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      Tanner Foust desperate for McLaren to stay in ‘rallycross on steroids’ Extreme E championship for at least another year

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      TANNER FOUST is hoping McLaren commit to another season in Extreme E – the championship he says is like “rallycross on steroids”.US racer Foust has driven everything from the General Lee in the Dukes of Hazzard films to monster trucks.
      Tanner Foust hopes to see McLaren continue racing in Extreme ECredit: Getty
      But he has been overwhelmed by the all-electric off-road car, called the Odyssey, he drives in the championship.
      He said: “I’ve been fortunate to race in a lot of different stuff in random types of motorsport, but I always underestimate the Odyssey and how quickly it covers ground.
      “It’s a big machine and when you do a track walk here you are trying to estimate where you’re braking and how fast you’ll be going through corners, I’m always completely wrong.
      “The racing format has also kind of gone away from adventure racing in difficult terrain to rallycross on steroids.
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      “You have these machines that can handle way more jumps and damage than a rallycross car.
      “I keep asking anybody who has a McLaren logo on their shirt whether we are committed for next year or not.
      “I have not heard any announcement but Emma Gilmour and I both really hope to be.
      “We’ve really enjoyed this season and feel like we’ve gained some momentum. So hopefully an announcement will come soon.”
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      Foust was speaking ahead of the final race of the season in Punta del Este in Uruguay where part of Extreme E’s plan is to run legacy programmes to help the environment.
      One such project involved marine conservation and him spending some time in the ocean.
      He added: “I’m a biology major and I have not talked about that or done anything with it except try to remember things to teach my daughter.
      “So it’s fascinating to hang out with the scientists and each of these locations. Out here in Uruguay, we went swimming with sea lions, which where I live they’re not the friendliest animals.
      “On this side of the planet they’re quite friendly, inquisitive and fun to swim with strangely, they still smell the same!” More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad drops huge hint F1 world champion could QUIT and claims Red Bull star is ‘done with everything now’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S dad Jos has suggested his son could quit F1 as he is “done with everything now”.The Dutch driver is enjoying the off-season after winning the Driver’s Championship at a canter, a year after he also won his epic battle with Lewis Hamilton.
      Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the 2022 F1 season and left rivals trailing in his wakeCredit: Getty
      The F1 season ended last week in Abu Dhabi as the remaining subplots were wrapped up.
      But the driver’s title was settled at the start of October in Japan with Verstappen crushing the opposition.
      With Ferrari’s challenge for the crown unravelling and Hamilton stuck in an uncompetitive Mercedes, Verstappen finished 146 points clear of second-place.
      He also won 15 of the 22 races contested during the season, breaking an F1 record.
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      Verstappen’s outspoken dad Jos has suggested he’s feeling complete and could soon move on from the sport.
      He told Viaplay, as per the Mirror: ‘He’s just a bit done with everything now. Especially when you have won the championship, then the pressure is off and it becomes less exciting.
      “For Max, I think it was just important that he broke that record with those wins. I think that’s the most important thing.”
      But the 50-year-old added: “To be honest, I do think it will all be a bit closer next year – that is also the intention of these regulations.
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      “I don’t mind. Good battles on track and a good championship until the end would be fantastic.”
      Verstappen himself has previously hinted that he is already considering his future in the sport, despite only being 25-years-old.
      While Fernando Alonso has indicated that he would look forward to racing alongside the two-times World Champion in other series after their time in F1 comes to an end.
      After Logan Sargeant replaced Nicholas Latifi at Williams earlier this week, the entire 2023 grid has now been confirmed.
      The 20 drivers will do battle again in March when the new season begins in Bahrain. More

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      Michael Schumacher update as ‘star sends message’ on 10th anniversary of his retirement & nine years since ski tragedy

