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      Max Verstappen snubs Lewis Hamilton as he names two drivers he would pick in his F1 team

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has snubbed Lewis Hamilton when naming two drivers he would pick for his ideal Formula One team. The Dutchman, 23, was asked about creating a hypothetical dream setup ahead of the 2023 season.
      Max Verstappen shockingly did not choose Lewis Hamilton when creating a fictional dream teamCredit: AFP
      Speaking to Mobil 1 The Grid, he unsurprisingly selected his own team principal Christian Horner to take charge.
      And when it came to drivers, seven-time world champion Hamilton as well as Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez did not make the cut.
      The duo were overlooked while he attempted to mix youth and experience.
      When choosing who should get behind the wheel, Verstappen said: “I find that really hard, the drivers, because I think there are a lot of good drivers.
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      “I would go probably for an experienced one, so I would go for Fernando [Alonso].
      “And then I would take a young guy and I would put Lando [Norris] in the car. Yeah, Fernando and Lando.”
      Alonso has raced in F1 across 19 seasons and is a two-time world champion.
      The 41-year-old will feature in the approaching campaign for Aston Martin.
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      Meanwhile, Norris is about to enter his fifth season in F1, all with McLaren.
      The 23-year-old Brit is tipped for big things having made the podium six times in his career, finishing sixth and seventh in the last two years’ standings.
      It is unlikely that Verstappen’s dream team ever becomes more than a hypothetical idea as he has already made it clear he has no desire to lead a team once retiring.
      The winner of the last two campaigns previously said: “F1 has taken up a big part of my life for a long time. We have to travel a lot and there will be more races in the future.
      “That’s when the question comes up whether the pursuit of even more successes is worth spending so much time away from your own family and friends.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes have back-up plan car and willing to SCRAP 2023 car if they fall behind Red Bull again

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      MERCEDES are willing to scrap their 2023 car and introduce a back-up design if they fall behind Red Bull. That is according to Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz who believes the German-based team are putting in place measures to avoid last season’s slow start.
      If Mercedes get the car right, Hamilton could have a shot at a record-breaking eighth driver’s crownCredit: PA
      Mercedes engineers will have been hard at work during the winter trying to cut the gap to champions Red BullCredit: PA
      Mercedes installed a unique “zero sidepod” design to their car last year as F1 saw sweeping rule changes that triggered major adjustments across the grid.
      But the eight-times consecutive constructor’s champions quickly found themselves on the back foot with their bouncing car.
      Red Bull and Ferrari led the field with Mercedes trying to cling on amid some embarrassing results.
      Kravitz reports that Lewis Hamilton’s team are keeping faith with the car’s philosophy – but have other ideas on hand just in case.
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      He told Sky Sports: “They’re giving their big idea, which was a failure last year, one more go. But I believe they have a ‘Plan B’ in production.
      “If they need to, they can go to a Plan B – which is the Red Bull or Ferrari-style of doing things – in the middle of the season.”
      Mercedes are looking to be competitive again after a year out in the wilderness.
      They will get to put their car concept to test in pre-season over the next few days.
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      Testing last year gave the first sign that Mercedes had fallen from their perch with both Hamilton and teammate George Russell expressing frustration with the car’s flaws.
      Kravitz thinks the once dominant team will soon return to the forefront following their mini-revival towards the end of the season.
      He added: “These rules are what they are for a few years yet, so they’ve got to get it right at some point.
      “But at the moment they’re saying ‘Look we think we’ve got a proper handle on what went wrong last year, we still think our way – which is unique in the pit lane – having very slim sidepods is the way to go aerodynamically.
      “Most of the downforce is generated by the floor, which you can’t see, but they’re saying ‘Don’t expect anything too soon.'” More

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      Shocking pics show remains of F1 star Romain Grosjean’s car from dramatic Bahrain GP crash as it goes in exhibition

