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      Lewis Hamilton could have been 2021 champion but Mercedes ‘missed a trick’ in Abu Dhabi GP, reveals Bernie Ecclestone

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      FORMER F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton would have won an eighth world title if Mercedes had deployed a smarter strategy. Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Max Verstappen on the final lap of the last race at a dramatic Abu Dhabi GP last season.
      Ecclestone reckons a better Mercedes strategy would have seen Hamilton win the titleCredit: Getty
      Instructions could have been sent to Bottas to wind the engine down, which would have resulted in the Safety Car staying on the trackCredit: The Mega Agency
      Hamilton was beaten at the death by Dutchman Verstappen in dramatic and controversial circumstancesCredit: Getty
      But Mercedes could have possibly made sure the Safety Car stayed on the track until the end of the race after it was called out with five laps left to go.
      That would have meant the leading driver at the time, Hamilton, would have won the race and also the 2021 title.
      Ecclestone was asked by Swiss outlet Blick whether Mercedes could have “radioed to [Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri] Bottas to let the car coast because they want to preserve the engine.”
      Had they done so, in all likelihood the Safety Car would have stayed out and Hamilton would have won the race.
      read more lewis hamilton news
      And Ecclestone responded: “Pretty clever. I thought of that too, and it would have been ideal to make sure the Safety Car stayed out and the race wouldn’t have been restarted.
      “Many people would have been upset, but there wouldn’t have been any changes to the final result.”
      He was then asked if they failure to make the call to Bottas had been costly in handing the championship over to Verstappen.
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      Ecclestone replied: “Right, and I don’t know if Toto Wolff, with a third of the team shares, is still in the same strong position as before.
      “But we will find out at some point.” More

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      Max Verstappen blasts ‘bulls***’ fan reaction following Brazilian GP drama as he and family inundated with vile abuse

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has blasted at the “bulls***” across social media following his refusal to follow team instructions in Brazil.Verstappen had already secured his second F1 crown in a row but denied teammate Sergio Perez crucial championship points by not swapping places with the Mexican in Sao Paulo.
      Max Verstappen refused to give details but insists Red Bull should have realised how he’d react when they told him to let team-mate Sergio Perez passCredit: Getty
      Mercedes’ one-two duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished well ahead of Perez, who was seventh behind VerstappenCredit: Zuma Press
      The Dutchman delivered a stern message over the radio to his Red Bull team saying they knew the reasons for his decision.
      Social media lit-up with criticism for Verstappen – and poisonous abuse levelled at his family.
      Verstappen has now blamed the media for causing the rumpus – saying people don’t know what they are talking about – and insists he did nothing wrong.
      He said: “After that race, I looked very bad in the media. But they didn’t have the clear picture.
      READ MORE ON F1
      “To immediately put me down like that is ridiculous to be honest, because they don’t know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me.
      “All the things I’ve read are pretty disgusting. They’ve started attacking my family, they threatened my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, and my dad.
      “And for me that goes way too far when you don’t have the facts of what’s actually going on and for me that definitely has to stop.
      “If you have a problem with me that’s fine, but don’t go after my family because that is just unacceptable.
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      “Also in this paddock, to be honest. Not only fans but a lot of people, what they have been writing about me is ridiculous.
      “I’m just a bit fed up with all this bulls*** just going around all the time. As soon as there’s something negative, it needs to be highlighted.
      “It’s pretty sickening to be honest, being part of all that. At the end of the day, I haven’t done anything wrong, people just misunderstood what was going on.”
      There was a suggestion that Verstappen’s refusal to follow orders stemmed from an incident in Monaco earlier in the season when Perez spun in qualifying.
      Many fellow drivers have privately said they agreed with Verstappen in that it was a curious incident, which benefited Perez – who has denied that was the trigger point for their row.
      But while Verstappen is quick to blame people for not knowing the facts, he is also refusing to shed any light on the situation.
      He added: “It was about something that happened earlier in the season.
      “I already explained that in Mexico and the team understood that and agreed.
      It was only on the last lap they said something. They should have known my response… we should have had that conversation earlier.Max Verstappen
      “We went to Brazil, I just thought we would race, try to get the best possible result. Nobody had told me about a potential swap.
      “It was only on the last lap they said something on the radio. They should have known my response already after what I said the week before.
      “After that race, we had some good discussions, we put everything on the table and everything has been solved.
      “In hindsight we should have had that conversation earlier because I’ve never been a bad teammate.
      “I have always been very helpful. The team knows that – I always put the team up front because at the end of the day it is a team effort.”
      Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton goes into his 200th race for Mercedes looking for a win to maintain his record of winning a GP in every season he has raced in F1.
      The milestone is already an F1 record, 20 more than the next-best set by Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.
      Hamilton, who was second in Brazil, said: “It’s been an amazing journey, one that I’m incredibly honoured of with Mercedes. I’m proud of it. It shows that loyalty continues to be at the core.
      “Who knows what will happen this weekend? We are still improving the car. We don’t believe that this track will necessarily be our strongest but I won’t know until I get out there. I hope that it’s like the last race.” More

