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    Red Bull fear Hamilton will overturn 14-point Verstappen deficit to win F1 title due to ‘unbelievable rocket engine’

    LEWIS HAMILTON has the advantage over Max Verstappen heading into the final three races of the season, according to Red Bull chief Helmut Marko.The seven-time champion reignited his hopes of a record-breaking eighth drivers’ title with a sensational victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday as he recovered from 10th to take his sixth win of 2021.
    Hamilton produced one of his greatest ever drives to win in Brazil on SundayCredit: Getty
    Verstappen still leads the championship but Red Bull fear they will be caught by MercedesCredit: Rex
    Hamilton’s victory reduced Verstappen’s lead to just 14 points with races in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi closing out the season.
    And Marko, who is the head of Red Bull’s driver development programme, believes Mercedes now have the upper hand heading into the final few races.
    Speaking to AMuS, he said: “There were not two rockets, but one.
    “Only the Hamilton [car] has such an unbelievable surplus on the straights.
    “Despite the lead, I see us at a disadvantage if Hamilton maintains this engine advantage.”
    With three races remaining in the calendar, 78 points remain up for grabs for the drivers – 25 for a win plus the additional point for the fastest lap.

    Hamilton will win the championship if he wins all three.
    In fact, if the Brit takes the chequered flag ahead of Verstappen in Qatar and Saudi Arabia – and they split the two fastest lap points – the title rivals could be absolutely level on 368.5 points with one race to go.
    Should Verstappen win in Qatar, though, he would be 21 points clear with two races to go and therefore finishing second behind Hamilton in both would be enough.
    Should the pair finish level on points at the end of the season, the championship will be decided on race wins.
    In which case Verstappen, who leads 9 victories to 6, would be crowned world champion.

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    Max Verstappen fined £43k for TOUCHING F1 title rival Lewis Hamilton’s rear wing after qualifying for Brazil GP

    MAX VERSTAPPEN was slapped with a £43,000 fine for touching title rival Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes car after qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix.Verstappen was caught examining the rear wing of Hamilton’s Mercedes in a fan video which circulated on social media after finishing second to the Brit in Friday’s session.
    Red Bull star Max Verstappen was caught touching Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes carCredit: Twitter
    Fan footage was released showing Max Verstappen examining Lewis Hamilton’s rear wingCredit: Twitter
    Hamilton’s car was ultimately seemed to have broken technical regulations concerning DRS, leading to him being forced to start Saturday’s sprint race from the pits.
    But that did not spare Verstappen, who copped a hefty fine for breaching Parc Ferme rules.
    Rules state that under Parc Ferme, only the officials assigned may enter the paddock and ‘no operation, checking, tuning or repair is allowed unless authorised by the same officials or by the applicable regulations’.
    Verstappen was called to see stewards on Saturday morning in Sao Paulo and was joined by Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.
    The meeting lasted less than half an hour and it was confirmed later that the Dutchman has been fined.
    Verstappen could not take full advantage of Hamilton’s disqualification as he was beaten by Valtteri Bottas in Saturday’s 23-lap sprint race – despite being bumped up to pole.

    But two extra world championship points means the Red Bull whizkid now has a 21 point lead over his closest rival in the title standings, with four races left.
    Hamilton, who was forced to start in the pit lane, recovered with a stunning surge through the field to finish an astonishing fifth, keeping his hopes alive.
    Britain’s seven-time world champ will start tenth on the grid for Sunday’s 71-lap race due to a separate five-place penalty for taking a new engine.
    Max Verstappen saw title rival Lewis Hamilton getting disqualified soon afterCredit: Reuters
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    Lewis Hamilton title woe as Brit faces DISQUALIFICATION after trouncing Max Verstappen for Brazilian GP sprint pole

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S hopes of a record-breaking eighth F1 world title could be up in smoke after a potential breach of the regulations during qualifying in Brazil.The Brit trounced championship rival Max Verstappen in Sao Paolo to earn pole position for Saturday’s sprint race – and a chance to claw back two points.
    Lewis Hamilton crushed Friday qualifying to get pole for the sprint in Brazil but could now start lastCredit: Getty
    Max Verstappen was not too disappointed to come in second ahead of the weekendCredit: Getty
    But Hamilton’s joy was short-lived after news his Mercedes is pending an FIA investigation after it opened more than it should when DRS was activated, giving him an extra burst of speed.
    If Hamilton’s Silver Arrow has breached the technical regulations he could be disqualified.
    This would see him start at the back of the grid for sprint qualifying, which will determine the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
    Hamilton already trails Verstappen by 19 points and the Dutchman could open up a bigger gap on the defending champion if Hamilton is to start the Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the field.
    The FIA have summoned a representative of Mercedes to the stewards to discuss the incident.
    To add salt to the wounds, Hamilton will also be met with a five-place grid penalty on Sunday after taking on a new engine.

