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    F1’s top 10 highest-paid drivers revealed with Lewis Hamilton still leading the way ahead of world champ Max Verstappen

    THE 2022 F1 season has seen Max Verstappen stroll to a comfortable second title with several races to spare.The Dutchman, 25, edged Lewis Hamilton to last year’s crown with a thrilling final-lap overtake in December.
    F1’s highest-paid drivers for the 2022 season
    Hamilton and F1 title rival Verstappen are in a different league with their wagesCredit: Getty
    But this year’s title fight was far more straightforward as Verstappen coasted to the crown ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.
    It comes after he signed a mega £37million-per-year new contract with Red Bull prior to the 2022 campaign.
    The pay packet means he is just £3m behind his F1 rival Hamilton.
    Seven-time champion Hamilton, 37, remains the best-paid driver with a salary of £40m after add-ons and bonuses.
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    And the pair are miles clear of the rest of the field when it comes to their salaries.
    McLaren star Lando Norris comes in third after signing a new bumper four-year contract.
    Norris, 22, will take home £10.5m per year – more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and outgoing McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo (both £10.19m).
    Ferrari ace Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin star Sebastian Vettel both earn £7.28m per year on their current deals.
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    Alpine’s legendary racer Fernando Alonso sits eighth with an annual salary of £6.55m.
    Red Bull’s Perez comes next (£4.5m) and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon (£4m) completes the top ten.
    Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell failed to even make the top half of the grid.
    But he is delivering more than enough on the track, currently sitting fourth in the standings, 27 points ahead of Hamilton.
    Lando Norris is third in the list of top-paid F1 starsCredit: AFP More

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    Lewis Hamilton congratulated over 2021 F1 title win after Red Bull cost cap breach as fans call for him to win crown

    LEWIS HAMILTON has been congratulated for winning the 2021 F1 world title after Red Bull were found to have breached the salary cap.Red Bull were found guilty of overspending last year, when Verstappen controversially pipped Hamilton to the title in the final race of the season.
    Lewis Hamilton has been congratulated as 2021 world championCredit: Reuters
    Red Bull have been found guilty of overspending in the year Max Verstappen pipped Hamilton to the crownCredit: AP
    Verstappen’s team were found to be responsible for a “minor” breach of the regulations, going over the £114million limit by £5.7m.
    Their punishment is expected to be a fine, and not a points deduction that would see Verstappen stripped of last year’s title.
    But some are already congratulating Hamilton for being 2021 world champ, before the punishment is confirmed.
    Rich Energy, a British drinks company and former partner of Haas, took to Twitter to weigh in on the row.
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    The company, founded by William Storey, have already decided that Hamilton should be crowned as 2021 champion.
    They called stripping Verstappen of his first title an “easy decision” for the FIA, the governing body for F1.

    A tweet said: “An easy decision for the FIA now. It is imperative that the integrity of the great sport of Formula One is maintained.
    “Congratulations Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes AMG on a well-deserved world title in 2021.”
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    While Red Bull are only expected to be fined for their overspending, other fans have also already crowned Hamilton as champion for last year.
    One said: “All hail the 2021 F1 Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton.”
    Another wrote: “Sir Lewis Hamilton, the only legitimate World Champion of 2021.”
    And a third said: “Say it with me now. Lewis Hamilton is the 2021 Formula One World Champion.”
    Verstappen narrowly beat Hamilton to the title in 2021 by eight points after winning the final race of the campaign in Abu Dhabi.
    Former race director Michael Masi allowed five cars to unlap themselves after a late safety car which enabled Verstappen, on fresh tyres, to overtake Hamilton on the last lap.
    Lewis Hamilton has been congratulated for winning last year’s world title by a former Haas partnerCredit: https://twitter.com/rich_energy More

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    Lewis Hamilton relaxes after another controversial F1 race by popping wheelies with £135 remote control monster truck

