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      F1 giants Ferrari to DITCH iconic red livery for Italian GP at Monza as they opt for bold new yellow colour scheme

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      FORMULA ONE giants Ferrari are DITCHING their iconic all-red colours for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza for a bold new look.Ferrari have made a number of design changes to both their car and driver suits ahead of their home race.
      Ferrari will wear yellow in their home GPCredit: Twitter
      The iconic F1 team have ditched the red on the drivers’ suitCredit: Twitter
      Leclerc wearing redCredit: Getty
      There has been some changes made to Ferrari’s liveryCredit: Getty
      Yellow has been added to the fin of the carCredit: Twitter
      The new design includes yellow on the fin, rear wing, and front wing of the F1 car – along with highlights on the race numbers.
      Drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will be wearing yellow from head to toe.
      The splashes of yellow are to celebrate 75 years of their car company.
      Yellow is Ferrari’s second colour as it is one of the colours of their home town, Modena.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The bright colour also prominently features in the background of their iconic prancing horse logo.
      This year also marks 100 years since the Monza circuit was constructed.
      Ferrari, who haven’t won a race since Austria, will be hoping yellow can bring them better luck.
      Their season has been plagued by bad luck so far.
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      From issues with their car, to poor decision making, to pit team mistakes… it has allowed defending F1 champion Max Verstappen to take a commanding lead in the driver championship.
      The Dutchman is 109 points clear of Ferrari’s Leclerc.
      Verstappen also has ten race wins this season with seven left to go.
      The record number of wins in an F1 season is 13, and it is currently held by legends Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.
      Another record Verstappen could clinch is the most points in a single F1 season.
      Read More on The Sun
      It is currently held by seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who picked up 413 points in 2019.
      Verstappen is 103 short with a number of races to go. More

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      Toto Wolff defends Lewis Hamilton after Brit star’s furious X-rated rant following Mercedes’ horror Dutch GP blunder

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      MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff backed Sir Lewis Hamilton after his X-rated rant at the team’s strategists after the Dutch Grand Prix.Hamilton lashed out at his team as he blamed them for blowing his chance of winning his first GP of season in the Netherlands.
      Lewis Hamilton lashed out at his Mercedes team after a blunder at the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Reuters
      Toto Wolff defended Lewis Hamilton despite his x-rated rantCredit: Splash
      The British superstar was leading in Holland with team-mate George Russell in second and arch rival Max Verstappen following in third.
      But as Mercedes brought Russell into the pits to put fast tyres on, it allowed Verstappen to close the gap.
      The Dutch star and Russell eventually overtook Hamilton, who finished fourth and took to the radio to vent his frustrations.
      Hamilton yelled: “That was the biggest f****p. I can’t believe you guys f*****g screwed me.”
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      However, Wolff defended the Formula One legend’s outburst as he claims it just proves his passion for winning.
      The Mercedes chief added that this was just a case of the 37-year-old becoming “emotional”.
      Wolff said: “You get emotional in the race. And when you’re a driver, it just comes out.
      “You can’t even stop it. This is how it has always been between a frustrated driver and the pit wall.”
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      However, Wolff also defended Mercedes’ strategists as he described them as the “best guys”.
      The Austrian even suggested that there is no need for changes after the recent shortcoming in Zandvoort on Sunday.
      Wolff added: “They are the best guys. They did exactly what we discussed – to take risks to try to win the race.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘dying’ for chance to challenge Max Verstappen again as F1 star targets single Grand Prix win this season

