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      Watch sickening crash at Le Mans series as car smashed to pieces and driver, 63, lucky to be alive

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      SICKENING scenes played out in Italy with a driver lucky to survive after being involved in a high-speed crash around an ex-Formula One circuitClaudio Schiavoni miraculously escaped a fatal collision with the wall during the Four Hour Le Mans Series race at Mugello Circuit on Sunday.A horror crash in the European Le Mans Series left a driver lucky to escapeCredit: @EuropeanLMSClaudio Schiavoni was in action in his Proton Competition Porsche 911 GT3 RCredit: RexFollowing a safety car restart Schiavoni was leading a pack away down the back straightCredit: @EuropeanLMSBut his rear bumper was hit by Iron Dames driver Rahel FreyCredit: @EuropeanLMSThe Italian driver then went spinning into the wallCredit: @EuropeanLMSThe high-speed crash saw debris shoot all over the trackCredit: @EuropeanLMSSchiavoni’s Porsche rebounded back onto the race trackCredit: @EuropeanLMSBut rival drivers managed to take evasive measures to avoid himCredit: @EuropeanLMSEntering the third hour of the race, Schiavoni was leading a pack from Rahel Frey following a third safety car restart.However, Frey’s No. 85 Iron Dames Porsche got too close down the back straight and hit the rear bumper of Schiavoni’s No. 60 Proton Competition Porsche 911 GT3 R.The knock caused Schiavoni to spin out of control and veer off to the right before hitting a barrier.The Italian’s car then rebounded back onto the track, with speeding rivals somehow managing to dodge the 63-year-old as debris was shot across the road.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTSchiavoni’s Porsche was totalled and triggered a red flag to stop the race.Despite the high-speed crash, Schiavoni walked away from the wreckage under his own power.The race time was subsequently extended by 20 minutes to compensate for the stoppage.It was eventually won by Iron Lynx-Proton, who became the fifth different team from five races to win in the European Le Mans Series this season.Most read in MotorsportFrey’s Iron Dames team released a statement following the race.It read: “It was a very difficult race today. The frightening high-speed accident with car #60 was the last thing we wanted to happen. Lewis Hamilton left ‘looking like a sub teacher’ & George Russell ‘like Slim Shady’ as F1 pals do hilarious fashion swap”We’re really sorry that Claudio, Matteo and Julien had to retire early. P5 in the end, but the most important thing is that Claudio is safe. We hope to see better days in the near future.”The Mugello circuit played host to a one-off F1 race in 2020 when Covid wreaked havoc on the calendar outside of Europe and the Middle East.Lewis Hamilton claimed his 90th career win there, while it was also Ferrari’s 1000th Grand Prix event.Moto GP legend Valentino Rossi has also won seven times around the FIA Grade-1 track.F1 does not return until the US Grand Prix in Texas on October 20, with Lando Norris winning the most recent race in Singapore to close the gap on Championship leader Max Verstappen.Rahel Frey’s team released a statement following the incidentCredit: Rex🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Michael Schumacher family joy as daughter Gina, 27, marries boyfriend at Majorca villa where F1 icon started ‘new life’

