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      Max Verstappen slams ‘stupid’ orange-clad F1 fans who threw smoke bombs on track after taking pole for Dutch GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN sent the orange-clad fans wild by taking pole for the Dutch GP — then slammed the “stupid” ones who threw smoke bombs on the track.Qualifying had to be stopped as a flare was removed from the live race track, while the spectator was identified and chucked out of the circuit.
      Qualifying was stopped when a flare was thrown onto the trackCredit: Getty
      The home crowd let off multiple orange flares in support of Max VerstappenCredit: Getty
      The stands were a sea of orange in support of the Dutch starCredit: Rex
      Max Verstappen secured yet another pole position for his home raceCredit: Getty
      A second flare was lobbed on to the track in the final part of qualifying in another dangerous moment — but then thankfully it rolled off the circuit and away from the passing cars.
      Dutch Red Bull driver Verstappen blasted certain individuals who made up the 105,000 crowd at Zandvoort.
      He said: “To hold flares, it’s nice, but there’s a limit to how much. However, to then throw them on the track is just stupid.
      “The person who did that got removed. Just don’t do that. It’s not good for anyone.
      Read More In F1
      “You get thrown out, so you can’t see the race. And for us the session is stopped because it’s dangerous, there’s stuff on the track. So you shouldn’t do it.”
      It comes after Dutch fans were accused of sexual harassment, racism and homophobia at the Austrian Grand Prix.
      There were also incidents of burning Lewis Hamilton merchandise in Hungary and altercations with the police in Spa.
      Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who will start the race in second place, also condemned the flare-throwing fans.
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      He added: “It’s dangerous, so don’t do this type of thing. This shouldn’t happen.
      “I don’t know if in the future we can do anything to avoid that. If a car is passing at that time, then it can create unnecessary risk.” 
      A spin in the final seconds for Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez put paid to Hamilton’s chances of challenging for a front-row start.
      The Mercedes man was forced to slow down due to the yellow flags waved for Perez’s stricken car.
      However, he is confident after a strong performance all weekend and is looking to make up for his first-lap crash at Spa last weekend.
      Hamilton said: “I was much happier coming into this weekend, to have a car that’s potentially fighting.
      “But I just don’t understand, one weekend it can be so far off and the next weekend, all of a sudden, we’re right there. It’s confusing.
      “But there are lots of positives to take from today. 
      “If we hadn’t had the yellow flag we would have been fighting for the front row.
      “The potential is there but I have no idea whether the car is going to be good or bad at the next races.
      “It’s like a mood swing. Like the characteristics of a human being, you don’t know what side of the bed you’re going to get out of.”
      When quizzed about his chances of making it on to the podium, the Brit added: “I am definitely optimistic, it’s just difficult to overtake here — so we’ll see.
      “I felt I could go quicker, so I hope that translates for the race, but I will definitely be pushing as hard as I can for a podium.”
      Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell was also denied a higher starting berth on the grid due to Perez’s late error.
      And the Brit, who will start in sixth place on the grid, also had his say on the flares — which were prohibited by security and smuggled in.
      He said: “The fans and the atmosphere here is one of the best of the season, it’s impressive what they’ve done with it as an event.
      “But you can’t mess around with things like this. It’s just a shame for everyone else.
      “How dangerous are they? If you run over it, it’s quite sharp, it could give you a puncture. It could be harmless or cause a lot of damage.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s quite a spectacle seeing it in the stands — but I can’t imagine if you’re standing there it’s the most pleasant thing to be beside.
      “It would be a shame seeing them totally banned, because it’s part of the show now, but I’d like to see people show a bit more common sense.”
      Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s race fourth on the gridCredit: Getty More

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      Who is F1 star George Russell’s girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, how long has she been with the Mercedes driver?

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has impressed this season as Mercedes’ new F1 superstar. The Brit has put in some sterling performances with Lewis Hamilton by his side in the paddock.
      Carmen Mundt enjoyed some time at a Miami Heat game with George Russell earlier this yearCredit: Instagram @carmenmmundt
      Mercedes driver George Russell enjoys trip to the country side with girlfriend Carmen MundtCredit: Instagram / @carmenmmundt
      Though the driving starlet has yet to win a Grand Prix, there seems to be plenty for Russell to be getting excited about in his career.
      But his personal life is flourishing nicely too, as Russell’s girlfriend is investment broker Carmen Montero Mundt.