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says he is “dying” to get back competing with Max Verstappen.The Brit got a taste for the action when he led the Dutch GP on Sunday – only for a botched tyre strategy from Mercedes seeing him end up finishing fourth.
      Lewis Hamilton is yet to register a GP win this seasonCredit: Getty
      His 2021 title rival Max Verstappen has won 10 races already in 2021Credit: Splash
      Hamilton fumed to his team “that was the biggest f*** up” after Verstappen himself capitalised to register his 10th win of the season.
      Merc man Hamilton meanwhile is yet to get off the mark, having battled the Dutchman at the front of the grid for the entirety of the last campaign.
      But the 37-year-old is hopeful the day will come soon, as he targets a spot at the top of the podium for the first time in 2022.
      He said: “I’m dying to get back in that race and have the opportunity to fight Max, but the day hasn’t come [yet].
      Read More On Lewis Hamilton
      “There’s so many great things to take [from the Dutch GP]. If this can be the same in the future races, we’re going to be continuing to breathe down their necks and get that win.
      “I’m taking all these positives forwards, so grateful for the team and all their hard work because it has been a tough slog for all of them.
      “Let’s just not give up.”
      Hamilton won eight races last year, before being pipped to the world championship in controversial style by Verstappen.
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      The Dutchman has gone from strength to strength since then, and is on course to register his second consecutive title.
      He leads Ferrari ace Charles Leclerc by a whopping 109 points in the standings.
      And while is targeting further glory, Hamilton is starting with baby steps.
      The first thing on the agenda being to registering one GP win before the season comes to an end. More

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      McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo opens up on future and reveals he is ‘not too proud’ to take reserve role to remain F1

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO has revealed he wants to stay in Formula One and is “not too proud” to accept a reserve role to do so.Ricciardo, 33, is now a free agent after being axed by McLaren.
      Ricciardo admits he will be open to taking up a reserve role on a top teamCredit: Getty
      He will begin his final seven races with the British racing team when he races in Monza this weekend at the Italian GP.
      The Australian has struggled for pace since joining the iconic team and has regularly been beaten on track by Norris both in qualifying and in the race.
      He and the team confirmed that they were bringing his contract to an early end last month, with McLaren having to pay Ricciardo a reported £14.15m.
      Fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri is tipped to replace him after his dramatic and public row with Alpine earlier this month.
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      Williams and Haas are realistic suitors for a full-time gig but Ricciardo has admitted he will be open a reserve role in one of the top teams.
      He said: “I’m pretty open minded with any scenario.
      “I think there’s pros and cons with all of it. There’s pros with having some time off as well, currently the 18 months I’ve had has been more challenging than not so maybe some time away would be good.
      “But then also staying active is good. That’s why I kind of want to hear everything. Even if it’s a reserve, I don’t want to be too proud to say I’m too good for that.
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      “I still definitely have the ability to love a project. But of course if there’s this longer project, and this one where you’re going to win tomorrow, of course I’m going to go for the quick wins.
      “They are things I will definitely give some thought to. I don’t also want to be stubborn or short sighted and be like, ‘ah no I’m not interested in that’, I will give everything its respected thought.
      “I just want to hear everything and see what makes sense. It could be something that sets me up better for the future and next year may be one of those years where I need a bit of patience.
      “I wouldn’t give up on F1.
      “If it means I’m not on the grid next year, I’ll certainly try to find a way to be on there in 2024.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s radio rant shows he still ‘effin cares – nobody can criticise him for X-rated exchange

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S radio rant at the Dutch Grand Prix was perfectly OK —  and rules out suggestions the Brit is not bothered now he’s not winning.In some circles Hamilton has been heavily criticised for the X-rated exchange.
      Lewis Hamilton was furious with his team’s tactics at the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: PA
      He came fourth in Zandvoort and is still waiting for a first win of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve said he “was aggressive, almost insulting”.
      He added that “after everything the team has meant to him, you should not speak to them like that”.
      Hamilton later apologised for the language but not the sentiment, and rightly so.
      It is fantastic that even after 303 races in 15½ years in F1 he still has that passion to win.
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      After such a dreadful year for his Mercedes team, he now finally has a reason to believe that he will eventually break his duck for the season.
      And when that win comes I fully expect another expletive-laden radio message.
      However, the title race is over.
      Max Verstappen’s tenth win this year means he has an incredible 109-point lead in the championship.
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      And it would take something incredible for the Dutchman not to retain his world title.
      It could even be sealed as early as Singapore, some six races before the end of the campaign.

      HERTA’S NEW F1 TAUR
      AMERICAN driver Colton Herta is expected to be confirmed as a driver for the AlphaTauri team next season — paving the way for Pierre Gasly to join Alpine.
      It is the latest driver merry-go-round as teams scramble to fill seats for the 2023 season.
      Herta, 22, currently races in IndyCar but has attracted the interest of McLaren, who offered him a test in Portugal.
      However, it is Red Bull who look likeliest to sign him and park him at their sister team.
      Herta would become the first American to race in F1 since Alex Rossi in 2015.
      Meanwhile, Alpine could face an asking price if they want to sign Gasly.
      He has only just signed a deal with Red Bull but would be allowed to leave. It is whether Red Bull will waive the fee.
      His arrival could also upset Esteban Ocon, who has been urging them to sign Mick Schumacher as his team-mate instead.

