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    F1 cat that had own VIP pass to Grand Prix race weekends dies as heartbroken fans say ‘run free beautiful Imola kitty’

    AN F1 cat that had its own VIP pass to Grand Prix race weekends has sadly passed away.Heartbroken fans have left emotional tributes after Formulino’s death was reported.
    The Imola cat, Formulino, has sadly passed awayCredit: Facebook @ESPN F1
    The cat lived at the Imola Circuit and was a regular at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in recent years.
    Such was the animal’s popularity, it even wore a VIP pass round its neck as it strolled around the paddock.
    ESPN report, though, that Formulino has died, with one fan commenting on the news: “Run free beautiful Imola kitty.”
    Another wrote: “Rest in peace Formulino.”
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    A third F1 fan added: “So sad, my daughter thought it was such a lovely story and was so jealous of the cat.”
    Meanwhile, one more said: “This made me so sad. RIP beautiful kitty, you will be missed at Imola.”
    Formulino also became something of a good luck charm for drivers after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was added to the F1 calendar in 2020.
    However, the feline is alleged to have cursed Sebastian Vettel at the first edition of the race.
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    He was told before the weekend that it is good luck if Formulino comes and sees you before the race.
    “I don’t like cats,” he replied. “I have nothing to offer it. He’s a bit overweight though, maybe because there hasn’t been much racing lately.”
    Vettel went on to qualify in 14th before finishing 12th in the race itself.
    As for Lewis Hamilton, who was seen stroking the cat in the Mercedes garage, he claimed victory after starting in P3.
    Fans and drivers missed out on the chance to see Formulino this year after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled back in May.
    Heavy rainfall and flooding caused the race to be postponed, but it is set to return to the calendar in 2024. More

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    Inside F1 drivers’ globe-trotting hols that make even footballers’ look budget – including Ibiza party with superstar DJ

