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      Fuming Lewis Hamilton slams F1 for allowing Max Verstappen to finish Italian GP behind safety car after Abu Dhabi chaos

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      LEWIS HAMILTON fumed that Sunday’s Italian GP “brings memories back” of last year’s controversial title decider in Abu Dhabi.The Brit was denied a record eighth world title after now-axed race director Michael Masi failed to follow the rules and finish the season behind the safety car.
      Lewis Hamilton said today’s race “brings memories back” of the controversial title decider in Abu Dhabi last yearCredit: Sky Sports
      Max Verstappen was allowed to win behind the safety car in Monza, while Hamilton was not in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
      Max Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the final lap to snatch the title out of his grasp last December.
      Fast forward nine months and Verstappen was allowed to finish the Italian GP in Monza behind safety car, in line with regulations.
      After the race Hamilton, who made up 14 places to finish fifth after starting at the back of the grid, blasted the decision that cost him last year
      Hamilton told Sky Sports on the safety car incident: “It always brings memories back.
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      “That is the rule that it should be, right? So only one time, in the history of the sport, that they haven’t done the rule…”
      Australian Masi was sacked in February following his controversial handling of the Abu Dhabi GP.
      And Hamilton has clearly not forgotten the manner in which he was denied another title.
      F1 fans were also left fuming that Verstappen was allowed to finish behind the safety car, while Hamilton was not last year.
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      Victory for Verstappen saw the Dutch driver extend his lead at the top of the standings to a whopping 116 points.
      It was an 11th win of the season for the 2021 champion, and a fifth on the bounce.
      The Red Bull ace can even WIN the title if results go his way in Singapore. More

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      Fans convinced F1 is fixed as Max Verstappen wins Italian GP behind safety car months after Lewis Hamilton was ‘robbed’

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      FORMULA ONE fans are NOT happy after Max Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix behind a safety car.A slow reaction from the FIA race steward meant Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren took an age to be recovered, allowing Verstappen to take the chequered flag at procession speed.
      Max Verstappen won in Monza after a late safety carCredit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton was denied an eighth world title in Abu Dhabi after Michael Masi called in the safety car earlyCredit: AFP
      And the crane used to recover it was reversing into oncoming traffic, prompting many to question why a red flag was not deployed.
      Nevertheless the race was allowed to continue and finish behind the safety car, eliminating the chance of any late drama.
      That is the exact opposite of what happened in the 2021 title decider in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton on the final lip to steal the championship.
      On that day a late safety car was erroneously called back into the pits before completing an additional lap as required, giving time for Verstappen to pass Hamilton and take the title from his Brit rival.
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      And Sunday’s controversy has once again stirred up anger from Hamilton fans about last year’s dramatic end to the season.
      One wrote: “So Fraudstappen can finish the race behind the safety car but you broke the rules so that Lewis couldn’t?”
      Another said: “Verstappen leading = Race ending under safety car. Hamilton leading = rules broken to give 1 lap racing.”
      A third claimed: “They’re gifting Verstappen another win. This sport is a joke, a joke.”
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      And another sarcastically remarked: “I’m stunned the @fia didn’t break regulations to get the lapped cars by for a one lap shootout, that’s their policy isn’t it?”
      The decision by the since axed FIA chief Michael Masi cost Hamilton a record eighth world title.
      Speaking on the safety car incident, Hamilton said: “It always brings memories back.
      “That is the rule that it should be, right? So only one time, in the history of the sport, that they haven’t done the rule…”
      While Verstappen already has one hand on a second consecutive crown.
      His win in Monza was a fifth in a row, and 11th of the season overall.
      He now leads Charles Leclerc by 116 points in the standings, and can even wrap up the title in Singapore next time out if he leaves with an unassailable 138 points ahead. More

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      F1 Italian GP LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen WINS in Italy for first time, Leclerc SECOND, Vettel spins OUT – latest

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN is closing in on the Championship after winning the Italian Grand Prix for the first time.The Dutchman can now secure the defence of his title with victory in the next F1 race in Singapore in three weeks.
      Ferrari star Charles Leclerc finished in second place to loud cheers

