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    F1 legend Jackie Stewart, 84, suffered scary stroke and was ‘unconscious for long time’ as he opens up on health battle

    FORMULA 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart suffered a stroke five weeks ago.Stewart, 84, is set to attend this weekend’s British Grand Prix despite his recent health scare.
    Sir Jackie Stewart suffered a stroke five weeks agoCredit: EPA
    The three-time world champion is set to be in attendance this weekend at SilverstoneCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    The British icon was in Jordan to attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein when he suffered his stroke.
    Recounting the frightening ordeal, Stewart told the Mail: “This was the night before the wedding. I got up in the night feeling strange.
    “I just dropped. And then I can’t remember. I was unconscious for quite a long time.
    “I was taken to hospital in Jordan. My son Paul and his wife were there for the wedding, in a bedroom on a different floor.
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    “To this day I don’t know how I got to Paul’s room, but I must have been somewhat alert to get hold of him.
    “They got me into an ambulance, but I have no recall of that either. His Majesty got the best doctors available for me.
    “I wanted to get home as fast as possible, and the Crown Prince of Bahrain very generously gave his aircraft to fly me back to Europe.
    “By then I was pretty much okay. I wasn’t walking very well though.”
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    Stewart has since confirmed that his recovery is going well, and that he can now walk “almost completely perfectly”.
    The three-time world champion will be at Silverstone for two days this weekend, where Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to use the home support to win his first Grand Prix since 2021.
    Despite expected Mercedes upgrades, however, Stewart expects Sir Lewis’ wait to go on.
    He expects Max Verstappen, winner of the last five Grands Prix, to triumph once again – continuing Red Bull’s season sweep in the process.
    Stewart said: “The combination of the Dutchman and Milton Keynes. Max is a remarkably talented man, and he hasn’t gone astray. He is a wonderful ambassador for our sport.”
    Stewart, 84, expects to Max Verstappen to win this weekend’s Grand PrixCredit: AFP More

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    Brad Pitt spotted at Silverstone to film new F1 movie and even has his own garage… but all is NOT as it seems

    BRAD PITT has been spotted at Silverstone to film scenes for his new Formula One movie.The British Grand Prix gets underway this weekend and a film crew was granted exclusive access to the pits this week.
    Brad Pitt was spotted at Silverstone filming scenes for his upcoming F1 movieCredit: PA
    His fictional character even had his own garageCredit: Rex
    Pitt chatted with fansCredit: PA
    The as yet untitled film stars Pitt as an F1 driver starring for a fictional team.
    And the Hollywood producers have personalised their own garage at Silverstone, which includes a photo of Pitt and his character’s name and number.
    Pitt, 59, is playing a driver named Sonny Hayes, number seven – which once belonged to Kimi Raikkonen.
    Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski will oversee the multi-million pound project, which is being produced by Hollywood legend Jerry Bruckheimer.
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    SunSport exclusively revealed that Pitt will be filming scenes out on the track in a modified race car.
    F1 is enjoying a sensational surge in popularity across the globe thanks to TV shows like Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the majority of races are now sold out.
    And in an exclusive interview with SunSport, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the film will help them capitalise on a whole new market.
    He revealed: “We have the best producer in Hollywood, one of the best directors in Hollywood, one of the best stars, and the investment they are making is huge.
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    “The technology too is beautiful and a project for us to develop together, it is because we believe it is another way to take F1 to people who do not know anything about us.
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    “We have the opportunity to capture them. It will be an intense project we will do together.
    “The next five years will be interesting to anticipate. In the beginning, we were criticised for talking about F1 using different channels, such as Netflix.
    “But now, like the movie, it is an evolution on how we need to talk about F1.”
    Pitt will be there for the entire weekendCredit: Splash More

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    Christian Horner pinpoints Sergio Perez’s ‘greatest race’ for Red Bull in PokerStars’ Between the Lines YouTube series

