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      FIA ‘revisiting’ Lewis Hamilton incident at Qatar Grand Prix despite already punishing Mercedes star with £43,000 fine

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S cross-tracking breach in Qatar will be “revisited” by the FIA.The seven-time world champion was fined £43,000 for walking across the live circuit following his clash with George Russell.
      Lewis Hamilton’s breach for walking across the track during the Qatar GP will be “revisited” by the FIA
      The punishment was reduced to £22,000, so long as he does not make the same mistake over the rest of 2023.
      Hamilton crossed the circuit close to where Russell emerged at high speed moments later.
      Today, a FIA spokesman said: ” We are revisiting the incident in which Hamilton crossed a live track during the Qatar Grand Prix.
      “The FIA notes that Lewis was apologetic during the subsequent hearing into the incident and acknowledged that crossing was a serious safety breach.
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      “However, in view of his role-model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers.”
      Representatives claim that the sporting body won’t seek to single out the Brit, but recommendations will outline mitigations against recurrences.
      The nature of future sanctions will also be examined and may be put before the F1 Commission.
      The Mercedes driver, 38, also issued an apology to his team for the first-corner collision itself.
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      The F1 ace failed to leave adequate room for Russell – who finished the race in P4 – to make the turn, causing both cars to spin off.
      The FIA are mindful of an incident that also happened last weekend at the karting world championship final in Italy.
      British star Joe Turney suffered a sickening injury after attempting to push his own kart back on track.
      The 22-year-old was then hit by a rival kart in a horrifying clash, and went to hospital with injuries to his leg. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s brother reveals joy at ‘shutting critics up’ after being bullied over relationship with F1 legend

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S brother has revealed he gets a kick out of proving his critics wrong, but admitted his relationship with the Formula One legend doesn’t make things easy.Nicolas Hamilton, Lewis’ younger half-brother by seven years, drives in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
      Nicolas Hamilton races in British Touring Cars
      He is Lewis Hamilton’s younger half-brotherCredit: Getty
      He scored his best-ever result in the sport back in April when he finished sixth at Donnington Park with seven-time F1 champion Lewis watching from the sidelines.
      However, Hamilton has never received any special help from his big brother for his motorsport career.
      Indeed, he has revealed many trolls online have claimed he only has a seat in BTCC because of his ties with the Mercedes driver.
      Speaking to the Independent, he opened up on the struggles he has endured throughout his career and how the online bullying he receives has impacted him.
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      He said: “Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsport. There’s people who still don’t believe me when I say that, but that is literally the situation.
      “I’ve had a lot of online trolling and bullying where everyone says I’m only in BTCC because of Lewis. A lot of the criticism is unjust – I don’t deserve it.”
      “But to finally shut the critics up on April 23rd was the best thing I could ever wish for. It was a load of relief and a lot of weight off my shoulders.
      “When you’re slogging at it for so long, you feel like it’s not going to come. Every time you do something negative, you feel like you’re proving people right. So it was a telling day.”
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      Nicolas has admitted comparison’s with Lewis have been tough to takeCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
      He enjoyed his best ever BTCC finish in AprilCredit: Sutton Motor Sport Images
      But it has been difficult for Hamilton to stay out of the shadow of his brother.
      He revealed: “Ever since I’ve started racing, it’s been hard because people compare me to Lewis and say I’m only there because he’s a multimillionaire.
      “He’s still a massive reason why I’m as strong as I am and why I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m still his No 1 fan. Lewis and my dad [Anthony], he has been the anchor for the whole family.
      “But it’s been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsport.”
      Hamilton suffers from the condition Cerebral Palsy, which impacts his movement, particularly the way he walks. But he has not let that stop him from racing.
      In fact, he reflected on a life-changing moment when he stood up from his wheelchair and never sat back down.
      The 31-year-old said: “I was 16 in my wheelchair and went to a check-in desk at an airport to go and watch Lewis at an F1 race.
      “This lady did not ask me any questions. She just asked my mum whether I needed assistance or help.
      Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsport. There’s people who still don’t believe me when I say that, but that is literally the situation.Nicolas HamiltonIndependent
      “I had all the hormones of a teenager wanting to be a man. I was growing a beard. I wanted to talk to girls and go to the pub.
      “But I’d become lazy and I was in a wheelchair because it was easier for me. It was hard work to walk around.
      “Able-bodied people weren’t looking at me in the way I wanted to be perceived. That was when I got out of my wheelchair. And I haven’t been back in for 15 years.”
      Hamilton now uses his platform to inspire an array of people, even giving a speech at Microsoft the day before his Independent interview, and is now a speaker at nine different UK speaker agencies.
      He added: “I’ve always had to find something that makes me different, my USP.
      “Every day I learn something new about my condition and then I talk to people – I’ve always been very open on mental health.
      “Now I stand in front of thousands to tell them my story and to inspire all sorts of people – disabled, people of colour, parents of disabled children.
      “It’s snowballed since 2020. Regardless of whether I’m a Hamilton or not, I’ve ended up creating a story and a brand which is very strong for people worldwide to relate to.
      “I want to continue spreading my voice – not around being Lewis Hamilton’s brother but around creating a legacy to help disabled people and people in a dark place.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’ve been in dark places and I want to showcase that that is absolutely OK. Society will accept you if you accept yourself.”
      Hamilton finished 24th in the season’s BTCC standings after collecting 10 points over the season.
      Hamilton said Lewis was one of the main reasons why he is as strong as he isCredit: Twitter @LewisHamilton
      Hamilton suffers with Cerebral PalsyCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
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      Racing legend Nigel Mansell rakes in eye-watering sum flogging memorabilia from his glittering F1 career

