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      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell demand tougher penalties for F1 teams breaching spending cap after Red Bull fine

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and George Russell are demanding tougher penalties for teams that break Formula One’s spending limit.The sport is poised to be rocked by the latest breaches, with reports claiming THREE teams exceeded the $140million limit in 2022.
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have called for harsher penaltiesCredit: Getty
      Red Bull were fined $7m last year and given a ten per cent reduction in wind-tunnel time as a punishment for breaching the $145m limit in 2021.
      But the row caused a bitter stink and Hamilton feels the penalty was not strict enough.
      He said: “It’s a concern. I mean, it wasn’t really a big punishment last time so there’s no real deterrent.
      “There’ll be people that will probably go for it again and know they’re just going to get slapped on the wrist.”
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      Asked what would be appropriate, Hamilton added: “I’m not going to say what it should be, it’s not my job.
      “We’ve people in place to police it but it doesn’t surprise me. It wasn’t a big penalty before.”
      His Mercedes team-mate Russell also called for greater punishment for repeat offenders.
      He added: “If anybody has breached any regulation, you want the punishment to represent the crime.
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      “Previous breaches, it didn’t. We don’t want to see it happen again. And if it’s a second-time offender, the punishment should be even greater. I trust the FIA, they won’t let anybody get away with something that shouldn’t have happened under their watch.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton is closing on a new Mercedes deal, worth near £100m.
      The seven-time world champion is out of contract at the end of the season and says his new agreement — expected to be for two years — is in the hands of the lawyers.
      Hamilton, 38, was quizzed by SunSport ahead of this  weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix over the extension.
      He said: “I actually like these questions, so you can keep them going . . . it’s very, very close.”
      Asked if it would be tied up before the summer break — after next week’s Belgian GP — he added: “Nope . . . it might be announced at the end of the year. I might keep you waiting!
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have spoken outCredit: Rex
      “It continues to be with the lawyers, back and forth. I’ve not been part of it the whole time. I’ve been removed from it from the beginning.
      “I’ve been wanting to focus on all the other things I have going on. The team has been working on it.
      “There’s no negotiation left. It’s just all the small bits.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton announces bumper new £100m Mercedes deal blowing Max Verstappen out of water is ‘very, very close’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he is closing in on signing his new Mercedes deal, worth around £100million.The seven-time F1 world champion is out of contract at the end of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton is closing in on a new £100m Mercedes dealCredit: Getty
      He currently earns £40m a year with Merc, while rival Max Verstappen is on £37m with Red Bull.
      Hamilton’s new contract is now set to blow the Dutchman’s out of the water at around £50m a year. 
      And he says his new deal is in the hands of the lawyers.
      Hamilton, 38, was quizzed by SunSport ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian GP about the progress over the new deal, which is expected to be a two-year extension.
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      He said: “I actually like these questions, so you can keep them going… It’s very, very close.”
      When asked if it would be tied up before the summer break after next week’s Belgian GP, he added: “Nope… It might be announced at the end of the year. I might keep you waiting! 
      “Honestly, I don’t have any more information for you to share. It continues to be with the lawyers, back and forth on things. 
      “I’ve not been part of it the whole time. I’ve been removed from it from the beginning. 
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      “I’ve been wanting to focus on all the other things I have going on. The team has been working on it in the background. 
      “There’s no negotiation left. It’s just all the small bits.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton was also quizzed about rumours that up to three teams have breached the cost-cap limit.
      Teams were limited to spending $140m (£109m) in 2022 to develop their cars with reports in Italy claiming teams have fallen foul of the rules.
      Red Bull were fined $7m (£5.5m) last year and given a 10 percent reduction in wind tunnel time as a punishment for last year’s breach.
      Hamilton said: “It’s definitely a concern. I mean, it wasn’t really a big punishment last time so there’s no real [deterrent].
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year

      “There’ll be people that will probably go for it again, and know they’re just gonna get slapped on the wrist.”
      Asked what punishment he feels would be appropriate Hamilton added: “I’m not going to say what it should be, it’s not my job to do that.
      “We have people in place that are supposed to police that, but it doesn’t surprise me. It was not a big penalty before.”
      His Mercedes teammate George Russell however also called for greater punishment for repeat offenders, should they be found to have overspent.
      He added: “If anybody has breached any regulation, you want the punishment to represent the crime.
      “There were breaches last year, and clearly the punishment didn’t fit the crime. We don’t want to see that happen again.
      Read More on The Sun
      “And if it’s a second-time offender, the punishment should be even greater than what it perhaps a fair punishment, if it happens two years in a row.
      “I trust the FIA, Mohammed is a great force, and they won’t let anybody get away with something that shouldn’t have happened under their watch.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton confirms ‘big meeting’ with Mercedes team as he hints at future plans

