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      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s close bond with brother Nicolas – including £70k gift before tragic slide into debt & addiction

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      GROWING up in the shadow of a world-famous sibling cannot be easy – least of all when that person is Lewis Hamilton. But according to his half-brother Nicolas, 32, the seven-world Formula 1 champion has supported him and his career at every turn… except for financially.Lewis and Nicolas Hamilton have always been ‘super close’Credit: GettyWatching Lewis race as a youngster inspired Nicolas to get into motorsportCredit: instagramNicolas has been Lewis’s plus-one for many star-studded and glamorous eventsCredit: GettyRecently, the 32-year-old hit out at claims his career in the British Touring Car Championships (BTCC) was being “bankrolled” by Lewis, who is reportedly worth £270million.Nicolas also spoke out about developing an “all-consuming” gambling addiction in 2017 that lost him thousands of pounds and left him feeling suicidal. To pay off his debts, he was forced to sell his “pride and joy” – a midnight blue Mercedes C63 gifted to him on his 24th birthday by Lewis.Nicolas, who told The Times “gambling is no longer an issue” last week, has faced many struggles throughout his life.READ MORE ON SPORTAnd it’s been his brother Lewis who has helped him to overcome many of the obstacles, as we reveal. ‘Didn’t treat me differently’At 18 months old, Nicolas was diagnosed with spastic diplegia – a form of cerebral palsy that affects his balance and movement.Doctors predicted he would never be able to run or walk but today, the 32-year-old can walk unaided and no longer uses his wheelchair.His many achievements include becoming the first disabled racer to compete against able-bodied racers at the BTCC in 2015 and achieving a career-best at Donnington Park last year.Most read in MotorsportNicolas believes Lewis played a part in him becoming the person his it today and much of his sibling’s help dates back to their childhood. While most brothers often bicker, fight and have a friendly rivalry that wasn’t the case for the Hamilton brothers – instead, the youngster felt encouraged by Lewis.  Nicolas Hamilton gives fans a tour of his specially modified British Touring Car for the 2019 BTCC seasonHe recalled: “We used to go outside and play basketball. He didn’t treat me any differently, so we would still run races, which I obviously wouldn’t win. “It never upset me, it actually spurred me on to either run faster or become more mobile. I don’t think that was his plan but it was the effect he had on me. “It has never been ‘I want to be better than him, bigger than him’, and I don’t think he ever wanted to be bigger or better than me.”Bully planNicolas’s school years weren’t easy. He recalled bullies regularly “taking the mick” out of how he walked and mocking him for being in a wheelchair. Nicolas has cerebral palsy, which affects the movement in his lower bodyCredit: InstagramLewis gave his brother tips to stop bullies from picking on himCredit: InstagramMost weekends, Nicolas and his family watched Lewis’s races in the UK and EuropeCredit: InstagramHe told the Independent: “Kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself”.On In The Pink podcast, Nicolas said it was Lewis – who took up martial arts after being bullied at school himself – who came up with a plan to help.He recalled: “[Lewis] said, ‘If people are laughing at this wheelchair that you’re in, then why don’t we make it cool and do some cool things in it?’“He taught me how to do wheelies and stuff in the wheelchair, and I almost became like a Tony Hawk skateboarder in my wheelchair.“I started jumping stairs and trying to be cool. That helped me through it. It was a character-building moment, so I’m glad I went through it.”‘Planted seed’Nicolas spent “every weekend” travelling with his family to watch Lewis’s races around the UK and Europe when he was younger.”I became a real racing nerd,” he admitted. “I knew all the drivers and talked about karting all the time.” It seems spending so much time in the motorsport world rubbed off on Nicolas and would help to shape his future career. He taught me how to do wheelies and stuff in the wheelchair, and I almost became like a Tony Hawk skateboarder in my wheelchair.Nicolas HamiltonLewis encouraged Nicolas to go into racing at 18 after spotting how naturally talented he was on a simulator.Nicolas told The Times: “Lewis could see that I was good on a simulator. He planted the seed in my mind.” Nicolas became determined to stop using his wheelchair in his teensCredit: GettyAt 18, his talent for simulator work was