      Grand Prix: 2pm
      TV channel: Sky Sports F1
      Live stream: Now TV

      Keep up to date with all the action from Monza below…
      On to Singapore
      With the Russian GP cancelled, all eyes are on Singapore on the 2nd of October, to see if Max Verstappen can become world champions for the 2nd consecutive year.
      Heartbreak for Ricciardo
      In what looked set to be a return for points for Ricciardo, the late retirement saw his day turn into another nightmare at Mclaren.
      When will things get better for one of the paddock’s most popular drivers?
      A day of mixed emotions. Lando was able to finish inside the points. Unfortunately, Daniel suffered an oil leak which led to his retirement. We’ll take what we can from this race and apply it to the next one. #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/QCacbXA38i— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 11, 2022

      De Vries driver of the day
      Fully deserved after an excellent debut race!

      Title could be secured next race
      With the lead Verstappen has opened up, the title could be secured as soon as next race if things go his way.
      Boos for Verstappen
      Clearly disgruntled Italian fans hardly give Verstappen a warm welcome to the podium, but he wont care as the Dutch national anthem plays again.
      All smiles in the cooldown room
      Some nice moments between the top three, as they watch the highlights of the race together in the cooldown room.
      Leclerc frustrated at race end
      In his post-race interview with Sky Sports, the Ferrari driver expressed his frustration that he couldn’t push for the win at the end.
      Verstappen’s dominance continues
      Despite starting in 7th, it took him just a couple of laps to be pushing for the lead again, and before the safety car was cruising to a win at Monza.
      It’s his first podium at this track.
      Fantastic debut for De Vries
      What a performance by the Dutchman on debut!
      He finishes P9 on his first appearance in F1, what a weekend for him!
      Leclerc and Russell complete the podium
      We could’ve been in for a grandstand finish, but Leclerc will have to settle for 2nd in his home race.
      Russell will be perhaps thankful for the safety car, as Sainz was gaining on the Englishman at some rate.
      Verstappen wins the Italian GP!
      Despite the late safety car, it was a dominant win for Verstappen from 7th on the grid!
      Boos ring out around Monza but it’s now 30 career wins for the Dutchman!
      Lap 53/53 – Disappointed Ferrari fans
      Leclerc is not happy over the radio as he’s told the race will finish under the safety car, and he will finish second.
      Lap 51/53 – Disappointing end in store
      Looks like we could be finishing under a safety car here…
      Lap 50/53 – Safety car staying for now
      The Mclaren car is going to take some moving, will we see any more racing laps?
      Lap 49/53 – Verstappen and Leclerc pit
      The pair now stop and retain position, however the quartet could be close if we do restart.
      Lap 48/53 – Massive chance for Russell!
      Russell and Sainz pit where as Verstappen and Leclerc don’t.
      Could there be a push on here from the pair?
      Lap 47/53 – Ricciardo out!
      Heartbreak for last years winner, who was on for points today.
      He is forced to stop and Verstappen stays out, will we need a safety car?
      Lap 45/53 – Sainz catching Russell
      It could be a grandstand finish for the final podium place.
      Sainz just lapped 1.5 seconds quicker than Russell, and has just over nine seconds to make up on the Mercedes in third.
      Lap 43/53 – Perez pits late
      Hamilton was catching Perez into 5th, so he pits for softs and comes out in 7th.
      Lap 42/53 – Lovely overtake from Schumacher
      A great overtake from Schumacher takes him past Latifi, with the pair enjoying a great battle throughout the lap.
      Lap 41/53 – Stroll retires
      The afternoon gets even worse for Aston Martin, as it’s a double DNF for them.
      Lap 40/53 – De Vries holding on to a point
      The Dutchman has enjoyed a stellar debut race today, and he is currently holding onto 10th and a points finish.
      Lap 38/53 – Hamilton into sixth
      A comfortable overtake from the Mercedes to go past Ricciardo into sixth.
      A fastest lap for Leclerc as he begins his push for the leader.
      Lap 36/53 – Mammoth task for Leclerc
      Leclerc needs to be a second quicker each lap if he’s to beat Verstappen.
      A 5.1 second stop for Norris sees him fall behind Gasly and Hamilton into 9th.
      Lap 34/53 – Hamilton pits into DRS train
      Not an ideal place for Hamilton to come out, as he joins a six car DRS train in 12th.
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      Max Verstappen wins Italian GP and Lewis Hamilton makes up incredible ground but race finishes behind safety car

