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    Lewis Hamilton spending summer F1 break tracing roots through Africa as Mercedes star starts tour in stunning Namibia

    LEWIS HAMILTON is spending Formula 1’s summer break tracing his roots in Africa.The Mercedes star has enjoyed much-improved fortunes in recent weeks, taking his place on the podium in five consecutive races.
    Lewis Hamilton has been enjoying his summer holidayCredit: @lewishamilton
    The 37-year-old poses in the desertCredit: @lewishamilton
    Hamilton has been keen to explore his roots in AfricaCredit: @lewishamilton
    Now that the summer holiday has arrived he’s also riding high off the track – exploring the stunning scenery of Namibia.
    As he shared a number of stunning pictures on Instagram, the seven-time world champion wrote: “This year I’m spending my summer break doing something I’ve wanted to do for years.
    “I’m finally tracing my roots through Africa and guys, to say this journey has been a grounding experience is an understatement.
    “This has been a life changing reset. I feel like I have gained a new perspective on life, grown an even stronger love for animals and became even closer with my brothers who I’ve shared this special journey with.
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    “Everywhere I look I’m surrounded by so much beauty, and I feel truly re-centred and at peace.
    “My first stop was Namibia, one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. Words and pictures do not do it justice.
    “The hot air balloon ride was surreal.
    “We had to land sideways which is definitely something I’ll never forget.
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    “I could not think of a better place to spend this time off. Sending everyone peace and light, I’m off to the next stop.”
    Hamilton, 37, posed for snaps in the desert in the South West African country.
    He recently hit the waves on a £20,000 electric jet-surfboard.
    The British hero shared a video of himself in his swimming trunks riding on the incredible piece of kit alongside MotoGP pal Fabio Quartararo.
    Hamilton isn’t back in F1 action until August 28, when the F1 season gets back up and running in Spa.
    The seven-time world champion is back in action on August 28Credit: @lewishamilton
    He shared his snaps with his 29.4million followersCredit: @lewishamilton
    Hamilton reflected on his brilliant tripCredit: @lewishamilton More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell looks unrecognisable as cute schoolkid in cute throwback photo

    MERCEDES have shared an adorable picture of George Russell as a young boy.The 24-year-old racer moved from Williams for the start of the 2022 season and currently leads team-mate Lewis Hamilton by 12 points in the drivers’ championship.
    Russell has made an impressive start to his time at MercedesCredit: Getty
    But years before his F1 career began, the British driver was rocking a cute fringe and light blonde hair.
    Mercedes posted the throwback snap on Instagram alongside some more recent pictures.
    And they added the caption: “George William Russell. 🙏 The glow up. 🔥.”
    Fans of the British driver were loving the photo of a young Russell from back in the day.
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    This picture of Russell as a kid was shared by Mercedes on social mediaCredit: George Russell Instagram
    One person said: “Little George is adorable,” while another added: “The legend Russell🔥🔥🔥”.
    And a third social media user said: “Mercedes admin knows what’s up ❤️”.
    Russell has already secured five podiums so far this season, although he is yet to finish in the top two.
    The former Williams driver had a healthy lead over seven-time champion Hamilton a couple of months ago.
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    But Hamilton, 37, has come roaring back with five podiums in a row – including back-to-back second places in France and Hungary before the summer break.
    Meanwhile, Russell came out earlier this week and accused rivals Ferrari and Red Bull of “pushing F1 rules”.
    He told Sky Sports: “Spa is going to be interesting. There are some changes to some of the regulations which may bring other teams towards us.
    “I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in ourselves and faith that we are doing a great job and there’s no reason we can’t be in the mix.
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    “There is no doubt Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the regulations in that regard and we have respected it as the regulation was intended.
    “There’s no guarantee that it would bring them closer to us. We know if it was on our car it would make us slower.
    “There’s no guarantees, every car is different but it’s not going to help them that’s for sure.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton could be left with BRAIN DAMAGE due to porpoising Mercedes, according to shock Toto Wolff claims