recognised by LewisCredit: AlamyThe Hamilton brothers at Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2011Credit: GettyBy then Nicolas had stopped using his wheelchair after spending time strength training so he could walk unaided. In 2011, he made his racing debut at the Renault Clio Cup in a modified car. But that year – had it not been for his sibling – could have been his last in motorsport.While competing on the Thruxton Circuit, in Hampshire, known for being the fastest in the UK, he had a terrifying crash. Nicolas lost control of his vehicle and struck a tyre barrier at 100mph. He was knocked out by the collision and had to be pulled out of his smoking vehicle by a marshal. Pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true.NicolasMany would have lost their nerve after such a terrifying incident but not Nicolas, who four years later became the first disabled driver to compete in the BTCC.He revealed it was his brother’s wise words that kept him racing. After the crash, Lewis advised him to take the corner again “as fast as he could as if nothing had happened”. Sports car giftCurrently, Nicolas is on a break from the BTCC while trying “to find half a million pounds” to fund his racing career. For now, he is working as a developer for driving games and a motivational speaker.He explained Lewis has been supportive of his racing dreams but has “never put a penny into my motorsport”. I don’t go to his races anymore. I haven’t for a long time… To see Lewis I would have to take a lot of time away from my life.NicolasIn Nicolas’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention, he wrote: “I know pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true; it is also something that I would never want or accept.”While Nicolas says his brother hasn’t financed his career in any way, he has splashed out on his sibling.Nicolas had to sell the Mercedes C63 (above) that Lewis gave him for his birthdayCredit: instagramLewis describes himself as his brother’s ‘No1 fan’Credit: Instagram / @lewishamiltonFor his 24th birthday, Lewis gifted him a midnight blue C63 Mercedes – thought to be worth around £70,000.Nicolas recalls: “We went out to the car park and he said, ‘Wow, look at that car, that’s so cool.’ It was a midnight blue C63 Mercedes. “I think I described it as ‘amazing’ and then he held out the key and said, ‘Happy birthday.’ I was gobsmacked. I remember him saying, ‘It’s insured, it’s ready to go, just drive it home.’”The gift was Nicolas’s “pride and joy” but in 2017, he was forced to sell it to pay off a tax bill that he couldn’t afford due to blowing thousands of pounds on gambling.‘No1 fan’ In recent years, Nicolas has admitted he has been unable to follow his brother as he races around the world but remains his “No1 fan”.He said: “I don’t go to his races anymore. I haven’t for a long time… To see Lewis I would have to take a lot of time away from my life.”In 2020, when Lewis secured his 92nd career win, which surpassed the record of legendary racer Michael Schumacher, his sibling gushed with pride online.He wrote: “Although I was not there, I live your emotions with an immense amount of pride! I am speechless, but always knew you had it in you.“I’m so grateful to have you as my brother… Here is to many more victories to put that record out of reach! Love always, your number 1 fan.”The siblings regularly share throwback photographs celebrating each other’s achievements – often with the hashtag #HamBrothers, in reference to their surname.Undercover spectatorLewis covered up to avoid being a distraction at Nicolas’s race last yearCredit: InstagramNicolas achieved a personal best while Lewis watched on (left) from the sidelinesCredit: InstagramWhen Lewis isn’t on the racetrack, he has sneaked in trips to watch his sibling race but chooses to keep a low profile. The F1 champion has been known to cover up to avoid diverting attention from his sibling’s achievements. Last year, when Nicolas achieved a personal best finishing sixth at Donnington Park, Lewis was watching from the sidelines in a long black coat with his hood up, a hat and a dark facemask.Gushing with pride, Lewis later said: “He got sixth in the race and I was just standing in the crowd just watching as a fan. I was so excited!“And no one knew that I was there actually, I was just jumping up and down trying to support him.”Lewis was unable to spend time with his brother in the pitlanes after the race but fuelled his confidence in a touching call afterwards.WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      Nicolas recalled: “He was like, ‘You drove f***ing amazing’ and for him to say that to me, it means so much. “After all these years of me watching him from the sidelines, him having success and that sort of stuff, now he’s watching me. It’s full circle.”Lewis regularly says how “incredibly proud” he is of his brother, who he lists as his inspiration, and praises him for being “such a great voice” for those with cerebral palsy.The F1 champ said: “He’s obviously racing in a series and a sport where there is not a lot of access… there is no access for people who particularly are disabled. And he stands for so much.