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      THE charred remains of Romain Grosjean’s Haas F1 car from the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix are being put on display for the very first time.The Frenchman cheated death when he hit a barrier at 120mph, ripping his car in two before it caught on fire.
      The remains of Romain Grosjean’s Haas can now be seenCredit: PA
      The charred car had been kept under wraps since 2020Credit: PA
      The Haas car looks scarcely recognisableCredit: PA
      Grosjean miraculously clambered out of the infernoCredit: Splash
      Grosjean somehow clambered out of the inferno, suffering burns on his hands and ankle having been trapped for 28 seconds.
      The wrecked car has been kept under wraps for three years but has now been released to the public to see at the F1 Exhibition in Madrid.
      Grosjean, who now races in IndyCar in the United States, said: “From my point of view, it was a big accident but I didn’t realise the impact or how violent it was from the outside.
      “It was only the next day when I asked someone to show me what it looked like that I realised.
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      “My wife was actually watching that race with my dad and my kids. They will remember that moment their entire life.
      “They were just spectators waiting to hear something… waiting to see something from Bahrain.
      “I had to break the headrest, punching it with my helmet and then I eventually managed to get my helmet through and stand up in the seat.
      “I realised my left foot was stuck into the chassis and I pulled as hard as I could on my left leg. My shoe stayed in the chassis but my foot came loose so I was free to exit the car.
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      Romain Grosjean came away with burns on his hands and anklesCredit: Instagram / @grosjeanromain
      The car can now be seen at an exhibition in MadridCredit: PA
      Grosjean was stuck in the burning car for nearly 30 secondsCredit: PA
      “It was 120 kilos of fuel plus the battery – both were on fire. Dr Ian Roberts, Alan van der Merwe from the medical car and one fireman were trying to open a gap in the fire to help me get out.
      “I believe that helped me at least to get a vision of where I had to go and where the exit was.”
      The 2020 Bahrain GP proved to be Grosjean’s final race in F1.
      He missed the final two races of that season, replaced by Pietro Fittipaldi, before not having his contract renewed by Haas and retiring from F1.
      Grosjean did subsequently make a full recovery, however, and has competed in IndyCar since 2021.
      Having been stuck in the burning wreckage for nearly 30 seconds, Grosjean later revealed what was going through his head.
      ‘I PUT MY HANDS IN THE FIRE’
      Appearing on Nico Rosberg’s podcast, he said: “It felt much longer than 28 seconds. I saw my visor turning all orange, I saw the flames on the left side of the car.
      “I thought about a lot of things, including Niki Lauda, and I thought that it wasn’t possible to end up like that, not now. I couldn’t finish my story in Formula One like that.
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      “And then, for my children, I told myself that I had to get out. I put my hands in the fire, so I clearly felt it burning on the chassis.
      “I got out, then I felt someone pulling on the suit, so I knew I was out.”
      The car hit the barrier at 120mphCredit: Reuters
      The race was red flagged for over an hour as the track was restoredCredit: PA More

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      OnlyFans racing star Renee Gracie ‘much more fun off track’ with fans left stunned as she nearly spills out of bikini

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      RENEE GRACIE is in the right gear after switching from V8 Supercars to Formula Fun.That’s the verdict of her followers after the Aussie, who quit motorsport to become an OnlyFans hit, posted more revealing snaps on Instagram.

      Renee Gracie has gone from racing cars to making hearts raceCredit: Instagram / @therenee_gracie
      Some people might think it’s tattoo revealing but Renee is happy to pose with little on for social mediaCredit: Instagram / @therenee_gracie
      The adult film actress spent six years in racing before changing career in 2019Credit: Instagram / @therenee_gracie
      Renee grasped the opportunity to be an online starCredit: Instagram / @therenee_gracie
      Renee posed in a bikini top that only just made it to the finishing line in covering her breasts.
      The ex-race ace also wore a plain thong of which she commented: “Feels weird wearing white.”
      Perhaps that was a reference to her colourful career.
      The Queenslander, 28, drove in Aussie Racing Cars, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and then V8 Supercars before switching to adult films in 2019.
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      And her latest photoshoot revved up her social media fans.
      Thousands of likes flowed in along with praise such as “Perfect” … “Divine” … and “Wow you look good”.
      And another comment seemed to speak for many: “You were fun as a race car driver. But this is waaaaaaay more fun.” 
      Renee too appears to be enjoying her life and freedom, helped by earning £14,000 a week from the OnlyFans subscription website.
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      And explaining last year why she was single, she told the Folksalert podcast: “I was in a relationship but I decided to get out of it as it wasn’t for me.
      ” I’m young, I’m earning good money, I’m independent.
      “I don’t want to be held back or held down or have anything or anyone inconvenience me.
      “I just want to do what I can, while I can. I feel like I’m in the prime of my life, so why have anyone potentially ruin that or get in the way?”
      Judging by the response to her recent pictures, it’s a racing certainty her followers hope she stays on track with her current career.
      Ex-Motorsport star Renee is used to navigating tight linesCredit: Instagram
      Renee bowed out of racing after a season with Dragon Motor Sport in 2017Credit: Getty More

