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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘already knows when he will retire’ as incoming Ferrari star ‘has very clear plan ahead of him’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has reportedly already planned his Formula One retirement. The seven-time world champion will join up with Ferrari from next season on a multi-year £100million contract. Lewis Hamilton is switching to Ferrari from Mercedes next seasonCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old has yet to reveal when he plans to step away from F1Credit: SplashHamilton announced his shock switch to the Italian giants in February. The 39-year-old has been with Mercedes since 2013 after a move from McLaren.Hamilton said earlier this year: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.”The Brit driver will race for Ferrari in 2025 and 2026, but his long-term future remains uncertain. READ MORE ON F1Author Matt Whyman, who has written a book on the history of Mercedes, spoke with Hamilton ahead of his Ferrari switch.And he claims the Stevenage native has a “very clear plan” on when he will step away from racing. Whyman told The Mirror: “I asked him directly what was going on and he just said, ‘It is every kid’s dream who gets involved in motor racing to race a Ferrari, and that is it – I did not want to get to the end of my career and look back and go, what if?’”He says he knows when the end of his career will be, he has got this very clear plan ahead of him.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He said it is really meaningful to him, the fact that he has won all these races with Mercedes and he has been on this journey.”The one thing he had not done and he just thought, ‘I do not want to walk away and go, I wish I had done that’.”Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’Hamilton has racked up 105 wins in F1 since making his debut way back in 2007. He admitted earlier this season he “will know” when it’s finally time to step out of the car.Asked if he had a timeframe for retirement by Esquire, he said: “I definitely do.”There are days I’m like, shoot, I don’t know how much longer I can go.”I’ve just got to strategise and sequence things.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.”I’m very much about sequencing, like looking at brands that I collaborate with, companies that I’m essentially starting, how I manage my time between all those, and how I’m able to dedicate myself to this job still.”Is there a time when I’m not all in and I’m just not in love with it anymore?READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s the moment that hopefully never happens, in the sense that I’ve fallen out of love with it.”But I will know when I need to stop.” More

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      Mercedes insider reveals Lewis Hamilton early exit decision but team will refuse to make an official statement

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will race the final three Grands Prix of the year after rumours suggested otherwise, according to a Mercedes insider.The seven-time world champion had sensationally hinted that he could leave Mercedes early after a “disastrous” weekend in Brazil. Lewis Hamilton will not leave Mercedes early, according to a Mercedes insiderHamilton made cryptic comments to his team after he finished 10th in an action-packed race at Interlagos.The 39-year-old expressed gratitude to his engineers after suggesting it could be the “last time” he drives for the Silver Arrows.With his blockbuster move to Ferrari on the horizon, Hamilton gave a brutally honest message as he earned a point after starting at P16.He said: “That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.READ MORE ON F1″But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop.”If this is the last time that I get to perform, its a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.” Speaking after the race, Hamilton even suggested that he would “happily” take the rest of the year off despite three rounds remaining.But Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater has squashed the rumours surrounding an early exit.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “It is far fetched and it isn’t correct. He is going to be finishing the season with Mercedes.”People are putting two and two together and saying maybe, if Lewis wants to go, this could give Antonelli an early start in F1 to ground him for his first full season. It’s not the case. F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “Not entirely clear exactly what he meant on the radio, but I’ve been in touch with a senior figure at the Mercedes team who has told me that Lewis Hamilton will be completing the season with the team.”And it was pointed out to me that in some other interviews, he talked about the kind of car he hoped Mercedes would give him in these last three races.”I have it on very good authority that there’s no way he’s going to step aside before the season’s end.”I don’t think the team want to dignify this kind of thing with an official statement.”In fact, Hamilton’s message was likely aimed at team members working in Sao Paulo who will not be at the final three rounds of the season.Hamilton has just three races remaining with Mercedes before joining Ferrari – in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Kimi Antonelli, 18, will join up with George Russell at Mercedes next year.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      F1 legend Valtteri Bottas’ career may be OVER as ‘most exciting project in all sport’ signs 20-year-old to replace him