“It’s been difficult – he’s been fighting to try and make up for the disability he has with his legs and it’s a continuous fight.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the feeling is mutual, with Nicolas saying: “I could talk about him forever because my life has revolved around him – but not through hateful eyes, just pure pride. I’m his biggest fan.”Nicolas Hamilton’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention: 7 Lessons In Leading A Life Bigger Than They Expect, is out now.Nicolas details his gambling addiction and other struggles in his memoirCredit: Instagram More

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      Ferrari chief snaps at reporter over Lewis Hamilton question and issues blunt response about F1 rival

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      FERRARI chief Fred Vasseur shut down a reporter’s question about Lewis Hamilton following the Japanese Grand Prix.Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc earned the Scuderia third and fourth place at the Suzuka Circuit on Sunday.Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyFerrari chief Fred Vasseur dismissed a question about Hamilton and Carlos SainzCredit: AlamyHamilton, 39, will replace Sainz at the end of the season as the seven-time champion makes the switch from Mercedes.That is despite Sainz enjoying his best start to an F1 season, winning in Australia and earning two more podiums.And Ferrari team principal Vasseur, 55, was quizzed again at the weekend about the decision to get rid of the Spaniard for Hamilton. However, he was quick to dismiss the question as he simply said: “We have the same question each weekend.READ MORE IN F1″Do a copy paste of my reply of last week. Next one.”Hamilton has endured a torrid start to his final season with Mercedes, finishing ninth in Japan to take his points total to just 10 after four races.Following another disappointing showing, one reporter asked whether the Brit is jealous of Ferrari as they clearly have a quicker car.To which he replied: “Do you have any better questions?”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Hamilton then walked off without taking any further questions, but did discuss his car’s performance in another interview.He said: “The car is never what I hoped it would be. It’s never what we hoped it would be.My brother Lewis Hamilton was earning £24m a year while I sat crying in filthy room eating pot noodles as gambling debts forced me to flog Mercedes he gave me”I got some damage I think in the first stint at the restart with Charles [Leclerc] and I had massive understeer, like huge, huge understeer. “So that’s why I decided to let George [Russell] by, because he seemed quicker and I just couldn’t turn the car.”It took us two stints to finally dial more and more wing in to make up for that loss. Last stint, I was better, but it was too late, I had 10 seconds to regain.”Hamilton’s Mercedes colleague George Russell finished seventh in Japan and now has a 14-point lead over his team-mate. Next up is the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 21.Sainz has secured three podiums in four races so far this seasonCredit: Splash More

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      My brother Lewis Hamilton made £24m while I sat crying & eating pot noodles as gambling debts forced me to sell my car

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      SITTING inside a dirty room, unwashed and slurping a Pot Noodle, Nicolas Hamilton broke down in tears before his computer screen. The 32-year-old – the half-brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis – had frittered away thousands on gambling in a six-month binge and spiralled into a deep depression that left him on the brink of suicide.Lewis Hamilton helped to inspire his half-brother Nicolas to get into racingCredit: Instagram / @lewishamiltonNicolas says he and Lewis remain each other’s ‘No1 fans’Credit: GettyThe 32-year-old made history at the 2015 BTCC racing against able-bodied driversCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceWhat started as a £2 bet on Arsenal scoring developed into an “all-consuming” addiction to online casinos and blackjack that rarely saw him leave his room in 2017.Two years earlier Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, had made history as the first disabled driver to go up against able-bodied racers in the British Touring Car Championship. He was forced to sell off his “pride and joy”, a midnight blue Mercedes C63 gifted to him by Lewis, to settle a hefty tax bill that he couldn’t afford due to his gambling and “naivety” about finances.In his memoir Now That I Have Your Attention, Nicolas speaks out about that dark time, which left him on the verge of ending his life.READ MORE ON SPORTHe wrote: “I felt so ashamed, using this amazing gift to pay my tax bill. “It felt like I had practically stolen the money from my brother and I have never forgiven myself for that.