    LEWIS HAMILTON has found a novel way of relaxing after another controversial F1 race – by popping wheelies on a remote-controlled monster truck. The seven-times World Champion finished 5th at the weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after being frustrated for much of the race by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
    A gleeful Lewis Hamilton had fun taking his monster truck out for a spinCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/?hl=en
    The F1 star enjoyed doing wheelies with his remote-controlled car as he enjoyed his downtime away from the trackCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/?hl=en
    He then had to watch former title rival Max Verstappen pick up his second F1 crown, a year after he pipped Hamilton to last year’s title in dramatic and contentious circumstances.
    The Brit put all of that on the backburner as he enjoyed his downtime before the US Grand Prix.
    Hamilton posted a video of himself buying a remote-controlled Lunchbox branded truck, which is valued at £135.
    The video shows the F1 star excitedly handling the yellow vehicle and bouncing it on the store counter.
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    Hamilton then nods in satisfaction before buying the toy and taking it outside.
    The 37-year-old then drives it around in glee, at one point exclaiming “it’s so cool!”
    He then starts tipping the truck on its back wheels as he drives it around before shouting “it does wheelies!”
    Before his youth karting and then his F1 career, Hamilton used to race remote-controlled cars around and has previously spoke of his passion for it.
    Hamilton is still looking for his first F1 win of the seasonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lewishamilton/?hl=en
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    The Mercedes driver will be back to racing in a real car when F1 goes to Austin later this month as he prepares for the final four races of the season.
    But the sport is caught in a cycle of controversy at the moment and it continued in the last race in Japan.
    Verstappen’s inevitable crowning was almost overshadowed by confusion over the rules.
    F1 chiefs also have questions to answer after Alpha Tauri driver Pierre Gasly was left furious by the appearance of a recovery truck on a wet track in Suzuka.
    And fans were angry after Red Bull were found to have breached cost cap rules yesterday.
    These recent issues come on top of an ongoing row about Hamilton’s jewellery and debates over races ending under the safety car. More

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    Red Bull GUILTY of breaching F1’s spending cap but Lewis Hamilton will still NOT be awarded Max Verstappen’s 2021 title

    RED BULL have been found guilty of breaking F1’s cost-cap rule – however their punishment will NOT see Lewis Hamilton handed last year’s title.The sport’s governing body – the FIA – have finally published their analysis of the team’s accounts for last season, which saw the introduction of the spending limit for the first time.
    Red Bull will NOT be stripped of last year’s titleCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton missed out on an eighth world title in controversial fashion last yearCredit: Rex
    The amount was set at £114million for 2021 and was brought in to increase the competitiveness across the field, with top teams previously spending three times that amount to gain a massive advantage.
    As a result, teams were forced to restructure their businesses to comply with the rules, however, despite being adamant that they were under the limit, Red Bull were found to be over it.
    Amazingly, given the FIA’s promise to provide increased transparency under the stewardship of new president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the report did not disclose the amount Red Bull went over.
    However, it did amount to less than five percent (£5.7million) of the £114million total triggering a “minor” breach of the regulations.
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    A list of possible penalties included stripping Verstappen of the title he won in 2021 in controversial circumstances, however, the punishment is now expected to be a fine.
    It means he will retain both last year’s and the title he clinched on Sunday in Japan.
    Red Bull do have a right to appeal but are expected to cough up the penalty in a decision that will leave their rivals furious.
    Key figures at rivals Ferrari and Mercedes feel the term “minor” is misleading, for any breach of the cost cap is still a performance benefit.
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    So, should Red Bull argue their sums were over due to including sick pay and providing free food for staff in their canteen, their rivals would suggest that money could be spent on car development.
    At Suzuka on Sunday Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto interestingly said his team’s designs were “cars that have been developed maintaining and respecting the budget cap itself”.
    He said: “We know how much, even if it’s a minor breach, it would have implied in terms of performance.
    “I mentioned $5m (£4.5m) is about half a second, even one or two million is about one or two-tenths which is about from being second on the grid or being on pole and maybe having the fastest car.
    “Obviously it’s about 2021. It’s an advantage you gain over the following seasons.”
    Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton said the previous week that even a $300,000 (£270k) additional spend could have changed the outcome of the 2021 battle.
    At the Singapore GP he said: “I remember last year in Silverstone we had our last upgrade and fortunately it was great and we could fight with it.
    If we had spent $300,000 on a new floor or an adapted wing it would have changed the outcome of the championshipLewis Hamilton
    “But then we would see Red Bull every weekend or every other weekend bringing upgrades. They had, I think, at least four more upgrades from that point.
    “If we had spent $300,000 on a new floor or an adapted wing it would have changed the outcome of the championship, naturally, because we would have been in better competition in the next race you had it on.”
    Aston Martin, who were also rumoured to have over spent, were still issued with a compliance certificate despite filling in a form incorrectly.
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    An FIA statement said that while Red Bull triggered a “minor” breach, both Aston Martin and Williams were guilty of a “procedural” breach.
    A statement from the FIA said: “The FIA cost cap administration is currently determining the appropriate course of action to be taken under the financial regulations with respect to Aston Martin and Red Bull and further information will be communicated in compliance with the regulations.” More

