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      SkySports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz blasts Mercedes driver George Russell for testing complaint

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has been blasted by Sky Sports presenter Ted Kravitz.It comes after Mercedes star Russell suggested there was not enough testing time for the drivers to get ready to the new season.
      George Russell has complained about there not being enough testingCredit: Splash
      But Ted Kravitz has rubbished this claimCredit: Rex
      The 2018 F2 champion said: “I don’t think three days is enough, because you have got to remember from a driver’s perspective, that is one and a half days per driver.
      “We were fortunate to do the [filming days] last week, but had we not, that would have been getting on for 12 weeks out of the car from Abu Dhabi to Bahrain.
      “Could you imagine Rafael Nadal spending 12 weeks without hitting a ball and then going straight into the French Open with one and a half days of training? You know it just wouldn’t ever happen.”
      However, Kravitz has blasted this claim, insisting there is enough time for drivers to get to grips with their machinery.
      READ MORE ON F1
      He told Sky Sports F1 Vodcast: “[Russell] is a driver, so he wants more practice, which is valid.
      “The engineers want more [time] so they can do their engineering things, which is not valid.
      “It’s interesting because they will all get to the first race slightly undercooked, apart from Red Bull.
      “But it’s much better for us viewers, us fans, to get to the first race and have something going on rather than a procession.
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      “Anyone who said that ‘three days of testing was not enough’ is a fool, basically.
      “Because it was enough, there was loads of running, people doing three Grand Prix distances because the reliability was so good. So, it is fine.”
      Russell is in action alongside team-mate Lewis Hamilton hoping to add to his single race win from last season.
      The lights go out for the first race of the F1 season at 3pm tomorrow as the season kicks off in Bahrain.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

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      We used to beat Lewis Hamilton in karting as kids but there are two reasons he made it to F1 and we didn’t

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is arguably the best Formula One driver of all time, but during his karting days he was given a run for his money.Mike Spencer and Chris Rogers were two up-and-coming drivers hoping to reach the pinnacle of motorsport alongside Hamilton.
      Lewis Hamilton pictured karting in 1997Credit: Rex
      There are two main reasons he made it to F1 while his close rivals did notCredit: Rex Features
      The trio learned their trade at Rye House Kart Raceway in Hertfordshire, with all three earning championship titles in the British cadet karting championship.
      Hamilton won the 1995 edition, before coming sixth a year later when Rogers won the title, while Spencer won his own title two-years earlier.
      However, despite Rogers and Spencer’s ability to go toe-to-toe with Hamilton, they believe there are two main reasons behind his rise and them being left behind.
      These being: funding and relationships.
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      While the early 2000s could allow a parent and child duo to make do, the modern day sees some spend as much as £250,000 a year on getting their kid through karting.
      Speaking to The Times, Rogers explained: “I probably needed £150,000 a year. [But] I went in with £30,000.”
      Being the same age as Hamilton, Rogers raced him more than Spencer, and Rogers also came out on top once again in 1998.
      But when Hamilton was 10 he met McLaren founder Ron Dennis at the annual Autosport awards dinner after winning the 1995 championship.
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      From there, Dennis’ sponsorship of Hamilton allowed him to continue pursuing his dream, which would eventually yield seven F1 world titles, including McLaren’s most recent success.
      Spencer, whose career ended fighting Hamilton in 2003, recalls a similar situation in Formula Renault.
      His last race with Hamilton saw him record the fastest lap but come second to Hamilton, who went on to win 10 of the 15 races that season.
      Spencer said: “The issue with Formula Renault is that if you’re not with the right team, you don’t win the races, and if you don’t win the races, you are forgotten quite quickly.”
      He had finished eighth overall that year, having suffered too many DNF’s (did not finish classifications) to make a serious impression.
      Hamilton’s ability to cultivate such relationships ended up being key to his early success too.
      Hamilton is hoping to get back to winning ways this seasonCredit: AFP
      He added: “Basically you have to be a bit of an animal out on the track and then an absolute gentleman when you’re not.
      “I’m from Essex and that’s how I sound. I speak the way I speak and I am the way I am.
      “I am very much black and white, up front as a person. I’ll always say what I think. Unfortunately, that’s not always the right thing.”
      Kevin O’Malley, one of the co-owners of the Rye House track, detailed how the tutorship of Dennis helped Hamilton, while the lack of a mentor to Spencer hindered his ability to carry on.
      He said: “There wasn’t anyone mentoring Mike. Lewis had Ron Dennis.”
      Not that the opportunity never presented itself.
      Two years earlier, Spencer met the likes of Keke Rosberg, Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell after winning the Cadet championship.
      Read More on The Sun
      But he was not fortunate enough to garner any sponsorships from them, consequently showing how simple circumstance can make or break a young drivers aspirations.
      Alas, Hamilton is now eyeing an eighth world title, reaffirming his desire to “fight” for his F1 future amid rumours of his retirement. More