“It destroyed me. I got a real wake-up call. I had no way of going forward because I’d lost everything. “I was stuck. I had a balcony at my flat and I was thinking what would I do if I just jumped off it.”Most read in Motorsport Inside glamorous life of Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nic with racing career and Instagram model girlfriendNicolas’ struggles came three years into Lewis’ racing career with Mercedes, in 2017, when he was paid £24million a year – not including funds from sponsorships and endorsements.Yet he felt unable to confide in his half-brother, or his parents, and relied on daily calls to Samaritans over a difficult two-week period. Nicolas has since overcome his addiction – even able to take a trip to Las Vegas casinos recently without having a flutter – and says he’s grateful that “gambling is no longer an issue”.Recalling his difficult moments, he told The Times: “I wanted more of the winnings – and the losing didn’t really deter me. It just got me in a cycle.Nicolas followed half-brother Lewis into racing but says he is always ‘compared’ to the F1 world championCredit: InstagramNicolas was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy at 18 months oldCredit: InstagramIt was Lewis who recognised Nicolas’ talent on a driving simulatorCredit: Instagram“I couldn’t stop thinking about it — I just wanted to go back to my computer. The whole day would go quite easily. “I could see it was a problem but I was too far in. I was scared to stop. I’d lost so much money that I felt like, if I stopped, I was in a hole that I wouldn’t get out of.” After admitting all to his parents, Nicolas says they were “supportive” and “felt sorry for me”. He’s never spoken to Lewis about selling the Mercedes, which was bought for him as a surprise 24th birthday present.’Lewis spurred me on’Overcoming gambling addiction was just one of many struggles Nicolas has battled throughout his life.In 1992, he was born two months premature and spent the first six weeks of his life battling to survive in intensive care. At 18 months old, Nicolas was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, which affects his balance and muscle movement in the lower half of his body. Doctors predicted he would never be able to walk or run.Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with himNicolas HamiltonGambling addiction: five warning signsIS someone you know gambling more than they can afford to lose? Are you concerned they may be addicted? If so, read GamCare’s list of five signs to take note of.

      1) Being withdrawn – Have they stopped socialising? Addicts can lose interest in their usual activities or hobbies. Often they choose not to spend time with family or friends – in favour of staying at home – and when they do they may constantly check their phone.  
      2) Mood change – Are they acting differently? There could be noticeable changes in their mood and behaviour, which could include looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason. 
      3) Sleeping problems – Do they constantly seem tired? Chasing losses and losing money can cause sleeping issues. Anxiety or constant worry can lead plays to be up at all hours. Some gamblers play during the night, which can disturb their sleeping pattern. 
       4) Financial concerns – Has money gone missing from bank accounts or are they regularly short of money and need to borrow money? This could be a sign. Some feel pressure to take out loans to generate income. 
      5) Lying – Do they lie about what they do with their time? Many feel expected to provide for others. If they are hiding a gambling addiction they may be scared of their problem being found out and feel very low wrongly believing they have let people down. 
      Do these warning signs apply to your loved one? GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline. Freephone 0808 8020 133 or talk via web chat at: www.gamcare.org.uk. They provide information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling. Advisers are available 24/7, every day of the year. 