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      F1 star Lance Stroll suffers bike accident in training and OUT of pre-season

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      ASTON MARTIN driver Lance Stroll will be forced to miss this week’s pre-season testing after having an accident while riding his bicycle.The Silverstone-based team say the Canadian suffered a “minor accident and sustained injuries which will result in him sitting out the pre-season test in Bahrain”.
      Stroll is into his seventh season in F1Credit: Rex
      Aston Martin announced the unfortunate news this afternoon
      The 24-year-old, the son of the team’s owner Lawrence Stroll, is expected to be fit for the season-opener in Bahrain on March 5.
      Stroll said: “I’ve had an unfortunate accident whilst training on my bike in preparation for the season. 
      “I am determined to get back in the car and I am excited about the season ahead with the team. I am motivated to bounce back from this setback as quickly as possible.”
      Aston Martin confirmed the news on their Twitter page this afternoon.
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      They said expect Stroll to make a quick recovery and said they will issue an update ahead of the opening race of the season.
      The news means new driver Fernando Alonso, who made a dramatic switch from Alpine last year, is now set to have all three days to himself to become acquainted with the new machinery.
      While this season won’t see the sweeping rule changes of last year, each team will still be looking to make tweaks to their car to find lap time.
      Pre-season testing gives fans the first chance to see who has gained some pace relative to their rivals and who needs to go back to the drawing board.
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      While Alonso is new to the team, Stroll is now into his fifth season with Aston Martin, who were called Racing Point until 2021.
      Along with his initial years at Williams in 2017 and 2018, this is now the Canadian’s seventh consecutive season in F1.
      While he has developed a reputation for crashing, the star has also demonstrated genuine skill and pace and picked up some surprise podiums along the way.
      He is also known for his wet weather driving skills and grabbed his sole pole position in wet and slippery conditions during 2020 Turkish Grand Prix qualifying.
      After having to pit his wits against four-times World Champion Sebastian Vettel last season, Stroll will now need to show the same resolve against two-times F1 winner Alonso when the season kicks off next month.
      Max Verstappen is widely deemed to be the favourite heading into the season. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s salary dwarfed by Max Verstappen’s but Mercedes ace still second-top earner as F1 stars’ wages revealed

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN topped F1’s pay league last year with a staggering £45million.The two-time world champion maximised his contract with Red Bull in the 2022 season.
      Max Verstappen earns £16million more than Lewis Hamilton per year
      Max Verstappen earns more than any other driver in F1Credit: Getty
      Lewis Hamiltonis reportedly on £29m per yearCredit: AP
      His deal included bonuses for winning races, taking podiums and winning both the drivers’ and teams’ championship titles.
      Verstappen’s earnings dwarfed that of Lewis Hamilton, who is in the process of negotiating a new deal with his Mercedes team.
      Hamilton, who went winless for the first time in his F1 career last season, is understood to have earned around £29million, claim RacingNews365.
      He has now had first talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff over a new deal with the contract is expected to be a formality.
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      Hamilton, 38, is likely to be offered similar terms to his last contract.
      However, in the long-term he is seeking an ambassador position with Mercedes for when he eventually does call time on his racing career. 
      Both Hamilton and Verstappen have private endorsements too with the Dutchman having just signed a deal with Heineken.
      Meanwhile, Jenson Button expects Hamilton to come out of the blocks flying when the season starts next week in Bahrain. 
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      However, Button, who was Hamilton’s teammate at McLaren between 2010 and 2012, said when he struggled with an uncompetitive car, it led to him contemplating retirement.
      Button said: “It’s something we all go through in our careers. It’s a reason why a lot of people retire, they are not in a winning car anymore. That’s why I left.
      “You can deal with the pressure you put yourself under and the calendar, if you are in a winning car. When you are not, you are like ‘I’ve had enough, I want to get out’.
      “Mercedes have given him a winning car for so many years. Last year obviously they didn’t but the car did win a race last year [with George Russell], so you would say at the end of the year they were strong.
      “I think he’ll start this year flat-out. He’s going to be on it from the word go, so I look forward to seeing that.
      “It’s going to put a lot of pressure on George; it’s a good pairing. But Lewis will be on it from the word go and I look forward to that fight.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff and rival Max Verstappen slam F1’s Drive to Survive on Netflix ahead of new series