      Who is Carmen Montero Mundt?
      Mundt has been in a relationship with Russell since 2020, months after the latter finished things with his ex-girlfriend.
      Russell split with former flame Seychelle de Vries, who is the sister of ex-Mercedes academy team-mate Nyck de Vries.
      Not much has been said in public by Russell about Mundt, who has been pictured alongside her man at F1 races on numerous ocassions.
      Mundt was a student at the University of Westminster and studied for a degree in business management and finance.
      After graduating, Mundt took up a job working for investman firm W1 Investment group as a client relationship intern.
      But she moved onto Ruffer LLP in 2022, becoming an investor relations associate.
      Carmen Mundt works as an investment broker with Ruffer LLPCredit: Instagram @carmenmmundt
      Carmen Mundt has travelled the world with George Russell since making their relationsjip officialCredit: Instagram @carmenmmundt
      Since making things official with Russell, the pair have travelled the globe together thanks to the Brit’s driving exploits.
      But they’ve holidayed for pleasure too, as the pair were pictures soaking up the sun in St Barts last year.
      They also attended the premiere of James Bond film ‘No Time To Die’ in 2021.
      And after Russell’s move to Mercedes, Mundt posted on Instagram to congratulate her partner on his big move, writing: “All smiles. So proud @georgerussell63.”
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      Max Verstappen puts gearbox disaster behind him to take pole for Dutch Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton starting fourth

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN sent the orange-clad fans wild by taking pole for the Dutch GP – then slammed the “stupid” ones to threw smoke bombs onto the track.Qualifying had to be stopped as one flare was removed from the live race track while the fan was identified and chucked out of the circuit.
      Max Verstappen pipped Charles Leclerc to pole by 0.021 secondsCredit: Getty
      A second flare was lobbed onto the track in the final part of qualifying in another dangerous moment, but thankfully it rolled off the circuit and away from the passing cars.
      Verstappen blasted the individuals who made up the 105,000 crowd at Zandvoort.
      He said: “To hold flares already, it’s nice but there’s a limit to how much. But to throw it on the track is just stupid.
      “The person who did that got removed. Just don’t do that. It’s not good for anyone.
      “You get thrown out so you can’t see the race and for us the session is stopped because it’s dangerous, there’s stuff on the track. So you shouldn’t do it.”
      It comes after Dutch fans were accused of sexual harassment, racism and homophobia at Austrian Grand Prix.
      READ MORE IN F1
      There were also incidents of them burning Lewis Hamilton merchandise in Hungary and altercations with police in Spa.
      Charles Leclerc, who will start today’s race in second place, condemned the actions of those who threw the missles.
      He added: “It’s dangerous, so don’t do this type of thing. This shouldn’t happen.
      “I don’t know if in the future we can do anything to avoid that. If a car is passing at that time, then it can create unnecessary risk.”
      A spin in the final seconds for Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez put pay to Lewis Hamilton’s chances of challenging for a front-row start.
      The Mercedes man was forced to slow due to the yellow flags waved for Perez’s stricken car.
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      However, he is confident after a strong performance all weekend and looking to make up for his first-lap crash at Spa last weekend.
      He said: “I was much happier coming into this weekend, to have a car that’s potentially fighting but I just don’t understand.
      “One weekend it can be so far off and the next weekend, all of a sudden, we’re right there, so it’s confusing.
      “But there are lots of positives to take from today. If we hadn’t had the yellow flag we would have been fighting for the front row.
      “The potential is there but I have no idea whether the car is going to be good or bad at the next races.
      “It’s like a mood swing. Like the characteristics of a human being, you don’t know what side of the bed you’re going to get out of.”
      When quizzed about his chance of making it on to the podium, he added: “I am definitely optimistic it’s just difficult to overtake here so we’ll see.
      Leclerc congratulates his championship rival on pole positionCredit: The Mega Agency
      Lewis Hamilton looked quicker today but could only manage to get up to fourthCredit: Getty
      “I felt I could go quicker so I hope that that translates for the race, but I’ll definitely be pushing as hard as I can for a podium.”
      Hamilton’s teammate George Russell was also denied a higher-starting berth on the grid due to Perez’s late error.
      And the Brit, who will start in sixth place on the grid, also had his say on the flares, which were prohibited by security and smuggled in.
      He said: “The fans here and the atmosphere here is one of the best of the season, it’s impressive what they’ve done as an event.
      “But you can’t mess around with things like this. It’s a shame for everyone else.
      “How dangerous are they? If you run over it it’s quite sharp, it could give you a puncture. It could be harmless or cause a lot of damage.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s quite a spectacle seeing it in the fans but can’t imagine if you’re standing there it’s the most pleasant thing to be within.
      “It’d be a shame seeing them totally banned because it’s part of the show now but I’d like to see people show a bit more common sense.” More

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      F1 Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen claims POLE as Hamilton fourth-fastest, Ferraris in 2nd and 3rd

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN starts on pole for the Dutch Grand Prix as Red Bull’s qualifying plan went to a tee.Lewis Hamilton will start on the second row after setting the fourth-fastest time.
      Both Ferraris are ahead of the Brit and behind Verstappen at Zandvoort.