    THEY quite literally live life in the fast lane, so it’s not surprising Formula 1 stars love to slow down, relax and unwind in absolute luxury. With the summer break upon them, F1 drivers like Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly and George Russell have jetted off around the world on jaw-dropping trips that put even millionaire footballers’ to shame.
    Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet were recently seen enjoying a family boat trip out in the Sardinian seaCredit: BackGrid
    From Sardinia to Ibiza to jet-packing and raving – often with their glam other halves – this is how the super rich stars are spending their vacations.
    Max Verstappen
    World champion Verstappen extended his title lead at the Belgian Grand Prix, securing his eighth straight victory, so no doubt he’ll be feeling very happy going into the summer break.
    The 25-year-old and his model girlfriend Kelly Piquet, 34, have been enjoying a romantic getaway to Sardinia, Italy, flying in on a private jet days after the final race.
    Kelly has posted on Instagram, showing off the beautiful surroundingsCredit: Instagram
    Max and Kelly have been together since 2020 and are one of the golden couples of the sportCredit: Getty
    The pair jetted off to SardiniaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kellypiquet/?hl=en
    Since then, the couple have been enjoying the beautiful scenery and coastal views, and have visited the local towns with Kelly’s daughter Penelope, who she welcomed in 2019 with her ex, Daniil Kvyat.
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    Kelly began dating Verstappen in late 2020 – one year before he won the F1 World Championship – and the pair have been going strong ever since.
    Pierre Gasly
    Pierre Gasly and Francisca Gomes have been spending time together in the Algarve, PortugalCredit: Instagram
    Pierre is enjoying some down time, pictured here relaxing in the hot tubCredit: Instagram
    The star took his foot off the pedal to enjoy a round of golfCredit: Instagram
    Pierre Gasly, 27, and his girlfriend Francisca ‘Kika’ Gomes started dating last year and went Instagram official with their romance at the beginning of 2023.
    And it seems the pair are clearly still very much enjoying the honeymoon phase.
    They are currently spending some time in the Algarve, Portugal, and they’ve both posted a series of loved-up photos together.
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    Pierre has been enjoying time relaxing in the hot tub, and earlier this week Francisca even posted a ‘cheeky snap’ showing off their tans – and derrieres – at the beach.
    While away, Gasly’s swapped driving for a spot of golf, and while he posted a photo enjoying an ice cream, he hasn’t gone full ‘holiday mode’ – still making sure he goes to the gym while abroad too.
    The driver’s girlfriend Francisca posted this cheeky snap showing off their golden tansCredit: Instagram
    Naturally, Pierre has a snazzy motor at the readyCredit: Instagram
    Francisca found a perfect spot to sunbatheCredit: Instagram
    George Russell
    Among the most adventurous couples are Brit George Russell, 25, and investment broker girlfriend Carmen Mundt, who have been together since 2020.
    The pair are currently away with their families and have spent a lot of time at sea, paddle boarding, jet skiing, hoverboarding and even playing around with hydro-jet packs.
    Posting photos of their adventures, George wrote: “Really fun times trying some new things.
    “I’ve never been very comfortable in water but have enjoyed pushing myself outside my comfort zone. A few small bruises later, we’re away!”
    George and Carmen have been together since 2020, and are spending the summer break spending time with their familiesCredit: Instagram
    Carmen was previously a student at the University of Westminster and studied for a degree in business management and financeCredit: Instagram
    The sporty pair had a go at paddleboardingCredit: The Mega Agency
    Even hydro jet packs were on the itineraryCredit: Instagram
    Daniel Ricciardo
    While Aussie racer Daniel Ricciardo has won eight Grand Prixs, last August he hit a career low, getting ditched by McLaren and failing to secure a seat for the 2023 season.
    He went on to make a surprise F1 return at the Hungarian GP, and since the season ended he’s enjoyed a much-needed trip to Ibiza alongside DJs Martin Garrix and Tiesto.
    Garrix posted a photo on his Instagram of the trio enjoying a lunch captioned: “CRAZY day in Ibiza!! thanks for partying in the rain.”
    Ricciardo, 34, – who is dating Heidi Berger – also owns a luxury mansion in Los Angeles, and is said to enjoy spending most of the summer in LA, telling the West Australian: “The weather, having the beaches close by, I feel like you can escape the madness of it all.” 
    Daniel Ricciardo has been spending time in IbizaCredit: Instagram
    Lewis Hamilton 
    He recently posted a cool underwater snap of himself, and while it’s not known where Lewis Hamilton is holidaying currently, it will no doubt be phenomenal.
    He’s no stranger to lavish trips, having previously travelled around America and Mexico in his summers off, and has enjoyed jaunts to Jamaica and Costa Rica.
    The driver, 38, is rumoured to be dating singer Shakira, 46, and the pair are reportedly embracing a “hot summer romance” and have become “inseparable”.
    Lewis Hamilton uploaded this photo to his Instagram, with the caption ‘Out of office’Credit: LEWIS HAMILTON / INSTAGRAM
    Lewis previously posed with his arm around Shakira as they went out for dinnerCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
    Lance Stroll
    He managed to crash his car and fall down the stairs at the Belgian Grand Prix, so Lance Stroll was probably feeling ready for a break.
    The 24-year-old shared a selection of photos showing his break so far on Instagram captioned: “Summer dump”, showing him enjoying an ice cream and wake-surfing.
    There’s been no sign of girlfriend Sara Pagliaroli in his summer pics as yet, who he’s dated since 2021.
    Lance Stroll is making the most of the summer breakCredit: Instagram
    Lando Norris
    He recently posted a video if himself jumping off a yacht into the crystal blue sea, so it seems Lando Norris is finally taking some much earned rest with his family.
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    However, as soon as the season finished, the 23-year-old first hopped in a helicopter alongside Max Verstappen to visit their mutual friend DJ Martin Garrix.
    In true ‘work hard, play hard’ style, the pair partied at Tomorrowland dance festival in Belgium together before taking a much needed proper break.
    After the last race, Lando Norris boarded a helicopterCredit: Instagram
    Lando and pal Max Verstappen flew into Belgium for the Tomorrowland festivalCredit: AFP More