    CHRISTIAN HORNER has pinpointed Sergio Perez’s ‘greatest race’ for Red Bull.The Mexican driver’s incredible ride at the Singapore Grand Prix last year was singled out by the Red Bull chief.
    Red Bull implemented the perfect strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix
    Sergio Perez had to stay cool under pressure
    Perez led from start to finish but it was an incident packed race on the street circuit in treacherous wet-dry conditions.
    Will Courtenay, Red Bull’s Head of Race Strategy, recalled: “The heavens opened and the track was pretty wet. You’re on intermediates around Singapore so the grip is low so it’s very difficult for the driver to maintain concentration and not make a mistake.”
    The team had to play the perfect strategy, particularly after Perez was hit with a five-second time penalty that meant he needed to build a healthy lead over the chasing Charles Leclerc.
    The strategy of the F1 team is examined in the latest episode of PokerStars Between the Lines YouTube series.
    READ MORE ON RED BULL
    In it, Perez himself recalls: “Very difficult decisions, very important to make the right calls at the right times. Very important to manage the race well.
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    “It was all about opening up the gap to Charles for five seconds and qually laps, one after the other without making any mistakes.”
    Perez and Red Bull applied the perfect tactics, playing a waiting game and maintaining their patience before picking the perfect moment to pit.
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    On Perez’s handling of the conditions and remaining calm, Horner said: “For me the greatest race of Sergio’s career. He did an incredible job to lead from start to finish and held on to take a very memorable victory.”
    The latest episode of the PokerStars Between the Lines series comes ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone where Red Bull will look to continue their 100 per cent winning start to the season.
    PokerStars are giving its community in the UK another opportunity to win a Red Spade Pass, which will take PokerStars Casino players beyond the screen and on an unforgettable racing experience in Las Vegas later this year, in a five day all-expenses paid trip to include a VIP race viewing experience, luxury accommodation, return flights and a number of other exclusive activities across the weekend.
    Upon registration and a first deposit, PokerStars Casino players will receive a generous welcome package including a first-time deposit bonus match of 100 per cent available, up to £200 and a raffle ticket, granting them the ultimate chance to win a money can’t buy trip to Las Vegas and an exclusive PokerStars Red Spade Pass to attend the ultimate racing experience.
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    Super rich drivers of F1’s amazing lifestyles in Monaco including Lewis Hamilton and recent habitant Lando Norris

    LANDO NORRIS was the most recent F1 drivers to move to Monte Carlo.The Bristol-born star, 23, revealed he was swapping Woking for tax-haven Monaco after the final Grand Prix of last season.
    Lando Norris is the most recent F1 star who moved to Monte CarloCredit: Rex
    He said: “I’m moving to Monaco after [the final race in] Abu Dhabi for the reasons you probably expect.
    “It’s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do.
    “And especially with how racing is – I think you’ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill.”
    Norris joined the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc, and Valtteri Bottas in the Principality.
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    And they all boast incredible lifestyles that are the envy of sports stars around the globe.
    From sailing on the Mediterranean sea to cycling on the streets, these racers have got it made.
    LEWIS HAMILTON
    The seven-time world champion, who has a reported net worth of around £300million, has homes all across the globe.
    But for much of the year, Hamilton snubs his London mansion, New York penthouse and Colorado ranch for a life in Monaco.
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    Although not much is known about where his property is, he once shared a snap of his wonderful view.
    He captioned a photo on social media: “A place I call home, Monte Carlo. I am so blessed to live in such an incredible place. God is really shining down on me today.
    “Sending you light & love for your day. On my way to Spa, let’s do this!!!”
    It is believed he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district.
    Back in 2007, it was reported he was interested in a 2,000sq ft, four-bedroom duplex with views across the Mediterranean in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza.
    Speaking of the Mediterranean, Hamilton has been seen enjoying watersports during his time away from the circuit.
    Lewis Hamilton enjoys the high-life in MonacoCredit: Refer to Caption
    Hamilton lives in the exclusive Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty
    Seven-time champion Hamilton once shared the view from his penthouse on Instagram
    In his spare time, Hamilton has been known to enjoy watersportsCredit: Instagram @lewishamilton
    MAX VERSTAPPEN
    Current champ Verstappen’s lifestyle in Monaco is more paired down than his rival’s.
    But that said, it’s clear he doesn’t skimp either. The Dutch star is said to rent an apartment that’s worth around £16million.
    His home is believed to be in the same apartment block as Felipe Massa and Daniel Ricciardo, which he was once filmed allegedly entering drunk after a night out.
    During the first lockdown, he gave us a glimpse into his home when he shared his workouts from his balcony that overlooks the Mediterranean sea.
    It’s also where girlfriend, Brazilian model Kelly Piquet lives with him.
    Verstappen is said to have a car collection in Monaco to die for, and recently ordered the £2million Aston Martin Valkyrie.
    And like his speedy nemesis Hamilton, he likes watersports too – often seen whizzing around on a Red Bull sponsored jet-ski.
    Max Verstappen shared his favourite workout spot, his apartment balcony, on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @maxverstappen1
    Like Hamilton, Verstappen is a huge fan of watersports and has been seen jet-skiing in the Mediterranean seaCredit: Refer to Caption
    Brazilian model Kelly Piquet is said to live in Monaco with VerstappenCredit: Instagram @kellypiquet