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s daughter Gina has married her boyfriend at a villa in Majorca, where the F1 icon started a “new life”. Gina tied the knot with partner Iain Bethke on the sun-soaked Spanish island at the luxury abode Schumacher’s wife Corinna is understood to have bought in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.Gina with her boyfriend Iain BethkeGina and Iain went public with their relationship in 2017Credit: Babiradpicture/ShutterstockSchumacher, a seven-time F1 championCredit: AlamyGina is known as a horse enthusiastCredit: Harold Cunningham/Getty ImagesStricken Schumacher has reportedly spent much of his time at the £27million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care.The seven-time F1 champion suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps, and his family has kept his condition closely guarded ever since.But in a happy development for the Schumachers, Gina – wearing a white dress with Boho-style tattoo lace – posted a snap to her Instagram overnight, cuddling up to her new husband in a black pinstripe suit.She wrote: “Forever yes to you, yes to forever” followed by a heart emoji.Read more on SchumacherWell-wisher Stephen Moore Walker commented: “Congratulations Gina you look gorgeous, your great dad will be so proud of you.”Saffy Korpela added: “You two are beautiful. So much love and best wishes for a magical ride together.”The wedding ceremony at the Port d’Andratx villa lasted around half an hour, Majorcan press reported.It’s said to have been followed by a banquet and party, including a performance by a country music band.Most read in MotorsportAmong the guest list was Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.It’s unclear whether Michael attended either event.It was reported at the start of the year Gina, 27, and her 28-year-old boyfriend would get married during the summer at Villa Yasmin.A wedding planner from northern Germany had been hired to put the “finishing touches” on the celebration, German and Majorcan reports said.Horse enthusiasts Gina and Iain went official with their relationship nearly seven years ago. The reports about the wedding in January did not specify whether Michael would attend.He turned 55 in January just days after the tenth anniversary of his tragic ski accident on December 29.In September 2020 it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.Spanish press said he had been moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive property, which is located on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the south-west of Majorca.The revelation came after ex-Formula 1 team boss Flavio Briatore’s ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.“Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.”Speaking on the Italian version of Big Brother, the brunette added: “They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”German tabloid Bild first linked the F1 legend to Florentino Perez’s Majorca mansion in July 2018, saying Corinna snapped it up for £27million so she could spend holidays there with family and friends.The house was bought by building magnate Perez in 2005 but he put it up for sale in 2017 after the death of his wife Mari Angeles Sandoval.The villa is part of a 15,000 square metre estate which boasts two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.SCHUMACHER URGED TO ‘KEEP FIGHTING’Updates on the racing legend’s health have been few and far between.Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday with touching messages when he turned 55.Gina wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”The post was accompanied by a picture of her and her brother as kids with the F1 star.Mick, now 25, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also an F1 driver, told Bild at the end of last year: “Nothing is like before.”He added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.“Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.”His wife Corinna offered a rare insight on her husband’s state in a Netflix documentary in 2021.She said “I miss Michael every day.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.“Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.”Michael Schumacher pictured with a baby Max Verstappen, right, and his daughter GinaMick Schumacher (right) has followed in his father’s footstepsCredit: AFPSchumacher suffered a tragic skiing accidentCredit: AFP More

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      Ex-F1 WAG Luisinha Oliveira wows in tie-dye bikini by the pool

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      FORMER F1 Wag Luisinha Oliveira is in pole position by the pool as she laps up the sun in a tie-dye bikini.The Portuguese model, 24, got her fans revved up in new beachwear for the Kitess Clothing label.Luisinha Oliveira is in pole position by the pool as she laps up the sun in a tie-dye bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyLuisinha got her fans revved up in new beachwear for the Kitess Clothing labelCredit: Instagram / @luisinhaoliveira99Brunette Luisinha used to date Brit racing driver Lando NorrisCredit: GettyBrunette Luisinha used to date Brit racing driver Lando Norris. The couple waved the chequered flag on their relationship in 2022.McLaren ace Lando, 24, is currently second in the F1 table behind three-time world champion Max Verstappen.Luisinha regularly shares sultry snaps with her 435,000 Instagram followers.Read More on SportHer feed is filled with glamorous snaps from her travels as well as pictures from her modelling shoots.Recent uploads have seen Luisinha enjoy trips to Rome, London and Venezuela.Away from her modelling career, she previously graduated from university with a degree in marketing.Luisinha became a regular at F1 races around the world during her relationship with Norris.Most read in MotorsportF1 star Lando Norris joins model Luisinha Oliveira while on holiday in Dubai Luisinha regularly shares sultry snaps with her 435,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99Luisinha strikes a pose in this revealing outfitCredit: Instagram More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals battle with depression due to pressure of F1 racing

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      F1 ACE Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racing.The seven-times world champ has had mental health difficulties since he was 13.Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racingCredit: ReutersHe said: “I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school — the bullying.“I had no one to talk to. I’d struggle initially to calm my mind.”The 39-year-old said he started waking at 5am to meditate in 2020 and has gone on silent retreats. He has a 10km run to clear his mind.read more on lewis hamiltonHe added “It’s a great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings — understanding what I want to do.”Asked if he saw a therapist, the Mercedes driver said: “I spoke to one woman years ago — but that wasn’t very helpful. I’d like to find someone today.” Lewis — sixth in the F1 standings — said he is single but wants a family “one day”.He told The Sunday Times: “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level I do it with that.Most read in Motorsport“One of my best friends has just had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is.“And my nieces and nephew are a handful.“There will be a time and a place for it and I can’t wait for that part.“But right now I have some work to do.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton posts classy one-word message to Daniel Ricciardo after F1 legend is axed with immediate effect

