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      Michael Schumacher update as ex-F1 driver reveals legend’s touching gesture & says he was ‘great guy’

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      F1 pundit Karun Chandhok has revealed a touching story about racing legend Michael Schumacher.The Sky Sports presenter praised the seven-time champion’s kindness that he showed him back when Chandhok was making his Grand Prix debut.
      Michael Schumacher suffered devastating injuries from a ski accident in 2013Credit: PA:Press Association
      The Sky Sports pundit praised the F1 legend for being a ‘great guy’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The pair briefly crossed over in 2010 and 2011, when the presenter, now 39, was racing for HRT and Lotus.
      The Indian speedster never fully established himself at the top level and moved onto other racing categories, winning the Formula Asia Championship before he took an analyst job with Sky.
      But now he has told of the German racing icon’s sweet gesture ahead of a race.
      Speaking to OLBG, he said: “When I did my first F1 race in Bahrain in 2010….Michael was the first driver that said hello to me and said ‘welcome to F1’.
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      “He then spent five minutes just chatting, asking about my background and where I was from and wished me luck for my season.
      “He didn’t need to do that. This was the race where he was making his big comeback with Mercedes and at that time he was the biggest star.”
      The TV pundit continued: “I was a nobody, he didn’t need to do that and I always really appreciated that, the fact he took that five minutes to make me feel welcome in the sport.
      “He was a great guy and a fantastic driver.”
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      “Michael Schumacher was one of my heroes,” he added, stating that no matter what he always “appreciated his utter brilliance”.
      Earlier this week, an F1 pundit was forced to apologise after making a grossly offensive joke about Michael Schumacher on live TV.
      Schumacher’s name was brought up during a post-race discussion on Spanish TV after the Japanese Grand Prix by presenter Antonio Lobato.
      The insensitive comment arose when a fellow pundit said: “Let Adrian Newey [Red Bull’s chief engineer] be shaking because Antonio Lobato is coming.”
      Lobato responded with: “Let Michael be shaking! Well… not Michael, he cannot shake.”
      The remark sparked outrage online among fans, while some even called for the presenter to be sacked by DAZN.
      Schumacher, considered by many to be the greatest driver in Formula One history, hasn’t been seen in public since his life-changing skiing accident nearly a decade ago.
      The racing superstar suffered a horrific ski accident while with his son Mick, on the slopes above Méribel in the French Alps in 2013.
      Any information about the state of his condition is tightly controlled by his privacy-focused family led by wife Corinna.
      His ex-team mate, Johnny Herbert has even said recently that his friends are often left in the dark about his health.
      It comes as earlier this month, Chandhok was lucky to escape an injury after his car burst into flames during a race.
      Chandhok was in seventh place in the Lavant Cup revival at the time of the incident, which forced him to abandon.
      Footage showed the moment an explosion caused his car to spin out of control but the TV presenter managed to steer it onto the grass and out of danger.
      Reflecting on the incident, Chandhok wrote on X/Twitter: “Lucky to get away with that with nothing more than a melted boot.
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      “Something went bang and seized up the back wheels and sent me spinning.
      “Such a shame to end a race in my dream GT car like that but happy to get out ok!”
      Chandhok at Bahrain’s F1 circuit in 2010 when he had his touching moment with SchumacherCredit: EPA
      The ex-F1 ace hasn’t been seen in public since his tragic accidentCredit: Getty
      Karun Chandhok’s car burst into flames
      He managed to escape relatively unscathed More

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      Kelly Piquet dazzles in black dress as F1 star Max Verstappen celebrates his birthday with night out with pals

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      KELLY PIQUET stole the show at Max Verstappen’s birthday party.The Formula One world champion turned 26 on Saturday.
      Kelly Piquet celebrated her boyfriend Max Verstappen’s birthdayCredit: instagram @kellypiquet
      Kelly Piquet stunned in a black dress for the occasionCredit: instagram @kellypiquet
      And with no race this weekend, the Dutchman went out to celebrate.
      He was joined by his glamorous girlfriend Kelly as they headed for a special dinner alongside a few friends.
      The Brazilian model, daughter of ex-F1 champ Nelson Piquet, took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse of their night.
      The 34-year-old dazzled in a classy black dress with a floral print.
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      Verstappen opted for a white shirt as he was presented with a personalised pudding and firework candles at the sit-down meal.
      Kelly shared the snaps on her Instagram story for her 1.2million followers.
      The couple went public about their dating in January 2021.
      And that means Kelly has been alongside Verstappen for both of his world drivers’ championship victories in the last two seasons.
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      Now he looks well on course to wrap up the hat-trick in the next few weeks.
      After a record-breaking ten race wins in a row, the Red Bull star suffered a poor weekend in Singapore in September.
      But normal service resumed with a grand slam in Japan last week.
      And he will be confident of extending his 177-point lead at the top of the F1 standings in Qatar next Sunday.
      The couple have been dating for nearly three yearsCredit: Alamy
      The Brazilian is a model and the daughter of Nelson PiquetCredit: Getty
      She has 1.2million Instagram followersCredit: instagram @kellypiquet
      They enjoyed the night out with no F1 race this weekendCredit: instagram @kellypiquet More