      SAUDI BIKES PLAN
      MOTOGP announced plans to follow Formula One and Formula E by racing in Saudi Arabia.
      An agreement has been reached between Dorna, the promoters, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
      There is yet to be a date set for a race as there is no approved circuit but it could form part of the new F1 track being built in Qiddiya, on the outskirts of the capital city, Riyadh.
      Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta explained the deal was driven as it was becoming a key market in the Middle East.
      He said: “The region is a key market for motorsport and the demand in the Kingdom for events of this kind is growing with research showing that 80 per cent of Saudi fans want to see more in their country.
      “In the past few years, Saudi Arabia has shown its ability to stage major global motorsports events to the highest standards.”

      MO SO KEEN
      I GET the impression new FIA chief Mohammed bin Sulayem is enjoying his new job — he’s everywhere!
      On the grid before races, shaking hands with drivers and putting himself pride of place on the podium.
      At the Dutch GP, he was in his usual blue suit  and stopped to put on his oversized sunglasses. He was very much part of the show.

      PORSCHE BLOWOUT
      HAS Red Bull’s proposed tie-up with Porsche hit the skids?
      Reports in Germany say the F1 team have grown frustrated by the VW-owned company’s demands.
      And speculation is rife their current engine supplier, Honda, could perform a U-turn given the team’s success and stay in F1.
      Read More on The Sun
      WE have all got used to working with Zoom and even I can figure out how to add a blurry background.
      So it is a bit baffling why Nico Rosberg joined Sky’s F1 coverage from his bedroom, with the headboard and pillows in the background. More

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      Lewis Hamilton slammed as ‘aggressive and insulting’ after F1 star’s X-rated outburst at Mercedes after Dutch GP blunder

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was “aggressive and insulting” in his X-rated outburst to Mercedes at the Dutch Grand Prix, according to F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.The Silver Arrows opted to pit George Russell and put him on faster tyres with Hamilton leading the race.
      Hamilton was furious with his team’s decision to put Russell on SundayCredit: Getty
      Villeneuve has slammed Hamilton’s angry outburst at his Mercedes teamCredit: Getty
      The move allowed Max Verstappen to close the gap on the seven-time champion – and the Red Bull man went on to win the race, with Russell second and the fuming Hamilton only fourth.
      Hamilton told his team: “I can’t believe you screwed me like that, I can’t tell you how p****d I am,” later saying on his radio: “That was the biggest f*** up.”
      But Villeneuve, who won the F1 world championship in 1997, remains unimpressed with the Brit’s post-race comments.
      Speaking in his Formule1.nl column, he said: “I was amazed by Lewis Hamilton’s outburst in the race and especially the way it was done.
      READ MORE IN F1
      “He was aggressive, almost insulting. It is good that he has apologised, but this is not befitting a champion.
      “After everything the team has done for him, you shouldn’t be speaking to them like that.”
      Hamilton later apologised to his Mercedes team, insisting he was on the “edge of breaking point with emotions” and that the team understood it was a sign of his “passion” for the sport.
      And he then added to that on his Instagram story, saying: “We are a team Mercedes, we are world champions and we don’t always get it right.
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      “I didn’t get it right last week and we didn’t get it right today (Sunday), but we win and lose as a team.
      “We have been through worse. Everyone is doing their best and that’s all we can do.
      “We will rise and win again. I have 100% faith in this team and where we are heading,” 
      Hamilton is yet to win a race this season and sits sixth in the drivers’ championship.
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      Meanwhile, Verstappen’s 10th win of 2022 takes him 109 points clear of Charles Leclerc as he closes in on a second successive title.
      With seven races remaining, the Dutchman needs to claim four more victories to eclipse Sebastian Vettel’s record of most wins in a single season – which currently stands at 13. More

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      F1 driver line-up 2023: Who is racing on the Formula One grid next season?