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has hinted at his future plans amid ongoing contract talks. The seven-time Formula One champion’s current contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton has given a big hint on his F1 futureCredit: Getty
      His contract at Mercedes expires at the end of the seasonCredit: Alamy
      The two parties have been in ongoing talks for months.
      But now Hamilton appears to have given the biggest hint yet that he will still be on the grid next season.
      When asked about the constructor’s plans for next year’s car, Hamilton revealed there had been a number of “big meetings” in recent weeks.
      He said: “We’ve just got to continue to work and chip away at it and that’s what we are trying to do.
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      “We will have bits [coming to the car] over the [upcoming] races, it could come soon enough, but I’m pushing as hard as I can.
      “I was having big meetings with the team, speaking to the head of aerodynamics, head of vehicle dynamics with what is in mind for next year’s car.”
      Despite Hamilton and Mercedes team Principal Toto Wolff both seemingly being on the same page for the 38-year-old’s new deal, Hamilton has also been heavily linked with a team switch.
      Ferrari had been the main party linked with the Brit, but Red Bull boss Christian Horner has admitted his team have considered making a move for Hamilton in the past.
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      He revealed: “Lewis is obviously a great driver. Hopefully he’ll be around for many years to come.
      “There’s been a couple of occasions in history that we’ve had a couple of conversations about the possibility of joining Red Bull, but that’s not been anytime recently.”
      While Hamilton has won six of his seven titles at Mercedes, they are currently nowhere close to the pace of Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
      Hamilton secured a podium finish at the Silverstone Grand Prix but remains in the hunt for his first race win in F1 since 2021.
      Next weekend’s race – the Hungary GP – is another track Hamilton has a particular affinity for, winning eight times around the Hungaroring Circuit.
      And he will need to find his best pace if he is to stand a chance at beating Verstappen and Co who are set to bring upgrades to their car which could reportedly make them up to two-tenths quicker.
      Away from the track Hamilton has been linked with music superstar Shakira.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      Lewis Hamilton takes yacht trip with 20-year-old tennis ace and Mexican actress days after partying with Shakira

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been enjoying some downtime in Ibiza after coming third at last weekend’s British Grand Prix.The 38-year-old grabbed a place on the podium at Silverstone, before partying into the night with pop superstar Shakira.
      Lewis Hamilton relaxed onboard a yacht alongside Jenny Stray SpetalenCredit: Splash
      Sir Lewis and Jenny enjoyed the glorious sunshineCredit: Splash
      The group are holidaying in IbizaCredit: Splash
      Having flown over to watch Sir Lewis at the British GP, Shakira joined him at celeb haunt Tape London – with the pair chatting together before she left at around 3:30am.
      With Formula 1 stars having this weekend off, Hamilton has headed to Ibiza for some relaxation.
      The Mercedes star has been hanging out on a yacht in the sunshine, and was joined by some other famous faces.
      Hamilton was pictured alongside 20-year-old Jenny Stray Spetalen, daughter of Norwegian tycoon Oystein Stray Spetalen.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Also onboard were Mexican actress Eiza Gonzalez, Romeo + Juliet director Baz Luhrmann and his wife Catherine Martin.
      Jenny has previously tried her hand at tennis.
      She competed in singles at three tournaments in Norway between 2016 and 2019 – but won just two games across three matches.
      Gonzalez, 33, has starred in a number of films and TV series – and is set to appear in Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare alongside Henry Cavill next year.
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      Jenny previously tried her hand at tennisCredit: Splash
      Hamilto, 38, is enjoying a weekend off from F1Credit: Splash
      Actress Eiza Gonzalez was also in attendanceCredit: Splash
      Gonzalez is set to appear in an upcoming Guy Ritchie movieCredit: Splash
      Baz Luhrmann and wife Catherine Martin were also among the groupCredit: Splash
      With Hamilton enjoying himself in Ibiza, Shakira headed to yesterday’s Wimbledon men’s semi-finals.
      The 46-year-old was in attendance on Centre Court as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz booked their places in Sunday’s final.
      Also in attendance at Wimbledon this week has been Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.