    DANIEL RICCIARDO
    Like Hamilton, Ricciardo has other abodes, most notably in Beverly Hills and in Perth.
    But, when the former Monaco Grand Prix winner is competing he lives in his comfortable one-bedroom pied-à-terre in the city.
    And he absolutely loves living in Monaco, as his Instagram reveals.
    He drives a super fast McLaren 720S around time, worth around £215,000.
    And when he’s not on four wheels, he takes his scooter for a drive around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.
    Of the Grand Prix, the Aussie has revealed how the city changes when it’s race weekend.
    “It feels like a real racetrack, and I’m not thinking ‘there’s a cafe I eat at’ or ‘there’s a street I ride my Vespa down’ or whatever,” he revealed.
    “You wake up in your own bed, kick around your apartment and then start the journey to work.” 
    Daniel Ricciardo shows off the view from the balcony his Monaco apartment complexCredit: YouTube
    Ricciardo drives a £215,000 McLaren 720S around the cityCredit: Instagram / @danielricciardo
    When it’s race weekend, Ricciardo likes to take his scooter for a drive around the trackCredit: Instagram / @danielricciardo
    Aussie star Ricciardo loves life in MonacoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    VALTTERI BOTTAS
    The Finnish driver lives with Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell in the city.
    However, they opt for a more private life in Monte Carlo, like they do in his homeland, where he owns a beautiful lakeside holiday home.
    He did share his stunning view from his apartment balcony overlooking the harbour once upon a time though, giving fans a glimpse into his lifestyle.
    Bottas also has the cycling bug, often competing in races around Monaco in his spare time.
    When he’s not driving a race car, Bottas is seen driving his £115,000 Mercedes-AMG GT.
    To keep fit, Bottas goes running around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit he races on.
    Valtteri Bottas’ apartment overlooks the harbourCredit: Instagram / @valtteribottas
    Bottas lives together with Australian cyclist Tiffany CromwellCredit: Twitter / @ValtteriBottas
    Bottas often takes part in cycling races in Monte CarloCredit: Getty
    When he hits the road, Bottas travels in style in a £115,000 Mercedes-AMG GTCredit: Instagram / @valtteribottas
    CHARLES LECLERC
    Leclerc is born and bred in Monaco, so he has absolutely no reason to leave.
    He has a luxury apartment, which he lived in with gorgeous girlfriend Charlotte Sine until they split.
    Hilariously, when she was locked out of the home, Charlotte had to subscribe to his Twitch channel because he couldn’t hear her as he was playing a racing simulator and had a headset on.
    “So my girlfriend had to subscribe to my twitch channel to tell me to open the door,” he later revealed on Twitter.
    Leclerc has a gang of friends he loves spending the summers with.
    They hop on board his £1.5million yacht, Monza and cruise around the Mediterannean.
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    And when he’s not on sea, he’s on grass on the golf course working on his handicap.
    It’s a glam life for some living it up in Monte Carlo.
    Charles Leclerc lives the ultimate playboy lifestyle in Monte CarloCredit: Instagram / @charles_leclerc
    Leclerc’s family are originally from MonacoCredit: Instagram / @charles_leclerc
    Leclerc and his pals like to hang out on his £1.5m yacht called MonzaCredit: Instagram / @charles_leclerc
    Hilariously, Leclerc’s former girlfriend Charlotte had to subscribe to his Twitch channel to tell him to open the front door of their apartment More