    LEWIS HAMILTON could be left with brain damage because of his porpoising Mercedes, according to Toto Wolff. The Mercedes team have struggled with their cars bouncing all season, leading to the eight-times Constructors’ Champions to be off the pace of their rivals.
    Despite their issues with bouncing, the Mercedes team – spearhead by Wolff and Hamilton – are growing strongerCredit: Splash
    But in recent weeks the gap has closed as the grid headed to “smoother” tracks, with Hamilton on a run of five consecutive podiums.
    The new 2022 regulations has seen porpoising become an issue at Mercedes and affect other teams on the grid.
    And Wolff warned the situation was not safe for drivers.
    He told reporters: “I still believe that the FIA and all of us must do something about it.
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    “Frequencies of 1 to 1 hertz that last for a few minutes can cause brain damage. We have 6 to 7 hertz for several hours.”
    Rule tweaks are set to come into place after F1’s summer break for the Belgian Grand Prix.
    The changes from the governing body the FIA should see porpoising restrained and could close what some see as loopholes in the new regulations.
    Not all teams are happy about these changes, with the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull, who have largely gotten on top of the bouncing, potentially losing their speed advantage.
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    Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has signalled his discomfort for these changes, and said he “didn’t see any issues” with porpoising over the last few races.
    Wolff has rejected the comments of his former rival.
    He hit back: “That [argument] doesn’t count because Silverstone, Paul Ricard and Austria aren’t exactly tracks we bounce that much on anyway.
    “I don’t want to come to Spa or some of the later races where the track isn’t as smooth as a conventional racetrack and we didn’t do anything about it.
    “There is all this talk about lobbying in both directions, but what are we talking about here anyway?”
    Further rule changes could come in from 2023 to raise the floors of the cars, according to some reports.
    Horner was also not happy with that idea.
    He added: “So I think there just needs to be a common-sense solution, not rewriting the rulebook for next year at a point of the year, with budget caps where they are, which is just too late.
    “I think it’s actually an even bigger issue for some of the smaller teams that quite simply wouldn’t have the resources to be able to react.” More

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    How F1 could look in 2023 after transfer blitz with Albon extending with Williams and Ricciardo set for Alpine return

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL’S shock retirement announcement last week has set off a chaotic chain reaction in Formula 1.Next season’s grid could look very different, with plenty of teams looking to shuffle their lineups.
    Sebastian Vettel announced his upcoming retirement last weekCredit: Rex
    Daniel Ricciardo may find himself looking over his shoulderCredit: Rex
    Some new rookies will arrive in the paddock, while more experienced drivers may look for a better seat elsewhere.
    Others find themselves looking over their shoulders, desperate to stay in Formula 1 altogether.
    As the drama begins to unfold, let’s take a look at all the potential movers and shakers.
    ALPINE CHAOS
    What we know for sure is that Fernando Alonso has ditched Alpine to replace Vettel at Aston Martin.
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    After being comfortably outscored by team-mate Esteban Ocon so far this season, the veteran two-time world champion feels that he will fare better elsewhere.
    The 41-year-old has agreed a multi-season contract worth £25million-a-year with Lawrence Stroll’s team.
    Alonso’s sudden defection left Alpine in the lurch, with boss Otmar Szafnauer only learning of the Spaniard’s decision via Aston Martin’s press release.
    This prompted Alpine, who had expected Alonso to extend his deal, to hastily announce that reserve driver and former F2 winner Oscar Piastri would be promoted into the seat alongside Ocon next year.
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    But in a sensational twist, Piastri DENIED the agreement, tweeting: “I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year.
    “This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”
    It is understood that Piastri, 21, will join McLaren – who already have two drivers contracted themselves.
    With Lando Norris on a long-term contract and performing well, Daniel Ricciardo is the obvious candidate to be given the boot at the end of this year.
    The Aussie has been bullish that his McLaren contract is secure, but the team themselves may believe that they have other options.
    Should he be axed by McLaren, Ricciardo may make a remarkable return to Alpine.
    The Aussie raced for the French team in the 2019 and 2020 campaigns – finishing fifth in the driver standings in his second year.
    Elsewhere on the grid – Ferrari have complete stability, at least on the driver side, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz both locked in.
    ANOTHER CRACK AT EIGHT?
    Over at Mercedes, George Russell is tied down to a long-term deal, although Lewis Hamilton is set to be out of contract at the end of the 2023 season.
    The seven-time world champion was surrounded by retirement rumours during the last off season, but he currently appears as dedicated and focused as ever.
    Following Vettel’s retirement decision, Hamilton said: “I’m still fresh and still feel I’ve got plenty of fuel left in the tank. Of course, I want to get back to winning ways and that’s going to take time. I’m sure we’ll sit down at some stage and talk about the future.
    “I’m enjoying what I’m doing, and feel really proud working with this incredible group of people. I’m also enjoying working with the sport more than ever. We’ve got some great people leading the sport, we’re having great conversations about the direction we’re going in.”
    ONE TO WATCH
    Max Verstappen is locked in at Red Bull until 2028, while Sergio Perez recently extended his own deal to 2024 – although Red Bull have been rumoured to be keeping tabs on Haas’ Mick Schumacher.
    The German is set to be out of contract at the end of this season, although it’s expected he will stay alongside Kevin Magnussen next term.
    ALBON STAYS
    Williams announced yesterday that Alex Albon has agreed to extend his contract through 2023, with the former Red Bull star parodying Piastri’s tweet in his announcement.
    He’ll likely have a new partner, however, with Nicholas Latifi on increasingly thin ice.
    Mercedes reserve Nyck de Vries is viewed as a potential contender to take the Canadian’s seat.