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      Max Verstappen blasts ‘bulls***’ fan reaction following Brazilian GP drama as he and family flooded with vile abuse

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has blasted the “bulls***” across social media following his refusal to follow team instructions in Brazil.Verstappen had already secured his second F1 crown in a row but denied teammate Sergio Perez crucial championship points by not swapping places with the Mexican in Sao Paulo.
      Max Verstappen refused to give details but insists Red Bull should have realised how he’d react when they told him to let team-mate Sergio Perez passCredit: Getty
      Mercedes’ one-two duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished well ahead of Perez, who was seventh behind VerstappenCredit: Zuma Press
      The Dutchman delivered a stern message over the radio to his Red Bull team saying they knew the reasons for his decision.
      Social media lit-up with criticism for Verstappen – and poisonous abuse levelled at his family.
      Verstappen has now blamed the media for causing the rumpus – saying people don’t know what they are talking about – and insists he did nothing wrong.
      He said: “After that race, I looked very bad in the media. But they didn’t have the clear picture.
      READ MORE ON F1
      “To immediately put me down like that is ridiculous to be honest, because they don’t know how I work within the team and what the team appreciates about me.
      “All the things I’ve read are pretty disgusting. They’ve started attacking my family, they threatened my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, and my dad.
      “And for me that goes way too far when you don’t have the facts of what’s actually going on and for me that definitely has to stop.
      “If you have a problem with me that’s fine, but don’t go after my family because that is just unacceptable.
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      “Also in this paddock, to be honest. Not only fans but a lot of people, what they have been writing about me is ridiculous.
      “I’m just a bit fed up with all this bulls*** just going around all the time. As soon as there’s something negative, it needs to be highlighted.
      “It’s pretty sickening to be honest, being part of all that. At the end of the day, I haven’t done anything wrong, people just misunderstood what was going on.”
      There was a suggestion that Verstappen’s refusal to follow orders stemmed from an incident in Monaco earlier in the season when Perez spun in qualifying.
      Many fellow drivers have privately said they agreed with Verstappen in that it was a curious incident which benefited Perez – who has denied that was the trigger point for their row.
      But while Verstappen is quick to blame people for not knowing the facts, he is also refusing to shed any light on the situation.
      He added: “It was about something that happened earlier in the season.
      “I already explained that in Mexico and the team understood that and agreed.
      It was only on the last lap they said something. They should have known my response… we should have had that conversation earlier.Max Verstappen
      “We went to Brazil, I just thought we would race, try to get the best possible result. Nobody had told me about a potential swap.
      “It was only on the last lap they said something on the radio. They should have known my response already after what I said the week before.
      “After that race, we had some good discussions, we put everything on the table and everything has been solved.
      “In hindsight we should have had that conversation earlier because I’ve never been a bad teammate.
      “I have always been very helpful. The team knows that – I always put the team up front because at the end of the day it is a team effort.”
      Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton goes into his 200th race for Mercedes looking for a win to maintain his record of winning a GP in every season he has raced in F1.
      The milestone is already an F1 record, 20 more than the next-best set by Michael Schumacher and Ferrari.
      Read More on The Sun
      Hamilton, who was second in Brazil, said: “It’s been an amazing journey, one that I’m incredibly honoured of with Mercedes. I’m proud of it. It shows that loyalty continues to be at the core.
      “Who knows what will happen this weekend? We are still improving the car. We don’t believe that this track will necessarily be our strongest but I won’t know until I get out there. I hope that it’s like the last race.” More