      The disability meant much of his teens was spent in a wheelchair, which led to bullying from classmates.He recalled them mimicking him while he attempted to walk with mobility aids and try to tip him over while in his wheelchair.Nicolas told The Independent: “I didn’t have a voice or a purpose in school – a disabled boy and only person of colour in my school… kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself.”Growing up, he had a strong bond with Lewis – admitting they “were super close” – and says his sibling would encourage him to take part in sports.Nicolas said: “We used to go outside and play basketball. He didn’t treat me any differently, so we would still run races, which I obviously wouldn’t win. “It never upset me. It actually spurred me on to either run faster or become more mobile. I don’t think that was his plan but it was the effect he had on me.” Lewis encouraged Nicolas to learn wheelchair ‘tricks’ to deter bullies from picking on himCredit: InstagramLewis in 2017 when he earned £24m a year with MercedesCredit: AlamyNicolas set a personal best last year, placing sixth in a BTCC raceCredit: AlamySimilarly, his parents instilled resilience, regularly telling him to “brush yourself off” after falls while walking and encouraging him to be independent and strong. Legs ‘like mush’At 16 years old, Nicolas’ life changed forever after a rude interaction in 2008 that encouraged him to work even harder than before to no longer need to use his wheelchair. He was travelling abroad to watch Lewis in a race with his mum when a lady at an airport check-in counter, refused to address him directly and instead spoke to his mum.“She just asked my mum whether I needed assistance or help,” Nicolas recalled during an interview with The Independent last year. Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsportNicolas“I had all the hormones of a teenager wanting to be a man. I was growing a beard. I wanted to talk to girls and go to the pub.“But I’d become lazy and I was in a wheelchair because it was easier for me. It was hard work to walk around. “Able-bodied people weren’t looking at me in the way I wanted to be perceived. That was when I got out of my wheelchair. And I haven’t been back in.”Nicolas starting regular strength training and physio to help him walk – despite it causing neck, back, pelvic and muscular pain – and says before his legs “were like mush”. He told The Times: “Pain will always be a part of my day. I do not take anything for it. I learn to deal with it.”At 16, Nicolas says his legs were ‘like mush’ but now he can walk unaided and no longer uses his wheelchairCredit: GettyHe’s focused on motivational speaking alongside his racing careerCredit: InstagramLewis celebrating with Nicolas at the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix back in 2008Credit: Getty’Bankrolled’ furyNicolas was encouraged to go into racing by his brother at 18 after noticing he was “good on a simulator” and says he “planted the seed in my mind”.In 2011, he made his racing debut at the Renault Clio Cup in a modified car and four years later, became the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Despite his personal achievements, Nicolas has regularly been compared to his famous brother including after a near-fatal crash in 2011 after he hit a tyre barrier at 100mph on the racecourse at Thruxton Circuit, in Hampshire.While being pulled out of the car, which had smoke coming from the bonnet and engine, he recalls a marshal telling him: “Oh dear, Lewis isn’t going to be impressed with this, is he?”Nicolas, who described it as “the most insensitive comment”, added: “Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with him.” It has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsportNicolasIn April last year, Nicolas recorded his best finish to date – sixth place during a BTCC race at Donnington Park – which helped to silence the critics who said he was only driving because of his famous brother. “To come across the line with that result, after everything I’ve been through – best day of my life,” he said. “To finally shut the critics up on 23 April was the best thing I could ever wish for. It was a load of relief and a lot of weight off my shoulders.”Nicolas has faced nepotism comments, online trolling and bullying throughout his racing career due to beliefs that his famous sibling helped him financially or with connections. Last year, he defiantly stated: “Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsport.” And has since addressed it in his memoir. Nicolas’s memoir Now That I Have Your Attention comes out this monthCredit: InstagramHe described Lewis as ‘the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car’Credit: GettyHe wrote: “I know pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true; it is also something that I would never want or accept.”Nicolas revealed his father Anthony financially supported his first season as a driver but since then, he has had to find the funds himself.To do so, the 32-year-old has taken on a number of jobs including working for racing video games companies, where he spends up to eight hours analysing virtual cars.Nicolas is also a public speaker – working for nine different UK agencies – and has other one-off gigs including representing MGM as an ambassador at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He remains passionate about racing and hopes to someday compete again after parting ways with Team Hard last year but first, he has to raise the money to compete. Nicolas explained: “I’d love to be back on the grid and I think I deserve to be but I’ve got to find half a million pounds.”Despite being compared to his F1 racing champion brother, whcih he calls “hard”, there is no sibling rivalry.Instead, Nicolas credits Lewis – who he describes