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    Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen involved in ANOTHER crash at F1 Sao Paulo GP leaving Mercedes driver fuming

    LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen were involved in ANOTHER crash at the Brazilian Grand Prix that left the Brit fuming after a chaotic start.The race had just restarted following a crash between Daniel Ricciardio and Kevin Magnussen when the incident occurred.
    Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were involved in a collision at the Brazilian GPCredit: Getty
    Daniel Ricciardo’s horror season also continued in a chaotic start in BrazilCredit: AFP
    The green flag was waved as Mercedes’ George Russell flew off to stay in the lead.
    Verstappen made the jump on Hamilton but the pair touched.
    Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc then touched too, forcing the latter off the track, only for him to get his Ferrari back on.
    Both Verstappen for a new front wing, and Leclerc hit the pits for a quick repair job.
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    Reigning champ Verstappen told the team radio: “”He left me no space.”
    But the raging Hamilton was heard saying: “That was no racing incident mate.”
    Reigning champ Verstappen told the team radio: “”He left me no space.”
    But the raging Hamilton was heard saying: “That was no racing incident mate.”
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    Fortunately for Hamilton, his car emerged unscathed from the collision. 
    He was heard asking: “How much of my floor is missing mate?”
    With an engineer replying: “From what we can see, it doesn’t look massive on tv pictures. Pace does look good though.”
    Both Red Bull’s Verstappen and Norris were given five-second time penalties for causing their respective collisions.
    Meanwhile, Ricciardo’s horror season continued after he crashed out out of the Brazilian Grand Prix on the second lap.
    The Australian F1 ace was bought out of the last year of his contract for £10million by McLaren and will leave the team at the end of the year.
    Ricciardo is not ready to call it quits just yet, despite his disappointing campaign.
    However, he has endured more misery this evening just seconds after the start.
    He and Kevin Magnussen were involved in a high-speed collision on the second lap in Sao Paulo.
    Ricciardo was trying to make his way up the order and thought that he had spied a gap.
    But Haas star Kevin Magnussen was right in his path as their motors went smashing into each other to bring the race to a halt.
    The safety car was called on as both drivers were forced out of the race.
    Fortunately both men appeared to be unscathed and soon got back into their cars to be ferried back to the pits.
    It will be a devastating blow too for Magnussen after he claimed a thrilling pole on Friday during qualifying. 
    Around 60,000 fans are in attendance to see whether Lewis Hamilton can secure his first victory of the season in South America.
    You can follow all of the action from the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) in Sao Paulo with Sun Sport’s live blog. More

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    Lewis Hamilton to wear Brazilian-inspired helmet for Sao Paulo GP after Mercedes F1 star became honorary citizen

    LEWIS HAMILTON will wear a Brazilian-inspired helmet in Sao Paulo in his second “home” Grand Prix of the season.The legendary British Formula One star is still searching for his first win of the campaign.
    Lewis Hamilton will wear a Brazilian-themed helmet tonightCredit: Avalon.red
    The British star will don it after receiving a British citizenshipCredit: Rex
    But he has secured second spot on the starting grid.
    And Hamilton will be confident that he can put this torrid run to an end in Brazil on the very same track where he came back from 10th to grab first place.
    Furthermore, the seven-time champion has more of an incentive to win after officially receiving a Brazilian citizenship ahead of the weekend.
    Now he has decided to celebrate that by wearing a special helmet this weekend to honour his “second homeland”.
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    The 37-year-old posed with it earlier this week after it was unveiled.
    The helmet has the Brazilian flag donned along the outside of it with the colours of yellow, green and blue dominating it.
    Hamilton has become a beloved figure by Brazilian fans throughout his years of dominance in F1.
    And he has also spoken numerous times of how much he idolised the late, great Brazil icon Ayrton Senna.
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    The Brazil GP will start around 6pm on Sunday, UK time.
    Around 60,000 fans will be in attendance to see whether Hamilton can secure his first victory of the season.
    You can follow all of the action from the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) in Sao Paulo with Sun Sport’s live blog. More

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    George Russell makes pole in F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton is investigated by stewards