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      Lando Norris’ ex shows him what he’s missing on night out in London as model joins no-bra club in tiny black dress

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      LANDO NORRIS’ ex Luisinha Oliveira posted a number of snaps from her night out in London last night.The model stunned as she wore a black dress on a night out at a swanky looking London bar.
      Luisinha hit the town and posed in a fancy barCredit: instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      The model was out and about in LondonCredit: instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Oliveira has modelled for the likes of Yves Saint LaurentCredit: instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      She is originally from PortugalCredit: instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Luisinha Oliveira dated Norris before the pair went their separate ways in September 2022.
      While Norris, 23, has continued to impress in F1 with McLaren, Luisinha has also stepped up her game in the world of modelling – representing high-end brands such as Yves Saint Laurent.
      The model left her 372,000 followers in awe with her latest snaps in which she ditched her bra – with the comment section full of praise for her look.
      One fan wrote: “Too pretty for words🥺”.
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      Another added: “you’re soooo beautiful!! ❤️”
      A third commented: “Bellisima 🖤”
      While a fourth wrote: “Look at her !!! She’s amazing omg”.
      McLaren star Norris confirmed the pair had gone their separate ways last year.
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      Oliveira is no stranger to the jet set lifestyleCredit: instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      The model posts a range of exotic locations on her InstagramCredit: Instagram / @luisinhaoliveira99
      Norris wrote on his Instagram story at the time: “Hello everyone.
      “After time and consideration, Luisa and myself have mutually decided to end our relationship but remain good friends.
      “I wish her the world and have so much respect for her and all she does as an amazing and strong woman with nothing but kindness.
      “Please respect our decision and respect our – but more importantly and especially her privacy moving forward.
      “Thank you for your endless support.”
      Norris and Oliveira split up in September 2022Credit: Instagram / @luisinhaoliveira99 More

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      I’m a former F1 star who was the youngest ever driver when I made my debut.. now I’m known as DJ Squire

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      JAIME ALGUERSUARI was once the youngest ever F1 driver but is now known as DJ Squire.The Spaniard spent two years in F1 before later retiring from motor racing altogether for a career in music.
      Jaime Alguersuari was once the youngest ever F1 driverCredit: Getty
      Alguersuari has since adopted the identity of DJ SquireCredit: Instagram / @squire.music
      Alguersuari was aged just 19 years and 125 days when he made his debut for Toro Rosso at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix.
      At the time, he was the youngest ever F1 driver, a record that is now held by Max Verstappen.
      Across his time in the sport, Alguersuari collected 31 points from 46 race entries, with his best finish of seventh coming in Italy and Korea in 2011.
      After leaving F1, he competed in both Formula E and karting before retiring from motorsport in 2015.
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      However, he had already started pursuing a career in music before leaving the track and adopted a new identity as DJ Squire.
      His debut album Organic Life was released in 2011 and topped the iTunes charts within days.
      With his own music studio in Barcelona, Alguersuari has gone on to perform around the world with shows in Ibiza, Berlin and New York.
      His unique musical style combines jazz, techno and house with a variety of influences.
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      Meanwhile, RA have described him as “one of the most interesting upcoming Spanish and international talents on the scene”.
      Still only 33, Alguersuari has made a handful of brief returns to karting in recent years.
      His passion remains in music, though, although he did make his acting debut in 2014 in a small-budget short film.
      Alguersuari’s debut album topped the iTunes ChartsCredit: Instagram / @squire.music More

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      F1 could be set to switch to new channel after 17 years on Sky Sports as company eye up staggering £2BILLION A YEAR deal

