Motorsport

LEWIS HAMILTON has officially received his Brazilian citizenship, telling the country’s people “I feel like I’m one of you”.The F1 legend, 37, was named an honorary citizen in June.
Lewis Hamilton received the legislative medal of merit after becoming a Brazilian citizenCredit: EPA
He was also handed a diploma to signify his citizenshipCredit: Getty
That was seven months after congressman Andre Figueiredo made the suggestion when Hamilton wore the country’s flag on the podium after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix for a third time.
But now he has been confirmed as a citizen of the nation in a special ceremony in the capital, Brasilia.
The Mercedes driver wore a blue suit for the occasion as he was awarded his citizenship in a touching moment.
He was handed the legislative medal of merit and a diploma showcasing his new status.
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Hamilton, who will race the Sao Paulo track once more this weekend, has a long affinity with Brazil.
He was a huge admirer of the country’s racing icon Ayrton Senna when he was growing up.
The seven-time champion then went on to win his first F1 world title in Brazil in 2008 – beating the home fans’ countryman Felipe Massa to the crown.
But he has still gone on to be embraced by the South Americans.
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And he made a speech to the Brazilian people following his citizenship ceremony.
As reported by Reuters, he said: “I feel like now I’m one of you.”
He then went on to add: “I have so many amazing memories of Brazil. And particularly 2021.
“Knowing you guys would cheer me on the way was one of the most special moments of my entire life. I can’t wait for us to continue to strive ahead.”
Hamilton will now be hoping to add to his three Brazilian GP wins this Sunday.
The Brit previously claimed victories at the Sao Paulo race track in 2016, 2018 and 2021.
Last year’s triumph was one of his greatest, with Hamilton coming from 10th in the grid to win by more than 10 seconds.
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But he is yet to win a race so far in 2022.
And with just two races left this season, it threatens to be the first winless year of Hamilton’s career since he debuted in F1 15 years ago. More

FORMULA ONE star Lewis Hamilton partied with Diplo in Las Vegas after launching the Las Vegas Grand Prix for next season. The seven time world champion enjoyed a night out in the XS nightclub and joined the DJ on stage.
Lewis Hamilton partied in Las VegasCredit: @HamiltonAz44
The F1 driver joined Diplo on stageCredit: @HamiltonAz44
Hamilton showed his many talents and took the micCredit: @HamiltonAz44
Hamilton was videoed dancing with a microphone in hand while Diplo entertained the crowd.
The 37-year-old even had a little go on the decks while hyping up the partygoers.
The Mercedes driver was even joined by his father Anthony as the pair celebrated in style.
Hamilton played a starring role in Saturday night’s launch of the Las Vegas GP with the first ever F1 race set to take place there next year in November.
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The street circuit will be a big addition to the calendar as it features a 14-turn, 3.8 mile track where cars are expected to reach speeds of 212mph.
He drove to the iconic strip in Nevada and decided to attempt some doughnuts in his car and nearly crashed.
Hamilton admitted: “I nearly crashed. There was so much smoke and I had no idea where I was.
“I couldn’t figure out where the buildings were. I tried to pull up on the side and there was a barrier.”
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But he was clearly unfazed letting his hair down with world renowned DJ Diplo.
It has been a tough season for Hamilton with zero race wins with two races to go.
He sits fifth in the driver standings after having lots of car issues this season.
Hamilton is still expected to be offered a new deal at Mercedes.
Max Verstappen has already secured the title amid claims that Red Bull ‘cheated’ last year after spending over the cap. More

DANIEL RICCIARDO is in talks to become Mercedes’ reserve driver for the 2023 season.The outgoing McLaren racer, 33, does not have a seat on the grid for next year but has made it clear his plan to stay involved in the sport ahead of a return to F1 in 2024.
Ricciardo is in talks to join Mercedes as their reserve driver for the 2023 seasonCredit: Getty
Wolff has Ricciardo talks for him to become the back-up to Hamilton and RussellCredit: PA
And while he is also thought to be discussing a role with Red Bull, Mercedes are the frontrunners to secure the Australian as their third driver.
Speaking ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky Sports: “I think Daniel is speaking to a few teams about a potential role, also Red Bull.
“For us, we very much like him, he’s a great character but we are not in a position yet who is going to be our third driver.”
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When asked what he adds to a team, Wolf then continued: “Personality, and he’s been around for a long time.
“He knows these cars inside out so that could be really advantageous.
“But I don’t want to put any rumours out there because we haven’t decided.”
Eight-time Grand Prix winner Ricciardo joined McLaren in 2021 but has struggled to compete with team-mate Lando Norris.
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He did hand the team their only victory of last season at Monza, but ultimately finished 45 points behind Norris in the drivers’ championship.
And this year it has been even more of a struggle for the ex-Red Bull man.
Ricciardo has finished in the points just six times, racking up 35 compared to Norris’ 111.
But the Aussie remains determined to return to the sport in 2024 and has admitted some time out of the car could be a positive.
He said: “I can confidently say that I won’t be on the grid behind a wheel [next year].
“But I still want to be in the sport, and I want to be working with a team still with the ambition to be back on the grid in 2024.
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“I feel like a bit of time away from a race seat will do me good, and then try to rebuild on something for 2024.
“I’m not done but it will look a bit different.” More