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      RACING great Nigel Mansell raked in £1.3million flogging memorabilia from his glittering F1 career.Among the 178 items sold off by the moustachioed 1992 world champ were helmets, race suits and trophies.
      Nigel Mansell raked in £1.3million flogging memorabilia from his glittering F1 careerCredit: Getty
      The most expensive flop was the ­helmet from his first F1 victory — which sold for £68,400Credit: Jam Press/Simon Clay Courtesy of
      His 1992 French GP trophy sold for £25,200Credit: Jam Press/Simon Clay Courtesy of
      The most expensive was the ­helmet from his first F1 victory — the European GP at Brands Hatch in October 1985 — which sold for £68,400.
      Two “5NM” personalised registration plates fetched £50,400, while a 72cc motorbike he rode in the pits sold for £24,000 at the auction at Sotheby’s, London.
      His 1992 French GP trophy sold for £25,200, a race suit, boots and gloves from 1992 for £21,600, and a 1994 steering wheel for £9,600.
      Mansell, 70, had 31 Grand Prix wins and 59 podium finishes in his career.
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      One of his best performances came in qualifying for the 1992 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
      A framed time chart from that lap sold for £8,400.
      Mansell, who had kept the items in a private museum in Jersey, said: “The collection is the material manifestation of the most significant moments of my career.”
      Nearly 150 more lots were due to go under the hammer.
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      A race suit, boots and gloves from 1992 sold for £21,600Credit: Jam Press/Simon Clay Courtesy of
      Two ‘5NM’ personalised registration plates fetched £50,400Credit: Jam Press/Simon Clay Courtesy of More

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      Lando Norris’ ex Luisinha Oliveira shows F1 star what he’s missing as she flashes tan lines in sexy beach snaps

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      LANDO NORRIS’ ex-girlfriend has sent fans wild as she stunned in a revealing bikini on the beach. Luisinha Barosa Oliveira dated the British driver for one year before they separated in September 2022.
      Luisinha Barosa Oliveira stunned in a tiny bikiniCredit: @luisinhaoliveira99
      She gave fans a treat as she looks across the shoreCredit: @luisinhaoliveira99
      The beauty used to date Lando NorrisCredit: @luisinhaoliveira99
      Luisinha often appeared in the paddockCredit: Getty
      SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LUISINHA’S MOST-LIKED INSTA PICS
      And the Portuguese model showed Norris what he is missing as she dazzled on a beach in Venezuela.
      The 23-year-old stripped down to a barely-there bikini as she showed off her incredible figure.
      Luisinha posed in stylish sunglasses before turning around to look out to sea and give fans a glimpse of her bum.
      Her 372,000 followers were left besotted, one said: “So pretty.”
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      Another added: “Portuguese Goddess.”
      More reacted: “What a view.”
      A fourth suggested: “If I was Lando I’ll be crying.”
      Luisinha is no stranger to dazzling fans, recently wowing in blue swimwear.
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      She also caught the eye while soaking up the sun on a boat.
      Norris is reportedly yet to find love again since his split with Luisinha and he remains single.
      The McLaren star currently sits seventh in the F1 standings.
      Luisinha Barosa Oliveira is no stranger to stripping down to revealing bikinisCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      She works in fashion and is a modelCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Luisinha hails from PortugalCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Lando Norris’ ex has 372,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99 More

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      We live by much-loved UK stadium – it’s been here for 50 years but now it’ll be demolished for 1,500 homes & hotel