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      Inside Christian Horner’s F1 off-season from eyeing £1.7m Lamborghini, glam hols with Geri and dressing as Storm Trooper

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      THE Formula One season is back as Red Bull look to retain their crown in 2023.Max Verstappen led the charge as Christian Horner’s team breezed past Ferrari and Mercedes to lift the Constructors’ Championship.
      Christian Horner has enjoyed a jam-packed F1 offseason with wife GeriCredit: Instagram
      Christian and Geri kicked off their offseason with the FIA Prize Giving 2022 ceremony, alongside Red Bull stars Verstappen and Perez and their partnersCredit: Instagram
      The couple enjoyed a skiing trip to the Swiss AlpsCredit: Instagram
      Geri dressed up as a lightsaber-wielding Jedi for their son’s birthdayCredit: Instagram
      Christian dressed up as a Stormtrooper for the bashCredit: Instagram
      Geri caught up with her horses as they trained they day before ChristmasCredit: Instagram
      The Horner family celebrated with a visit from Santa ClausCredit: Instagram
      Teams have been working tirelessly to improve their cars since the 2022 finale in Abu Dhabi last November.
      With the season starting this weekend and teams having already enjoyed pre-season testing, it’s come around quickly.
      But, as they say, time flies when you’re having fun.
      So the off-season must have gone by in the blink of an eye for Horner.

      Less than a month after the season ended, Horner, 49, was at the FIA Prize Giving 2022 awards ceremony.
      The Red Bull chief threw on a sleek black tuxedo, with wife – and former Spice Girl – Geri, 50, in a stunning white dress.
      He was pictured alongside Red Bull racers Verstappen and Sergio Perez – and their partners – for the black tie bash.
      And it was a successful night too, as Horner collected the Constructors’ Championship trophy as Verstappen and Perez picked up their first and third place awards.
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      On Christmas Eve, Horner, Geri and the kids went out to watch two of their racehorses in training, before spending some time with a little donkey.. how festive.
      The next day, the big one… Father Christmas came to visit at home – much to the delight of the three kids.
      Geri is mum to Bluebell, 16, and step-mum to Christian’s daughter Olivia, while the pair have one child together – five-year-old Monty.
      On New Year’s Day, Christian shared a loved-up snap of himself and Geri soaking up some sun on the beach, looking back on 2022 and ahead to 2023.
      Later in January, Geri and Christian dressed up as Star Wars characters to celebrate Monty’s fifth birthday.
      Horner himself threw on an impressive Stormtrooper costume, while Geri sported a Jedi outfit with green lightsaber.
      Less than a fortnight later, the Red Bull chief was working his way back towards the F1 season when he met Jimmy Fallon as the US TV host challenged Perez to a go-karting race.
      Christian and Geri then posed together in front of snow-kissed mountains as they enjoyed a short skiing trip in the Swiss Alps.
      And just a day later they were at the Baftas – with Geri even giving out the award for Best Original Score.
      The pair were spotted at the Baftas in FebruaryCredit: Instagram
      Geri even presented an award at the Baftas ceremonyCredit: Getty