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    I was Lewis Hamilton’s F1 understudy earning more than £1.5m a year… now I’m making drastic change studying at Harvard

    LEWIS HAMILTON’s former understudy used to rake in more than £1.5million as an F1 Driver.But after losing his seat as an Alpha Tauri driver this season he has embarked on a drastic career change, according to Racing News 365.
    De Vries has swapped the paddock for HarvardCredit: Getty
    Nyck De Vries revealed that he has swapped the paddock for the lecture halls of Harvard as he has gone back to university to complete his education.
    The Dutchman said: “I’ve never studied before in my life, in fact, I didn’t even finish high school.
    “But in September I’m going to take a course at Harvard. Negotiation and Leadership, a little bit of studying. More because I just like it now that I have some time and the interest to learn other things.”
    Many thought the Dutchman was hard done by to lose his seat as an Alpha Tauri driver, with the Red Bull team moving ruthlessly to replace him after results were not up to the required standard.
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    De Vries was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo after just 10 races this season as he was one of only two drivers not to secure a top-10 finish alongside Williams’ rookie Logan Sargeant.
    The decision of Red Bull to bring Ricciardo in dashed De Vries dreams of becoming an established F1 driver having won both the F2 and Formula E Championships before getting his Formula One break aged 27.
    When asked by Racing News 365 if his dismissal was tough to take, De Vries said: “Actually [it was] not.
    “I had a lot of support and it actually went very naturally. I’ve been playing a lot of golf since then.”
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    De Vries was previously a reserve driver for Mercedes where he tested for Lewis Hamilton.
    And Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is an executive fellow and guest lecturer at the Harvard Business School – where De Vries will now study.
    Wolff has helped teach MBA students a case study led by Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse entitled ‘Toto Wolff and the Mercedes Formula One Team’.
    So it may be the case that while De Vries was dealt with ruthlessly by Red Bull, his former boss Wolff is still looking out for him.
    De Vries is not the only former F1 driver heading back to study.
    Former Williams driver Nicholas Latifi announced last month he was starting an MBA course at the London Business School. More

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    I sell X-rated OnlyFans content to fund my rally car dream – I didn’t expect to receive as much attention as I did

    CAT RADA is finding her own unique way of entering the expensive world of motorsport. The Romanian 23-year-old is dreaming of getting behind the wheel as a competitive rally car driver, but has found a financial barrier in her way.
    Cat Rada has turned to OnlyFans as a means to achieve her rally racing dreamCredit: Instagram @earthlovingcat
    She has said she can’t believe the attention she has got from itCredit: Instagram @earthlovingcat
    She has already racked up over 10,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @earthlovingcat
    Cat didn’t want to give up on her racing dream and so she has turned to adult platform OnlyFans in order to raise the necessary funds.
    Speaking to the Daily Star she said: “I decided to join as I really want to start rallying,
    “I have always had a slight love for cars, but never really realised it properly until I was introduced to rallying.
    “Since then, I’ve just had this obsession with it and definitely want to do it. It’s beautiful, precise and requires a lot of mental power.

    The internet model joined OnlyFans just 12 months ago, but has already made a name for herself.
    Fans of the adult star have rallied around her and shown her much more love than she expected.
    She said: “My first year on the site has definitely been different, I never expected to receive so much support from everyone around me,
    “And didn’t really expect to receive as much online attention as I did.”
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    Cat used to ply her trade as an ambulance worker, but is determined to achieve her goal of being a rally driver.
    She said: “I still have a very long way to go to achieve my dream, especially with a few things happening this year that have put my progress to a halt. But it’s OK, I’ll get there.”
    Cat used to work as an Ambulance workerCredit: Instagram @earthlovingcat
    She regularly posts racy snaps to her OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram @earthlovingcat
    Cat is putting her OnlyFans proceeds towards her end goal in motorsportsCredit: Instagram @earthlovingcat More

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    Michael Schumacher update as star’s most prized F1 gear including iconic first championship helmet up for £1.4m auction