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    Inside George Russell’s glam lifestyle, driving a £140k car and enjoying romantic holidays with hot girlfriend Carmen

    BRITISH F1 racer George Russell outshone his more illustrious team mate Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes last season.The rising star, 25, will be hoping to finish on the podium at this year’s British Grand Prix.
    Mercedes driver George Russell, pictured with girlfriend Carmen, enjoys a lavish lifestyle away from the F1 circuitCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
    George Russell joined Mercedes last season and is already providing competition for Lewis HamiltonCredit: PA
    Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, as an aspiring F1 champ
    He moved to Mercedes last season – earning a bumper £5MILLION payday.
    That helps the talented racer continue to fund his enviable lifestyle… even though he’s still some way short of team-mate Hamilton’s mega £40m pay-grade.
    Russell currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, but he has plans to join many F1 colleagues in millionaires’ playground Monaco.
    Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a £140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT.

    He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
    Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
    KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
    Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
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    The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
    He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
    But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
    In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
    A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.
    By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
    Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
    As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
    He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
    They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
    Now, Russell is courting the stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
    Last year, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
    While last August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
    More recently, they shared some loved up snaps enjoying the country side.
    Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
    Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
    Last year, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BarthsCredit: Splash
    Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
    Most recently, Russell enjoyed a trip to the country sideCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
    COMPANY CAR
    Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
    On top of his current swanky Mercedes AMG GT, he has always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
    He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of £80,000.
    Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to nearly four million followers.
    About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
    Russell shows off his prized possession – a £140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    The AMG C 63 costs around £80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
    One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
    In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
    Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
    Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
    During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
    While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
    He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
    Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    HEALTHY LIVING
    Crucial to Russell is his diet plan.
    Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
    From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
    Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
    Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
    LOVES SPORT
    Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
    When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
    During Euro 2020, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
    While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
    Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Football fan Russell cheered on England during the EurosCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    Joining Mercedes has earned Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
    And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
    Read More On The Sun
    This year, it’s Russell who is getting all the cheers in the Mercedes car.
    They could just have the next British F1 champ on their hands too.
    Watch F1 star Sebastian Vettel run to get fire extinguisher after smoke rises from his Aston Martin on Belgian GP track More

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    Moment Lance Stroll blasts his F1 car through a factory to christen Aston Martin’s new Silverstone HQ

    LANCE STROLL has christened Aston Martin’s new £200million factory by blasting his F1 car through the building.The brand new 400,000 sq ft facility has been opened in Silverstone, just across the road from the famous F1 track that will host this week’s British Grand Prix.
    Lance Stroll takes his Aston Martin racing car through the building
    The car opens the factory in the most spectacular way
    Aston Martin prepare the car at the company’s offices at Silverstone
    Aston Martin employees get a rare treat with an inside job from Stroll
    Stroll, who races for Aston Martin alongside Fernando Alonso, was given the task of providing the unofficial opening – by driving through the new offices.
    He said: “It was unbelievable to drive our Formula One car through the new factory.
    “At first, it felt pretty sketchy – slick tyres and concrete floors don’t really mix –but as soon as I got going I felt like I could give it more speed.
    “Getting to see everyone’s faces enjoying watching was really cool for me, especially as most of the amazing people who work here don’t often get to see the car run.
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    “It was the only proper way to break in the new factory!”
    Stroll also drove his F1 car out of the building and along the perimeter road – but resisted the temptation to break the speed limit.
    Team Principal Mike Krack added: “At first, we weren’t sure if it would be possible to run the car along the street.
    “But the engineers did their sums and said we could do it safely.
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    “Until I actually saw Lance climb into the car, I didn’t really believe it – but then he lit it up, burnt some rubber and put a smile on the face of every single team member.
    “It was the perfect way to open our new Technology Campus and a great way to send everyone into the British Grand Prix weekend feeling super-positive ahead of our home race.”
    The silver sleek look houses the future of the British team
    The new HQ is opposite the famous Silverstone race track More