      Christian Horner met Jimmy Fallon as the American comedian challenged Sergio Perez to a go-karting raceCredit: Instagram
      Christian Horner was seen looking over a rare Lamborghini worth £1.7mCredit: Triangle News
      And just last week, Horner was spotted casting an eye over a stunning limited edition Lamborghini Miura worth £1.7million.
      Christian was seen checking out the 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S RHD outside Fiskens historic car dealers in South Kensington, London.
      Only 764 were ever built, with one eye-witness revealing: “[Horner] arrived in a black Range Rover with an assistant.
      “They went inside then the doors opened and this amazing car came out.
      “They went out for a drive and came back. They opened up the boot and then the front and the back, wandered round the car then they went back inside.
      “He was clearly thinking of buying it. Why else would you go to Fiskens?
      “They are very rare, Lamborghini Miuras. In terms of cars, it’s literally the dream motor.
      “Christian used to be a racing driver, and is one of the most successful team managers in the world.
      “He’s got Geri on his arm well so is a very successful, rich man.
      “But even so he looked in awe of this classy motor. He clearly loved it.”
      Read More on The Sun
      And now, Horner is in Bahrain for the start of the 2023 F1 season.
      But will it be all fun and games on the track, as well as off it? More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals how his Mercedes compares to rivals Red Bull ahead of F1 opener after being dominated last year

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      FRUSTRATED   Lewis   Hamilton admits his Mercedes F1 car is lagging even further behind Max Verstappen’s  all-conquering Red Bull than it was last year.And he fears his machine’s controversial slim design — without the sidepods designed to channel the airflow — means he might NOT be able to close  the gap.
      Sir Lewis Hamilton admits his Mercedes car is lagging even more this seasonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton failed to win a single Grand Prix in 2022 — the first winless season in his illustrious career.
      And Britain’s seven-time world champion was again left for dust in the desert.
      After finishing a lowly eighth in practice for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “The gap wasn’t as big last season as it is now.
      “We found out we’re a long way off. We knew that a little bit in the test but it’s a big gap.
      Read More on F1
      “Do I believe we can close the gap at some stage? Yes. But it’s quite hard with the concept we have.
      “It’s going to be milliseconds, not ­closing the gap of a second.”
      Hamilton, 38, had hoped his Merc ­engineers had designed a better 2023 car that would put him back into contention for a record-breaking eighth world title.
      But while last year’s “undriveable” bouncing issues have been cured, his car is much slower than his main rivals’.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The Brit continued: “We’ll continue to tweak little bits here and there but it’ll be small bits.
      “It’s difficult for everybody, and not where anyone at the team wants to be, or where everyone at the team deserves to be, but we’re just on the wrong track.
      “There was good progress through last year but the gap wasn’t as big as it is now.”
       Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell was even further adrift in 13th spot while Fernando Alonso rolled back the years and was quickest in his Aston Martin.
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      Red Bull star Max Verstappen dominated Formula One last seasonCredit: Reuters
      Alonso, 41, has joined the team for this season and set a faster time than world champion Verstappen, who was second-quickest.
      Alonso, who last won a race at the 2013 Spanish GP when he was driving for  Ferrari, continued the hype surrounding Aston’s car for this season.
      Meanwhile, Hamilton had earlier escaped punishment for another piercing and was granted special permission to race on medical grounds.
      Last year he had fallen foul of an FIA ruling that outlaws  drivers from wearing jewellery under their race suits before being granted an exemption for a nose stud.
      But he now has a second piercing, in his left nostril, and that triggered another breach of the rules.
      However, he successfully argued that by removing the offending stud, he would be at risk of “disfigurement”.
      Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton didn’t win a single Grand Prix last seasonCredit: Getty
      A statement from the FIA said: “The stewards ­consulted the FIA medical delegate, who viewed the report, examined the driver and concurred with the ­opinion.
      “We have determined to take no further action as there are concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device.”
      His Mercedes team have also snapped up a former Red Bull employee to become their team’s new special adviser.
      Red Bull’s ex-HR director Jayne Poole had been Christian Horner’s confidante for years but has been signed to work with ­Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff and oversee team infrastructure.
      Read More on The Sun
      She could fill a similar role held by Shaila-Ann Rao, the  lawyer who left Mercedes to join the governing body last year.
      Rao has since left the FIA but was a central figure in the cost-cap ruling that saw Red Bull punished for breaching the spend limit. More