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    Meaning any ground he makes up in the 100km sprint qualifying race will all be undone for the Grand Prix.
    It has overshadowed what appeared to be a turning point for Mercedes in the championship, after Hamilton showed incredible pace to beat Verstappen by 0.4 seconds.
    Before the rear wing was reported to the FIA, Hamilton was amazed to see how much Mercedes had improved since the Mexico GP.
    He said: “We’ve been working so hard to get this car right, it’s been tough.
    “So to finally get the car feeling like it did today, it feels great and it’s just a testament to all the hard work in the garage and at home to try and pull out everything we have in the car.
    “The last two poles I’ve had, I’ve had a penalty. So it’s a bit unfortunate to have the penalty but it is what it is.
    “I don’t know if the pace will translate to the race, but I’ve been going from P3 and I sit there for the whole hour trying to make the right set up changes in practice and the anxiety you get is crazy.
    “A lot of times I get it wrong and today I got it right and the car was really nice to drive.
    “It was everything I wanted and then that enabled me to keep pushing and you could just see purple, purple, purple and I was just gaining each time.
    “I don’t know how we can go from one track where they are half a second ahead to then being behind, but anyway they will be very strong in the race tomorrow and I hope Valtteri [Bottas] gets a good start.”
    Although Verstappen wasn’t shocked to see his rival thriving with his fresh Mercedes-powered engine.
    Verstappen said: “Naturally when they take a new engine they have more power for the weekend.
    “For me it’s not a big shock, I am just happy to be second, that’s a good position to start from.
    “Of course you want to be closer but sometimes you just have to be realistic and there wasn’t much more in it.”
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    Lewis Hamilton in huge F1 world title blow as Mercedes star takes five-place grid penalty for engine change at Brazil GP

    SEVEN-TIME world champion Lewis Hamilton WILL take a five-place grid penalty in Sao Paolo.The Brit’s car requires an engine change for this weekend’s Brazilian GP.
    Hamilton faces yet another setback in his quest for an eighth world titleCredit: AFP
    It makes his task of overhauling Max Verstappen’s 19 point lead in the standings even more challenging.
    The penalty comes into force after the Sprint race, meaning he will start that in the place that he qualifies on Friday.
    Qualifying is on Friday evening after Practice One, followed by Practice Two and the Sprint Race on Saturday night.
    So the best possible place Hamilton can start from on Sunday’s race is fifth on the grid.
    It’s the fifth time Hamilton has had an engine change this season – two over the three allowed swaps.
    He previously changed his engine unit at the Turkish GP last month and eventually finished in fifth place.
    But with SunSport predicting a Max Verstappen win even before the penalty Hamilton can’t afford to finish that low down and lose yet more ground on the Dutchman.

    When asked on Thursday about a possible penalty Hamilton remained coy, saying: “I can’t really comment at the moment.
    “I don’t think the engines have even arrived. As far as I am aware currently my engine is fine.
    “I will find out obviously later on. We’ve not even done an engineering [meeting] yet.”
    But now the engine change has been confirmed and the Brit will have to take a penalty.
    It comes as a blow to the seven-time world champ with just four races left on the calendar.
    Abu Dhabi hosts the season finale on December 12 after races in Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
    But the title may well already be decided by the time the circuit touches down at Yas Marina.
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    Final four F1 races predicted – can Lewis Hamilton claw back 19 points on Max Verstappen and win an eighth world title?

    WE are into the final four races of this epic F1 season. A total of 19-points separate championship leader Max Verstappen from title holder, Lewis Hamilton.
    A steely-eyed Hamilton with Verstappen in the backgroundCredit: PA
    The pair have been going back-and-forth all seasonCredit: EPA
    Hamilton, who has won the title a joint-record seven times, has never overturned such a points deficit to land the world crown.
    And in what would offer another first, incredibly, Verstappen has never won ANY car-racing title before.
    Here SunSport looks at the four races and tries to predict where both the drivers’ and constructor’s championship titles will be heading.