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    I was one of the biggest names on Sky Sport’s F1 coverage before sacking… I still have no idea why they got rid of me

    JOHNNY HERBERT has revealed he has no idea why Sky Sports decided to sack him from their F1 presenting team after 11 years.Herbert joined the broadcaster during the 2012 season when it won the rights to show the F1 action in the UK.
    Johnny Herbert was a central figure in the Sky Sports F1 commentary teamCredit: Getty
    The pundit raced in Formula 1 himselfCredit: AP:Associated Press
    He became a central figure in the coverage of the sport, often reminiscing about his own time in Formula One with teams like Jaguar and Sauber.
    However, Sky Sports decided to axe him from the commentary team two months before this year’s coverage started, along with fellow pundit and former driver Paul di Resta.
    Both were at the end of their respective contracts but were not offered extensions.
    It was speculated that cost-cutting was behind Sky Sports’ decision not to have the two back.
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    Herbert posted a photo of the Sky Sports F1 team to Instagram to confirm his departure from the broadcaster.
    It was captioned: “Going to miss this team.”
    Speaking to The Mirror, Herbert has now revealed that he still doesn’t know why the broadcaster decided against renewing his contract.
    He said: “I didn’t decide to step away – I thought everything was going ahead!
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    “And then I got a call in December, I think it was, when I was told things were changing.
    “It wasn’t really explained why or what was changing. There was a mention of social media stuff and that was about it, really. I really don’t know.
    “I was always aware – at Sky they do these subscriber checks where you’re given points out of 10 – and I’ve always known I was always quite popular on that side.
    “It’s a shame, but I’m over it. Moving on.”
    Herbert is now presenting his own podcast called Lift the Lid, which he co-hosts with fellow racer Billy Monger.
    The two give their opinions on current F1 stories, and were brought together through their own near-fatal crashes.
    Herbert said about the podcast “This is great to do with Billy, for example.
    “There are other opportunities out there, once again just proving that if you work hard you can find different avenues to carry on being involved in the sport we love.
    “So there’s other things going on, which is fine.
    “Yes, it’s disappointing, but I’ve moved on.”
    The 59-year old added that he didn’t think he would be returning to TV screens this season.
    He added: “I did my 11 years at Sky and it was good. Now there are other things I am doing.
    Read More On The Sun
    “Because it was in December it was all quite late in terms of sorting other things out.
    “There are a lot of other opportunities but, in terms of seeing me on a TV screen, there’s probably nothing planned on that front.”
    Herbert posted that he’d miss the team after he was axed
    Herbert now co-hosts a podcast with former British F4 racer Billy Monger, who suffered a horrific crash in 2017Credit: PA More

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    Brad Pitt will get behind the wheel at British Grand Prix at Silverstone as F1 is set to get huge Hollywood treatment