    GEORGE RUSSELL will start Sunday’s Sao Paulo GP on pole after winning a thrilling sprint race.The Mercedes man, who is yet to win a GP, took the chequered flag in the short 24 lap race that decides the grid for the main race.
    George Russell will start the Brazil Grand Pix in pole position.Credit: Getty
    Carlos Sainz was second ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who is waiting for an investigation from the stewards for an infringement at the start.
    Meanwhile, world champion Max Verstappen had a shocker and was beaten by Russell on pace – and clipped by Sainz causing front wing damage, which dropped him to fourth.
    Kevin Magnussen, who took an unlikely pole position the previous day in his Haas when he benefited from a rain shower, made a good start but was soon reeled in by the quicker cars.
    The Dane was eventually passed by Verstappen on the third lap while Alpine teammates Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso made contact, leaving the Spaniard furious.
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    Russell moved up to second place behind Verstappen on lap four and set about catching the Dutchman.
    The Mercedes man made his move to pass Verstappen as the two kept it clean.
    The same could not be said when Sainz hit Verstappen on the way through on his way to second, while Hamilton also passed the Red Bull man five laps from the end.
    It was a good performance from Russell, who earned the praise from his teammate, who is poised for a front-row start.
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    After winning the sprint race, Russell said: “It was incredible. I was not expecting that much pace and shows all the progress we are making.
    “This is a sprint race and you have to manage risk/reward. I didn’t want to risk it too much and end up with no points.
    “It is crazy to think we are starting on the front row. Lewis did a great job from P8 and we are in a position switch strategy and go for the win.”
    Sainz has a five-place grid drop for an engine penalty which means that Hamilton could start in second place, so long as he escapes a penalty from the stewards.
    Hamilton was happy to see his teammate as he said: “It has been an incredible week. It was a difficult day starting from eight and make my way through.
    “Congrats to George and this goes back to the factory and all the hard world. To be on the front row is incredible and hopefully we can work as a team and hold off the guys behind.
    “We are going to try as hard as we can and I hope for good weather and I have fight on my hands, but a win here would be incredible.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton is Mercedes’ best chance of winning despite George Russell’s 15 point gap, says F1 pundit

    LEWIS HAMILTON is still Mercedes’ best chance of claiming a win, not George Russell, claims Jolyon Palmer.Rookie Russell leads his legendary Formula One team-mate by 15 points in the Drivers’ Standings.
    George Russell currently leads Lewis Hamilton by 15 points in the standingsCredit: Getty
    Seven-time world champ Hamilton has failed to mount a title challenge this term but after a poor start battling for midfield spots he has finished second in his last two outings.
    F1 pundit Palmer is adamant that the 37-year-old has shown recently that he is back to his best.
    And he added that if Mercedes can build a car capable of mounting a shot at the championship next season, then it will be Hamilton that will be pushing for it rather than his junior colleague.
    Discussing the points gap between the pair on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer said: “I imagine George will close it out, just by sheer numbers.
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    “There’s only two races left and if he just manages to keep this consistency, he’ll be there.
    “But I think that doesn’t really tell the picture of the Mercedes story.
    “I think George has been impressive, if he beats Lewis it will be an amazing achievement.
    “But I do think the more the season’s gone on, the more Lewis looks like Lewis again.”
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    He added: “At the start of the year, there was a really odd moment where everyone was a bit perplexed [thinking] ‘is George Russell, gonna outdo Lewis Hamilton?’ and for the first six, seven races, it was looking that way.
    “As the season’s gone on, I think Lewis has got on top.
    “And I think if they do have a title-challenging car next year, I still think it’d be Lewis that would be that man.” More

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    ‘I feel like I’m one of you’ – Lewis Hamilton officially receives Brazilian citizenship ahead of Brazil GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON has officially received his Brazilian citizenship, telling the country’s people “I feel like I’m one of you”.The F1 legend, 37, was named an honorary citizen in June.
    Lewis Hamilton received the legislative medal of merit after becoming a Brazilian citizenCredit: EPA
    He was also handed a diploma to signify his citizenshipCredit: Getty
    That was seven months after congressman Andre Figueiredo made the suggestion when Hamilton wore the country’s flag on the podium after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix for a third time.
    But now he has been confirmed as a citizen of the nation in a special ceremony in the capital, Brasilia.
    The Mercedes driver wore a blue suit for the occasion as he was awarded his citizenship in a touching moment.
    He was handed the legislative medal of merit and a diploma showcasing his new status.
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    Hamilton, who will race the Sao Paulo track once more this weekend, has a long affinity with Brazil.
    He was a huge admirer of the country’s racing icon Ayrton Senna when he was growing up.
    The seven-time champion then went on to win his first F1 world title in Brazil in 2008 – beating the home fans’ countryman Felipe Massa to the crown.
    But he has still gone on to be embraced by the South Americans.
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    And he made a speech to the Brazilian people following his citizenship ceremony.
    As reported by Reuters, he said: “I feel like now I’m one of you.”
    He then went on to add: “I have so many amazing memories of Brazil. And particularly 2021.
    “Knowing you guys would cheer me on the way was one of the most special moments of my entire life. I can’t wait for us to continue to strive ahead.”
    Hamilton will now be hoping to add to his three Brazilian GP wins this Sunday.
    The Brit previously claimed victories at the Sao Paulo race track in 2016, 2018 and 2021.
    Last year’s triumph was one of his greatest, with Hamilton coming from 10th in the grid to win by more than 10 seconds.
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    But he is yet to win a race so far in 2022.
    And with just two races left this season, it threatens to be the first winless year of Hamilton’s career since he debuted in F1 15 years ago. More

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    Lewis Hamilton parties with DJ Diplo in Las Vegas after Mercedes star relaxes after promoting new F1 race next season

