 Dutch Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Zandvoort
    Friday, September 2:
    Saturday, September 3
    Sunday, September 4:

    🇮🇹 Italian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
    Friday, September 9:
    Saturday, September 10:
    Sunday, September 11:

    🇷🇺 Russian Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Sochi Autodrom
    Friday, September 23:
    Saturday, September 24:
    Sunday, September 25:

    🇸🇬 Singapore Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Marina Bay Street Circuit
    Friday, September 30:
    Saturday, October 1:
    Sunday, October 2:

    🇯🇵 Japanese Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Suzuka Circuit
    Friday, October 7:
    Saturday, October 8:
    Sunday, October 9:

    🇺🇸 United States Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas
    Friday, October 21:
    Saturday, October 22:
    Sunday, October 23:

    🇲🇽 Mexico City Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City
    Friday, October 28:
    Saturday, October 29:
    Sunday, October 30:

    🇧🇷 Sao Paulo Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos
    Friday, November 11:
    Saturday, November 12:
    Sunday, November 13:

    🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
    🏆 Grand Prix result:

    Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
    Friday, November 18:
    Saturday, November 19:
    Sunday, November 20:

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    ‘Left big scars’ – Lewis Hamilton driven to succeed after suffering racism hell as young go-karter, Merc chief reveals

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S mental strength can’t be questioned after the harrowing racism he suffered as a young go-karter, reveals Mercedes principal Toto Wolff.The Brit, who turned 37 on Friday, hasn’t been heard from since last season’s controversial finale in Abu Dhabi.
    Lewis Hamilton suffered disgusting treatment as a young karterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    British hero Hamilton regularly stands up for equalityCredit: Getty
    Hamilton’s future in the sport has been questioned with retirement rumours rife.
    He is expected to come back stronger given his previous experiences, as Wolff explained while speaking to Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung.
    The Austrian, 49, said: “As a child he was insulted on the go-kart track.
    “White parents forbade their children to interact with him; that definitely left big scars on him too.
    “For him, racing was the valve to show everyone, and it still is.”
    Hamilton has often used his public platform to fight racial prejudice.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{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:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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 Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    He has called on Formula 1 to address diversity issues within the sport.
    While he has also ploughed £20million into launching his own Mission 44 foundation, which aims to support young people from under-represented backgrounds.
    Hamilton believes that fighting for these worthwhile causes has helped his racing.
    He told Sky Sports in October: “So now it’s the work that I’m doing in the background and then I’m turning up and I’m enjoying this job. Is it helping me race? I think so.
    “It’s like my new drive and I feel like it’s giving me more longevity because it’s a lot of work we have to do. I feel like it also gives my life real purpose. Racing is not a purpose, it’s something you do.”
    Hamilton has also repeatedly stood up for the LGBTQ+ community, most recently wearing a rainbow helmet in Qatar and Saudi Arabia – countries in which homosexuality is a criminal offence.
    Hamilton has regularly donned a rainbow helmetCredit: AFP
    Toto Wolff is in contact with HamiltonCredit: Getty
    SunSport understands that Mercedes ARE in contact with Hamilton, despite his public silence.
    It is also understood that he feels that by saying nothing, he is shifting the focus on to the FIA and keeping the pressure firmly on their investigation.
    In the aftermath of FIA race director Michael Masi’s fudging of the rules that led to Max Verstappen beating Hamilton to last year’s title, Wolff gave his thoughts on the seven-time champion’s future.
    He told RacingNews365: “I would very much hope that Lewis continues racing, because he’s the greatest driver of all time.
    “We will be working through the events over the next weeks and months.
    “I think as a racer, his heart will say, ‘I need to continue’, because he’s at the peak of his game.
    “But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday, also because he is a man with clear values, and it’s difficult to understand that that happened.”

    Hamilton is expected to carry on this yearCredit: Alamy More

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    Lewis Hamilton shocked he has never raced for Ferrari during epic F1 career and admits ‘it’s not really been possible’

    LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted his surprise at never making the move to Ferrari.As the grandest name of Formula One over the decades, the Scuderia have previously employed legends including Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio and Fernando Alonso.
    Lewis Hamilton remains under contract with Mercedes until 2023Credit: PA
    The F1 legend opened up on his relationship with Ferrari back in SeptemberCredit: Splash
    But British star Hamilton has never stepped into the famous red overalls, and has not even been close to doing so.
    Links did emerge last year but the legend, who has recently fuelled retirement talk after missing out on the F1 title to Max Verstappen last month, remains under contract with Mercedes until the end of 2023 and has described a switch to the Prancing Horse as ‘never really possible’.
    Speaking to Sky Italia back in September, via GPToday, he noted: “For years, whenever I come to Monza and see the fans, I hear them saying, ‘Come to Ferrari!’.
    “It warms my heart but it’s pretty amazing that I’ve never driven for Ferrari after so many years.
    “Because it’s a dream for everyone, a goal to be achieved.
    “It’s never really been possible and I will never quite know exactly why.
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    “I wish them the best and in the near future I will just have to stop them from winning the world championship instead [laughs].
    “I have a couple of Ferraris at home that I can drive, but not the F1 Ferrari.”
    Hamilton was signed to McLaren from a young age and raced for six years with the British team, winning the 2008 world title.
    McLaren’s decline coincided with old team-mate Fernando Alonso joining Ferrari and a renewal of their fiery relationship was not on the cards.
    In 2013, he replaced Michael Schumacher at Mercedes and will now hopefully be vying for a record eighth F1 title crown. More

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    Mercedes told they should have signed Lando Norris and NOT George Russell to partner Lewis Hamilton in 2022

    MERCEDES have been told that they would have been better off signing Lando Norris for next season than George Russell – had all drivers been available.The Silver Arrows have replaced Valtteri Bottas with Russell for the 2022 season.
    Lando Norris impressed in the McLarenCredit: PA
    George Russell will partner Lewis Hamilton next yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Brit, 23, has impressed in three seasons with Williams – even earning his first career podium.
    Team principal Toto Wolff opted to sign Russell for next season to partner Lewis Hamilton, having kept him on his radar for years as a former Mercedes youth driver.
    The F1: Chequered Flag podcast team, however, believe that in an ideal world Norris would have been a better option.
    Jack Nicholls said: “If I’m Mercedes and I have a free choice in that second seat alongside Hamilton, I think I’m picking Norris over Russell after this year.”
    Jolyon Palmer agreed: “I’m going with Jack on it, I’m going with Lando.
    “The way that he held off Lewis Hamilton at the end of that Sochi race until the strategy and the tyre choice got away from him, was unbelievable.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{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:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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 Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “For a guy that has never won a race, to have a seven-time World Champion breathing down his neck in a Mercedes…
    “Then it starts raining, and he’s still off the road a couple of times, scrabbling around, but keeping Hamilton, we all know how good he is in the wet, behind him.
    “It was really legendary stuff I think from Norris.”
    The McLaren star penned a new ‘multi-year’ contract back in May – making him unavailable to the likes of Mercedes.
    Norris grabbed four podiums in 2021, including a memorable second-place finish in Monza behind team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
    He finished sixth in the Driver Standings, being pipped to fifth by Carlos Sainz.
    Russell remarkably secured his first podium in a WilliamsCredit: Reuters
    Norris came second in Monza this yearCredit: Reuters More

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    Lewis Hamilton retirement hint dropped by Mercedes in cryptic tweet suggesting Brit will NOT quit F1 ahead of new season

    LEWIS HAMILTON looks set to continue his Formula One career – after hints he would retire before the new season.The British hero, 36, missed out on a record-breaking eighth world championship on the last lap of the 2021 season.
    Lewis Hamilton appears set to continue in Formula One with Mercedes in 2022
    Max Verstappen overtook him in dramatic fashion after significant help from the safety car and race director Michael Masi to snatch his maiden title.
    And there were fears Hamilton would call it a day in the sport after the heartbreaking finale.
    Even former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone reckoned Hamilton’s time was up because he is ready to explore other ventures.
    Ecclestone said: “I don’t think he is coming back, I think he will not race next year.
    “His disappointment in Abu Dhabi was too great, and I understand him.
    “Now, tied for seven titles with Michael Schumacher, it is the perfect time for him to fulfil his dream and be a fashion entrepreneur.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{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:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::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 Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    But Hamilton’s team Mercedes took to Twitter in the New Year – suggesting Hamilton is fired up and raring to go in 2022.
    They posted a photo of the Stevenage superstar wearing his race suit looking pensively into the light.
    The caption said: “Adversity causes some to break; others to break records.”
    Hamilton has not posted on social media since the Abu Dhabi GP more than three weeks ago and unfollowed everybody on Instagram.
    He has also been ignoring newly-elected FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s messages – and skipped the FIA end-of-season gala.
    But despite the radio silence, Ben Sulayem is confident Hamilton will be battling to reclaim the world title when the season starts in Bahrain in March.
    He said: “No, I don’t think he will quit.
    “I’ll ask your question: did Lewis declare that he’s not going to race? No. Exactly. Being a driver, you declare yourself, you don’t let the rumours talk.
    “I’m confident that Lewis will return. Lewis is a big part of motorsport, and of course of Formula One, the new era can add to Lewis’ wins and achievements, and also Verstappen is there.
    “I am very confident that you will see a very challenging Formula One season next year.”
    Max Verstappen clinched his first world title in dramatic fashion to pip HamiltonCredit: Getty More