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      LEWIS HAMILTON posted a classy one-word response after Daniel Ricciardo’s exit from Formula One was confirmed.Ricciardo was brutally axed by VCARB following the Singapore Grand Prix.Lewis Hamilton posted a classy response as Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 exit was confirmedCredit: GettyHamilton competed with Ricciardo for 12 yearsCredit: ReutersThe 35-year-old posted a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram, saying: “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey.”To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you. To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you.”It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. Until the next adventure.”An outpouring of emotion followed the announcement from both fans and rivals, with Ricciardo having been on the grid since 2011.READ MORE IN F1Reacting to his post, seven-time world champion Hamilton was among those to wish the Australian farewell.He simply said: “Legend.”Taking to his own page, Hamilton, 39, also shared an image of himself alongside Ricciardo performing a the Honey Badger’s trademark “shoey” celebration.On that post he added: “@danielricciardo it’s been a honour to compete with you over the years. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I’ll never forget the battles, the laughs, and drinking out of your shoe 🤢 It was gross, but glad I got to do it with you bud.”You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’”You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it. “There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”Other F1 drivers also joined the list of well-wishers, including former team-mate Lando Norris, who said: “Ly brother.”George Russell said: “F1 won’t be the same without you, mate. All the best on the next adventure.”The Australian Grand Prix account said: “F1 won’t be the same without you, Daniel. Thank you for everything you did for our sport. Australia is incredibly proud of you.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconThe F1 account said: “Forever iconic.”A statement from VCARB team principal Laurent Mekies said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us.”Daniel has been a true gentlemen both on and off the track and never without that smile.”He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”Ricciardo had broken down in tears during post-race interview in Singapore, with it understood he had already been informed that it would be his final race.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite finishing last of the runners who finished the race, Ricciardo snatched the fastest lap away from Norris – sparking a cheating row from McLaren chief Zak Brown.The team have already announced that 22-year-old Liam Lawson will replace Ricciardo for the rest of the season.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Inside final Top Gear Stig’s racing career as he’s unmasked as Phil Keen, most successful British GT driver in history

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      JEREMY CLARKSON has revealed the identities of Top Gear’s Stigs – including one who was the most successful driver in British GT history.Phil Keen was the final Stig and has enjoyed an illustrious 21-year career on the track alongside starring in the BBC’s hit show.Phil Keen has been unmasked as The StigCredit: RexKeen, right, is one of the most successful drivers in British GT historyCredit: RexHe was the Top Gear Stig between 2010 and 2022Credit: AlamyFormer Top Gear presenter Clarkson revealed Keen was the third and final Stig from 2010 to 2022, when the show was cancelled.Clarkson hosted a viewing party for the final episode of The Grand Tour at his pub on his farm, where he told a crowd: “The original Stig was Perry McCarthy, followed by Ben Collins, followed by Phil Keen. “There isn’t a current ‘Top Gear’ so there isn’t a current Stig, but the last one was Phil Keen.”Keen, 40, joined Top Gear a year after he was crowned champion of the British GT Championship in the Supersport class.READ MORE IN SPORTHe won an incredible eight races out of 14 alongside his team-mate Marcus Clutton.That was the only year he drove in the SuperSport class and he returned to GT3 the next year, featuring in that category on 16 occasions in the British GT Championship.Keen still competes in the class and this year he is in fourth place.He is considered the most successful driver in the championship’s history having finished as a runner-up three years in a row between 2016-18, when he drove for Barwell Motorsport.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBest racing resultsBritish GT Championship Supersport – 1st (2009)Moss Trophy – 1st (2018)Kinrara Trophy – 1st (2017)Radical Challenge SR3 – 1st (2014)Michelin Le Mans Cup – GT3 – 3rd (2017)74th Members Meeting Bruce McLaren Trophy – 2nd (2016)TVR Tuscan Challenge – 3rd (2003)And he holds a record 19 British GT Championship wins, with 12 poles.His total career wins stand at 45, with 92 podiums and 22 poles.I was Top Gear’s original Stig – now I have a job nobody would ever expectKeen is also driving in the European Le Mans Series this year and had picked up two points from four races, despite retiring from two.He currently drives a Ferrari 296 GT3 but most of his success in his career came behind the wheel of Lamborghini Huracan GT3.His other notable wins came in a Jaguar E-Type in the Goodwood Revival – Kinrara Trophy in 2017 and the Stirling Moss Trophy a year later. More

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      F1 legend axed with immediate effect after breaking down in tears at Singapore Grand Prix in heartbreaking interview