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      FORMULA ONE could be set to change channel as Apple consider a huge £1.6BILLION bid for the rights.Sky Sports currently boast the rights having originally obtained them in 2012.
      Formula One could change broadcasters in the coming yearsCredit: Reuters
      And they have a deal in place to show the sport until 2029.
      However, Business F1 magazine are now reporting Apple are weighing up the possibility of submitting a bid to become the exclusive streaming rights holders.
      A £1.6bn offer would double the amount the F1 receive for their global TV rights.
      It would likely sit “alongside MLS and Apple TV+ in the Apple TV app” as a standalone subscription service.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The idea comes following the success of the MLS Season Pass – which would be replicated for F1.
      The F1’s US rights are not available for purchase until 2025 when ESPN’s deal comes to an end.
      Apple’s interest comes as they continue to build a portfolio of motorsport content.
      They are developing a huge F1-related film starring Brad Pitt – who was recently seen in the paddock at Silverstone in July.
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      And a documentary about seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton is also in the works.
      Amazon are understood to be considering the purchases of several sports rights deal.
      They already offer an MLS Season Pass and MLB Friday Night Baseball, but are also understood to be interested in the NBA, NFL and Premier League. More

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      F1 on course for chaos next season with staggering 14 drivers out of contract in 2024 including Sergio Perez at Red Bull

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      SERGIO PEREZ is one of 14 F1 drivers out of contract in 2024.The sport is on course for a chaotic summer next season as drivers are dropped and change teams in a major shake-up.
      Sergio Perez is one of 14 F1 drivers out of contract in 2024Credit: Getty
      With six races remaining in 2023, Max Verstappen looks set to win his third straight world title.
      However, the contract situation of more than half the drivers means next year is looking far less certain.
      Whilst Verstappen is tied down to a long-term deal with Red Bull, his team-mate Perez is out of contract in 2024.
      Perez’s situation is expected to impact on much of what happens with other drivers.
      READ MORE F1 NEWS
      The Mexican is reportedly unlikely to sign a new deal with Red Bull and could prompt them to secure his replacement early.
      Although McLaren and Mercedes have their drivers contracted beyond the end of next season, the rest of the spots on the grid are seemingly up in the air.
      Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are yet to pen new contracts but are both expected to commit to extensions.
      Fernando Alonso’s future with Aston Martin is not yet finalised, with the constructor hoping their project is enough to keep hold of him.
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      Although the Spaniard has had a good season, Aston Martin’s performances have regressed, causing doubts he will extend his deal.
      Lance Stroll is expected to renew his contract with Mike Krack’s team, though.
      Pierre Gasly is understood to have done enough to earn a new deal with Alpine, but Esteban Ocon could depart.
      The Frenchman has been tipped as a potential replacement for Lando Norris at McLaren if he is snapped up by Red Bull to replace Perez.
      Williams are hopeful they can retain Alex Albon beyond the end of 2024 but he has yet to put pen to paper on an extension.
      His team-mate Logan Sargeant is expected to stay on for 2024, but the rookie will only be handed a one-year renewal, leaving his long-term future up in the air.
      A decision from Haas on their drivers could be one of the last, with both Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg handed one-year extensions for next year.
      It is currently believed that the duo will be retained for 2025, however, with few valuable alternatives available to Haas.
      Formula 2 star Oliver Bearman has been suggested as a potential arrival if Guenther Steiner decides to shuffle his pack.
      AlphaTauri are another team who could be impacted by Perez’s contract situaton.
      Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have been announced as their 2024 line-up and will both be hoping to replace Checo at Red Bull.
      If one of them can earn that goal then AlphaTauri will join the list of constructors looking for replacements, with reserve driver Liam Lawson a potential target.
      Finally, Alfa Romeo face considerable uncertainty ahead of their 2026 rebrand under Audi.
      Zhou Guanyu is at risk of losing his place on the grid after a cycle of one-year renewals.
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      F2 prospect Theo Pourchaire has been lined up as a possible replacement for the Chinese driver.
      Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas has under-performed since signing from Mercedes and may also slip off the grid if he does not improve.
      Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc are yet to extend their Ferrari dealsCredit: Getty
      Valtteri Bottas could leave Haas at the end of next yearCredit: Getty More

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      New F1 team tipped to poach Brit driving ace dubbed the ‘Jude Bellingham of racing’