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Toto Wolff have expressed concerns over Drive to Survive with the hit series days away from its fifth season release. The fly-on-the-wall documentary series follows all 10 teams and provides fans with an insight to the drama that is missed by standard TV coverage.
      Drive to Survive is widely believed to have boosted F1’s popularity among younger audiences
      It has proven to be a huge hit and is often cited as a factor in F1’s popularity boom in recent years.
      But the series is not everyone’s cup of tea, including those at the centre of the drama.
      Verstappen, 25, initially refused to do any talking head interviews despite his boss, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, being one of the series’ main protagonists.
      But the Dutchman has dropped his boycott this year despite the unflattering review he provided ahead of the fourth season’s release previously.
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      He said: “They faked a few rivalries which don’t really exist. So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show.
      “I am not really a dramatic show kind of person, I just want facts and real things to happen.
      “The problem is they will always position you in a way they want, so whatever you say, they will try to make you look reckless or trying to make you… whatever fits the story of the series.
      “So I never really liked that. I prefer to just have a one-on-one interview with the person who would like to know me.”
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      Lewis Hamilton’s boss Wolff revealed similar misgivings last year.
      He said: “It’s scary how much we let them in. You hate to see yourself in there. They create a spin to the narrative – they put scenes together that didn’t happen.
      “I guess you’d say as an insider, ‘well that’s different than how it was’. But we’re creating entertainment, and that is a new dimension of entertainment.”
      The most recent series of Drive to Survive followed F1’s most dramatic and explosive title race ever with Hamilton and Verstappen’s rivalry resulting in huge crashes and unprecedented last-lap drama.
      The upcoming series – which is released on February 24 – will review the 2022 season which saw Verstappen dominate, Mercedes struggle and Ferrari unravel. More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell ready to take on Max Verstappen for F1 title in 2023 season

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      GEORGE RUSSELL is ready to take the fight to Max Verstappen this season.The Brit won his first Grand Prix last year in Brazil as he finished fourth in the drivers’ championship behind champ Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
      Mercedes’ George Russell is up to take on Red Bull superstar Max VerstappenCredit: PA
      However, after coming to terms with racing for a top team — and beating his Mercedes team-mate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton — Russell says his goal this season is to battle Verstappen for the title.
      Speaking at the launch of this season’s predominantly black Formula One car, 25-year-old Russell was in a bullish mood.
      He said: “I’m going into my fifth year of Formula One.
      “I have had three difficult years at the back of the grid and I feel like last year was a good taste but I feel absolutely ready within myself and the team I’ve got around me to fight.
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      “We want to put that fight against Max. I’m sure Ferrari are going to come out the blocks fast too, so we want to fight against those guys and go for it.
      “This is why I had the dream of being an F 1 driver and what I’m working towards every single day, so we are going to be doing our best to achieve that.
      “We need to see what the car feels like. I was happy with how we maximised last year, in terms of getting the most out of a difficult package.
      “The great thing with this sport is it’s constantly evolving and it’s a new challenge every single year, because of the challenges you face, with the new tyres and the new car.
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      “I definitely feel I still have room to improve and that fills me with confidence because I still felt like I was performing at a very high level ,even though I know that I’ve got a lot more in my pocket.
      “I was on quite a steep learning curve but I feel like we’ve got a lot to come.”
      Russell made a stunning start to his Mercedes career with nine consecutive top-five finishes, including three podiums.
      But he admits he learned more from his poor races than he did his successful ones and that sometimes he was simply trying too hard.
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      He added: “That was a big lesson I learned is that sometimes the harder you try, the more you push, sometimes the result isn’t better.
      “You’ve got to be very disciplined with yourself sometimes in your approach for knowing how hard to push.”
      Both Russell and Hamilton have got in some crucial running ahead of this week’s pre-season testing in Bahrain.
      The pair took part in a tyre test for Pirelli in Spain at the start of this month and drove during a filming day at Silverstone this week, which was  limited to 60 miles.
      Hamilton, 38, said: “I got in the car, I did 160 something laps in Jerez and I felt good.
      “As always, after the first day of running the back of your neck is always a sore part.
      “I’m sure, still, after the first days that we’re running, your body is still getting accustomed to the forces, as the car should hopefully be quicker this year.
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      “It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard.
      “I’m incredibly grateful for all the effort.”
      Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell is confident ahead of next seasonCredit: AFP More