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      FERRARI’S fans booed and gave the thumbs down as Max Verstappen crossed the line to win the Italian GP – albeit in controversial circumstances.The Red Bull man has now won the last five races in a row to open up a whopping 116 point lead in the championship.
      Max Verstappen won his 11th Grand Prix of the seasonCredit: Reuters
      Verstappen took the chequered flag in MonzaCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton finished fifth after starting 15thCredit: AP
      It means the Dutchman can possibly retain his title at the next GP in Singapore – with five races still to go.
      But this, his 31st victory of career that equals Nigel Mansell’s record, was blasted by the Ferrari fans who felt that their man Charles Leclerc was robbed of a chance to fight for the win.
      The flashpoint happened six laps from the end when Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren broke down on track.
      A slow reaction from the FIA race steward saw him eventually deploy the safety car while Ricciardo’s car was recovered.
      Read More In F1
      More worryingly, the crane being used to remove it from the track was reversing into oncoming traffic – something that surely should have warranted a red flag and the stoppage of the race.
      It never came and the final laps were played out behind the safety car as Leclerc was unable to make any attempt to pass Verstappen.
      In fairness, he would not have caught Verstappen anyway.
      The damage had already been done as Ferrari had called him in early for a pitstop.
      Most read in Motorsport
      It proved to be the latest clanger in a long line of cock-ups by the Italian team.
      Leclerc, who started on pole, admitted the damage to his race was done by the early stop which meant he had to make a second pitstop.
      By contrast, Vertsappen’s Red Bull team executed their strategy to perfection.
      He had qualified in second place but actually started the Italian GP down in seventh place on the grid due to engine penalties.
      It was a deficit he managed to wipe out by the fifth lap having overtaken three cars on the first lap alone.
      His drive was faultless while Red Bull’s strategy calls were bang on point while Ferrari were again the masters of their own downfall.
      George Russell was third as he again proved to be best of the rest while Carlos Sainz was fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth, despite starting 19th.
      Meanwhile, Nyck de Vries was the driver of the day in his Williams.
      The Dutchman was an 11th hour stand in for Alex Albon and finished ninth.
      He is already ahead of Williams’ other driver, Nicholas Latifi on points after only one race.
      Charles Leclerc didn’t manage to send the Ferrari fans home happyCredit: Reuters More

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      Gordon Ramsey, Sylvester Stallone and football legends watch on from star-studded crowd at Italian GP