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      MICHAEL Schumacher has sent a message to his fans on the 10th anniversary of his retirement.The Formula 1 legend’s tweet comes nine years after his horrific skiing accident in the French Alps in 2013, which left him with severe brain injuries.
      Michael Schumacher pictured when he finally retired from Formula 1Credit: Twitter/@schumacher
      Schumacher was the seven times World ChampionCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The legendary driver pictured with his pit crew in theCredit: Twitter/@schumacher
      The pictures were tweeted on the 10th anniversary of retirementCredit: Twitter/@schumacher
      Seven World Champion first retired at the end of the 2006 season after winning 91 F1 Grand Prix races but returned to the sport in 2009 to drive for Mercedes.
      He spent three years with the team but didn’t win a race before he finally quit in 2012.
      Marking the day, his official account tweeted: “Life is about passions Thank you for sharing mine.”
      It was followed by #TeamMichael and #KeepFighting.
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      A picture shows Schumacher in his car, which has ‘Thank You Goodbye Michael’ on the side, and another with him surrounded by his pit crew.
      It comes as old Ferrari Formula One car has become the most valuable of the “modern era”.
      The Ferrari F2003 was sold for an immense £12.6million, breaking the previous record, which was also held by an old Schumacher model.
      The car was the one in which Schumacher won his sixth Formula One world title.
      After his accident Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma until June 2014 and is now back home near Lake Geneva in Switzerland with his family.
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      His condition has remained a closely guarded secret, with his wife Corinna preferring to treat her husband privately at their home in Geneva, Switzerland.
      Corinna, 53, broke down in tears when the F1 legend was honoured with an award at an emotional ceremony in July.
      The Ferrari icon was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia.
      F1 boss Jean Todt is who is one of the only people outside Schumacher’s family and medical team still allowed to see him.
      Todt revealed Schumacher is “in good hands” as he revealed he visits the stricken star three times a week.
      He previously shared details about the star’s condition and said he “hopes the world” will be able to see his dear friend again, adding Schumacher has “never changed”.
      “I don’t leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we’ve had so many experiences together,” said Todt.
      “The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on.
      “Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.”
      He also revealed Schumacher still loves to watch Formula One races.
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      Todt told German TV channel RTL: “I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael.
      “But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton could have Mick Schumacher as Mercedes team-mate next season as Wolff opens door to signing F1 icon’s son

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      TOTO Wolff has opened the door for Mick Schumacher to be Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate at Mercedes next season.The 23-year-old, son of legendary racer Michael, competed for Haas in 2022.
      Mick Schumacher is the son of former F1 icon MichaelCredit: Getty
      Toto Wolff has opened the door for Schumacher to join Lewis Hamilton at MercedesCredit: Getty
      But Schumacher is a free agent after being replaced by Nico Hulkenberg.
      Meanwhile, Mercedes are looking out for a new reverse after Nyck de Vries joined AlphaTauri and Stoffel Vandoorne signed for Aston Martin.
      And Wolff admitted that he would be interested in taking care of the German when speaking at the Abu Dhabi GP.
      He said: “Mick is someone that has always been close to our heart because of Michael, or the whole Schumacher family.
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      “Ralf was in a DTM for a long time for us, his son races Mercedes [cars] in GTs.
      “He’s an intelligent, well-mannered young man, [and] he’s been very successful in junior formulas.
      “We believe that we can look after him if the situation were to happen and with someone that fits the team, but we haven’t really put pen to paper, we haven’t really come anywhere close to any terms.
      “I’m saying that openly because I think he just fits and now we need to make it happen, if he wants to, Sabine [Kehm, Schumacher’s manager] wants to, and then we see where that goes to.”
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      But Wolff admitted that nothing has been decided yet.
      He added: “We haven’t really put pen to paper, we haven’t really come anywhere close to any terms.
      “I’m seeing it that openly because I think he just fits and now we need to make it happen, if he wants to, Sabine wants to and then we see we see where that goes to.” More

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      Red Bull confirm Daniel Ricciardo’s return to F1 team as he joins Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez as third driver

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO has re-joined Red Bull Racing following his release from McLaren.The Aussie has been handed a reserve driver role that will also see him take part in the team’s simulator development and marketing commitments.
      Daniel Ricciardo has re-joined Red Bull ahead of the 2023 seasonCredit: Reuters
      Ricciardo has won eight F1 GPs but has struggled at Renault and then McLaren, who decided to cut short his stay with the team in favour of signing Oscar Piastri.
      It resulted in the 33-year-old being without a seat for 2023, meaning he has taken a position at Red Bull, who he left in 2018.
      Red Bull announced the news on Twitter by simply saying: “He’s back. Welcome home”.