as “the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car” – as someone who helped to make him the man he is today. Nicolas adds: “He’s still a massive reason why I’m as strong as I am and why I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m still his No 1 fan…READ MORE SUN STORIES“But it has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsport.”Nicolas Hamilton’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention: 7 Lessons In Leading A Life Bigger Than They Expect, comes out on April 11 and is available to preorder. More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘back to normal’ as he out qualifies Mercedes team-mate for first time this season at Japanese GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN bounced back from his early exit in Oz to take pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix while Lewis Hamilton was encouraged by Mercedes’ progress. The Red Bull ace was quickest at Suzuka and edged out his team-mate Sergio Perez and McLaren’s Lando Norris, who were second and third respectively.Lewis Hamilton was encouraged by Mercedes progress as he out-qualified George Russell for the first time this seasonCredit: GettyMax Verstappen claimed pole in JapanCredit: GettyHamilton said the car was ‘enjoyable driving’Credit: ReutersVerstappen, 26, had dominated qualifying but a late surge from Perez saw him close the gap to within 0.066 seconds.Hamilton qualified in seventh – the first time he has outdone team-mate George Russell this season – but said he was still encouraged by his team’s progress after telling them not to “eff it up”.He said: “I was giving it everything. “The team did a really great job this past week making adjustments to our set-up – this is actually the first weekend I’ve not gone crazy with set-up and am not testing a bunch of things, so I’m back to a bit more normal.READ MORE IN F1″I think we’ve got the car into a much nicer working window and so it’s been really enjoyable driving, it’s just the guys are just a little bit faster.”We were a second or just over a second off last year to the Red Bull and seven tenths is better.”Maybe if we had done something a little bit different maybe we could have been another tenth faster, maybe, but other than that that was everything.”Meanwhile, Verstappen – who retired in Melbourne with brake failure – said: “It was quite close at the end. Overall, this track is very sensitive with the tyres.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The tarmac is really aggressive and when you want to go to the limit it doesn’t always work out.”Nevertheless, most importantly it’s to be on pole. Of course you want every lap to be perfect but around a track like this, it’s not always the case.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”Overall, a very good day and a good starting position for tomorrow and tomorrow is what counts.”It’s great as a team to be P1 and P2. Hopefully we can keep that going for tomorrow.”Perez added: “It was close, really close with Max. It felt like a good lap.”It was quite tricky out there actually, especially closing out the laps.”It was quite easy to lose a couple of tenths into the last section and into the chicane, so we hooked it all together. Unfortunately it was not quite enough.”Russell was down in ninth place and added: “It’s just so tight out there between ourselves, McLaren, Aston Martin and Ferrari.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If you nail that lap, you will be at the front of that pack, if you don’t, you will be at the back.”I think it will be a good race. If you do a good job and nail it, you will jump three, four, five positions and compared to last year that would be one position.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Lewis Hamilton sends pointed warning to his Mercedes team not to ‘eff it up’ at Japanese Grand Prix

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is optimistic of a decent result in this weekend’s Japanese GP – providing his engineers don’t “eff it up”.The seven-time world champion has made a dreadful start to the season, which he labelled as his worst since he joined F1 in 2007.Lewis Hamilton is aiming for a positive result in the Japanese GPCredit: SplashHowever, after a positive opening day behind the wheel in Suzuka, he has reason to smile again and is confident of a solid race, provided they don’t stuff it up.He said: “It was a great session, it was a really good session for us. It was the best session that we’ve had this year, it’s the best the car has felt this year so far. So far, pretty positive.”I was really excited because this is a circuit that every driver loves to drive.”In the last couple of years, we’ve had a really difficult car and a difficult balance to drive here.READ MORE IN F1″And given the difficult last few races we’ve had, great work has been done this past week and we just seem to have hit the ground a bit more in a sweeter spot.”So, I haven’t really made any changes since [FP1]. I think we’ve got a better platform or baseline to start from, so as long as we don’t make too many changes and eff it up…”I think probably just stay where we are and hopefully we’ll have a [good weekend].”The problem for Mercedes this season has been so bad that boss Toto Wolff performed a u-turn on his decision to skip the Japanese GP.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWolff struggles with jet-lag for the race in Suzuka and was set to work from home, where he would still be in contact with the team in Japan.However, following their poor start to the season, and with neither Hamilton nor George Russell finishing the Australian GP, the Austrian has changed his mind not to attend.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himWHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.