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      GORDON RAMSAY and Sylvester Stallone paid a visit to the paddock in a star-studded Italian GP.The celebrity chef, 55, walked hand in hand with his daughter Holly in Monza – just as he did at Silverstone in July.
      Gordon Ramsey walked hand in hand with daughter HollyCredit: Reuters
      Sylvester Stallone visited Red Bull and posed for photos with Sergio Perez and Max VertsappenCredit: Getty
      Hugh Grant was accompanied by his wife Anna in MonzaCredit: Getty
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic was mobbed by fans at MonzaCredit: Getty
      Pierre Gasly posed for a photo with AC Milan stars Olivier Giroud and Davide CalabriaCredit: Getty
      Italy manager Roberto Mancini was also in attendanceCredit: PA
      And while Tom Cruise joined him on the track on that occasion, in Italy another Hollywood A-lister was present – Stallone.
      The 76-year-old actor was a special guest for Red Bull and met drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
      He was also snapped sharing a joke with team principal Christian Horner.
      British actor Hugh Grant was also in attendance with his wife Anna Eberstein.
      READ MORE IN F1
      There were also plenty of football legends in trackside including Italian duo Fabio Cappello and current Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini.
      AC Milan stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Olivier Giroud and Davide Calabria also made the short trip to Monza with the latter posing for photos alongside Scuderia AlphaTauri pair Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda.
      Former footballers Mark Noble and Patrice Evra also visited the paddock and posed for photos with fans.
      Giroud, who scored the winner for Milan against Sampdoria on Saturday, would likely have been delighted to see his compatriot Charles Leclerc leading the race.
      Former England manager Fabio Capello was one of many football legends at MonzaCredit: PA
      Patrice Evra poses for a snap in the paddockCredit: Getty
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      The Ferrari star had pole in his team’s home race with championship leader Max Verstappen down in seventh.
      Meanwhile, Sir Lewis Hamilton started 19th but by the midway stage in the race was up to sixth, two places behind team-mate George Russell in fourth.
      Verstappen also raced brilliantly and occupied second place before the halfway point. More

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      Red Bull chief warns Max Verstappen could QUIT Formula One with exit likely ‘sooner than we all think’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could QUIT Formula One “sooner than we all think.”That’s according to Red Bull chief Helmut Marko, who reckons the Dutchman’s success could eventually drive him away from the track.
      Max Verstappen may not hang around in Formula One for much longer, according to Red Bull’s chiefCredit: Getty
      Verstappen won the driver’s championship last season and is on course to double up this yearCredit: Getty
      Verstappen, 24, scooped his first-ever world title last season with a dramatic narrow win over Lewis Hamilton.
      He is looking a lot more comfortable this term, sitting 109 points ahead of nearest challenger Charles Leclerc.
      And Verstappen is now in line to become one of F1’s youngest-ever double world champs.
      In comparison, Hamilton was 29 when he won his second crown.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The Brit is the current joint-record holder with Michael Schumacher on seven world titles.
      But Red Bull chief Marko fears Verstappen’s time in Formula One may not see him challenge that figure.
      He reckons the whizkid’s performances are so impressive that Verstappen will eventually have little left to fight for.
      And once that happens, the Dutchman’s personality means he will likely move onto the next challenge in his life.
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      Marko told Sport1: “We want to win more titles together.
      “But I doubt if we will see Max drive until he has broken all records.
      “He could make it, but he’s also the type of person who packs his things and leaves when he no longer feels like it.
      “No matter how much you offer him, he won’t stay. And that could happen sooner than we all think.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton jokes he’ll watch Game of Thrones behind the wheel to kill boredom as he’s stuck near back of Monza grid

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      LEWIS HAMILTON joked overtaking is so tough at Monza that he might as well watch Game of Thrones behind the wheel!The seven-time world champ starts today’s race down in 19th, despite qualifying fifth, after taking a fourth power unit of the season.
      Lewis Hamilton will start the Monza Grand Prix in 19th place and isn’t expecting to go much higherCredit: PA
      Charles Leclerc claimed pole and is the ONLY man to start today’s Italian GP­ in the position he qualified — due to a crazy amount of grid penalties for new engines and components.
      It meant that race chiefs took nearly FOUR HOURS to work out final grid positions.
      And Hamilton may turn to new Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon — as he fears being stuck behind a string of cars at the so-called Temple of Speed.
      He said: “I was behind Valtteri Bottas in practice and couldn’t catch him or pass him. So I hope I don’t get stuck tomorrow.
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      “But I imagine I will be in a DRS train, sitting there and hoping for chances through strategy and tyre degradation from other drivers.
      “I was thinking of taking my iPad with me in the race and, when I am in a DRS line, I will just watch Game of Thrones.”
      Leclerc set the quickest lap to clinch pole for Ferrari in their home race. But the Monaco man — who won here from pole in 2019 — will need to take full advantage in a bid to close down Max Verstappen’s 109-point title lead.
      Leclerc said: “It was not an easy qualifying session. I knew there was potential in the car but needed to put everything together in Q3 and I was happy to do it.
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      Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon is seemingly on Hamilton’s watchlistCredit: Alamy
      “I really hope we can do what we did in 2019. I just went for it and it worked out.”
      Verstappen had a five-place grid drop to seventh but is confident of working through the field as he did at the Belgian GP — where he won despite starting in 14th place.
      He said: “For tomorrow in the race, I hope we will be strong. It will be an interesting battle. I will try to stay out of trouble and work my way forward.”
      George Russell lines up in second place and Lando Norris will start in third.
      But Mercedes driver Russell cannot see past a Verstappen win and added: “You’ve got to be stupid to bet against it.
      “He just needs to keep his nose clean in the first two laps and he’ll cruise to victory.”
      Read More on The Sun
      London-born Williams driver Alex Albon pulled out due to appendicitis. He missed final practice, resulting in reserve driver Nyck de Vries being called up.
      He qualified in 13th but will start in eighth, owing to the string of grid penalties. More