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      Formula One drivers rich list revealed ahead of Bahrain GP – including racer linked to eye-watering £2.4billion fortune

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      IT’S the most expensive sport in the world – so it’s no surprise top Formula 1 drivers boast an eye-watering bank balance.The likes of Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez certainly enjoy life in the fast lane – with supercar collections, huge mansions and luxury holidays.
      Forumula 1 returns this weekend with 20 drivers vying for supremacy on the gridCredit: Getty
      This weekend sees the 2023 Formula 1 rev into gear, with 20 drivers set to battle it out for supremacy on the grid.
      Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, we reveal the 10 drivers at the top of the rich list.
      Lewis Hamilton – £270.9m
      Perhaps unsurprisingly, Lewis is currently F1’s highest-paid driver – his contract with Mercedes nets him £41.6million each year, and he’s estimated to be worth £270.9m.
      Lewis Hamilton is the richest F1 racer on the grid right nowCredit: PA
      The seven-time champion is worth £270.9m and owns several propertiesCredit: Instagram
      The seven-time world champion has numerous endorsement deals with the likes of Puma, Sony, Police, and Tommy Hilfiger.
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      Hertfordshire-born Lewis is said to be raking in an additional £16.6million from these sponsorship deals.
      Planet F1 reports he has an impressive private collection of supercars worth over £13million, including a Pagani Zonda, a Mercedes-AMG Project One, and a Ferrari LaFerrari, among others.
      Lewis also owns a £49.1million penthouse in New York, according to GQ, and a £19.1million six-bedroom home in London.
      Fernando Alonso – £216m
      Fernando Alonso has competing since 2001 and shows no signs of slowing downCredit: EPA
      The 41-year-old owns homes in Oxford and SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram
      Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, 41, has shown no signs of slowing down since his debut back in 2001.
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      This season the Spanish star has signed a new deal with Aston Martin believed to be worth around £17.8million.
      He also has several sponsorship deals and owns the clothing brand Kimoa.
      Savvy Alonso has also invested in private companies, said to reap him incredible rewards.
      Unsurprisingly, Alonso likes his cars – he owns over 300 that have been put on display in the Fernando Alonso Sports Complex in Spain, reports the Express.
      The racer owns homes in Oxford and Switzerland, as well as an apartment in a 52-storey building in Dubai.
      Max Verstappen – £75m
      Max signed a new deal with Red Bull last year, bringing his salary up to $50m a yearCredit: Reuters
      He is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard BransonCredit: Instagram
      Reigning champion Max Verstappen has been competing in Formula 1 since 2015 and signed a new five-year contract with Red Bull last year, reportedly worth £41.6million.
      This makes him the joint-highest paid racer on the grid alongside Hamilton.
      Max also benefits from lucrative deals from the likes of G-Star RAW, Red Bull, and EA Sports.
      As he’s only 25, industry experts predict his estimated £75m fortune will soar in the coming years.
      Max is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard Branson worth £11million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.
      Sergio Perez – £62.4m
      Sergio is worth over £62.4 and owns a huge property in MexicoCredit: Getty
      He lives a luxurious lifestyle of private jets and lavish holidaysCredit: Instagram
      Sergio, 33, may not be the highest-paid driver on the grid, but he’s been amassing an impressive fortune since his debut in 2011.
      His estimated £62.4million net worth, which includes an £8.3million salary from Red Bull, makes him one of the richest athletes in the world.
      The Mexican also has investments and an incredible list of endorsement deals, including Ticel, Telmox, and Claro.
      Checo reportedly owns a multi-million dollar 15,000-square-foot mansion in Mexico and supercars including a Bugatti Chiron, which cost around £2million.