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      LANDO NORRIS has been dubbed the “Jude Bellingham of Formula 1” who can be the poster boy for Audi’s 2026 entrance into the sport.The Brit has starred for McLaren since entering the grid in 2019.
      Lando Norris is the main man at McLarenCredit: PA
      Jude Bellingham has had an amazing start to life at Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Last year he penned a new £50million contract with McLaren running until the end of the 2025 season.
      Contemplating Norris’ F1 future, Sky Sports’ Craig Slater said: “Lando Norris, he’s the Jude Bellingham of Formula 1 in transfer terms.
      “If he were a footballer, I think he’d be in the 100 million category. He’s young, he’s talented, he’s marketable as well.
      “Consider another couple of factors, he is McLaren’s senior driver now, he is in his sixth year at the team. Five years as an F1 driver, but he had been in development terms before that as well. He’s the leader of the team.
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      “The other big question in terms of what his transfer value is, does he have a release clause in his contract? Not to my knowledge, to any great degree, which means anyone wanting to sign him up would have to pay top dollar for his services.”
      McLaren chief executive Zak Brown addressed his star man’s future earlier this year, telling Sky: “He has zero exit clauses.
      “Ultimately, when his contract is next up, if we are not performing and he doesn’t feel he can win races and can compete for the championship, then I think anybody, driver or team member for that matter [would be considering leaving], we are all here to win.
      “He has got a contract with us and, most importantly, he is very happy here and he sees the progress that we are making, and he is a team player.”
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      Slater, however, reckons that Norris could sign up with Audi ahead of their 2026 arrival, as they aim to make a big splash upon their entry into F1.
      He added: “Are McLaren ready to let him go? Absolutely not. Is there a team out there that desperately needs to sign Lando Norris? Well maybe not right now.
      “Ferrari seem to be well enough covered, Mercedes look like they’ll continue to work with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for the years ahead. And Max Verstappen is firmly ensconced at Red Bull.
      “Audi could be interesting in a couple of years’ time. When they come into Formula 1, they will want a big name to be the face of their team.
      “Might Lando Norris fit the bill in that regard? Might he link up again with this former boss at McLaren Andreas Seidl? But a lot of depends on where McLaren are at in a couple of years.”
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner was coy when asked about Norris by Sky Sports this week.
      He said: “Lando’s a great driver. He’s a big talent, big personality and of course he’s one of those drivers that you keep an eye on.
      “But there’s many drivers that you keep an eye on as well. There’s a generation of drivers out there at the moment that have got a huge amount of talent.
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      “Now, being Max’s team-mate is never going to be easy and some drivers may be up for that challenge, some may not be. But, of course, as well as the drivers we have in-house we keep an eye on all the driver market.
      “As you can imagine, there’s quite a bit of interest from certain sectors about driving a Red Bull car.”
      Christian Horner was coy when asked about Lando Norris this weekCredit: Rex More

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      F1 legend Eddie Jordan names two drivers Red Bull should consider as Perez replacement

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      FORMULA ONE legend Eddie Jordan has named two potential replacements for Sergio Perez at Red Bull.Perez’s contract expires at the end of the 2024 season and boss Christian Horner has made it clear he will be exploring new driver options.
      Eddie Jordan has revealed Liam Lawson should replace Sergio PerezCredit: Getty
      Jordan also tipped off Oscar Piastri would be another optionCredit: Getty
      And F1 icon Jordan reckons Red Bulls should look at Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri to fill the Mexican’s seat.
      Perez, 33, has struggled this season and is already a massive 177 points behind team-mate, and runaway title leader, Max Verstappen in the driver’s standings.
      That form has seen Perez’s future be called into question with reserve driver Lawson tipped to take over.
      Lawson, 21, made his F1 debut this month, for Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri, standing in for injured Daniel Ricciardo in Singapore and Japan.
      READ MORE ON F1
      His ninth-place finish in Singapore was the team’s best of the season, and he followed it with an 11th in Japan.
      But it wasn’t enough to earn him a permanent seat next season, as AlphaTauri confirmed Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will return.
      But Jordan was impressed and suggested on his Formula For Success podcast that Lawson would be a perfect fit for Horner’s team.
      He said: “Lawson finishing 11th – and he just keeps doing it – in a car that really shouldn’t be there, scoring points in Singapore, and he’s on the case all the time.
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      “Lawson deserves a chance in Formula 1, you can only win the championship with one driver.
      “And, in my opinion, if you are going to change Checo Perez, I would change them for somebody absolutely new who has a really bright future.
      “I think Lawson because it’s the same kind of feeder team, isn’t it?
      “Where Sebastian Vettel came from and Lawson has that ability. I think he, either next year or the year after, should wind up in Red Bull.”
      While he clearly rates Lawson, Jordan admitted he would go for someone else if he were in charge of Red Bull.
      Former team owner Jordan added: “I think Piastri is the real deal.
      “Full marks to McLaren, they’ve signed him ’til ’26 because they needed to because he will be a very sought-after driver.
      “If I was in Red Bull, and I was thinking of replacing Checo, he’d be the one I’d have in my mind.” More