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      F1 teams reveal special cars with touching tributes to The Queen ahead of Italian GP qualifying

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      FORMULA ONE paid tribute to The Queen on Saturday ahead of qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix.On Thursday, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away peacefully at Balmoral.
      Red Bull paid tribute to The Queen with a ERII and 1926-2022 on their liveryCredit: AFP
      Aston Martin’s tribute read ‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 2022’Credit: Getty
      Haas have marked their car with the British flagCredit: Reuters
      Ferrari have marked the side of their car with a tributeCredit: Reuters
      Mercedes have changed the number stickers on each car to black as a mark of respectCredit: FLORENT GOODEN / Every Second Media / DPPI Media
      The news plunged the sporting world into mourning with many events scheduled to take place over the weekend already cancelled.
      But, this weekend’s Italian GP at Monza has gone ahead as planned with each team paying tribute in their own way.
      McLaren, Red Bull, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, Williams and Alpha Tauri have all marked their respective cars with The Queen’s name as a mark of respect.
      The number sticker on each of the Mercedes cars has been changed to black in honour of Her Majesty.
      READ MORE ON THE QUEEN
      And every team took part in a minute of silence ahead of Friday’s practice session to reflect on The Queen’s life.
      An additional period of silence is due to take place before Sunday’s race as another mark of respect.
      Individual teams and drivers have also paid tribute to Britain’s longest reigning monarch both on social media and in interviews.
      Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “How do you find the words to describe the loss of Her Majesty The Queen?
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      Each team observed a minute of silence on FridayCredit: Getty
      Ricciardo (L) and Norris (R) have both paid tributeCredit: Getty
      Mercedes drivers Russell and Hamilton have issued heartfelt statementsCredit: PA
      “She was truly an iconic leader, an inspiration and a reassuring presence for most, if not all, of our lives.
      “Since the sad news yesterday [Thursday], I’ve been reflecting on her incredible life. She was a symbol of hope for so many and she served her country with dignity, dedication and kindness.
      “She was truly like no other and I’m grateful to have lived during her time. Her legacy will be long-lasting and her passing deeply felt.
      “I had the incredible honour of being able to spend time with her. It is something I’ll never forget.
      “We talked about our shared love of dogs and she was incredibly generous with her time.
      “I know the whole nation and many others around the world will be mourning her loss and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those close to her, who have lost a loved one. Rest in Peace.”
      Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell tweeted: “I’m so sad to hear about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
      “Her devotion to our country and her gracious leadership were inspirational to so many generations of people in the UK and around the world.
      “My family and I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family and to all those who admired her service to our country for seven decades. Rest in Peace.”
      British-born Williams driver Alex Albon – who will not race this weekend after being hospitalised with appendicitis – said: “An amazing role model and total dedication to a lifetime of public service. Thank you and rest in peace, Her Majesty the Queen.”
      Toto Wolff said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.”
      And Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali released a statement which read: “Formula 1 mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
      Read More on The Sun
      “For more than seven decades she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world.
      “Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.” More