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    ‘Congratulations on your first F1 title’: Bitter Mercedes fans brutally troll Max Verstappen following 2021 controversy

    SOUR Mercedes fans trolled Max Verstappen on winning his “first championship” in Formula One following the 2021 controversy in Abu Dhabi.Verstappen won his first F1 world title last season in controversial fashion, which saw Merc’s Lewis Hamilton miss out on a record-breaking eighth.
    Merc fans have trolled Verstappen, congratulating him on his ‘first’ title win, not counting last season’s due to the controversyCredit: Rex
    Hamilton has congratulated Verstappen for his second F1 world title winCredit: Getty
    Former race director Michael Masi allowed five cars to unlap themselves after the safety car which enabled Verstappen, on fresh tyres, to overtake Hamilton on the last lap.
    Fast forward 18 races and Verstappen became a double F1 world champion, winning his 12th race of the season at Suzuka.
    The 25-year-old Dutchman defended his title before Merc and Hamilton could record a win this campaign.
    And Merc fans still haven’t let go of Abu Dhabi, bitterly congratulating Verstappen on his “first” world title.
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    One said: “Congratulations on ‘WINNING’ your 1st Championship.”
    Another fuming fan said: “Max Verstappen might just win his FIRST championship shortly and it will be well deserved since Ferrari fumbled their chance.
    “Here’s to hoping Merc come back stronger next szn.”
    Merc fans aren’t the only ones “hoping Merc come back stronger” next season… so is Hamilton.
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    Hamilton says he has “no doubts” Mercedes will “build a better car next year” that could challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.
    The Brit also issued a short but sweet congratulations to his rival.
    He said after the race: “Congrats to Max.
    “I think for us, we know what the problems are with this car.
    “I believe that we as a team, we’ve not gone from being world champions to not being able to build a good car.
    “I have no doubts we’ll build a better car next year.
    “Whether or not we rectify the issues from this year, we’ll find out when we get there.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton congratulates Max Verstappen over F1 title win and predicts huge Mercedes improvements for 2023 season

    LEWIS HAMILTON has congratulated rival and now two-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen.The Red Bull-racing Dutchman, 25, secured his second F1 crown before Hamilton could record his first win of the season with a chaotic P1 finish at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
    Hamilton has congratulated Verstappen for his second F1 world title winCredit: Getty
    Verstappen won the Japan GP on Sunday, defending his F1 crownCredit: Rex
    The Dutchman won his second title before Hamilton could win a race this seasonCredit: AFP
    And despite last season’s Abu Dhabi controversy, which saw Hamilton be denied a record-breaking eighth world title with Verstappen pipping him to it on the final lap, the Brit graciously congratulated his rival.
    Hamilton also said he has “no doubts” Mercedes will “build a better car next year” which could challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.
    He said after the race: “Congrats to Max.
    “I think for us, we know what the problems are with this car.
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    “I believe that we as a team, we’ve not gone from being world champions to not being able to build a good car.
    “I have no doubts we’ll build a better car next year.
    “Whether or not we rectify the issues from this year, we’ll find out when we get there.”
    Verstappen’s win at Suzuka ended Mercedes’ seven-year dominance at the track.
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    Merc had one every race in Japan since 2014.
    Verstappen said it was “special” to win the title on the historic track and the home of Honda, Red Bulls’ engine designer and developer.
    He told F1: “Pretty special, of course, to win it here.
    “That was the perfect scenario to win it here and we did that.
    “A little bit delayed but yeah still very happy to win it.
    “The race as well… I mean the car was again on fire and I didn’t really have any issues today – we could look after our tyres.
    “But, yeah, looking back at the season we’ve had so far it’s been pretty impressive but also really enjoyable for most of it.
    “Something we really have to remind ourselves of a few times; we’re always very focussed on performance but you also have to look back on what you actually achieved and really enjoy the moment.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton claims F1’s integrity will be RUINED if Red Bull are found to have breached £114m cost cap

