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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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      Inside the F1 WhatsApp group with drivers concerned at Verstappen’s ‘joke’ punishment and private crunch talks planned

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      FORMULA ONE stars are set for private crunch talks in support of Max Verstappen amid his swearing battle with the FIA.The drivers want discussions over how best to respond to racing  bosses’ community service punishment for the Dutchman.Verstappen received a ‘public interest’ punishment for swearing at press conferenceLewis Hamilton and his fellow F1 stars appear to be standing by VerstappenThe Red Bull hero used the F-word in a press conference ahead of  Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix — and was ordered to complete “work of public interest”.Triple world champion Verstappen, 26, refused to answer questions fully in the subsequent press ­conference in protest and has won grid support.Drivers have expressed concerns on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) WhatsApp group. And when asked if there was support for him, Verstappen said: “Yeah, for sure.READ MORE ON F1“I wrote in the GPDA chat about the ruling and everyone was almost laughing — like, ‘What the hell is that?’. So, yeah, it is silly.”In Singapore, Lewis Hamilton even backed his old rival by slamming the punishment as a “joke”.FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sparked the ­controversy by declaring his intention to tackle bad language over team radios.He compared swearing drivers to rappers — which Hamilton blasted as having a “racial element”.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGPDA chairman Alex Wurz said: “How many lifetime community services would Guenther Steiner [former Haas team chief] have to serve for using the F-word?“He was glorified for using it. Netflix broadcast this worldwide, no problem. But then, to suddenly change like that.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “The choice of words is not my personal taste as a driver.“But as GPDA chairman, I have to say we’ll discuss it internally. “First, reach a full consensus, then we’ll consider whether — and in what form — we’ll talk to the FIA.”Verstappen even said after the Singapore GP that the row could speed up his Formula One exit.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The Dutchman finished second on Sunday to Lando Norris, which cut his title lead to 52 points.Brit Norris, 24, who won by 20 seconds, said: “A win’s a win. Maybe it puts a slightly bigger smile on your face but the main job is just getting the win.“It’s satisfying no matter what. Of course, the bigger the gap you can have, the happier you’ll  be.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I’m just happy we finished on top and  got maximum points.“It’s always going to be a tough race in Singapore — but I just  felt good all weekend.”Savage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT. More

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      Red Bull accused of ‘cheating’ as McLaren boss slams ‘cooperation from B team’ amid Singapore GP controversy

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      RED BULL’S relationship with junior team RB “needs to be addressed”, says McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.It comes after RB driver Daniel Ricciardo denied Lando Norris an extra point for the fastest lap of the race at the Singapore Grand Prix.Daniel Ricciard pitted to change to soft tyres and go for the fastest lap time at the Singapore Grand PrixRicciardo drives for Red Bull B team Visa Cash App RBAfter recording the fastest lap he took a point away from Lando Norris who had it going into the final stages of the raceF1 championships can be lost and won with a single point.Norris reduced Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 52 points by winning in Singapore.But the margin looked set to be one less when the Brit set the fastest time in lap 48 going into the final stages of the race.Before Ricciardo, who was sitting at the back of the field and drives for Red Bull’s junior RB team, pitted to go for the fastest lap time on soft tyres.READ MORE IN SPORTThe former McLaren driver went almost half a second quicker than old team-mate Norris’ best effort on his final lap.As he was sitting outside the top 10, Ricciardo’s team knew he wouldn’t get any points for the fastest lap.But it would take one away championship contender Norris and subsequently help a Red Bull stablemate.Stella said he didn’t have the “elements” to prove Ricciardo’s effort was motivated by a desire to aid senior driver Verstappen’s title bid.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “As soon as you invoke the sportsmanship, I think you need to approach this with a sense of responsibility that I want to have.”I don’t know the facts, I just saw that Racing Bulls went for the fastest lap and they achieved it. I just find it a little peculiar.F1 legend chokes up and breaks down in tears after Singapore Grand Prix and could be replaced before next race”But for me, talk about sportsmanship and so on, I think it would be out of place. “And potentially as part of a longer-term conversation, we need to put the sport in a position where, whether it’s trackside or factory side, teams behave in a totally autonomous manner. “Because this is a Constructors’ Championship, a Drivers’ Championship, it’s not a coalition championship. “Therefore, this needs to be definitely addressed.”Ricciardo lost his place on the grid and re-signed with Red Bull as a reserveRed Bull boss Christian Horner downplayed the allegationsRed Bull boss Christian Horner didn’t want to hear anything about a tactical collaboration.Horner said: “Ricciardo obviously wanted to end the race on a high note.”Before later admitting: “But it was valuable for us because it takes a point away from Lando.”Ricciardo revealed that the idea to go for the fastest lap came from his race engineer Pierre Hamelin.He told Sky Sports: “I don’t mean this against Lando, but part of me is hoping Max wins by one point because I think I guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present, if so.”I think, obviously, it’s with a little bit of Red Bull in mind, but maybe just to have one last crack at doing a fast one, if it is to be it.”The incident occurred in what many expect to be Ricciardo’s final F1 race.The Australian is expected to lose his seat to Liam Lawson before next month’s Austin Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn RB’s press release following the race, team principal Laurent Mekies said: “Given this may have been Daniel’s last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savour it and go out with the fastest lap.”Racing Bulls or ‘RB’ is one of two F1 constructors owned by Austrian conglomerate Red Bull GmbH, the other being Red Bull Racing. More

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      Health scare for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Singapore GP as F1 stars forced to miss media duties with illness

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and team-mate George Russell were both pulled from their planned media duties after “overheating” during the Singapore Grand Prix. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted it was “painful” to see the Silver Arrows place fourth and sixth.Lewis Hamilton suffered from ‘borderline heatstroke’ at the Singapore GPTeam-mate George Russell also missed media duties on medical groundsThe Marina Bay street race is usually the most physically-demanding of the Formula 1 season. owing to Singapore’s heat and humidity.Wolff told how Hamilton, who placed sixth after starting the race from P3, fell ill in the immediate aftermath of the 62-lap race.And Russell, who finished fourth, was heard on team radio in his car during the closing stages saying “it’s like a sauna in here”.The British Mercedes pair didn’t carry out their usual post-race media duties on medical grounds.READ MORE F1 NEWSA spokesperson for the team said: “Unfortunately neither George or Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of this evening’s race.”Team Principal Wolff told reporters: “They are both suffering from overheating.”But they are fine now. They put themselves in an ice bath and I think that helped a bit.”The race itself had proved a disappointing one for both Hamilton and Russell from the second row.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Mercedes duo were split by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who recovered from ninth on the grid to overtake Hamilton and finish on the lead Mercedes’ tail.On the race, Wolff said: “It was a really painful evening.Lando Norris finally breaks opening lap curse to keep slim hopes of pipping Max Verstappen to F1 world title alive”It’s not about when you look at the positions we are fourth and sixth, that’s not good especially when you are starting third and fourth.””We struggle at the moment with tracks that are hot and are tough on traction. It was here and it was Baku. “But this is no excuse, it’s just at the moment now what we expect from ourselves because if your quickest car is a minute behind the leader it’s just difficult to accept.”The Mercedes’ W15 was not a match on race pace for the two McLarens, which finished first and third.While standings leader Max Verstappen finished second behind title rival Lando Norris with six races remaining. More