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      F1 boss says he would NOT sign Lewis Hamilton for bizarre reason – before immediately contradicting himself

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      F1 BOSS Guenther Steiner has claimed he would not sign Lewis Hamilton – because the star is too old. The seven-times world champion turned 38 in January but continues to race at a high level for Mercedes.
      Popular Haas boss Guenther Steiner picked which drivers he would hypothetically want to join his teamCredit: Splash
      Haas team principal Steiner, who has became popular for his starring role in Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, was asked the hypothetical question of which driver he would take for his team.
      He rejected Hamilton for age-related reasons but appeared to contradict himself straight away as he weighed up Fernando Alonso, who is the oldest driver on the grid at 41.
      Steiner told Sky Sports: “I wouldn’t say Lewis. Because he’s getting on with age but there is another one which he is very good. 
      “This is Fernando. I mean, the guy is over 40 and, man, he knows how to drive.”
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      The Haas boss instead considered some of the younger drivers on the grid for his hypothetical choice, including Hamilton’s teammate.
      He said: “I think it will be controversial, but I can be open about it because they are not coming to drive for me anyway! That’s solved that problem of the controversy.
      “I think it would be Max [Verstappen] for sure. And either Charles [Leclerc] or George Russell.
      “I think [Verstappen], in the moment, is just a driver, which talent wise and mentally wise, is just on a peak. He’s just on top of the wave, he can do anything with a car in the moment.
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      “Everything seems to be going right for him.”
      Haas’ current line up is Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.
      The former pulled off one of the stories of last season when he took a shock pole position in Brazil while Hulkenberg has returned to a full-time drive after years on the sidelines. More

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      Lewis Hamilton shoots down rumours he could quit Mercedes and be replaced by F1 rival

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has scoffed at suggestions Mercedes are looking to poach Charles Leclerc from Ferrari.Hamilton has yet to agree new terms with the team and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton insists he is happy at Mercedes and does not plan to leaveCredit: Reuters
      The 38-year-old insists he is only interested in re-signing for the Silver Arrows but that has not stopped reports that Merc boss Toto Wolff has been speaking to Leclerc about replacing the Brit.
      But when quizzed about it ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan GP, Hamilton gave short shrift to the rumour saying it had “no impact” on his own contract negotiations.
      He said: “I think maybe some of the drivers all have different relationships with different bosses and stuff.
      “I like where I am, I love my team, and I’m grateful for the journey we’ve been on and what we’re working on moving forwards. So, it doesn’t have any impact, no.”
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      This weekend sees the introduction of the new format for the sprint race weekends.
      Practice has been limited to just one session on Fridays and qualifying for Sunday’s GP will also take place today tomorrow rather than on Saturday.
      It means the sprint qualifying – known as the ‘sprint shoot-out’ – and the sprint race itself will take place both on Saturday.
      And Hamilton says he is a fan of the revised plan for the six sprint races, starting in the high-speed Baku street circuit.
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      He added: “It’s going to be tough for everybody but we’re all in the same boat, what a track to do it at.
      “We have good races here. It’s definitely difficult to have just 20 laps then straight into qualifying.
      “Before [in the sprint race], where you finished was where you qualified for the race. Now it is a practice session but there are points at the end of it.
      “I don’t think we will be going more [aggressive] than we have done in the past. What I do think is it is great that we are doing these different format weekends.”
      Hamilton has also supported Mercedes’ decision to bring back design whizz James Allison to help out Mike Elliott, with the two swapping jobs.
      It comes as Mercedes try to recover from a slow start to the season where they admitted their car design was flawed.
      Hamilton said: “James has always been a part of the team. He was obviously focused on another area before.
      “Having him step back in, to support and work alongside Mike, it will strengthen the team.
      “He has an amazing amount of experience. Moving forwards it’s great for the team – for the things we want to achieve on track, and off track.”
      Charles Leclerc has been linked with taking Hamilton’s seatCredit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton makes bold fashion statement at Azerbaijan GP as fans joke F1 star was ‘attacked by Shrek’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON made a bold fashion statement upon arriving to the Formula One paddock ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The seven-time champion is hoping to end his win drought by scoring a victory at this weekend’s race.
      Lewis Hamilton donned a typically bold outfitCredit: Reuters
      With one fan joking he had been ‘attacked by Shrek’Credit: Splash
      But ahead of the race, Hamilton was spotted in a typically striking outfit.
      Hamilton was pictured in an all-green jumpsuit which featured a ripped design resembling claw marks across it.
      Fans remarked “Hamilton fashion week” had begun, rushing to social media to share their thoughts.
      One fan on Twitter was taken aback by the fit, joking: “It looks like he was attacked by Shrek.” However, they admitted they still liked the look.
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      The look also impressed a host of other fans, with a second fan saying: “Cool as always 😎.”
      “He’s the best,” declared a third.
      While a fourth typed: “Now it’s race week.”
      Hamilton and his fellow drivers have returned after a month-long break since the chaotic Australian GP, caused by the cancellation of the Chinese GP.
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      The Brit scored a P2 result as he finished behind Max Verstappen Down Under.
      During the break, Hamilton overtook Verstappen’s longest career streak of days without a race win, which stands at 502.
      And despite a strong showing at the last race, Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate George Russell are set to be left without car upgrades until the Emilia Romagna GP on May 21.
      This means it could be a while before Hamilton adds to his record of 103 F1 race wins.
      The upcoming weekend will also see the “Sprint Shootout” format given its inaugural outing.
      You can read all the detail on the new format here.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Lewis Hamilton overtakes Max Verstappen’s F1 streak but it’s bad news for British star