SIR LEWIS HAMILTON was left red-faced after he came close to crashing his Mercedes during Formula One’s official launch party for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday.The seven-time World Champion, 37, took to the track shortly after his teammate George Russell and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.
Hamilton almost crashed his car into a barrier during the Las Vegas GP launch partyCredit: Twitter.com/@F1
His car was submerged in smokeCredit: Twitter.com/@F1
The seven-time World Champion joked about the mishap with Perez (L) and Russell (R)Credit: AP
After driving down the iconic strip – which runs past world-renowned venues such as Caesars Palace and the Bellagio – he decided to entertain the crowds even more by attempting numerous doughnuts.
However, the dark conditions, along with the large clouds of smoke from the burning tires, made it difficult for Hamilton to see where he was positioning the car.
At one point, he even came close to crashing into the barrier.
Hamilton saw the funny side of it though as he joked about the mishap on stage later that evening.
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He said: “I nearly crashed. There was so much smoke and I had no idea where I was.
“I couldn’t figure out where the buildings were. I tried to pull up on the side and there was a barrier!”
He then turned to Perez and asked: “Was there too much grip?”
To which the Red Bull man replied: “That car is too good!”
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The inaugural Las Vegas GP will take place next year from November 16 to November 18.
It will mark F1’s first-ever Saturday race, taking place at night against the iconic Las Vegas backdrop.
The street circuit features a 14-turn, 3.8 mile track where cars are expected to reach speeds of 212mph.
After getting a feel for the track during the official Las Vegas launch party, Hamilton suggested that it’ll be a calendar highlight.
The Brit added: “Just driving down the strip under the light was like the movies. It’s going to be one the best races of the year.” More

MAX VERSTAPPEN and Christian Horner slammed Mercedes for trying to ‘take the shine off’ the Dutchman’s maiden Formula One title win.The 24-year-old won the world championship in dramatic fashion on the final lap of the 2021 season when he overtook Lewis Hamilton following a safety car fiasco.
Max Verstappen won the 2021 F1 title in controversial fashionCredit: Reuters
Red Bull boss Christian Horner is confident in his driver’s ability and mental strengthCredit: BBC
And this season, Verstappen has been equally as phenomenal – securing a second world title in successive years.
But last season, Hamilton and Mercedes were left furious as the strict rules were thrown out of the window to allow a blockbuster finale in front of the Netflix cameras.
A protest was turned down before Mercedes withdrew an appeal and Verstappen kept the victory – although an FIA investigation did result in race director Michael Masi’s sacking.
Before this campaign, Verstappen hit out at his rivals and insisted he ‘doesn’t care’ about the Mercedes reaction.
He told De Telegraaf back in March: “If they [people] know me well, they know I don’t care.
“At the end of the day, it was a crazy and epic Formula 1 season.
“The losing team will try to take the shine off it a bit. But on the winning side, it still feels good, I can assure you.
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“A championship is won over a whole season, not by one decision in the last race. I also think I deserved the title, absolutely.
“There might be people who only watched the last Grand Prix. They might think I was lucky.
“But normally the championship would have been decided in my favour.”
Verstappen’s boss Horner reiterated the champ’s comments and insisted his driver has not been affected by all the talk surrounding the controversy.
Instead, he predicted his man to challenge for the title once again. A prediction that came true.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the Red Bull team principal said: “I think it’s gone completely over his head. He doesn’t watch the BBC.
“He was delighted to get that first world championship, against such a strong opponent. I think that’s what made it so intense.
‘RIVALRY SO INTENSE’
“I think the rivalry between those two [Max and Lewis] has been so intense. I think you might see a couple of other drivers come into that fray as well.
“It was epic last year and if that continues I think there’s going to be some fantastic races next season.
“The sport has never had so much coverage and so much support – it’s great to see.”
Verstappen signed a fresh contract in March worth a whopping £37million per year.
However, he trails Hamilton financially – who rakes in around £47million-per-annum. More