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      THE 2022 F1 season is racing along with Max Verstappen leading the championship.That has led to plenty of talk about the 2023 Formula One campaign and who will be racing for each team. Here is everyone that has been confirmed so far as the 10 teams look to strengthen.
      Max Verstappen and Lando Norris will stay at Red Bull and McLaren next season
      Red Bull
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
      Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is signed for Red Bull until 2028 and Sergio Perez penned an extension until 2024 after the Monaco Grand Prix.
      Red Bull have been utterly dominant in 2022 and see no reason to change their driver line-up for next season as they look to continue their stranglehold on sport.
      Verstappen will more than likely be a two-time F1 world champion by the time 2023 comes around.
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      Mercedes
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell
      Mercedes will retain Lewis Hamilton and George Russell for 2023 and will hope their car can be more competitive.
      The new regulations for 2022 have cost the team with Red Bull and Ferrari now ahead of the Silver Arrows in the pecking order.
      Many believe 2023 could well be Hamilton’s last year in the sport but Mercedes will definitely want to keep him if he wants to continue his glittering career.
      Formula One 2022Everything you need to know about F1 this season

      Ferrari
      Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz
      When they linked up in 2021 Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were the youngest line-up Ferrari had ever had.
      Both will race for the Prancing Horse in 2023 and will hope for better from their team who have made a number of errors with their strategy.
      Ferrari will need to deliver for their drivers next season or they could be tempted to move elsewhere as they are both out of contract at the end of the year.
      The 2023 grid is starting to take shapeCredit: AFP
      McLaren
      Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
      Lando Norris has a contract with McLaren until 2025 and is unquestionably the driver who leads the team.
      All the drama has been around the second seat though with McLaren ending the contract of Daniel Ricciardo a year early to bring in fellow Australian Oscar Piastri.
      Alpine thought they had an agreement in place for the driver they have backed throughout his career but Piastri signed a deal with McLaren instead.
      READ MORE ON F1
      Alpine
      Esteban Ocon and TBC
      Esteban Ocon is confirmed for 2023 after he signed a multi-year deal last season after an impressive start.
      Alpine were desperate to keep Fernando Alonso but were not willing to budge on offering him a one-year deal which meant he opted to shock them and sign with Aston Martin.
      Alpine then announced Oscar Piastri only for him to take to social media and state he wouldn’t be driving for them.
      The smart money is on Pierre Gasly joining the team from AlphaTauri and making it an all-French affair.
      Fernando Alonso is leaving Apline for Aston Martin in 2023Credit: Splash
      Aston Martin
      Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
      Fernando Alonso shocked Alpine by letting the world know he was joining Aston Martin to replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel.
      The Spaniard joins Lance Stroll who has the safest seat in F1 with his father owning the team.
      Aston Martin will hope Alonso can make a difference in helping the team move further forwards on the grid.
      Valtteri Bottas is set to continue at Alfa RomeoCredit: Rex
      Alfa Romeo
      Valtteri Bottas and TBC
      Valtteri Bottas left Mercedes for Alfa Romeo last season and signed a deal that is thought to run until 2024.
      His current teammate Zhou Guanyu has not been signed for 2023 yet and it is unclear whether he will be retained.
      Sauber will end their links to Alfa Romeo at the end of 2023 with Audi set to come into the sport in 2026.
      READ MORE ON LEWIS HAMILTON
      AlphaTauri
      Pierre Gasly and TBC
      Pierre Gasly does have a contract with AlphaTauri but he is believed to be in negotiations with Alpine over a move to the team in 2023.
      Yuki Tsunoda has had a more encouraging season and with Gasly leaving he could have more chance of keeping his seat.
      Red Bull junior Liam Lawson could also be a name worth monitoring if AlphaTauri do lose Gasly.
      Pierre Gasly could leave AlphaTauri for AlpineCredit: Rex
      Williams
      Alex Albon and TBC
      Alex Albon has impressed following his return to the sport and has gotten the maximum out of a car that has been hard to drive in 2022.
      Nicholas Latifi is expected to leave the team and Oscar Piastri was going to drive for Williams.
      The fact the Australian has now signed for McLaren leaves Williams considering their options as to who their other driver will be. Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries has been a name mentioned.
      Read More on The Sun
      Haas
      Kevin Magnussen and TBC
      Kevin Magnussen returned to Haas and F1 at the beginning of 2022 with the sacking of Russian driver Nakita Mazepin amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
      Mick Schumacher has shown glimpses of his potential this season but his contract has yet to be renewed.
      Daniel Ricciardo has been linked with Haas if Schumacher is let go by the team. More