    CURRENT STANDINGS
    Driver Championship

    Verstappen 312.5
    Hamilton 293.5

    Constructors Championship

    Mercedes 478.5
    Red Bull Racing 477.5

    BRAZIL
    THINK of Brazil, and you think of Ayrton Senna.
    The wonderful Sao Paulo track really is a special place that has served up some thrilling races.
    Hamilton finished third in Brazil last time out after knocking Red Bull’s Alex Albon off the trackCredit: AFP or licensors
    In recent years, it has been a happy hunting ground for Mercedes, however, in 2019, the last time it held a GP, Verstappen was the winner.
    Worth noting also, that Hamilton has only won twice in Brazil.
    This year it would appear to suit the Red Bull car, or more importantly their Honda engine.
    However, weather can change things in Sao Paulo and a bit of rain would redraw the form book.
    That said, it is due to be sunny and dry on Sunday and that would suit Verstappen and Red Bull down to the ground.

    VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN

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    QATAR
    NEW track for 2021, the Moto GP circuit was the last race to be bolted on to the end of the calendar to take the tally to 22 races.
    Little is known about how F1 cars will perform in Doha.
    Sure, they have all done simulations and the top teams have all sent representatives to make a personal check, but there is nothing that will be guaranteed until practice starts.
    With that unknown comes uncertainty and in that case, it is always best to look towards experience.
    Hamilton has bags of it, and if he was looking to stop the rot and keep the title race interesting, this could be his best chance of doing just that.

    VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN

    SAUDI ARABIA
    ANOTHER new track, and another tight one to call.
    Interestingly, this circuit – built in 12 months – promises to be the second quickest (after Monza) of the year and has been designed to mirror the fast-flowing corners of Silverstone, home of the British GP.
    Look back to both those races this year and one thing sticks out.
    Crashes involving Hamilton and Verstappen.
    Could there be a repeat in Saudi Arabia? You’d not bet against it.
    That said, if it is kept clean, the Red Bull top speed could be too much for Hamilton and Merc to overturn.

    VERDICT: VERSTAPPEN WIN

    This season’s title race could go down to the wireCredit: EPA
    ABU DHABI
    THE final race of the year, but will it hold the decider?
    Not based on the above predictions, but if it did, then this offers Hamilton another chance.
    The Brit has won there five times before, including victory at Yas Marina in 2019.
    Tight to call, as the power advantage will not count for much for Red Bull.
    Downforce, experience and technique will be key, in which case, it could be Hamilton’s.
    Even if the title is won by Abu Dhabi, it would be a good marker for either driver to set down as they head into 2022.

    VERDICT: HAMILTON WIN

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    ‘We will be in trouble’ – Lewis Hamilton fears rival Max Verstappen’s speed as Red Bull star closes in on title

    LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted Mercedes will be in ‘a lot of trouble’ if Max Verstappen and Red Bull maintain their current pace.The seven-time world champion could only manage second place behind his world title rival in Mexico last weekend, meaning 24-year-old Verstappen increased his lead in the drivers’ championship to 19 points.
    Verstappen extended his world championship lead over Hamilton in Mexico last weekendCredit: AP
    The Dutchman has five races left to hold onto his advantageCredit: PA
    Hamilton has only managed to outperform the Dutchman in one of the last six races as Red Bull begin to get the upper hand in the tussle with Mercedes.
    And, with just four races of the F1 season remaining, Hamilton has conceded that he has fears over the impressive speed of Red Bull.
    Speaking via GP Fans after the Mexico GP, he said: “There’s still four races [but] obviously 19 points is a lot of points and I think he’s had a lot of wins this year.
    “I think today with their superior speed, if they were to carry that into the next ones then we will be in trouble.
    “I don’t know if they’ll be using that huge wing that they had on today, naturally we’ll find out when we get there, but I hope we’re closer.”
    Hamilton knows he now needs to win as many races as possible to keep his title hopes alive.

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    But Red Bull’s pace is making that incredibly difficult for the Brit as he struggles for answers against the supremely talented Verstappen.
    “I naturally feel I need to be winning every race, because we need those extra points, not to lose those points, to try and regain,” he added.
    “That was the goal going into the last race and the race before that and before that, and here this weekend.
    “But they’re just too quick, so giving it absolutely everything we’ve got but unfortunately it’s not enough at the moment to compete with them.”

    🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
    Hamilton is searching for a record-breaking eighth drivers’ championship, a feat which would take him beyond the seven titles won by Michael Schumacher.
    Verstappen, 12 years Hamilton’s junior, is looking to secure his first world championship.
    Next up for the drivers is a trip to Brazil as they tackle the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.
    Along with the Hamilton-Verstappen battle, the constructors championship also remains an extremely exciting fight.
    Following the Mexico GP, Mercedes lead Red Bull by just one point as they head into the final stages of the season. More

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    ‘Their car is far superior’ – Lewis Hamilton insists he cannot do anything to stop Max Verstappen from nearing F1 title

    LEWIS HAMILTON admitted he was powerless to close the gap on world championship leader Max Verstappen at the Mexico City Grand Prix.Verstappen triumphed on Sunday as he finished 16.5 seconds ahead of Hamilton in what proved to be a major success for Red Bull as Sergio Perez came third in his country.
    Lewis Hamilton finished second behind Max Verstappen at the Mexico City Grand PrixCredit: Rex
    Lewis Hamilton admitted Max Verstappen’s Red Bull car was “far superior”Credit: Rex
    The British superstar couldn’t catch up with the Dutch driver and admitted his car is “far superior” as he now trails by 19 points in the Formula One rankings.
    Hamilton said after the race: “First, congratulations to Max.
    “Their car is far superior this weekend and there was nothing we could really do about it.
    “I gave it absolutely everything and it was a great fight with Sergio at the end. I was able to at least get second.
    “It shows how fast their car is when Sergio is right behind me and able to follow that closely.
    “He did a great job and he was applying that pressure and just kept going. I really enjoyed the race still.”

    Verstappen gained the lead early on into the race after Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas lost his lead by spinning at the first corner.
    But the 24-year-old remains focused on the task at hand insisting there is “still a long way to go”.
    Verstappen said: “The start? It was nice, three cars wide, and it was all about just trying to brake as late as you can.
    “I kept it on the track, came from third to first, and that was basically what made my race because I could just focus on myself, and we had incredible pace in the car.
    “There’s still a long way to go in the championship. It’s of course looking good but it can also turn around very quickly.
    “I’m looking forward to Brazil next week. I have very good memories there.”
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    Lewis Hamilton vows there will be no dirty tactics with Brit determined to fight fair in Max Verstappen title battle

    LEWIS HAMILTON wants a fair fight with Max Verstappen — even if it costs him his Formula One crown.Red Bull’s Verstappen leads seven-time champ Hamilton by just 12 points ahead of Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
    Lewis Hamilton has vowed there will be no dirty tricks when he faces off with Max VerstappenCredit: Splash
    Triple world champ Jackie Stewart has branded the pair too “cocky” and says they are “overdoing” their battle on the track following two crashes — at Silverstone and Monza — this season.
    And Hamilton does not want any further shunts which could wreck either man’s championship dreams.
    His Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also hinted that if the title fight goes down to the last race in Abu Dhabi next month, both drivers would “absolutely be going to try to do the same as in the Senna-Prost years”.
    That was a reference to when Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost collided on two occasions when fighting for the title in the final race, while Michael Schumacher denied Damon Hill a world crown in 1994 when they clashed on the track.
    Hamilton declared: “We have never won a championship in that way. I have never won a championship in that way and I wouldn’t want to.
    “I am here to win in the right way — and that is through sheer skill, determination and hard work.
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    “You know how I have won my world championships in the past and I have always wanted to win it in the right way.
    “And if you are going to lose it, you lose it in the right way also, with dignity, giving it your all and doing things the right way. If it doesn’t work out, you live to fight another day.”

    Stewart claimed Verstappen “would have died” if the Silverstone smash had occurred in his era when F1 was less safe.
    Hamilton added: “At the core of everything has to be respect. When I hear what comes out of drivers’ mouths, it is not good for the kids watching.
    “I am just trying to keep calm and be respectful for the drivers I am fighting.
    “I have been here a long time and Max has not won a championship for a long time. I know what it is like going for your first championship in F1.
    Max Verstappen leads Lewis Hamilton by just 12 points ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix.Credit: Rex

    “I know all the pressures that come with it — so it is nothing less than expected from him.
    “I’m just trying to lead by example because I know I have a lot of youngsters looking at what I do and say.”
    Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian GP bosses insist their new track will be ready in time for their inaugural F1 race on December 5 — despite it still resembling a building site.
    Some sections of track are yet to be laid and the main grandstand looks like a shell of a structure.
    But Saudi race chief Martin Whitaker, who only got the go-ahead 12 months ago, told SunSport: “Given that the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is being built in record time, it was always the case that timings would be tight.
    “But construction remains on schedule and will be completed on time ahead.”
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