      Daniel Ricciardo – £41.6m
      In 2020, Daniel was among the world’s highest-paid athletes, according to ForbesCredit: REUTERS
      He has no problem showing off his impressive wealth on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      He may only be a reserve driver for Red Bull this year, but Australian Daniel has eight Grand Prix wins and 32 podiums under his belt, and an estimated £41.6m fortune.
      After being tied to Red Bull for five years, he signed a lucrative deal with Renault in 2020, which bagged him a mention on Forbes’ top 50 highest sports people that year.
      This season he’s been replaced at McLaren by Oscar Piastri.
      The 33-year-old doesn’t shy away from showing off his incredible wealth – he reportedly owns three properties across three continents.
      Daniel also owns supercars including a Porsche 918 Spyder and an Aston Martin Valkyrie, said to have cost a staggering £3million.
      Lance Stroll – £41.6m
      Lance’s career in F1 has netted him a fortune of £41.6mCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Canadian’s father is worth a whopping £2.4billionCredit: Instagram
      Lance, 24 would sit at the top of the list if his family’s wealth was taken into consideration – his dad Lawrence, who owns Aston Martin, has an estimated net worth of over £2.4billion.
      The driver isn’t doing too badly for himself either, as he takes home a whopping £8.3million each year from the team.
      When he’s not busy racing, Lance enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and surfing. He is dating Italian model Sara Pagliaroli.
      Pierre Gasly – £27.4m
      Pierre Gasly races for AlpineCredit: Getty
      Pierre, 27, who made his debut in 2017, drives for Alpine and comes from a family heavily involved in motorsports.
      His salary is reported to be £1.6million, which excludes performance bonuses and sponsorship deals that bring his estimated net worth up to £27.4m.
      Pierre’s brand partnerships include headphone brand Blomm and Berger, The Grid, Destination Grand Prix, and Crypto Gaming. He also features on the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive.
      He is said to be dating Italian Caterina Masetti Zannini, who shares many of her lavish trips with Pierre on Instagram.
      Valtteri Bottas – £25m
      Valtteri takes home £8.6m a year from his deal with Alfa RomeoCredit: Getty
      He was previously Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes and took home a quarter of his salaryCredit: Instagram
      Although he spent much of his career as Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas, 33, was only making a quarter of the English driver’s salary.
      He now races for Alfa Romeo, making up to £8.6million a year, and is one of the competition’s most popular stars.
      He recently announced his partnership with Finnish sporting company Polar, and is sponsored by locking solutions company Abloy and a private jet company called Insijets.
      Valtteri is currently dating Australian road cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, and has an estimated net worth of £25m.
      Kevin Magnussen – £20.8m
      Kevin returned to Haas last season when Russian driver Nikita Mazepin was dropped
      K-Mag made his return to Formula 1 last year after Russian driver Nikita Mazepin’s contract was terminated by Haas just a few days before the 2022 season.
      Although he impressed with his debut in 2014, his form dipped in subsequent years – though he put in a solid performance for Haas last season.
      The 30-year-old will be keen to prove why he’s been able to amass a reported net worth of £20.8million.
      His £5million salary at Haas is topped up by endorsement deals believed to be worth over £800,000.
      Esteban Ocon – £14.9m
      Ocon has been racing at F1 since 2016 and takes home £4.1m from Alpine
      Despite being only 26, Esteban Ocon has impressed fans since his debut in 2016.
      He has raced for Force India, Racing Point, Alpine, and was a test driver for Mercedes back in 2019.
      Read More on The Sun
      Although he earns a £4.1million salary at Alpine, his long tenure in Formula One and endorsement deals with the likes of Microsoft, Bell and Castrol have given him a hefty estimated net worth of £14.9millon.
      The Frenchman reportedly owns a Mercedes AMG GTR, a Mercedes AMG C63 Edition 1, and an Alpine A110S. More