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    F1 stars vote Max Verstappen as driver of year ahead of Lewis Hamilton after Red Bull ace’s dramatic Championship win

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has been voted as F1 driver of the year by his fellow racers. The flying Dutchman landed the award ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who he beat to the title in dramatic circumstances with one lap remaining of the final race of the season.
    Verstappen was voted by his fellow peers as 2021 driver of the yearCredit: AP
    He beat Hamilton to the prize after dramatically beating him to the titleCredit: PA
    According to MotorSport Week, Verstappen topped the voting from his fellow drivers in a poll organised by F1 chiefs.
    Interestingly drivers from Mercedes and Red Bull declined to participate, as did those from Alfa Romeo.
    That left 14 drivers left to vote using the current F1 point-scoring system – 25 points for first, 18 points for second, 15 points for third and so on.
    And it was Verstappen who topped the list, ahead of Brit rival Hamilton.
    Verstappen also reportedly came out on top in a vote undertaken by F1 team bosses, again ahead of Hamilton.
    The 24-year-old won a maiden F1 title after 10 race victories across the season, and a further eight podiums.
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    Hamilton, 36, on the other hand won eight races, and a finished on the podium an additional nine times in 2021.
    The pair went into the final race of the season at Yas Marina LEVEL on points, with Hamilton seemingly coasting to victory with five laps left.
    But a late Safety Car after a Nicholas Latifi crash cued the most incredible finish, with Verstappen controversially overtaking Hamilton with one lap left.
    Mercedes protested the result on two counts, but were rebuffed by F1 chiefs and chose not to appeal the decision.
    McLaren’s Lando Norris was voted by his peers as the third-best driver of the year, with Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles LeClerc fourth and fifth respectively.
    Verstappen’s Red Bull partner Sergio Perez, and Hamilton’s Mercedes team Valtteri Bottas, failed to make the top 10.
    Fernando Alonso was voted sixth for his efforts with Alpine, while AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was seventh.
    Incoming Mercedes driver George Russell finished in eighth after his impressive season for Williams.
    And Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and Mick Schumacher (Haas) were voted ninth and tenth respectively.
    Schumacher, son of F1 legend Michael, received a number of votes despite not scoring a single point during the season.
    Norris was voted as the third best driver of the yearCredit: PA More

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    Lewis Hamilton would have won title but Mercedes ‘missed a trick’ in final moments of Abu Dhabi GP, reveals Ecclestone

    FORMER F1 chief Bernie Eccleston believes Lewis Hamilton would have won an eighth world title if Mercedes had deployed a smarter strategy. Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Max Verstappen on the last lap of the last race at a dramatic Abu Dhabi GP.
    Eccleston reckons a better Mercedes strategy would have seen Hamilton win the titleCredit: Getty
    Instructions could have been sent to Bottas to wind the engine down, which would have resulted in the Safety Car staying on the trackCredit: The Mega Agency
    Hamilton was beaten at the death by Dutchman Verstappen in dramatic and controversial circumstancesCredit: Getty
    But Mercedes could have possibly made sure the Safety Car stayed on the track until the end of the race after it was called out with five laps left to go.
    That would have meant the leading driver at the time, Hamilton, would have won the race and also the title.
    Eccleston was asked by Swiss outlet Blick whether Mercedes could have “radioed to [Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri] Bottas to let the car coast because they want to preserve the engine.”
    Had they done so, in all likelihood the Safety Car would have stayed out and Hamilton would have won the race.
    And Eccleston responded: “Pretty clever. I thought of that too, and it would have been ideal to make sure the Safety Car stayed out and the race wouldn’t have been restarted.
    “Many people would have been upset, but there wouldn’t have been any changes to the final result.”
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    He was then asked if they failure to make the call to Bottas had been costly in handing the championship over to Verstappen.
    Eccleston replied: “Right, and I don’t know if Toto Wolff, with a third of the team shares, is still in the same strong position as before.
    “But we will find out at some point.”
    The controversial result still leaves Hamilton chasing an eighth world title.
    His seven championships so far is the joint most of all time, tied with Michael Schumacher.
    But following the events that unfolded at Yas Marina, speculation has been rife that Hamilton could even RETIRE from the sport.
    However the 36-year-old Brit is expected to take to the grid again next season with Mercedes, but could face an even tougher battle for the title.
    New F1 regulations mean Hamilton could face three fresh challengers for the driver’s prize in 2022. More