      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      He said: “I had planned not to come to Japan, because there’s so much going on back in Europe, things to do.”But then I felt not coming to Japan was the wrong choice. I think it’s important to be with the race team…it does me good also, to be close to the action.”We’re experimenting with a few things and then being part of the team really gives me energy and I hope the other way around, too. So that’s why I decided against staying in Europe.”Hamilton had earlier spoken about the harsh reality of seeing both cars fail to score a single point after making the long trip to Melbourne.I think we’ve got a better platform or baseline to start from, so as long as we don’t make too many changes and eff it up…Lewis HamiltonHe said: “It’s all about perspective. I think for us of course we’ve not started the season where we wanted to be.”We’ve got a long way to go. We’ve seen in the past — last year for example — how things can switch with certain teams.”I think we’ve just got to learn as much as we can, take as much as we can from the data, remain positive, continue to work hard and I always say it’s not how you fall, it’s how you get up.”We will just continue to chase and fight and hope we can be fighting at the front at some stage.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Lewis Hamilton names F1 star he would ‘love’ to replace him at Mercedes when he leaves for Ferrari

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has backed Sebastian Vettel to replace him at Mercedes when he quits for Ferrari next season.The seven time world champion has decided to jump ship to get the best chance of winning a record eighth world title.Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025Credit: RexHamilton has backed Sebastian Vettel to succeed him at MercedesCredit: GettyAnd that leaves a spot at Mercedes, where Vettel has emerged as a shock candidate to drive alongside George Russell.Vettel, 36, retired at the end of the 2022 season, but is considering a comeback and has spoken with Merc boss Toto Wolff, with Hamilton thinking it is a great idea.Speaking ahead of this week’s Japanese GP, Hamilton said: “I would love for Seb to come back. I think it would be an amazing option for the team.”German driver, multiple world championship-winning driver and someone who has got amazing values to help take this team forward.”READ MORE IN F1However, Hamilton – who said he had given “zero” thought as to his replacement, reckons Mercedes should opt for a younger driver.He added: “The only thing I really care about is that the team takes on someone with integrity and that is aligned with the team and where the team’s going.”Someone compassionate that’s able to work with great people and continues to lift them up. There’s so many great people in this team.”And as drivers, there are some that are more selfish than others, there are some that are good drivers but perhaps not the best within the team environment.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t know because I’ve not been in with all of them. But I hope they find someone great.”They’ve already got George and he’s perfect so finding a good option alongside him I’m sure they’ve got so many good options.Formula One legend Sebastian Vettel says it would ‘depend on the package’ and ‘the car’ for him get behind the wheel again “They’ve got so many options. I do think it’s always great to give an opportunity to up and coming drivers so the idea of a youngster coming in for me is exciting.”Russell was also quizzed about Vettel’s return and added: “His personality is missed on the grid and I think it’s important we have the best 20 drivers in the world competing for race wins and championships.”I’m really open and happy to have anyone as my teammate, whether it’s a world champion or a rookie.”Meanwhile, Hamilton, who by his own admission has made his worst start to a season, says he will soon start negotiating with Ferrari about their plans for 2025.First though he has to clear it with Merc boss Wolff and until then says he is committed to helping turn the team around.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He said: “At some stage I will have to start the conversation with Toto. I’ve never been in this position at this time of the year.”When I was leaving McLaren it was towards the end of the season. I had my first seat fit [at Mercedes] after the season was done.”I’m not quite sure how to navigate it but right now I want to finish on a high here so all my energy is going into this. Of course there’s excitement for the future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Right now we’re going through a difficult phase, that’s my challenge and where all my energy is going to try and figure out how we can get ourselves back to the top.”I’m a competitor first and foremost so I want to win. Thinking about next year is not going to help me do that.”WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton. More

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      Sebastian Vettel reveals shock talks with Toto Wolff as F1 legend hints at retirement U-turn