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      Lewis Hamilton makes political statement on day one of new season as he wastes no time in taking advantage of F1 U-turn

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has made a political statement on day one of the new F1 season.The Brit is ready to roar into action on Sunday at the Bahrain GP.
      Lewis Hamilton made a political statement ahead of the Bahrain GPCredit: AFP
      The Mercedes ace wore a helmet with a rainbow flag for the LGBTQ+ communityCredit: AFP
      And Hamilton hopes he can finally close down Red Bull star Max Verstappen.
      But the Mercedes ace turned heads for a different reason on Friday.
      As Hamilton prepared for practice, he emerged wearing a driver’s helmet decorated with a rainbow.
      The symbol is globally acknowledged as the flag for the LGBTQ+ community.
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      Bahrain has been criticised for its stance on homosexuality, which is criminalised.
      While homosexual activity is not specifically a criminal activity in private in Bahrain, there are several laws that are used to target homosexuals.
      Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa recently stressed the kingdom’s rejection of homosexual practices.
      He said: “We assure everyone that we will not allow it in any way to prejudice our system of values and traditions.”
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      And Hamilton made his feelings known after the FIA vowed drivers would be able to freely “express their views.”
      Last season they had looked to ban stars from “political, religious or personal statements.”
      But a U-turn was performed following a backlash.
      And Hamilton looked to take advantage immediately.
      The seven-time world champ wore the same helmet in Bahrain last season, drawing praise from fans.
      And supporters were equally thrilled this time too, with one saying: “Love Hamilton’s LGBT helmet.”
      Another declared: “Hamilton’s helmet is everything. My king.”
      One noted: “Hamilton running the rainbow, love it.”
      Another added: “Lewis’ helmet never misses.”
      Meanwhile, Hamilton has also been boosted after being given a medical exemption to wear his nose studs.
      F1 chiefs banned drivers from wearing jewellery last season, but no action will be taken against Hamilton for his nose piercings.
      He is now looking forward to starting his season with a big display.
      And Hamilton admits he is also ready to commit his future to Mercedes despite concerns over his car.
      He said: “[Mercedes] are not where we wanted to start the season. I knew from the moment I drove the car where we were and the challenges we are facing.
      Whether or not we have a difficult year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a teamLewis Hamilton
      “On a positive note, not having bouncing is a huge plus and trying to understand what the problems were while having bouncing made it difficult to work out what those are.
      “We don’t have that now and we can focus on pure performance. This still is a multi-championship-winning team and group of people.
      “Ultimately people are creating rumours without facts. It’s never helpful. And you would have thought they would have both known by now.
      “I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. Having a difficult year; whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’m a fighter, and we fight as a team.
      “I love the challenge of finding solutions. I still believe I’m able to put the car in places that others are perhaps not able to, and I love that challenge.
      “Of course I wish that we start the season with a great car. But it’s the journey that really counts.
      “So there is no hold up with our contract. I’ve always been very, very relaxed. I don’t feel like I’ve got to get it done right this second. I’m in a very fortunate position.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’ll get done when we’re ready. I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes, and we fully support each other.
      “I’m really excited about the future together. I’m really proud of the work that we’re doing on and off the track, and the potential things we can do going forward. We’ll get there.” More

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      Christian Horner names Red Bull’s direct rivals for 2023 and makes prediction for the F1 season ahead