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      Star Wars-style pod racing which could be regulated like F1 may emerge by 2025 as one of leading tech innovations

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      A LEADING futurologist has revealed how tech will change sport – including AI training sessions, micro-technology skin implants, and Star Wars-style pod racing.Dr Ian Pearson, who has more than 1,800 inventions to his name – including text messaging – has predicted what innovations we can expect in sport in coming decades.
      Star Wars-style pod racing could emerge by 2025Credit: Star Wars
      Pod racing could be regulated in the same way as F1 to keep the sport fair and competitiveCredit: Splash
      The new tech will enable athletes to improve their performance and give fans the ultimate viewing experience – and wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi blockbuster.
      And it’s not just participants who will benefit from the enhancements.
      Dr Pearson, who has teamed-up with 888 Sport to share his insights, believes fans will be able to wear special glasses at sports events which display real-time stats and allow them to zoom in on the action.
      Some gadgets are even likely to be commonplace within the next couple of years – including Star Wars-style pod racing which he claims we can expect to see in 2025.
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      Dr Pearson said: “Drone races would be a bit like pod racing in Star Wars.
      “So that’s an emerging sport which could be regulated in a similar way to Formula 1.
      “The drones would be restricted in terms of power to ensure competitors are on a level playing field.”
      Numerous exciting developments are expected when it comes to improving the performance of athletes.
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      These include the introduction of augmented reality (AR) glasses to training sessions for elite footballers by 2025.
      While it’s predicted the 2030s will see athletes wear electronics on – or even under – the skin to enhance their performance.
      And tech called ‘active skin’ – an example of sensing technology – will be used by pros to improve their technique in sports like tennis or golf, to help develop muscle memory for a particular action.
      Dr Pearson added: “AR glasses will adapt to what happens in real time, so I can see heavy use of augmented reality in training.
      “Printing electronics straight onto the skin’s surface, or putting tiny electronic capsules into the skin, you can get direct access to your blood and your nervous system.
      “This way, you can monitor exactly what’s happening inside your body at any given time and assess this with your coach to devise the best strategy for you based on this continuous data that is available in real time.
      “Active skin would enhance how fast you’re learning quite considerably, and it would allow you to develop the muscle memory much faster.
      “A younger athlete would be able to get to a good level in a few months instead of a few years.”
      But it’s not all about the athletes – tech such as AR and AI will change how fans enjoy sport come 2027.
      Dr Pearson said: “For fans who are watching football for example, rather than participating simultaneously, future designs of AR glasses could be used to zoom in on a particular area of the pitch.
      “You’ll be able to see the pitch from any angle and zoom as you like to see expressions and get closer to players.
      “If you’re obsessed with statistics, you can have all the statistics you want in your field of view.
      “Even if you’re in the stadium, you can still use this AR technology to improve your view while soaking up the atmosphere.
      “Another option to give fans an entirely new view of football would be for the players to wear cameras in their kits to give fans the exact view of a player and to see where they’re looking.”
      Other possible innovations include using boron to make sports equipment, improvements in how data is used to boost decision-making in athletes, and a technology-enhanced Olympics.

      Dr Pearson said: “We could see a technology-enhanced Olympics in 2050 where people are allowed to use all sorts of technologies.
      “Whether it’s equipment, clothes, genetic enhancements, or smart drugs that are all available and could give athletes an advantage and may make some sports more exciting to watch.” More

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      Red Bull slam ‘completely unacceptable’ abuse as Max Verstappen and family hit by DEATH THREATS after Sergio Perez row