    A STUNNING collection of Michael Schumacher memorabilia worth £1.4million is set to go on auction only days after his iconic car hit the market.The F1 ace’s helmets, racing suits, gloves, boots, and even bottles of champagne are being sold in the auction.
    His iconic 2003 racing suit is set to be soldCredit: Jam Press/Courtesy of RM Sotheby
    Along with a helmet which saw him win multiple championshipsCredit: Jam Press/Courtesy of RM Sotheby
    The German driver, 54, won a joint record seven world titles in his glittering racing career.
    One of the items tipped to sell for the most is a 1994 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 helmet.
    Schumacher suffered a severe brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013, and now lives a private life in Switzerland.
    In 2021, his family broke their eight-year silence on the seven-time world champion’s condition in a Netflix documentary examining his illustrious career.
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    It was worn by Schumacher in the 1994 Formula 1 World Championship, and is estimated to fetch £47,000.
    There is also an Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost signed Formula 1 Moet Champagne Bottle.
    The bottle was signed by the pair during the 1989 Formula 1 World Championship and is set to sell for £7,800.
    Two other special helmets from his career are both expected to attract bids of up to £20,000.
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    One helmet – with a signed visor – is from the 2001 season, where it was worn during the Australian, Malaysian, and Brazilian Grand Prix events.
    Another was from the following season and was used in the Japanese and Hungarian Grand Prix events when he raced for Ferrari.
    An autographed race suit was worn at the 2003 Italian Grand Prix, where Schumacher qualified in pole position and finished first overall, after setting the fastest lap.
    The collection is being sold by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey, California, from August 17 to 19.
    The entire jaw dropping collection, previously owned by a Japanese collector, is worth £1.4million.
    An RM Sotheby’s spokesperson said: “From the moment Michael Schumacher first laced up his race boots and pulled on a helmet, the gifted racer was nothing short of a phenomenon, a force of nature who would go on to dominate the highest echelons of competitive motorsport.
    “Among this treasured collection of artwork and automobilia are more than 75 lots of race-worn clothing and equipment spanning the breadth of Schumacher’s career, including a selection of helmets from his earliest days in karting.
    “Full Throttle ­– The Schumacher Collection offers an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire precious automobilia from the career of one of the sport’s true greats—touchstones from the life of a legendary driver who changed the face of motorsport forever.”
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    The collection’s announcement came only days after his incredible Ferrari F2001b was put up for auction.
    The 220mph 3.0-litre V10 cherry-red Ferrari is being sold by RM Sotheby’s with a jaw-dropping price tag of £6million.
    The legendary driver retired from the sport in 2012Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    One helmet being auctioned is autographedCredit: Jam Press/Courtesy of RM Sotheby
    His speedy car is set to be auctioned as wellCredit: Getty
    Along with an autographed bottle of Moet & Chandon champagneCredit: Jam Press/Courtesy of RM Sotheby More

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    Shakira appears to hint at Lewis Hamilton dating rumours as she lip-syncs to rap about fast cars in racy bra dance clip