    ANY OTHER BUSINESS
    Over at Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas is locked into a long-term contract.
    Rookie Zhou Guanyu’s deal is up at the end of the season, but the Chinese driver has shown enough to suggest that he’ll likely be given an extension.
    Pierre Gasly is down for another year at AlphaTauri, although Yuki Tsunoda may be sweating as his deal expires at the end of this campaign.
    The Japanese 22-year-old has shown some signs of improvement this year, and may just about manage to keep his seat.
    Meanwhile, Lance Stroll will partner Alonso at Aston Martin.
    Lewis Hamilton is feeling good at MercedesCredit: AFP
    Alex Albon is staying at WilliamsCredit: Getty
    Most of the grid’s best drivers are locked in for next yearCredit: Rex More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell SLAMS Ferrari and Red Bull – accusing them of ‘pushing F1 rules’

    GEORGE RUSSELL has accused Mercedes’ rivals Ferrari and Red Bull of “pushing F1 rules”.The Silver Arrows new boy has produced a consistent season, but neither he nor Lewis Hamilton have been able to compete with the likes of Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc for wins for much of it.
    Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have been more competitive in recent weeksCredit: Rex
    Red Bull and Ferrari have ‘pushed’ rules, claims George RussellCredit: Rex
    Mercedes have narrowed the gap in recent weeks, with Hamilton collecting five consecutive podiums.
    And Russell, 24, believes that his team will be even more competitive in the second half of the season when new FIA technical directives are finally introduced from the Belgian GP onwards.
    The new rules had been intended to be rolled out last month, only to be delayed following a backlash from the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull.
    FIA chiefs have been keen to combat “porpoising”, as they look to protect the safety of drivers.
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    Russell reckons that things are about to heat up, telling Sky Sports: “Spa is going to be interesting.
    “There are some changes to some of the regulations which may bring other teams towards us.
    “I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in ourselves and faith that we are doing a great job and there’s no reason we can’t be in the mix.
    “There is no doubt Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the regulations in that regard and we have respected it as the regulation was intended.
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    “There’s no guarantee that it would bring them closer to us. We know if it was on our car it would make us slower.
    “There’s no guarantees, every car is different but it’s not going to help them that’s for sure.”
    Red Bull chief Christian Horner hit back: “Ferrari still has a quick car and Mercedes are coming back at us. Maybe we don’t need to TD in Spa.

    “The technical directive has no effect on us. We need quick clarification on what the rules are for 2023. I hope as early as this week.
    “It’s ten past midnight for next year and Cinderella has already left.”
    The Formula 1 season has entered its summer break, with action to return at the Belgian Grand Prix later this month.
    Christian Horner is supremely confidentCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Disgusting, not acceptable’ – Max Verstappen slams F1 fans who burned Lewis Hamilton merchandise at Hungary Grand Prix

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed F1 fans who allegedly burned Lewis Hamilton merchandise at the Hungary Grand Prix.One Twitter user posted a video which claimed to show supporters of the Dutchman setting alight goods from his rival’s brand.
    Verstappen and Hamilton’s rivalry appears to have cooled this season after their furious Championship battleCredit: Getty
    Hamilton and Verstappen played out a dramatic and heated rivalry last season in a Championship fight which saw multiple flashpoints.
    With their respective Mercedes and Red Bull teams no longer competing as directly this season, the tension has cooled.
    But much ill-feeling remains between the online fan bases, especially after the season concluded in controversial fashion in Abu Dhabi.
    The video circulating from the weekend allegedly shows Verstappen fans burning Hamilton merchandise.
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    But the world champion spoke out against those who are claimed to have been involved.
    Verstappen, 24, told reporters after the race: “That’s of course not acceptable.
    “I mean, these individuals… No, I definitely don’t agree with that because that’s just disgusting.
    “But overall, I think the majority of the fans which also were cheering a lot, I think throughout the race and also on the podium for every driver, I think that’s how it should be.
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    “And yeah, those videos, or video, of burning merch I think that’s disgusting.”
    A group of people can be seen in the viral tweet, with one visibly wearing a Red Bull shirt and others wearing the orange shirt that is associated with Verstappen’s passionate Dutch following.
    At the centre of the group is a man holding a burning object, which the Twitter user who posted the video claimed was “Hamilton merch”.
    The alleged incident comes weeks after the Austrian Grand Prix where there were allegations of sexist, racist, and homophobic abuse from fans.
    Verstappen won the Hungarian Grand Prix after starting 10th on the grid.
    After a mechanical issue in qualifying, he had to make his way up the grid and won the race despite losing the lead after spinning.
    With neither Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz ending up on the podium, more questions have been raised about Ferrari’s strategy. More