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has overtaken one of Max Verstappen’s Formula One streaks. However, it is not one Hamilton will be happy to have broken.
      Lewis Hamilton has overtaken one of Max Verstappen’s F1 streak’sCredit: Getty
      But it is not one he will be glad to haveCredit: EPA
      The streak in question relates to winless streaks in F1.
      Verstappen ‘s longest-streak without a win in the sport stands at 502 days – between the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix and the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix.
      But on April 23 Hamilton eclipsed this streak, marking the day 503 without a win in F1.
      The 38-year-old’s last win came all the way back in December 2021 at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, when he was duking it out for the title with Verstappen.
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      And with Mercedes continuing to struggle for race pace this year, his streak looks set to continue for a while longer.
      Hamilton was chomping at the bit to try and squeeze past Verstappen at the end of a hectic Australian Grand Prix, in which he finished P2 under a safety car.

      The next chance he will have to end his winless streak will be this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
      Baku was the scene of a stunning race in 2021 which saw ex-Red Bull driver Mark Webber produce a hilarious moment of commentary when Hamilton locked up on a restart.
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      But Verstappen was able to grab his first win at the circuit last year, and will be hoping to repeat the trick to improve his standing in the drivers standings this year.
      Hamilton – who holds the record for most race wins in F1 history with 103 – has not won around the track himself since 2018, and each year the race has been held has seen a different winner.
      This year the track will also welcome a new format: Sprint Shootout, which you read all the detail on here.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Lewis Hamilton shows off shredded abs in gym as Mercedes star gears up for Azerbaijan GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is working hard in the gym as the Formula One calendar prepares to return after a four-week break.The 38-year-old showed off his ripped abs before getting back behind the wheel of his Mercedes this weekend.
      Lewis Hamilton is hard at work in the gym ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      The 38-year-old posted a picture of himself pumping weights in the gymCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton was also seen relaxing in the bathCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      The F1 season is set to return in Baku after a four-week breakCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton started the campaign with two fifth-place finishes before securing P2 last time out in AustraliaCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      Hamilton will return to action for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, with practice set to get underway on Friday.
      And ahead of the race, the Brit F1 legend posted a selection of snaps to his 32.4million Instagram followers.
      In the pictures, Hamilton pumped iron in the gym and worked out in preparation for the race.
      He was also seen relaxing in a bath ahead of the weekend’s action.
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      Hamilton captioned his post with a motivational message for his followers.
      The seven-time F1 world champion wrote: “What does it mean to be motivated? For me it means choosing to push myself to be better in all things. In our work, in creativity, in life overall.
      “Motivation means taking care of ourselves, training both mind and body, and working toward progress no matter how small it may seem. I’m no stranger to tough days.
      “When they come, it feels impossible to push on. That negativity isn’t real, it’s all in the mind and I know you have it in you to overcome it.”
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      Hamilton began the campaign with back-to-back fifth-place finishes, but was P2 behind Max Verstappen last time out at the Australian GP.
      And Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said to “trust the process” as the team bid to make ground on a dominant Red Bull car.
      Starting from this weekend in Baku, F1 chiefs have agreed to a shake up of the season’s sprint races.
      The shorter race has been replaced with sprint qualifying – known as ‘the sprint shootout’, which will take place before the 100km sprint race.
      Qualifying to determine the grid for Sunday’s main race will take place on Friday, with one practice session scrapped.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Brad Pitt set to race F1 star Lewis Hamilton in British Grand Prix as he films latest blockbuster