    SHAKIRA appeared to give a nod to her rumoured beau Lewis Hamilton as she lip-synced to a rap track about fast cars.The Colombian star wowed fans in a racy pink bra as it seems her reported romance with the F1 ace steps up a gear.
    Shakira lip-synced to a rap song about fast cars on InstagramCredit: shakira/Instagram
    Lewis Hamilton is rumoured to be dating ShakiraCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
    Sources say Shakira, 46, and Hamilton, 38, are embracing a “hot summer romance” and have become “inseparable”.
    And in a recent Instagram post, the pop sensation seemed to tease fans over rumours.
    She beamed and poked out her tongue as she mouthed the words to Dave & Central Cee’s song Sprinter.
    One of the lines she lip-syncs goes: “S-O-S, somebody rescue me”.
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    Shakira’s reported love affair with Hamilton comes after she was left devastated by her split from her long-term footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique.
    Other lyrics in the song speak of “fast and furious whips” and “Tokyo Drift”.
    Fans were quick to point out the seemingly uncoincidental link between the song and her rumoured boyfriend.
    One commented with a gif of Hamilton pretending to hit a ball with a bat.
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    Hamilton himself fancies himself a rapper – having previously revealed he was the mysterious rapper XNDA.
    The pair have been spotted cosying up at a number of events in recent months.
    Shakira watched from the Mercedes team’s VIP area as seven-times champ Lewis Hamilton, 38, sped to a podium finish on his home circuit at Silverstone last month.
    Revving up dating rumours, she was also pictured beaming at the Spanish Grand Prix in June as she cheered the Mercedes driver to second place.
    Afterwards he was snapped with his arm around her waist as they had cocktails with friends in Barcelona.
    In May, Shakira also watched Hamilton race in Miami – her new home town since moving to the US earlier this year.
    Meanwhile, it’s been reported she snuck Hamilton into her luxury Ibiza villa three times this month.
    A source previously told In Touch: “She’s over Gerard and fast-tracking her romance with Lewis.
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    “They’re inseparable. It’s definitely a hot summer romance.
    “She believes in love and is very open to see what the future might hold for them.”
    Shakira split from ex Pique last JuneCredit: Getty More

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    Michael Schumacher update as F1 boss reveals shock mix-up at first meeting… and moment he knew he was destined for glory

    F1 BOSS Andy Stevenson has revealed he thought Michael Schumacher was a delivery boy when they first met.Racing star Schumacher was just 22 when he was handed his first F1 debut in 1991 – filling in for French driver Bertrand Gachot.
    Michael Schumacher pictured in 1991Credit: Getty
    Andy Stevenson mistook Schumacher for a delivery boy when they first metCredit: Getty
    Gachot had been put behind bars after he sprayed a taxi driver with CS gas following a crash in December 1990.
    Eddie Jordan took the drastic decision to call up a young Schumacher to race for the Jordan-Ford team at the Belgian Grand Prix.
    Stevenson, who was working as a mechanic, told BILD: “We were supposed to stay longer one evening for his seat fitting.
    “So, we were at the factory late, and suddenly a young delivery boy arrived.
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    “Then we realised: This is not a delivery boy, but our new Formula 1 driver.”
    Stevenson – who is now Sporting Director at Aston Martin F1 Team – was immediately in awe of Schumacher, adding he was “very hands-on” and “knew what he wanted”.
    And Stevenson said he quickly knew Schumacher would be a star as he watched him race during the test rounds.
    He added: “After two or three laps, he was already faster than anything we had achieved before
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    “He consistently set faster lap times. I still remember telling a friend after the test session, ‘We just tested a future world champion.’
    “It was completely obvious. He made the car dance through the chicanes.”
    Schumacher ended up qualifying seventh ahead of team-mate De Cesaris in 11th – with Gachot unaware he had taken his place.
    And while he was then forced to retire from the race on the first lap due to clutch problems, word soon got back to Gachot about the talented driver that had replaced him.
    Speaking about the events on the Beyond The Grid podcast in 2021, Gachot said: “I didn’t know [about Schumacher].
    “The first time somebody spoke to me about Michael Schumacher – I won’t forget – is one of the guards in jail.
    “He said, ‘The new guy that they hired is so good, they don’t need you anymore. So you can stay here’. I tell you, word for word.”
    Schumacher ended up joining Benneton-Ford for the remainder of 1991 and managed three top six finishes before the end of the season.
    He would go on to win two F1 world titles with Benneton-Ford, before joining Ferrari and claiming another five drivers’ championships.
    But the racing legend has not been seen in public since suffering a near-fatal brain injury when skiing in the French Alps a decade ago.
    Schumacher’s state of health has also been shrouded in secrecy since his horrific accident.
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    In 2021, his wife Corinna explained in a Netflix documentary that the family “do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable”.
    Meanwhile, Gachot was sentenced to 18 months in prison – but was released after just two months following an appeal.
    The racing star has not been seen in public since his ski accidentCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Bertrand Gachot was forced to miss the race after being put behind barsCredit: Getty More