      Shakira is rumoured to be dating the 33-year-old, with the duo heading out in Mayfair together earlier this week.
      Hamilton is set to return to action next week at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
      The seven-time world champion will attempt to grab his first win since 2021, although Max Verstappen will be tough to stop in his far superior Red Bull.
      Hamilton recently enjoyed a night out with ShakiraCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      Shakira watched the tennis on Centre Court yesterdayCredit: Getty
      The singer was recently spotted out with Miami Heat star Jimmy ButlerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Shakira sings on her way to Silverstone F1 before being spotted in Mercedes VIP lounge amid Lewis Hamilton ‘romance’

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      CAREFREE Shakira enjoyed a singalong on the way to cheer on her rumoured boyfriend Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone yesterday.The pop superstar, 46, appeared in high spirits as she lip-synced her new single in the back of a car with a female pal.
      Shakira was filmed belting out a song in a car on the way to watch Lewis Hamilton in the British Grand Prix on SundayCredit: Instagram/@shakira
      She and a pal laugh as they lip-sync to her new single Copa VaciaCredit: Instagram/@shakira
      Later she watched the race from the Mercedes team’s VIP area in the paddockCredit: Splash
      A social media filter added a mermaid’s tail and bubbles as they belted out the words to Copa Vacia – which means empty cup – on the way to the British Grand Prix.
      Shakira appears as a shackled mermaid in the video for the single, her latest diss track taking aim at ex-partner Gerard Pique.
      The fun Instagram video was captioned: “Siren alert! Mermaids on their way to F1!”
      Later the Hips Don’t Lie songstress was pictured laughing with other guests and pit crew in the paddock at Silverstone.
      read more on Shakira
      She watched from the Mercedes team’s VIP area as seven-times champ Sir Lewis, 38, sped to a podium finish on his home circuit.
      Sky Sports’ Formula One commentators joked she was in the “posh seats” and was sure to be “willing on her friend”.
      It was the third time Shakira has watched Hamilton race this season – revving up rumours they are secretly dating.
      Shakira arrived in London on Friday after a busy time at Paris Fashion Week – where Lewis was also spotted partying with A-listers.
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      Before getting on the Eurostar she posted a selfie in a revealing cut-out top, teasing a “surprise” for her fans.
      And she hit the town again in the UK capital, looking stunning in a see-through bodysuit as she partied into the early hours on the eve of the Silverstone GP.
      Shakira and Lewis have been spotted enjoying a series of cosy outings together in the wake of her messy split from footballer ex Pique.
      She was pictured beaming at the Spanish Grand Prix last month as she cheered the Mercedes driver to second place.
      Afterwards he was snapped with his arm round her waist as they had cocktails with friends in Barcelona.
      In May, Shakira also watched Hamilton race in Miami – her new home town since moving to the US earlier this year.
      The British speed ace was pictured speaking to her at a restaurant in the city, sparking a frenzy of speculation.
      Days later Lewis picked her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion at the start of a cosy boat trip together.
      According to PEOPLE, the celebrity pair are understood to be keeping things “fun and flirty”.
      Other sources insist the F1 star and the Colombian singer are just “good friends”.
      Shakira’s repeated rendezvous with Lewis also sparked rumours of an awkward “love triangle” with movie star Tom Cruise – who was also pictured with her at the Miami Grand Prix.
      Spanish media reported the Mission Impossible star, 60, was “absolutely mesmerised” by her.
      Tom felt there was “chemistry” between them and sent her flowers after the meeting, an insider told Page Six 
      Shakira reportedly shot down his advances and begged the actor to leave her alone and stop flirting with her.
      And Tom’s ego was said to be have “dented” by his “great friend” Hamilton’s approach.
      Read More on The Sun
      However the global Latin pop superstar is reportedly “focused on her family” rather than dating.
      She has two sons, Milan, ten, and Sasha, eight, with Barcelona legend Pique.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton won third place in the British Grand Prix at SilverstoneCredit: Reuters
      Colombian star Shakira cheers on her pal at the racing circuitCredit: Splash
      TV cameras spotted Shakira appearing to have a great time at the GP
      Shakira looked relaxed as she arrived at London’s St Pancras station on FridayCredit: Splash
      Lewis Hamilton posed with his arm round Shakira in Barcelona following the Spanish Grand Prix last monthCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
      Shakira and Lewis were spotted enjoying a boat trip together in Miami in MayCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      I managed iconic Formula One team my dad founded but I haven’t even been to a Grand Prix since I was forced to sell it