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL has refused to rule out a sensational return to F1 as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes.Hamilton will join Ferrari next season leaving Mercedes with a vacant seat alongside George Russell.Sebastian Vettel said ‘you never know’ when quizzed on his potential return to F1Credit: GettyVettel says he has been speaking with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who has made it clear he would also love to sign Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.Wolff could also opt for highly-rated 17-year-old Kimi Antonelli, but when asked if he was in the running, Vettel did not rule out a return.He said: “Well, potentially I am because I haven’t got a drive, but the question is, am I looking for one?”I think it depends on the package. I retired from Formula One not to come back, but I also did say that you never know. So I think it still stands.READ MORE SPORT NEWS”Obviously, there’s things that I miss, which is mostly the competition. And things that I don’t miss, so that hasn’t changed.”Obviously, life is very different if you’re not involved and I do enjoy that still. You never know where life is taking you, so maybe it takes me back behind the wheel, maybe it doesn’t.”I’ve had conversations with Wolff,” Vettel added. “Not really about the seat.”We did speak about the whole situation in short as well. But I did speak to others as well because I’m still keeping in touch every now and then.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I have some projects and ideas together with F1. We’ll see if they will turn out or not.”So I am staying in touch. I don’t know. It has to be a couple more phone calls and conversations, I guess, to really find out a little bit more. But for sure it’s one of the best seats on the grid.”Performance-wise, Mercedes has a great track record, struggling a little bit in the last years, but then struggle and you’re still second and third in the constructors’ championship, it’s not like you’re racing in no man’s land.”Vettel also waded into Red Bull Racing’s off-track problems and called for “more transparency”.Inside UK football stadium with race track behind goal where Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button learned to be F1 starsThe German driver, who won his four F1 titles with the team, says there is “still room for improvement” in relation to how many women are working in F1.Earlier this year Red Bull boss Christian Horner was investigated by the energy drink’s HQ in Austria following a complaint from a member of staff.The grievance has since been dismissed but rival teams have called for a clearer understanding into Red Bull’s own processes.Vettel added: “Obviously there’s been a lot of talk since the beginning of the year. I think with these things, it’s always difficult to know everything.”It would be nice if there was simply more transparency so that you could have more of an opinion.”I think it’s always difficult if you read one thing, then another thing and then the opposite.”Vettel left Red Bull to drive for Ferrari and then Aston Martin before calling time on his F1 career at the end of 2022.When quizzed how women were treated in the sport during his career as a driver, he said: “F1 is as an old-fashioned business in many ways.”So first of all, there weren’t many women employed within the sport you know, the numbers were going up.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So between when I started and when I left, there were a lot more women in the paddock and a lot more women not just following the sport, but also working in the sport.”So I think that’s a positive change. But I think really, like everywhere else, there’s still room for improvement.” More

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      ‘I had promised not to tell anyone’, says George Russell as Brit reveals F1 stars break F1 boozing rules

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has revealed that his Williams contract contained a strict clause banning him from drinking on F1 race weekends.But the Brit also added that he vowed not to expose the F1 culprits who routinely broke this golden rule.George Russell said some drivers have broken rules around not drinking alcoholCredit: ReutersRussell and Lando Norris appeared in a scene together in Drive to SurviveCredit: GettyA fresh clip from the newest series of Netflix’s Drive to Survive has exposed the strict demands placed on drivers during the F1 season.During the third episode, Russell and McLaren driver Lando Norris sit together in a private plane and joke about whether they want to party that night.Russell, 26, answered in passing that he had a clause in his Williams contract that prevented him from drinking alcohol on race weekends.He said: “I don’t want to name any names, but there were definitely people who still drank.”READ MORE SPORT NEWSTo which Norris responded: “Do you think so?”Russell added: “I know it! I saw it during race weekends. But I promised not to tell anyone.”Whether he meant a teammate or rival is not revealed in the series.Fellow Brit Norris, 24, looked questioningly into the camera and grinned.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRussell’s revelation is the latest in a series of unusual contract clauses to be unearthed by F1 racers.In January, world champion Max Verstappen disclosed that his Red Bull contracts forbids him “dangerous sports” like skiing.The sport’s governing body – the FIA – also have rules around political statements.In December 2022, the FIA updated its International Sporting Code with a clause requiring prior written permission for drivers to make or display “political, religious and personal statements or comments.”Inside UK football stadium with race track behind goal where Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button learned to be F1 starsLewis Hamilton, Alex Albon and Norris were among those who criticised this clampdown.The FIA later clarified that drivers are free to express themselves in their own time, but not at press conferences, track activities or during pre-race procedures. Meanwhile, Russell joined Mercedes in 2022, after excelling over the course of his three seasons with Williams.He was involved in a frightening 100mph crash at the Australian Grand Prix last month and remains seventh in the drivers standings. More