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO has been brutally SACKED by Formula One team Visa Cash App RB with immediate effect.The F1 fan favourite broke down in tears following the Singapore Grand Prix with news of his imminent axing gaining speed.Daniel Ricciardo has been sacked by F1 team RBCredit: GettyRicciardo won eight F1 races throughout his career, becoming famous for his “shoey” celebrationCredit: AFP or licensorsAnd now Ricciardo’s exit from the motorsport for a second time has been confirmed.The team released a statement wishing the Australian, nicknamed the “Honeybadger”, farewell.RB’s team principal Laurent Mekies, said: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us.”Daniel has been a true gentlemen both on and off the track and never without that smile.READ MORE IN F1″He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”Ricciardo, 35, returned to F1 with AlphaTauri, now RB, in Hungary last year, scoring points on five occasions.Earlier this season there was talk of Ricciardo replacing Sergio Perez as the second driver at Red Bull’s main team to partner Max Verstappen.Though after that fell through, Ricciardo’s form has not been good enough to persuade Red Bull bosses to keep him in the seat for the rest of the season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe finished dead last of the runners who did not retire in his final race in Singapore on Sunday.However, he did snatch the fastest lap of the race away from McLaren’s Lando Norris to prevent him from gaining an extra point – sparking a cheating row from McLaren chief Zak Brown.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? Reacting to his exit on Instagram, Ricciardo said: “I’ve loved this sport my whole life. It’s wild and wonderful and been a journey.”To the teams and individuals that have played their part, thank you.”To the fans who love the sport sometimes more than me haha thank you. “It’ll always have its highs and lows but it’s been fun and truth be told I wouldn’t change it.”Until the next adventure.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconRB have wasted no time in announcing Ricciardo’s replacement on the F1 grid.New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, who made his debut with the team last season in replacing an injured Ricciardo, will take the seat for the remainder of the 2024 season alongside Yuki Tsunoda.Mekies said: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Liam. He already knows the Team well. “He drove for us last season, and coped well under difficult circumstances, so it’ll be a natural transition. “It’s great to see young talent from within the Red Bull family make the next step. Ricciardo’s F1 career timeline2011 – Ricciardo made his F1 Grand Prix debut at Silverstone with Hispania before driving 10 races with HRT.2012 – Ricciardo joined Toro Rosso for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.2014 – Ricciardo joined Red Bull to partner Sebastian Vettel. He won his first race at the Canadian GP and took three wins and eight podiums that season to finish third in the Championship standings.2018 – He remained at Red Bull until 2018, when tensions with teenager Max Verstappen were at their peak. Halfway through the season, he announced he was joining Renault for the 2019 season.2019 and 2020 – Ricciardo struggled to progress with Renault following his departure from Red Bull.2021 – He joined McLaren for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, where he would earn his final career win with a dramatic victory at the Italian GP in 2021.2022 – McLaren unceremoniously announced they had agreed to cancel Ricciardo’s contract a year early. He remained for the rest of the season before he was left without a seat for 2023.2023 – Ricciardo was named as Red Bull’s reserve driver before he replaced Nyck De Vries at AlphaTauri in July.2024 – Ricciardo was axed by RB following the Singapore GP.”We’re looking forward to getting our heads down and focusing on the rest of the season together.”It is unclear what the future now holds for the eight-time race winner – with wins becoming synonymous with his “shoey” celebration – though a seat on the 2025 grid appears unlikely.Lawson, 22, is expected to be named for that seat later this season.It means the only vacant seat left on the grid is at Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg – whom Ricciardo partnered at Renault.However, it is expected that former Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas will retain his seat and drive for the team again next season.READ MORE SUN STORIESF1’s next race is not until the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 20.Ricciardo leaves the championship sitting 14th in the standings with 12 points to his name.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’

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      MERCEDES admitted they blundered by starting Lewis Hamilton on soft tyres for the Singapore Grand Prix.Hamilton blasted the team’s strategy after finishing sixth in Sunday’s race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit — despite starting third on the grid.Mercedes technical director James Allison has explained the ‘mistake’ that ruined Lewis Hamilton’s raceCredit: YouTube / MercedesHamilton finished sixth despite qualifying in thirdCredit: GettyHis car struggled with tyre problemsCredit: GettyBritain’s seven-time world champion had been the only driver in the top ten to start with his car on soft rubber.And now Mercedes technical chief James Allison has confessed that their tyre choice for Hamilton was a “clear mistake” which “ruined his race”.Speaking on Mercedes’ official YouTube channel, Allison confessed: “We should not have started on the softs, that was a mistake.“If we could turn back time, we would do what those around us did and select the mediums.READ MORE IN F1“The soft tyre often allows you to get away from the start abruptly and allows you a good chance of jumping a place or two in the opening laps.“We had no real expectation we were going to suffer the sort of  difficulties we then experienced on the soft rubber.“Lewis was left with a car that suffered poor tyre degradation and needed to pit early as a consequence.“It really ruined his race for him. A clear mistake.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn top of that, both Hamilton and team-mate George Russell, 26,  suffered from “borderline heatstroke” in the humid 30C heat.Russell had lined up fourth on the Singapore grid behind Hamilton but started on the medium compound and finished fourth.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Hamilton, 39, was left raging over the different strategies, adding: “I was perplexed, it didn’t make sense.“It is hard to describe the range of emotions you feel when we have a difficult race like that. But I was so angry and frustrated.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More