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      RED BULL team principal Christian Horner is expecting a fierce tussle with Mercedes and Ferrari this season.After romping to the F1 constructors’ championship last year, all points return to zero ahead of this weekend’s opening Grand Prix in Bahrain.
      Christian Horner expects a fight from Ferrari and Mercedes
      Red Bull go into 2023 as the strong favouritesCredit: Getty
      Red Bull are favourites again, but Horner knows “our opponents are fiercely competitive and they won’t be standing still”.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Horner said: “Our biggest threats this year would have to be both Ferrari and Mercedes. They are going to be fiercely competitive.
      “With the quality of their drivers, both of those teams are always dangerous.”
      Ferrari finished second last year, with Mercedes’ run as eight-time consecutive constructors’ champs crashing to an end with Toto Wolff’s team in third.
      READ MORE F1
      Both teams were over 200 points behind Red Bull in the standings as Max Verstappen won the drivers’ title with four races to spare.
      Red Bull looked most impressive during testing last week but it’s hoped 2023 could prove more competitive than last year.
      On the final day of testing in Bahrain, Sergio Perez topped the time-sheets with Lewis Hamilton in second and Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz fourth and fifth.
      Horner also predicted that those outside the top three teams could be more of a threat.
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      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      He said: “The competition will be very stiff from the front running teams.
      “I think the grid as a whole, in this second year of these new regulations, will start to converge and I’m expecting some really competitive racing.”
      The issue of porpoising, where cars would bump up and down, was a major issue for teams last season and updates to resolve the issue are sure to have an impact on the order according to Horner.
      He said: “The core specifications will inevitably have an effect (on results) and of course it is whichever team manages to deal with those regulation changes. The best will prevail.”
      Horner admits that topping last year in which Verstappen won his second consecutive drivers’ championship will be a tough ask.
      Speaking as PokerStars launch their 2023 partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing, Horner said: “2022 was the most incredible year for us and the most successful season in our history. To retain the drivers’ championship and to reclaim the constructor’s championship after an eight-year absence was a monumental performance by the whole team.
      “I think it will be very difficult to beat the season we had in 2022 but of course you must always try to do better.
      “You’re always learning in this business, applying the lessons that you learnt from last year and implementing them into the following year.”
      The 2023 season will see 23 Grand Prix across the globe, with the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar which is something Horner is looking forward to.
      He said: “The race that will generate the most interest in 2023 is unquestionably Las Vegas.
      “The introduction of Vegas to the calendar made a lot of noise, it is a big venue and everyone has immense expectations.”
      The team principal cut a relaxed and confident figure during testing but if Mercedes and Ferrari can show they’re in the fight it will be a different story come lights out on Sunday.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “5 minutes to 2pm is when I feel most anxious!”
      PokerStars’ partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing will see even more community rewards and epic experiences during the 2023 F1 season. For details visit: PokerStars.com
      Red Bull get their season under way on Sunday More

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      Why do F1 drivers get weighed and what is the requirement?

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      FORMULA ONE is arguably the most technical sport in the sporting industry – even what drivers weigh matters.Fans are gearing up for what is expected to be a sensational 2023 F1 season.
      Max Verstappen won the 2022 F1 championshipCredit: AFP
      And Lewis Hamilton in particular will be determined to dethrone reigning champion Max Verstappen having failed to win a single race in 2022.
      But the racers are obliged to be weighed before they get behind the wheel.
      SunSport has the reasons why.
      Why do F1 drivers get weighed?
      Formula One drivers are weighed to see how much weight the racer has lost during the race.
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      And drivers tip the scales to make sure that themselves and the car surpass the minimum weight requirement as the lighter the car, the faster it will go.
      F1 racers are weighed immediately after the race with all of their gear on which includes their helmet, gloves and full race suit as it contributes to their ‘seat weight’.
      Furthermore, drivers are prohibited from eating or drinking until their weight measurements have been recorded.
      The FIA implemented the rule in 2019 and the racers believe that it makes the circuit fair.
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      What is the minimum weight requirement?
      All drivers must weigh a minimum of 80kg which includes their drivers seat.
      There are usually no exceptions for this requirement and consequences come for those who fail to meet the minimum weight.
      Max Verstappen being weighed before the first race of the season in BahrainCredit: Getty
      What happens if drivers do not meet the weight requirement?
      Drivers who are found to be under the weight limit after the race receive an automatic disqualification.
      The rule is in place to make it fair for everybody to compete and it also forces drivers to maintain a healthy weight. More