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      WILLIAMS rack up their 800th F 1 race today.But the milestone is too “painful” to watch for Claire Williams, daughter of the team’s founder, Sir Frank.
      Claire Williams hasn’t attended a single Grand Prix since selling WilliamsCredit: Getty
      She sold the family business in 2020 to US investment firm Dorilton Capital — and has not been to a race since.
      It ended one of the great Formula One family dynasties after Sir Frank founded the team in 1977 and won nine constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ championships.
      But since selling up, it has been too much for Claire, who ran the team from 2013 to 2020.
      She said: “I don’t watch it any more. It has been a really conscious decision because I’m still recovering from taking a step back. Leaving my team has left an enormous gap. We were reluctant sellers. Life took us down that road where we were forced to sell.
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      “I’m getting to that point now where I’m going to start watching again.
      “It is still quite painful and difficult seeing someone else run the team that was once in our family and life.”
      Williams are now under the stewardship of James Vowles, a smart Englishman who was motorsport strategy director at Mercedes-AMG Petronas.
      And there is a real sense the team are making progress on the track, having slumped to the back of the grid.
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      Claire, 46, revealed Vowles’ appointment as team principal would have received the full backing of her dad, who died in 2021.
      She added: “It is nice that Williams as a name still remains a Formula One. With James now being there, it looks like the team is moving in the right direction.
      “When they told me it was James I was like, ‘My goodness, just genius’. He’s a  brilliant choice.
      “I genuinely believe my dad would have been really happy with that decision as well.”
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      Claire sold Sir Frank Williams’ Formula One team Dorilton Capital in 2020Credit: EPA
      Claire got to know Vowles when   he  was   overseeing   George Russell’s three-year loan from Mercedes. And she is delighted to see him doing so well as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate.
      Claire said: “I’m really proud of George and so happy for him because we did hold him back at Williams and kept him to his contract.
      “My dad taught me, when you go through a struggle, the success when you finally get it, is all the more rewarding.” More

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      Stunning Russian model Viktoria Odintcova reveals she ‘friend zoned’ F1 ace Lewis Hamilton and ghosted Cristiano Ronaldo

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      STUNNING Russian model Viktoria Odintcova has sensationally claimed she has friend zoned Lewis Hamilton and GHOSTED Cristiano Ronaldo.Odintcova has been spotted at the F1 a number of times in recent years and was watching Hamilton at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April.
      The Russian stunner denies that her and Hamilton are romanticCredit: Instagram @viki_odintcova
      The Russian beauty boasts over five million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @viki_odintcova
      She was spotted supporting Hamilton in AprilCredit: Instagram @viki_odintcova
      She often attends Hamilton’s racesCredit: AP
      Despite being there to cheer on the Formula One star, she says that while the two started off romantically they are now just friends.
      She said to RT:
      “We had different types of relationship.
      “At a certain period of time it was romantic. He was courting me.
      READ MORE F1
      “But then this relationship evolved into friendship.
      “I live in Russia and he lives abroad. We just became friends who can message each other and send holiday greetings.”
      “(Now) we’re friends, we just write to each other and call sometimes. He’s in the friend zone.
      “I go to his races occasionally, the last time was in Sochi (at the Russian Grand Prix). We’ve been friends for three years. When I met him, I could barely speak English, I could only understand it.”
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      She also says that she has got acquainted with PSG winger Neymar through Hamilton.
      “I’m in touch with Neymar, because he’s friends with Lewis, I know him through Lewis. I understand that he’s a normal guy, we message each other on Instagram”
      Hamilton meanwhile has been romantically linked with Colombian singer Shakira after the pair were spotted on a boat trip together in Miami.
      Odintcova boasts a a whopping five million followers on Instagram and holds a marketing degree from Penn State University.
      She has claimed to have ignored the advances of Cristiano Ronaldo in the past, saying she blanked his Instagram messages when asked about his advances in an interview.
      Odintcova often shares glamorous snaps on her InstagramCredit: Instagram @viki_odintcova
      And is no stranger to a holiday snapCredit: Instagram @viki_odintcova
      She said: “That happened… He (Ronaldo) even wrote to me. It was a long time ago. He wrote, ‘Hi, how are you?’ I deleted the message and didn’t reply.
      “Of course I didn’t give him a chance, come on! I know some other girls he wrote to, so I understood straight away, ‘dude, goodbye, delete.”
      Odintcova claims she SNUBBED Ronaldo
      Ronaldo should not be too disheartened as she ignores a lot of footballer’s messagesCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese superstar should not be too disheartened though.
      Odintcova said she gets bombarded with messages from sports stars and never opens them.
      She said: “I often receive messages from professional athletes, especially from European footballers.
      Read More On The Sun
      “I don’t even remember these names. I just see, ‘oh, one more message from some player’.
      “I don’t even open them.” More