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS’ career in Formula One could be OVER after he lost his Sauber seat this week.Sauber – soon to be Audi – have signed 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto, who is the current Formula 2 championship leader, to replace Bottas.Valtteri Bottas has lost his seat at SauberGabriel Bortoleto has won the second seat at Sauber, soon-to-be AudiBottas and Zhou Guanyu had been the Swiss team’s line-up since 2022 but their end-of-season departures were confirmed on Wednesday.The report that Bottas’ deal will not be renewed came shortly before Bortoleto’s expected signing was formally announced.Bortoleto will become the fourth full-time rookie on the F1 grid next season after completing Sauber’s line-up for 2025.Bortoleto will race for the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBortoleto will join fellow full-season rookies Oliver Bearman (Haas), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Jack Doohan (Alpine) on the grid for 2025 in the biggest upheaval of the F1 field for some time.He said: “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports.”Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour.”Audi took a 100 per cent stake in Swiss company Sauber in March, with the team set to debut in 2026.Most read in MotorsportBottas has failed to win a single point with Sauber and sits bottom of the current F1 standings.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSauber’s all-new line-up is part of a number of major changes taking place at Hinwil ahead of its evolution into Audi’s F1 team from 2026.Bortoleto will become the first Brazilian to race full-time in F1 since Felipe Massa in 2017. Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistThe McLaren junior is the reigning Formula Three champion and currently leads the F2 standings in his rookie season with two rounds remaining.Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner with Mercedes, was leading the chase to stay with Sauber for a fourth year over the summer, only for talks to stall in recent months.But Sauber chief Mattia Binotto favours youth in the second seat to partner the experienced Hulkenberg, 37, from next year.Speaking after Wednesday’s announcement, Bottas said: “A situation like this is never easy for anyone. “But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met.”These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.”With the only remaining spot on the 2025 grid being at VCARB, Bottas’ time as a full-time F1 driver looks to be over.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the 35-year-old could be offered a lifeline by former team Mercedes, who could sign him as reserve driver.Kimi Antonelli, 18, is replacing Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows next term, with the seven-time champ heading to Ferrari.Kimi Antonelli will come in for Hamilton at the end of the season More

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      Lewis Hamilton hints he could QUIT Mercedes before end of F1 season on team radio after blasting ‘worst car ever’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON sensationally hinted he could leave Mercedes early after a “disastrous” weekend at the Brazil Grand Prix.The seven-time world champion finished 10th on Sunday following an action-packed race at Interlagos.Lewis Hamilton was left dejected following the Brazil GP on SundayCredit: RexThe Mercedes man gave a brutally honest message to his team after the raceCredit: Sky SportsHe struggled with car issues throughout the weekend – which were not helped by a series of heavy rain showers.And by the time he reached the chequered flag, the Mercedes man was left completely deflated.With his blockbuster move to Ferrari on the horizon, Hamilton gave a brutally honest message to his team in the garage.He even suggested it could be the “last time” he drives for the Silver Arrows.Read More in F1He said: “That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.”But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop.”If this is the last time that I get to perform, its a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.”Speaking after the race, Hamilton even suggested that he would “happily” take the rest of the year off despite three races remaining.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told Sky Sports: “We were just slow. The car was really, really tough.”The team could have won also today, so at least one car was behaving a lot better.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “It’s like a plank of wood. It’s like, no suspension.”It’s bouncing on the tyres everywhere and you can’t get on the power anywhere.”It’s just the worst ride, I think the worst ride that we’ve definitely ever had, particularly through corners. It’s just so stiff.”But hopefully we won’t have any more bumpy tracks. I think the last three aren’t so bumpy. But yeah, I could happily go and take a holiday.”Hamilton has just three races remaining with Mercedes before joining Ferrari – in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Kimi Antonelli will replace Hamilton at Mercedes next year.The 18-year-old will drive alongside George Russell next season having impressed in F2 having come through Mercedes’ junior programme..🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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

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