    FORMULA ONE star Lewis Hamilton partied with Diplo in Las Vegas after launching the Las Vegas Grand Prix for next season. The seven time world champion enjoyed a night out in the XS nightclub and joined the DJ on stage.
    Lewis Hamilton partied in Las VegasCredit: @HamiltonAz44
    The F1 driver joined Diplo on stageCredit: @HamiltonAz44
    Hamilton showed his many talents and took the micCredit: @HamiltonAz44
    Hamilton was videoed dancing with a microphone in hand while Diplo entertained the crowd.
    The 37-year-old even had a little go on the decks while hyping up the partygoers.
    The Mercedes driver was even joined by his father Anthony as the pair celebrated in style.
    Hamilton played a starring role in Saturday night’s launch of the Las Vegas GP with the first ever F1 race set to take place there next year in November.
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    The street circuit will be a big addition to the calendar as it features a 14-turn, 3.8 mile track where cars are expected to reach speeds of 212mph.
    He drove to the iconic strip in Nevada and decided to attempt some doughnuts in his car and nearly crashed.
    Hamilton admitted: “I nearly crashed. There was so much smoke and I had no idea where I was.
    “I couldn’t figure out where the buildings were. I tried to pull up on the side and there was a barrier.”
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    But he was clearly unfazed letting his hair down with world renowned DJ Diplo.
    It has been a tough season for Hamilton with zero race wins with two races to go.
    He sits fifth in the driver standings after having lots of car issues this season.
    Hamilton is still expected to be offered a new deal at Mercedes.
    Max Verstappen has already secured the title amid claims that Red Bull ‘cheated’ last year after spending over the cap. More

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    Lewis Hamilton set to be joined by Daniel Ricciardo as Mercedes reserve driver as Toto Wolff confirms talks with F1 star

    DANIEL RICCIARDO is in talks to become Mercedes’ reserve driver for the 2023 season.The outgoing McLaren racer, 33, does not have a seat on the grid for next year but has made it clear his plan to stay involved in the sport ahead of a return to F1 in 2024.
    Ricciardo is in talks to join Mercedes as their reserve driver for the 2023 seasonCredit: Getty
    Wolff has Ricciardo talks for him to become the back-up to Hamilton and RussellCredit: PA
    And while he is also thought to be discussing a role with Red Bull, Mercedes are the frontrunners to secure the Australian as their third driver.
    Speaking ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky Sports: “I think Daniel is speaking to a few teams about a potential role, also Red Bull.
    “For us, we very much like him, he’s a great character but we are not in a position yet who is going to be our third driver.”
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    When asked what he adds to a team, Wolf then continued: “Personality, and he’s been around for a long time.
    “He knows these cars inside out so that could be really advantageous.
    “But I don’t want to put any rumours out there because we haven’t decided.”
    Eight-time Grand Prix winner Ricciardo joined McLaren in 2021 but has struggled to compete with team-mate Lando Norris.
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    He did hand the team their only victory of last season at Monza, but ultimately finished 45 points behind Norris in the drivers’ championship.
    And this year it has been even more of a struggle for the ex-Red Bull man.
    Ricciardo has finished in the points just six times, racking up 35 compared to Norris’ 111.
    But the Aussie remains determined to return to the sport in 2024 and has admitted some time out of the car could be a positive.
    He said: “I can confidently say that I won’t be on the grid behind a wheel [next year].
    “But I still want to be in the sport, and I want to be working with a team still with the ambition to be back on the grid in 2024.
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    “I feel like a bit of time away from a race seat will do me good, and then try to rebuild on something for 2024.
    “I’m not done but it will look a bit different.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton almost CRASHES as doughnuts stunt spirals out of control at Las Vegas GP launch party

    SIR LEWIS HAMILTON was left red-faced after he came close to crashing his Mercedes during Formula One’s official launch party for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday.The seven-time World Champion, 37, took to the track shortly after his teammate George Russell and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.
    Hamilton almost crashed his car into a barrier during the Las Vegas GP launch partyCredit: Twitter.com/@F1
    His car was submerged in smokeCredit: Twitter.com/@F1
    The seven-time World Champion joked about the mishap with Perez (L) and Russell (R)Credit: AP
    After driving down the iconic strip – which runs past world-renowned venues such as Caesars Palace and the Bellagio – he decided to entertain the crowds even more by attempting numerous doughnuts.
    However, the dark conditions, along with the large clouds of smoke from the burning tires, made it difficult for Hamilton to see where he was positioning the car.
    At one point, he even came close to crashing into the barrier.
    Hamilton saw the funny side of it though as he joked about the mishap on stage later that evening.
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    He said: “I nearly crashed. There was so much smoke and I had no idea where I was.
    “I couldn’t figure out where the buildings were. I tried to pull up on the side and there was a barrier!”
    He then turned to Perez and asked: “Was there too much grip?”
    To which the Red Bull man replied: “That car is too good!”
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    The inaugural Las Vegas GP will take place next year from November 16 to November 18.
    It will mark F1’s first-ever Saturday race, taking place at night against the iconic Las Vegas backdrop.
    The street circuit features a 14-turn, 3.8 mile track where cars are expected to reach speeds of 212mph.
    After getting a feel for the track during the official Las Vegas launch party, Hamilton suggested that it’ll be a calendar highlight.
    The Brit added: “Just driving down the strip under the light was like the movies. It’s going to be one the best races of the year.” More