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      Shakira fuels Lewis Hamilton romance rumours as she arrives in London ahead of British GP after posting revealing selfie

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      SHAKIRA has just arrived in London ahead of the British Grand Prix as rumours swirl over her relationship with Lewis Hamilton.The Colombian songstress rushed over from Paris Fashion Week today in time for the Silverstone F1 – further fuelling speculation she is there to cheer on her alleged beau.
      Shakira arriving into London this afternoon after a busy week in ParisCredit: Splash
      Her arrival coincides with the British Grand Prix, where her rumoured beau will be vying for a podium finishCredit: Splash
      The 46-year-old looked excited as she strolled out of St Pancras stationCredit: Splash
      The popstar’s recent daring post ahead of her fan appearance in ParisCredit: Instagram
      In typical Shakira -style, she looked effortlessly cool as she stepped off the Eurostar this afternoon fresh off the bat from a star-studded time at Paris Fashion Week.
      The popstar, 46, also set hearts racing with an earlier Instagram post of her in a skimpy top as she teased a “surprise” for her French fans.
      She wore the sexy outfit to Paris aquarium to do promo for her latest music video, which features her dressed up as a shackled mermaid.
      Shakira’s arrival in London fits perfectly with the British Grand Prix that kicks off today, where she might be cheering on her rumoured beau – seven-time Formula One champion Sir Lewis Hamilton.
      read more on shakira
      The alleged A-list couple have been seen enjoying a string of cosy outings together in the wake of her messy split from her footballer ex Gerard Pique.
      The Hips Don’t Lie singer was caught beaming at the Spanish Grand Prix last month as she cheered on the Mercedes driver as he roared around the track.
      The pair were seen on a boat together after the Miami Grand Prix, where Lewis showed off his chivalry after picking her up from the back of her £12million beach mansion late last month.
      They were also spotted looking smitten at a dinner in the wake of Hamilton’s second place in Barcelona.
      Most read in Motorsport
      According to PEOPLE, they are understood to be keeping things “fun and flirty”.
      But other sources insist the F1 star and the “Hips Don’t Lie” are just “good friends” and there is no “romantic connection”.
      Shakira’s repeated rendezvous with Lewis have caused a stir, especially since she was spotted also mingling with movie star Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix.
      Spanish media reported that the Mission Impossible star, 60, was “absolutely mesmerised” by the singer and had even told a close circle of friends that he felt a connection with her.
      An insider told Page Six that there was “chemistry” between the pair – with Tom sending her flowers after the meeting.
      The Mirror reported that the 60-year-old is said to have been “flirting” with the Colombian-born singer before she became involved with Hamilton.
      And he believed he had “incredible chemistry” with Shakira, but has now seen his ego “dented” as a result of Hamilton’s approach.
      Shakira reportedly shot down his advances and instead begged the actor to leave her alone and stop flirting with her.
      The global superstar is reportedly “focused on her family” rather than dating anyone at the moment.
      Read More On The Sun
      Representatives of Shakira, Hamilton and Cruise have not commented on the reports.
      Hamilton and Cruise have been pictured at F1 races in the past, with the Hollywood actor even describing the driver as a “great friend”.
      Rumours continue to swirl that Shakira could be romantically involved with the F1 starCredit: Splash
      Lewis beaming at the Silverstone race track yesterdayCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton picking Shakira up for a boat day in Maimi last monthCredit: The Mega Agency
      Shakira was spotted at the Barcelona Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      The Colombian singer was seen with Lewis at a cocktail-filled dinner following the raceCredit: Instagram – Mustafa More