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    Lewis Hamilton left baffled after huge rip appears in F1 jacket during Hungary GP and nobody can work out why

    LEWIS HAMILTON has taken some serious punishment behind the wheel of his Mercedes this year.From having to deal with persistent bouncing that left his back in agony, Hamilton has now had the arm of his racing suit RIPPED while driving.
    Lewis Hamilton secured a fifth successive podium finish in HungaryCredit: Getty
    The Brit’s P2 came at a cost as his suit somehow ripped during the raceCredit: Rex
    Thankfully Hamilton confirmed he wasn’t injured by the tearCredit: Rex
    The 37-year-old took a second consecutive P2 in Hungary on Sunday with another impressive drive.
    But his efforts saw the arm of his suit rip and the padding from inside his jacket poke out.
    David Coulthard spotted the tear on Hamilton’s arm as he conducted the post-race podium interviews.
    And a baffled Hamilton did not even realise it was there, so used he is to taking punishment this season.
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    When asked where the rip came from Hamilton could not give an honest answer as even he did not know for sure how it happened.
    He suggested: “That’s probably just banging against the side of the cockpit.”
    Thankfully though Hamilton confirmed the rip to his suit had not injured his arm.
    The Brit added: “I’ve never seen that before, but my arm is ok.”
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    The incident is the latest in what has been a brutal season for Hamilton physically.
    He was a doubt for the Canadian GP back in June after his back took a beating in Baku the week before.
    The seven-time F1 world champion was left in agony as his Mercedes bounced around the street circuit in Azerbaijan.
    But a brutal recovery regime meant he was fit in time to race following the injury.
    Now Hamilton and Mercedes are showing real improvement, with the F1 star finishing on the podium in the last five races.
    Speaking after the Hungarian GP, Hamilton said: “It’s hugely satisfying and a great feeling for us given the year we’ve had and to see the progress we’ve started to make.
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    “Just getting P2 last week [in France] was huge and it’s two races in a row George and myself have shared the podium, which is fantastic.
    “To start seventh and get up here is a great recovery. The race was lost on the first medium tyre stint, but yes, the second and third part of the race was pretty epic.” More

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    ‘It says everything about his car’ – Lewis Hamilton on how far Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is ahead of Mercedes

    LEWIS HAMILTON believes that Max Verstappen’s victory in Hungary yesterday “says everything about his car”.The Red Bull star stormed to victory despite starting TENTH on the grid.
    Max Verstappen claimed his latest victory in HungaryCredit: Splash
    Lewis Hamilton had to be content with secondCredit: Splash
    Verstappen’s triumph extended his championship lead over Charles Leclerc to 80 points.
    Hamilton, who grabbed his fifth consecutive podium by coming second, believes that the Dutchman’s Red Bull is just too good for the rest of the field at the moment.
    After the event, the 37-year-old said: “If you look at Max’s race – he started tenth, spun, and still won the race. That says pretty much everything about his car.”
    Mercedes have endured a difficult start to the season, but Hamilton’s recent form and a first career pole for George Russell last weekend has shown signs of life for the Silver Arrows.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lewk out .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton vows to rival Verstappen again after F1 break and praises team heroics
    Quizzed if a victory will be possible this season, Hamilton replied: “I hope so. It’s what we are working towards.
    “I think this weekend there was potential for a win. You saw George on pole.
    “I think if we had both been up there we could have probably worked a bit better as a team. One of us would have been able to support each other strategy-wise.
    “But I think if we are able to take this pace into the second half of the season, for sure, we can start to fight with the guys.
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    “This is the first time that we’ve been able to fight and battle with a Ferrari – that’s huge for us.
    “I think the Red Bulls probably still are ahead. The fact that Max started tenth, spun and still finished ten seconds ahead says enough about their car but I think we still have made huge progress and huge steps.
    “To have this consistency and two double podiums in the last two races, gives us great hope and a huge push for the second half.” More