    LEWIS HAMILTON has declared that the integrity of Formula One will be RUINED if the FIA fail to punish teams who breached financial budget caps. Reports have been circulating since last week suggesting Red Bull and Aston Martin went over the allowed cost caps for the development of their cars last season.
    Lewis Hamilton believes the integrity of F1 will be ruined if teams go unpunished for breaking rulesCredit: Splash
    The financial audit for the team’s 2021 accounts were expected to be made public on Wednesday, but the FIA has since delayed this until October 10 – after the Japanese Grand Prix.
    And if found guilty then Hamilton believes any transgression must be punished if the sport’s integrity is to remain intact.
    Hamilton said: “I think it’s imperative, honestly, just for transparency. I think we need to continue to have transparency for the fans, for the integrity of the sport.
    “Obviously there’s lots of conversations that are going on in the background. No one truly knows.
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    “There’s different numbers and different things being said here and there, so I was expecting those results – like you – to come out yesterday.
    “I would like to think that if it’s been delayed it’s because it’s been taken very seriously and I trust that Mohammed (bin Sulayem) is taking it seriously and will do what is right for the sport, I hope.
    “I think it would be bad for the sport if action wasn’t taken if there was a breach.”
    The budget cap – a new introduction to the sport aimed at making F1 more financially sustainable and levelling the playing field – allowed teams to spend up to £114million in developing their cars.
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    Of course, Hamilton likely has an implied bias given the controversial circumstances he lost the 2021 title to Reb Bull’s Max Verstappen under.
    If Red Bull’s alleged breach is found to be five per cent or more of the cap, this will constitute a “material (major) overspend breach” which could see them be punished in a number of ways.
    These include sanctions as little as financial penalties or limits on aerodynamic testing, all the way up to the deduction of points from teams and drivers and suspension or exclusion from the championship.
    Hamilton, who was spotted wearing a T-shirt with his own name paired with a floral coat, added: “It’ll put in question our values, the integrity of the sport.
    “I remember last year as a driver, you were always asking for updates, updates, updates on things, whether it’s fuel, whatever it is. 
    “And I remember in Silverstone when we got our last update and I remember that was almost three tenths, and I’m pretty certain it cost less than a million.
    “But I remember after that needing more updates – but then seeing trucks of updates continuing to arrive on the other car, thinking ‘jeez, it’s going to be hard to beat them in the championship if they keep bringing updates.”
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    F1 has gone through scandals before, such as 2007’s Spygate and 2008’s Crashgate.
    And recently as 2020 controversy loomed as the FIA refused to publish details of a “settlement” they reached with Ferrari over the operation of the team’s power unit.
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    Lewis Hamilton wears T-shirt with his own name on it and flowery coat as F1 star prepares for Japanese GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON wore another stylish outfit just days after landing himself in hot water over breaking Formula One’s attire rules. Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton – ever the fashion guru of F1 – donned a T-shirt with his own name on it.
    Lewis Hamilton wore a striking T-shirt and coatCredit: Getty
    His T-shirt saw his name etched on in black font with a colourful monster paired alongside itCredit: Getty
    Meanwhile, his coat saw a stunning floral pattern run down the armsCredit: Getty
    The white T-shirt he sported had a stylish black font for his name and paired it with a colourful cartoon monster and more dashes of colour to contrast the otherwise plain black and white.
    He paired this with a khaki coat which had a bouquet of flowers down each arm.
    The 37-year-old has a well-earned reputation for wearing extravagant clothing and fashion accessories.
    But just days ago he almost landed himself a fine by breaching the International Sporting Code of the FIA.
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    Prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion had been called to the stewards relating to a breach of Appendix L, Chapter III, which prohibits the wearing of certain jewellery.
    Hamilton was hauled in relating to the wearing of a nose piercing.
    But he was able to avoid a personal fine due to having a doctor’s note, while his team Mercedes were slapped with a £22,400 fine for failing to alert the FIA about the piercing.
    Despite the drama, Hamilton went on to produce his best qualifying result of the season before his weekend crumbled on race day – finishing with a disappointing P9.
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    The ex-McLaren driver is on course for his worst-ever season in F1, with him sitting in a lowest-ever P6 in the drivers standings and yet to win a race this season.
    However, he insists he is “happier than ever” in the sport amid rumours he could sign a bumper new five-year contract.
    While Hamilton was spotted with his trendy shirt and coat around the paddock, other F1 stars have been seen enjoying the sights of Japan.
    Namely AlphaTauri duo Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, who were pictured in a hilarious must-watch karaoke session in Tokyo.
    On track, talk of title business could be wrapped up this weekend with Max Verstappen having a golden chance of claiming a second successive title.
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    Although the ramifications of last season’s controversial title are still being felt, and there may yet be another word had on that with the FIA preparing to finalise their financial audit of the teams.
    Their findings are now set to be made public on October 10, with speculation mounting that Red Bull and Aston Martin have breached the budget cap.
    Retiring Sebastian Vettel was in a happy mood around Suzuka, where he has won four timesCredit: Getty More