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      Michael Schumacher health update as pal says stricken star is in the ‘best hands’

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      MICHAEL Schumacher is in the “best hands” as he continues recover from his horror ski crash, said his close pal Jean Todt. Todt – who was the boss at Ferrari during the F1 driver’s dominance with the team – is one of the only people still allowed to see Schumacher.
      Michael Schumacher celebrates with Jean Todt on the podium in 2006Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Michael’s health remains shrouded in mystery as he has not been seen or heard from since an accident while skiing in the Alps in December 2013.
      The 53-year-old racer is feared to be never be the same again after suffering a brain injury which left him in a medically induced coma for six months.
      And since being released home, there have been very few concrete updates on his health.
      But his pal Todt has offered a few brief glimpse into Schuey’s life as he revealed he still sees the stricken F1 legend “three times a week”.
      READ MORE ON SCHUMACHER
      The 76-year-old thanked Michael’s fans for their devotion and assured them their beloved icon is in “the best hands”.
      And he said that the 91-time race winner is surrounded by people who care for him and love him.
      Todt has previously described the F1 ace as living with the “consequences” of his crash – but has never given up hope.
      The executive was a key part of the Ferrari team that saw the German win five world titles from 2000 to 2004.
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      And he was reported to have been a regular visitor at the Ferrari and Mercedes racer’s bedside after his ski crash, with F1 champ Niki Lauda describing the pair as having a “deep and respectful friendship”.
      Todt is believed to be one of the only people outside of the immediate family who goes to see Schumacher.
      It is believed Michael’s wife Corinna has imposed a “family only” rule – with Schumacher’s first F1 boss Eddie Jordan revealing last week he was blocked from seeing him.
      Todt told Bild: “I’m happy that the fans, not only in Germany, think of him so much.
      “People ask so much about Michael. The fans should know that he is in the best of hands.
      “In the best situation he can be and surrounded by people who love him.”
      As long as I am in this world, I will always visit himJean Todt
      He added: “As long as I am in this world, I will always visit him.
      “Sometimes we see each other three times a week, sometimes not for a whole month.
      “They are my friends and we are in constant contact. Whatever I can do for the Schumacher family, I’ll do it.”
      And the ex-FIA president previously told how he “hopes the world” will be able to see his dear friend again.
      He added Schumacher has “never changed”.
      He continued: “I don’t leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we’ve had so many experiences together.
      Schumacher is regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all timeCredit: AFP
      “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 – with his son Mick currently competing in the sport with Haas.
      “I miss is what we used to do together,” added Todt.
      Schumacher’s pal Jordan – who gave Michael his F1 debut back in 1991 – last week spoke about the racer.
      “So, there was connection and I reached out and one stage asked was it appropriate and did I think we should go and visit him,” the Dubliner told the Irish Daily Mirror.
      “The answer was no. No visitations for anyone at that moment except the actual direct family.
      “However, since then, young Mick Schumacher – Michael’s son – has reached out to me, and he has been extraordinary.”
      Schumacher was recruited for the Jordan team as a last minute replacement for an existing driver, who had been jailed for assault.
      The then rookie 22-year-old had in fact only driven an F1 car for the first time a few days before the race.
      The Jordan car he drove at the Belgian Grand Prix remains in Schumacher’s private collection.
      Corinna broke down in tears last month as her husband was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia.
      And the family are reported to be preparing to start spending the winter months at a property in Majorca – having “big plans” for their “new life”.
      Michael is one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, dominating the sport in the early 2000s after rising to power in the 90s.
      He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012 – a second act of his career which saw him become instrumental in setting up Lewis Hamilton’s dominant Mercedes team.
      Read More on The Sun
      The German won five world championships with Ferrari and two for Benetton.
      Schumacher retired in 2012, but just a year later he was involved in the life-changing ski crash. More