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      RED BULL slammed the “completely unacceptable” abuse including death threats directed at Max Verstappen and his family.Verstappen came under criticism when he defied team orders and refused to allow team-mate Sergio Perez to overtake him on the final lap of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday.
      Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen’s relationship is tense after Sao PauloCredit: Reuters
      The world champion refused to let his team-mate pass despite team orderrsCredit: Getty
      Perez now has just one race left to clinch second ahead of Charles Leclerc, and blasted world champ Verstappen for his behaviour.
      The Mexican roared: “It shows who he really is. I have nothing to say.
      “After all I’ve done for him, it’s disappointing. I have no idea, I’m really surprised.”
      Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen then hit back with a now-deleted Instagram post that accused Perez of cheating on his wife Carola Martinez following videos of the 32-year-old dancing with mystery women in Monte Carlo.
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      Perez issued a statement at the time regarding the video saying: “People close to me know my values and the type of person that I am. For those who ask me, we are more united than ever, me and my wife.”
      Red Bull have issued a statement condemning the online messages sent to the Verstappens – as well as Perez and others connected with the pair.
      Red Bull said: “As a team we made some mistakes in Brazil. We had not envisaged the situation that unfolded on the last lap and we had not agreed a strategy for such a scenario before the race.
      “Regretfully, Max was only informed at the final corner of the request to give up position without all the necessary information being relayed.
      “This put Max, who has always been an open and fair team player, in a compromising situation with little time to react which was not our intention.
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      “Following the race Max spoke openly and honestly, allowing for both drivers to resolve any outstanding issues or concerns.
      “The team accept Max’s reasoning, the conversation was a personal matter which will remain private between the team and no further comment will be made.
      “The events that followed from a social media point of view are completely unacceptable.
      “The abusive online behaviour towards Max, Checo, the team and their respective families is shocking and saddening and unfortunately is something that we as a sport are having to address with depressing regularity.”
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      Red Bull, who won the F1 constructors’ title in 2022, continued: “There is no place for it in racing or society as a whole and we need to do and be better.
      “At the end of the day this is a sport, we are here to race. Death threats, hate mail, vitriol towards extended family members is deplorable.
      “We value inclusion and want a safe space for everyone to work in and enjoy our sport. The abuse needs to stop.”
      Verstappen said ahead of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi GP: “Some of the things I’ve read are pretty disgusting.
      “They started attacking my family, threatening my sister, my mum, my girlfriend, my dad and for me that goes way too far. It has to stop.
      “If you have a problem with me, that’s fine but don’t go after my family because that’s just unacceptable.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I have a great relationship with Checo but people don’t have all the facts.
      “It was not only fans but in this paddock too.”
      Verstappen’s mum Sophie Kumpen escalated the row on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sophiekumpen More

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      Lewis Hamilton returns to Abu Dhabi a year on from Max Verstappen F1 title chaos in incredible all-purple ensemble

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has arrived in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Grand Prix in a stunning all-purple outfit.The British racer pulled off the unique look as he arrived at the paddock for the media day ahead of the last race of the Formula 1 season.
      Lewis Hamilton arrived for media day ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in his interesting purple outfitCredit: Getty
      The British driver will be hoping for a positive end to the seasonCredit: Getty
      Fans however did poke a bit of fun at the seven-time World Champion on social media.
      One said: “Man looks like a Quality Street but to be fair behind the wheel he’s always quality.”
      A second added: “Stylish pajamas.”
      A third commented: “Lewis is a supermodel he deserves that much attention, and it suits him well as always. The trousers may be a little bit too long. I hope he doesn’t trip over it.”
      READ MORE ON F1
      Hamilton will be hoping to end this season on a high and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would be a great place to do it after last year’s dramatic finale against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the same track.
      The Mercedes driver was aiming for his eighth title but he was locked on 369.5 points with Verstappen after a thrillingly contested season between the two.
      The Dutch driver had taken pole position in qualifying, but it was Hamilton that led through the first corner once the race started.
      But on Turn Six, Verstappen took his car up the inside of the Mercedes, forcing Hamilton into the run-off to maintain his lead.
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      Red Bull complained to F1’s governing FIA and race director, Michael Masi, but race stewards believed that it was not necessary for an investigation.
      However, Verstappen was handed a lifeline as Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers on Lap 50 of 58, causing a Safety Car to be brought onto the track.
      This meant that Mercedes had to choose between pitting Hamilton and putting on fresh tyres, but this would be risking ending the race behind the Safety Car.
      By not pitting Hamilton, Mercedes chose to keep the lead, but knew Verstappen, who had pitted, would be chasing him down on newer soft rubber tyres.
      But they did not think that the race would be restarted in time due to the regulations on restarts and the cars that had been lapped.
      On lap 56 there were five lapped cars between the two World Championship hopefuls, and the message “lapped cars will not be allowed to overtake” was communicated from Race Control.
      However, in the penultimate lap, there was a massive change of heart as the five cars between the two title contenders were now instructed to overtake.
      Following this, it was announced that the race would restart for a winner-takes-all 58th and final lap between Verstappen and Hamilton.
      Read More on The Sun
      On older tyres Hamilton did his best to try and hold off the Red Bull, but he was overtaken on Turn Five.
      He did try to get the spot back as he had more straight-line speed, but it was not enough to stop Verstappen from claiming his first World Championship.
      Fans were divided over Hamilton’s purple outfit, with some comparing him to a Quality StreetCredit: Reuters
      Others loved the ensembleCredit: Reuters More