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      HOLLYWOOD superstar Brad Pitt is set to live life in the fast lane by driving in the British Grand Prix.The actor, 59, has got special permission to complete the first parade lap at Silverstone against the likes of F1 ace Lewis Hamilton as he films his latest blockbuster.
      Brad Pitt is to race Lewis Hamilton in the first parade lap at the British Grand Prix as he films for his new movie
      Pitt is playing a veteran F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger hotshot in the film, which Hamilton will executive produceCredit: Getty
      The risky move, which places billions of pounds of cars on the line, was pushed by bosses to ensure footage is as realistic as possible in the as-yet-untitled movie.
      Seven-times world champ Lewis, 38, is executive producing.
      A movie insider says: “Watching Brad Pitt leading the field in the British Grand Prix will be an incredible and surreal moment for TV viewers and fans at Silverstone this July.”
      Brad plays a veteran F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger hotshot.
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      The film is being made by Dawn Apollo Films, Lewis’s new production company.
      He will help with casting and says: “It’s a cool project . . . [and] spending good time with Brad is pretty epic.”
      The movie is set for release next year.
      Pitt has got special permission to complete the first parade at SilverstoneCredit: Getty
      Movie bosses want to ensure footage in the F1 movie is as realistic as possibleCredit: Splash More

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      Lewis Hamilton blasted as a ‘spoiled little boy’ and a ‘whiner’ in vicious unprovoked attack by ex-F1 team manager

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been slammed as a “whiner” and “spoiled little boy” by a former McLaren and Ferrari employee in a shock and unprovoked attack. The seven-time Formula One world champion has made a disappointing start to the campaign and has been vocal about his car’s lack of pace.
      Lewis Hamilton has been called a ‘whiner’ in a shock attackCredit: Rex
      Joan Villadelprat has blasted the Brit in an unprovoked blastCredit: Getty
      Hamilton called for “accountability” from Mercedes after they ignored his advice on what was needed for his motor last year.
      The team’s chief Toto Wolff then even admitted after those remarks that they were going to scrap their current ‘zeropod’ design.
      However, ex-F1 team manager Joan Villadelprat has now blasted Hamilton for being too outspoken in a scathing attack.
      He told El Confidencial: “Hamilton is fed up and, if he doesn’t win, he’s like a spoiled little boy: you either win or you break the toys.
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      “He’s a whiner, you know. The tyres, the strategy, he questions everything, and he has screwed up. When you have a [teammate] who is faster than you, it is normal to be quiet and put your head under your wing.
      “I think he hasn’t lost but, after seven titles… What motivates you? Well, win another. And you’re not going to risk your skin if you don’t have that car.
      “What is evident is that Hamilton is not the same as his first or second championship.”
      Hamilton ended up finishing behind team-mate George Russell in the Drivers’ Championship last season.
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      That is only the third time the legend has been behind a colleague in the final standings.
      However, the 38-year-old is currently ahead of his fellow Englishman after the first three races this term.
      Hamilton is still waiting to secure his first F1 win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. More

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      Lewis Hamilton should QUIT Mercedes and join rival team for ‘match made in heaven’, says F1 legend

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      EX Formula One team boss Eddie Jordan has said that Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari would be his ‘dream’ and a ‘match made in heaven.’ Hamilton, 38, has been linked with a move to the Scuderia in the past but a move away from Mercedes has never materialised.
      Hamilton is out of contract at Mercedes at the end of the current seasonCredit: Rex
      Eddie Jordan feels Hamilton should join FerrariCredit: Getty
      The seven time world champion is out of contract with the Brackley based outfit at the end of the season and has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Silver Arrows continuing to struggle.
      The Mercedes driver is still searching for a first win since the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2021 and former F1 team boss Jordan feels Hamilton should join the scarlet red outfit.
      Speaking to The Express at Luxury London Afloat he said: “There’s only one place he could go to in my opinion and that is Ferrari. A guy with the talent that he is, and I think it might be a [match made] in heaven.
      “I think Ferrari need shaking up and I think Lewis Hamilton needs shaking up, if they are going to continue.”
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      Jordan feels that if Hamilton is going to continue in the sport then he needs a change.
      He said: “If Lewis is going to continue then I think he needs a change. For his mindset, for his drive, for an initiative, for fun. Learning Italian, dealing and eating pasta with those guys, it’s a different world. And having run a team we always saw how different Ferrari operates and I would love to see Lewis in that environment.”
      And with Ferrari still searching for a first championship since 2007 Jordan feels the Brit is the man to shake the team up.
      He added: “I think he could really shake them up. I think he could bring a new sense of direction to them, I think he would eradicate a lot of the little problems Ferrari have had.
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      “So therefore, I would just like to see before he fully retires, I would like to see Lewis there for a year or two to see what would happen. Just think of the column inches. It’s an amazing story. It’s unlikely to happen but it’s my dream.”
      Hamilton himself has previously stated that it would be ‘crazy’ if he didn’t get a chance to drive for Formula One’s most historic team, whilst also saying that getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari would be a ‘dream position’ for anyone.
      Formula One returns to action next weekend after a four week break with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, with Hamilton hoping his Mercedes car will be more competitive. More