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      A MUCH-LOVED stadium is set to be closed down for good – and replaced with 1,500 newbuild homes, a leisure centre, and a hotel.The East of England Showground, home of British speedway team the Peterborough Panthers, has now closed after racing started in 1966.
      Peterborough Panthers Speedway closed on Saturday as the land is set to be redevelopedCredit: Paul Marriott
      The stadium is set to be replaced with 1,500 new build homes, a leisure centre, and a hotel.Credit: aepg
      Peterborough Panthers owner Keith Chapman said it was a “sad night” as the club held its final race at the track.Credit: Facebook/Supporting Peterborough Panthers
      The Peterborough racetrack and its buildings are set to be demolished for a redevelopment project – with 1,500 homes, a hotel, a primary school, and a care home planned for the 165-acre site.
      Fans of the speedway are distraught, calling the demolition “sacrilege” and a “disgrace” and locals want the speedway to stick around, with it bringing in thousands of fans to the town.
      It’s also the second stadium in Peterborough to be bulldozed, as work has started on demolishing its iconic greyhound racing stadium.
      The land the stadium is on is owned by the East of England Agricultural Society, which needs to clear the site as part of selling it.
      Read more Sport
      On Saturday, the Panthers staged a final event in front of thousands of fans at the track, with a 20-heat event and a grand final that ended with a disastrous crash between two of the four riders.
      The riders clipped each other, sending both riders slamming into the back straight fence and crashing down the straight – with a third having to drive into the grass.
      Peterborough Panthers owner Keith Chapman said it was a “sad night” as he spoke to the Daily Star about his disappointment about losing the team’s home.
      “Let’s hope it [tonight’s event] shows the council what they’re going to miss,” he said.
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      “It [the crash] was a bad way for it to end, but these things do happen and I thought the decision by the referee to call the result was the best one, it’s a sad night anyway, but to have that happen in the last race really makes it worse.”
      The Panthers are now looking for a new home for 2024, but all hope is not lost.
      Sport England have submitted an official objection to the redevelopment plans and are in negotiations with Chapman to buy the club.
      Other locals have also objected to the development, with one saying the speedway brought people to Peterborough.
      “Over the years it has attracted more than one million visitors to the track and the city, providing major cash injections to businesses, hotels etc.
      “It has also brought tens of millions of pounds of free publicity to the city because of media coverage, including some 30 years of live TV transmissions of meetings,” the petitioner said.
      Fans of the club have objected to the redevelopment.
      “To let more houses build on this land will be sacrilege and will lose all of the major entertainment in the city. The showground was there long before the houses were built and who needs more hotels,” said one fan.
      “Absolute disgrace!! The landlords should be ashamed of themselves!”
      A statement released by the site’s operator, the Asset Earning Power Group (AEPG), said it understood the disappointment over the arena’s closure.
      They say the site is being sold by the Agricultural Society because it needs to earn income to meet its charitable aims, where the income will go.
      “The arrangement to run speedway at the Showground has only ever been on a season-by-season basis and there has never been long-term commitment on either side to continue.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The discontinuation of Speedway at the Showground is not new news or a surprise to the Peterborough Panthers, and we are sorry to hear the club has not found a new home in this time.”
      AEPG has been appointed by the Agricultural Society to promote the land for sale to developers, create a masterplan, and get council permissions.
      Peterborough Panthers raced at the East of England Arena Peterborough, but will need a new home come 2024.Credit: The Times
      Many locals want the speedway to stay as it brings in visitors and attention to the area.Credit: Facebook/Supporting Peterborough Panthers More

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      Glamorous grid girl rushed to hospital and given ‘lots of morphine’ after freak accident celebrating race win

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      GLAMOROUS grid girl Sophie Wright was rushed to hospital on “lot’s of morphine” after a freak accident while celebrating a race win.Sophie was in attendance at Brands Hatch in Kent for the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season finale with team West Surrey Racing.
      Sophie Wright is a grid girl in the British Touring Car Championship for West Surrey RacingCredit: Instagram
      Sophie shared snaps of her time at Brands Hatch for the BTCC season finaleCredit: Instagram
      But while celebrating a race win for Jake Hill and podium for Stephen Jelly she suffered a freak accidentCredit: Instagram
      In the third race of the day, team drivers Jake Hill and Stephen Jelley completed a double podium as Hill claimed the chequered flag and Jelley finished P3.
      The achievement triggered huge celebration’s from the trackside team as they climbed up the pitwall to cheer Hill and Jelley home.
      But as Sophie overhung on the wall disaster struck as she fell and landed awkwardly.
      This resulted in her getting a broken femur, her thigh bone.
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      Sophie was whisked off to hospital and given “lots of morphine” to help deal with the pain.
      Taking to Instagram, Sophie shared images of her bed-ridden state while at Princess Royal University Hospital in South London.
      She shared photos of her leg in wrapped in plaster, with later images showing her colleagues visiting her.
      Her post was captioned: “Pole position- changed into trainers – climbed pit wall to celebrate win – fell off pitwall – broken femur- lots of morphine 😩💔.
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      “Most importantly lots of AMAZING medics, mechanics, crew, team members, friends, Marshals and the best people in the world getting me thru it ❤️🙏🏻.”
      In her post, Sophie shared a couple of videos of her situation in the hospital, with her saying in the final vid that she had just had her knee put back into place.
      Race winner Hill replied to the post: “Sending you lots of love Soph! ❤️ so so sorry 😢.”
      Sophie has around 4,000 followers on Instagram.
      As well as being a grid girl, Sophie is also a DJ, presenter and writer.
      F1 banned grid and pit girls ahead of the 2018 season.
      In March the FIA also clamped down on F1 team’s pitwall celebrations by forbidding them from climbing on the fences at any time.
      Sophie revealed she had broken her femur after falling from the pitwallCredit: Instagram
      Sophie is also a writer, DJ and presenterCredit: Instagram
      Sophie has around 4,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram More