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      Mick Schumacher sensationally AXED by Haas F1 team and replaced by veteran Nico Hulkenberg for next season

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      MICK SCHUMACHER has been axed by the Haas team and replaced by veteran Nico Hulkenberg.Schumacher has paid the price for a series of high-profile crashes and for failing to rival teammate Kevin Magnussen.
      Mick Schumacher has been sacked by Haas F1 teamCredit: Getty
      Nico Hulkenberg has replaced him at Haas.Credit: AP
      It means the son of seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher will be hoping for a reserve driver role, possibly at Mercedes next season.
      Schumacher said: “I don’t want to hide the fact that I am very disappointed about the decision not to renew our contract.
      “Nevertheless, I would like to thank both Haas and Ferrari for giving me this opportunity.
      “Those years together have helped me mature both technically and personally. And especially when things got difficult, I realised how much I love this sport.
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      “It was at times bumpy but I steadily improved, learned a lot and now know that I deserve a place in Formula One.
      “The subject is anything but closed for me. Setbacks only make you stronger. My fire burns for Formula One and I will fight hard to return to the starting grid.”
      Haas team boss Guenther Steiner added: “Mick’s pedigree in the junior categories was well known and he has continued to grow and develop as a driver in his time with Haas F1 Team – culminating in his first Formula One points-scoring successes earlier this season.
      “While choosing to go in separate directions for the future the entire team wishes Mick well for the next steps in his career path and beyond.”
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      Meanwhile, Haas have signed fellow German Hulkenberg in an underwhelming move.
      The 35-year-old has been out of F1 for three years, driving in five races as a replacement for covid-struck drivers.
      He said: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to do what I love the most again and want to thank Gene Haas and Günther Steiner for their trust.
      “We have work ahead of us to be able to compete with all the other teams in the midfield, and I cannot wait to join that battle again.” More

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      F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Date, UK start time, stream, TV channel, practice and qualifying for last race of the season

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      THE final F1 race of the season is upon us as the Grand Prix heads to Abu Dhabi. Max Verstappen won his second consecutive F1 title earlier this year in Japan.
      Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were involved in a collision last week in BrazilCredit: Splash
      And now the Dutchman is looking to round his season off in style.
      Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, however, is still looking to tie up second place in the standings, as he’s currently levelled off with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will also be hoping to secure strong finishes to the season after their one-two finish in Brazil last weekend.
      But all eyes will be on champion Verstappen, as he returns to the scene of his first world title win last year.
      When is the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

      The F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, November 20.
      The race will get underway from 1pm UK time on Sunday.
      It will be held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      The F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
      You can live stream the action from the Sky Go or NOW TV apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

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      F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix full schedule
      Friday, November 18

      Practice one – 10am GMT
      Practice two – 1pm GMT

      Saturday, November 19

      Practice three – 11am GMT
      Qualifying – 2pm GMT

      Sunday, November 20

      Grand Prix – 1pm GMT More