      He said: “The smile says it all. I’m truly excited to be coming back home to Red Bull as their third driver in 2023.
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      “For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing, whilst also giving me some time to recharge and refocus.
      “I can’t wait to be with the team and support with simulator work, testing sessions and commercial activities.”
      Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Ricciardo is NOT being lined up as a replacement for Sergio Perez, who had a falling out with Max Verstappen in Brazil.
      He added: “It is great to bring Daniel back into the Red Bull family.
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      “He has enormous talent and such a brilliant character; I know the whole factory is excited to be welcoming him home.
      “In his role as test and third driver, Daniel will give us the chance to diversify, assisting in the development of the car, aiding the team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in F1.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton left devastated after beloved young fan Isla dies who he met at Silverstone and dedicated F1 season to

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      LEWIS HAMILTON revealed his heartbreak and devastation after a beloved young fan died. The Mercedes star, 37, took to Instagram to express his sadness following Isla’s tragic passing.
      Lewis Hamilton’s young fan Isla sadly passed awayCredit: Instagram
      The F1 star paid his own personal touching tributeCredit: Instagram
      He posted the heartfelt message on his storyCredit: Instagram
      Hamilton met Isla at the Spanish Grand Prix when she was five and had been told she was terminally ill.
      They then reconnected at Silverstone and Hamilton dedicated his 2022 F1 season to the girl.
      But now the seven-time F1 world champion is clearly struggling to cope with Isla’s death.
      He posted a series of pictures of Isla, including a beautiful one of him holding the youngster, on his Instagram story.
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      Grieving Hamilton wrote in his emotion message: “Devastated to hear about Isla’s passing.
      “Meeting this little girl and her family at Silverstone was powerful and moving she was a fighter and an inspiration to us all.
      “Her memory will be with me always.”
      He later added: “I can’t stop thinking about Isla.
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      “This beautiful little spirit brought so much love into my life, her hugs and support meant the world to me.
      “I can’t believe she’s gone and I won’t get to hug her again. Life is not fair.
      “My deepest condolences to her family, I can’t imagine how had a time this is but please know how many people loved her and especially me.”
      He signed off the touching tribute with a broken heart emoji.
      Hamilton finished fifth at the Spanish GP in May, 54 seconds behind race winner and world champ Max Verstappen.
      ‘SHATTERED MY HEART’
      But he explained afterwards he was distracted after his initial encounter with Isla.
      The Stevenage driver said at the time: “Today at the track I had to work extra hard to focus. That’s because today I met a beautiful little girl Isla and her parents.
      “She’s so full of light, her smile alone brought more happiness than I can put into words.
      “I learned that Isla’s only five years old and terminally ill. It’s shattered my heart.
      “Seeing her smile and strength is the greatest gift and I just want to thank Isla and her parents for sharing that with me.
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      “I cannot wait to see you at Silverstone and give you a hug and thank you in person.
      “I’m going to give everything tomorrow and the rest of this season for you, Isla.” More

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      Ben Hunt: Classic races, huge crashes and juicy scandals… here are my F1 2022 season awards