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      F1 cult hero looks unrecognisable with bushy grey beard after amazing transformation since racing heyday

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      THIS Formula One cult hero is barely recognisable compared to how he looked when competing for world championships.The 56-year-old once whizzed around the F1 track from 1994 to 2003 with his silky hair and clean shaven look.
      This F1 hero looks very different with a huge beardCredit: X
      But the driver is now unrecognisable with a huge bushy beard.
      During his prestigious career, he drove for Sauber, Williams, Jordan, Prost and Arrows.
      In 1997 with Williams, he finished second in the standings behind only Jacques Villeneuve before two years later coming third while racing for Jordan.
      The German earned a podium finish 18 times and won the Grand Prix on three occasions in total.
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      After leaving F1, the Monchengladbach-born star competed in the DTM and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
      Have you worked out who it is?
      The man now looking unrecognisable is Heinz-Harald Frentzen.
      Frentzen recently reflected on his F1 career and revealed he was disappointed to have never clinched a world championship.
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      He told Beyond the Grid: “First of all, I cannot complain. It could have been better, yes, but at the end of the day I had a great time and that’s how I see it now.
      “I was a bit sad when I stopped in 2003 because I wasn’t happy how I finished.
      “But then after a while, I thought I’d just escaped a bad accident at Canada in 1999, so be happy and take it as it is.”
      Frentzen used to driver for SauberCredit: Reuters
      He won three Grand Prixs in his careerCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      F1 star Sergio Perez slams FIA for ‘absurd’ sudden rule change but Lewis Hamilton loves it

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      IT was a weekend of controversy for Formula One amid the fallout from the Qatar Grand Prix.An alarming number of safety concerns were raised following last weekend’s race after drivers visibly struggled to cope with the 44-degree heat of the Middle East.
      Sergio Perez was not a fan of an abrupt rule change by the FIA at the Qatar GPCredit: Getty
      But Lewis Hamilton insisted the change should be implemented at other tracksCredit: Rex
      Runner-up Oscar Piastri was seen laying on the floor after the race, Lance Stroll took himself to the medical centre fearing dehydration, Esteban Ocon threw up in his helmet mid-race while Logan Sargeant was forced to retire his car citing illness.
      While the FIA said they would be opening an investigation into the safety concerns, there was another matter which had some drivers fuming BEFORE the Grand Prix had even begun.
      F1 was forced to implement a mandatory 18-lap stint limit owing to blowout concerns from Pirelli – who were today announced as the sport’s tyre supplier until 2027.
      But the FIA took more tangible precautions before Saturday’s sprint race by bringing the kerbs around the track further in to try and avoid tyre failure.
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      The introduction of the limits resulted in multiple laps being deleted, notably for McLaren duo Piastri and Lando Norris which elevated Lewis Hamilton up to P3 for the race.
      Red Bull star Sergio Perez was not a fan of the new track limits, telling Sky Sports Italia: “These rules are absurd. I know the rules were the same for everyone, and it’s my fault if I got a penalty.
      “I still think the FIA should look at the circuit before they let us race here. Changing the rules at the last minute won’t make it any better.”
      Yuki Tsunoda shared this perception on the new kerbs, claiming the circuit was now a “floor destroyer track” as a result of the new kerbs, which switched to a pyramid shape.
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      However, Hamilton – who crashed out of Sunday’s race after a collision with Mercedes team-mate George Russell – did not share his rivals point of view.
      He declared: “I think these new kerbs are great.
      “When I went round the track yesterday on the scooter, I thought the kerbs looked quite big.
      “But I think they’re actually really good. When you go beyond the highest point of the kerb you lose time, so I don’t feel like at this track we need to have track limits.”
      He explained Norris’ qualifying penalty for exceeding track limits was harsh because of the new kerbs.
      Hamilton added: “I think we can take these kerbs as a good learning. We can take these kerbs to a bunch of other tracks.”
      After crashing out of the race, Hamilton was also slapped with a £43,000 (€50,000) fine for breaking F1 rules by walking across track to get back to the paddock.
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More