    FORMULA ONE chiefs hope their new Hollywood movie will help the sport’s popularity take off.Filming starts at this week’s British Grand Prix where Brad Pitt will get behind the wheel of a modified race car to film shots for the as yet unnamed movie.
    Iconic actor Brad Pitt is swapping the silver screen for SilverstoneCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton and Co will be under the eye of Hollywood legendsCredit: Rex
    Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski will oversee the multi-million pound project, which is being produced by Hollywood legend Jerry Bruckheimer.
    F1 is enjoying a sensational surge in popularity across the globe thanks to TV shows like Netflix’s Drive to Survive and the majority of races are now sold out.
    And in an exclusive interview with SunSport, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the film will help them capitalise on a whole new market.
    He revealed: “We have the best producer in Hollywood, one of the best directors in Hollywood, one of the best stars, and the investment they are making is huge.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    “The technology too is beautiful and a project for us to develop together, it is because we believe it is another way to take F1 to people who do not know anything about us.
    “We have the opportunity to capture them. It will be an intense project we will do together.
    “The next five years will be interesting to anticipate. In the beginning, we were criticised for talking about F1 using different channels, such as Netflix.
    “But now, like the movie, it is an evolution on how we need to talk about F1.”
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    Track time will be set aside at Silverstone and there has been a garage built for the fictional 11th team in the film.
    But Domenicali is adamant that the increased hype around the project will not detract from the actual racing.
    He added: “The live coverage of the sport will stay pure, it will not be compromised, that’s the first thing I said.
    “The purestic racing will not be touched. Everything will be around and it will be interesting to see something new, it will be Hollywood action.”
    The movie is one approach to increase the lure of F1 in the US while the sport’s owners, Liberty Media, plan to pull out all the stops for the Las Vegas GP later in the year.
    Sin City hosted the ill-fated Caesars Palace Grand Prix between 1981 and 1984 that was under Bernie Ecclestone’s stewardship.
    But Domenicali says they have invested heavily and managed to unify the city behind the sporting event.
    He said: “Crucial is the right word but it is important that when there is something new, it is done because there is an opportunity to develop the business.
    “It is a new project. Quite crazy when you think about it because when I went there for the first time, the reaction of the community of Vegas was not really super positive.
    “There was F1 history there in the 1980s in a car park and at that time, Bernie tried to be in a lot of American venues.
    Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Brad Pitt and director Joseph Kosinski will be thereCredit: AFP
    “I remember the first time I presented the idea to my shareholders and the first time I went there, the community was mixed.
    “Vegas is huge for entertainment but every casino has their own business, this is the first time we have them united together.
    “I am sure the outcome will be fantastic. It is about not being afraid to try something with no fear.
    “I have such respect for Bernie. We have to be thankful for his vision but like every moment in life there is a need for a revolution.
    “I think he is happy to have seen his baby grow to a size that maybe he didn’t think was possible.”
    Meanwhile, Domenicali says F1 are in advanced discussions about extending Silverstone’s contract beyond 2024.
    The Italian says that despite interest from new circuits, the British GP HAS to remain on the schedule.
    In a move that will please British F1 fans, he said: “Silverstone is a very important race, seven teams out of 10 are in the UK.
    “British tradition of motorsport is phenomenal and it has a special place in our calendar and it will always have it.
    ‘THE ONLY PLACE WE CANNOT LOSE’
    “We have a very strong relationship and we are looking towards an even longer term and to announce shortly, because it is normal for Formula One to be there.
    “We are more than talking because it is natural when you are so close to the deadline in the way we are looking to the future that something will be announced soon.
    “Silverstone is lucky because it is the only place that we cannot lose because of the British teams and the traditions.
    “It is something unique. Removing Silverstone is not an option.”
    Domenicali, 58, also dismissed the chance of switching venues saying that while the idea of a London street race would be appealing, it would not be practical to put on a race in the capital.
    He added: “Of course London is an incredible city but incredible cities also have incredible challenges to manage.
    “In terms of an iconic view it would be amazing but realistically it would be very difficult.
    “The complexity would be too big today for the dimension of F1 to consider such a project.
    “I see more problems. It could be fantastic but complexity wise it would be very difficult.”
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    F1 will unveil their calendar for the 2024 season today, with the season expected to start in Bahrain on Saturday 2nd March.
    The second race will be a week later in Saudi Arabia – also on a Saturday – so as not to clash with Ramadan.  More