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      ANOTHER F1 season ends — and we have had excellent races and even better rows.Here, SunSport’s motor racing correspondent Ben Hunt dishes out his awards for the 2022 campaign…
      Max Verstappen won a record 15 races this seasonCredit: Getty
      BEST RACE
      British GP. The incident-packed race at Silverstone was a classic, from the Just Stop Oil protesters on the circuit to the massive smash for Zhou Guanyu.
      Carlos Sainz was a popular winner in the paddock.
      BEST DRIVER
      Max Verstappen’s 15 wins in a season is a new F1 record. Last year he scraped his first title in controversial circumstances, this time he smashed it.
      The Dutchman has been excellent. Yes, he has had a dominant car but he still had to deliver and has done so with few mistakes.
      Read more F1 news
      BEST BRIT
      George Russell took his maiden F1 victory in Brazil and finished the season in fourth place in the championship.
      Not bad for someone whom many had written off against a team-mate who is a seven-time world champion. He has not been outclassed by Lewis Hamilton.
      BIGGEST SHOCK
      Mercedes’ struggle caught everyone out. In pre-season testing they looked strong but a dreadful car design left them with bouncing problems, causing headaches for drivers  and  designers.
      They must do better over the winter with their car to have half a chance of fighting Verstappen next season.
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      Zhou Guanyu survived a horror smash at SilverstoneCredit: PA
      Lewis Hamilton has a nightmare season as he went a year without a win for the first timeCredit: Reuters
      BIGGEST CRASH
      Zhou’s smash at Silverstone was sensational. It was a miracle he survived and that is all thanks to the halo cockpit protection system.
      Mick Schumacher had a big shunt too in Saudi Arabia, which saw him airlifted to hospital for a check up.
      BIGGEST SCANDAL
      The cost-cap row rumbled on for four races. This dreary piece of F1’s giant rulebook sent the rumour mill wild.
      Accusations about leaks and how rival teams found out the details, plus all the lobbying, caused plenty of political tensions.
      BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
      Ferrari. The Italians designed the quickest car but were let down by poor reliability and dreadful mistakes, especially on their strategy.
      Team boss Mattia Binotto is fighting for his future but needs a new chief strategist.
      Read More on The Sun
      BIGGEST EXCITEMENT FOR 2023
      The Las Vegas Grand Prix is going to be special. Packages for the showpiece are being priced up to $1million, with huge events planned around the weekend.
      It is the penultimate race of 24 — more than ever — with a further six sprint events on top. More

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      Williams F1 team reveal American star Logan Sargeant as replacement for Nicholas Latifi for next season

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      WILLIAMS have confirmed Logan Sargeant will join their team for the 2023 Formula 1 season. The 21-year-old had long seemed set for the seat at one of F1’s most famous and historic racing teams, replacing the error-prone Nicolas Latifi.
      Logan Sargeant will be racing against the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen next season after he joined WilliamsCredit: Getty
      Nicholas Latifi struggled to impress in his three seasons in F1Credit: Splash
      But the American had to secure his F1 super licence first by finishing high enough in the F2 Championship.
      Sargeant managed to get the job done over two races in Abu Dhabi, securing fourth in the Driver’s Championship and gaining enough licence points.
      It paved the way for Williams’ announcement and Sargeant, who had already been a test driver for the team, will now partner Alex Albon next season.
      The driver impressed Williams with his performances this season and the team were keen to promote youth.
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      Back-to-back wins at Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring in the summer proved to be his best moments.
      He comes in for Latifi who has failed to impress in F1 since claiming his seat at Williams in 2020.
      But the team have been struggling for several years now and their cars can often be seen fighting for positions at the back of the grid.
      But Williams used to be a powerful F1 side, with the team winning the Constructor’s Championship nine times in their history.
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      The switch means that the F1 grid for 2023 is now confirmed – with only four teams keeping their 2022 line-ups.
      Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo have opted to keep their two drivers.
      Elsewhere Sebastian Vettel retired for Aston Martin, opening the door for his old rival Fernando Alonso to make a shock switch.
      This decision left Alpine stumbling into a PR calamity after their first choice replacement, last season’s F2 champion Oscar Piastri, publicly rejected joining the team after they had already announced he was signing.
      Piastri instead replaced Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren, while Alpine landed Pierre Gasly in place of Alonso.
      This then opened up a seat at Italian team Alpha Tauri and they managed to secure the services of Nyck de Vries.
      And at Haas, Mick Schumacher was ditched in place of Nico Hulkenberg, who last drove regularly in F1 in 2019. More