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    Inside Shakira’s Ibiza villa where she ‘snuck Lewis Hamilton in at night for three secret meetings’

    SHAKIRA reportedly snuck Lewish Hamilton in at night for three secret meetings at her luxury Ibiza villa.The Colombian star and F1 ace have sparked dating rumours after being spotted cosying up together at a string of events in recent months.
    Shakira reportedly ‘snuck’ Lewis Hamilton into her Ibiza villa on three occasionsCredit: ecodisseny / instagram
    The pad has an infinity pool with deckchairs and a sea viewCredit: ecodisseny / instagram
    Shakira and Hamilton have been spotted getting cosy together in recent monthsCredit: Instagram – Mustafa
    Paparazzo Sergio Garrido told Spanish TV channel Telecinco that the pair met “three times in the Ibiza villa” where Shakira was staying earlier this month during a break in the F1 season.
    “When the workers left, the singer stayed alone with her private escort and received a visit from Hamilton,” he said.
    The breathtaking white pad is surrounded by greenery, with tall leafy trees and hedges giving the property that extra privacy.
    With stairs travelling up one side of the villa, a glass-fenced balcony sits on the roof where the singer and her rumoured beau can look over the sea views.
    READ MORE ON SHAKIRA
    The Coco Loco family home also has a full-length infinity pool lined with white deckchairs and a slender coffee table.
    The luxurious mansion is located at the top of one of the mountains of the Roca Llisa settlement.
    Garrido also claimed that Hamilton’s driver overheard the pilot’s “constant conversations” with the Latina singer.
    The paparazzo explained how Shakira and Lewis have coincided in space and time on the island of Pitiusa.
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    While the pilot had a wonderful time sailing with friends aboard a yacht in Mediterranean waters, Shakira would only have left the villa on two occasions, “once to see Bizarrap and another to have dinner with Hamilton,” Garrido claims.
    Spanish model and presenter Tamara Gorro, during her appearance on the Spanish TV show “Y ahora Sonsoles,” reported from the Villa Coco Loco in Ibiza.
    She spoke on her findings about the alleged encounters between the pop star and the seven-time F1 champion.
    “We can confirm that Hamilton would come in at night, presumably to meet with Shakira, of course… We can confirm, based on someone I’ve spoken to, that they’ve seen Hamilton entering this complex one night,” said Gorro.
    “The thing is, they haven’t been seen outside of this luxurious and very private complex.”
    The pair are said to be in a situation that is “more than friendship” but Jodi Martin, a journalist well-acquainted with Shakira, recently attempted to clarify the information circulating about the alleged “relationship”.
    “I would like to deny an information that has come out in a Catalan newspaper, where they say that Hamilton is tired of Shakira’s attitude,” Martin said.
    “I can categorically deny this information because I have spoken to Shakira’s entourage and they confirm that between Shakira and Hamilton, there has always been a beautiful friendship.
    “And that, between them there has been something more than friendship. The two knew very clearly that there was nothing serious and that there was total freedom between them to do whatever they wanted,” she added.
    Meanwhile, her rumoured beau Hamilton was spotted enjoying downtime in Ibiza with 20-year-old tennis player and heiress Jenny Stray Spetalen and Mexican actress Eiza Gonzalez.
    But Hamilton isn’t the only sports star Shakira appears to be getting close to, as she was last month seen on what appeared to be a date with NBA ace Jimmy Butler.
    She and Butler, 33, were pictured leaving Novikov Restaurant & Bar in London just two minutes apart – with the singer escorted to her car by his entourage.
    Read More on The Sun
    In her most recent romantic sighting two weeks ago, eagle-eyed fans spotted the Hips Don’t Lie singer taking a dip in a river with Latino singer Rauw Alejandro.
    She and the singer were pictured bathing in Puerto Rico – with Alejandro just coming out of his split from pop star fiancée Rosalía.
    The stunning property has a main and upper terraceCredit: ecodisseny / instagram More