      Grand Prix start time: Sunday, Sept 4 – 2pm BST
      Stream/TV: Sky Sports F1

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      Keep up to date with all the action from Zandvoort below…
      Russell’s disappointment
      George Russell has spoken about his disappointment in qualifying in P6 for the Dutch Grand Prix.
      He told Sky Sports: “The car has been feeling great all weekend and I had a really strong feeling after FP3.
      “But it just didn’t really click for me and I don’t really know why.
      “Ultimately it was a a lack of performance in Q2 that cost me in Q3 because we had to take those second set of tyres, so I only had the one set available in Q3 and obviously with the yellow flag, I couldn’t get my lap in. A little bit frustrating.”
      Verstappen is P1.
      Leclerc is second and Sainz is third.
      Hamilton will start fourth and Perez in fifth. Russell will line up in sixth place.
      Verstappen takes pole
      The fans go crazy as he take pole…and there is drama on the final lap as Perez spins.
      He loses control of the Red Bull and that brings out the yellow flags.
      That denies Hamilton, who has to slow down on his final attempt.
      Leclerc goes quicker
      But Verstappen is flying….
      Two minutes to go
      Final flying laps to decide the grid.
      Leclerc goes even quicker
      This is shaping up nicely. Leclerc, Verstappen and then Hamilton. Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes.
      Then Sainz, Perez, Russell. A repeat of Ferrari, Red Bull and Merc for 4th, 5th and sixth.
      Scruffy lap from Verstappen too
      He has even more time to find in that car after replays showed him going wide.
      He is looking very strong.
      Verstappen takes provisional pole
      Quickest time of the day for the Dutchman. Perez is a whopping 0.5 seconds off.
      Q3 is go
      The battle for the top 10. Can anyone deny Verstappen?
      Q2 is done Alonso is out
      The two time world champion is eliminated from Q2 and starts 13th – behind his teammate Esteban Ocon.
      Gasly, Zhou and Albon are also out but that is a blow for Alpine, who are disappointing.
      Seven minutes to go
      And Alonso, Schumacher, Tsunoda, Zhou and Ocon are in the drop zone.
      Q2 has resumed
      The pigeons and flare have been removed and we are off again.
      Just over 12 minutes to go.
      Red Flag – Session stopped due to a flare on the track
      Live race track and yet someone has thrown a flare onto it. Crazy.
      Ricciardo is out in Q1
      Another dreadful weekend for the McLaren driver. He is down in 18th place.
      Bottas, Magnussen, Vettel and Latifi are also out.
      Mistake for Vettel
      He locks up and goes into the gravel. He’s down in 19th place and out of Q1.
      Russell goes P2
      And Hamilton is P3. This is going to be close
      Verstappen sets the pace
      His first lap is 1:11.317 and Perez crosses the line and is over a second slower.
      It is Verstappen, Sainz, Leclerc and Perez.
      Where are Mercedes?
      They are both on their flying laps
      Qualifying is underway in Zandvoort
      Green light in the pitlane and the cars are streaming out on to the track.
      Can anyone stop Verstappen from taking pole in his home race?
      FP3 is done – Leclerc is quickest
      The Ferrari man tops the time sheets in the final session with a time of 1:11.632 just 0.066 seconds quicker than Russell, who is in P2.
      Verstappen is in P3 and Sainz in P4 and Hamilton in P5.
      Leclerc goes even better
      He has set the fastest time in all three sectors and goes into P1. Russell moves into P2. Sainz in P3 and Verstappen is now down to fourth.
      Game on!
      Sainz goes quickest
      Maybe someone can stop the Verstappen run. He goes into P1, 0.225 seconds.
      Verstappen is still looking strong
      He is in P1, Leclerc in P2 and Hamilton in P3. Sainz is fourth and Russell in fifth.
      Verstappen is a whopping 0.524 seconds quicker than Leclerc.
      Verstappen is setting the pace
      The Dutchman is in P1 some 0.625 seconds over Russell, who is in P2.
      Early days yet but already signs that the world champion is back on it after his gearbox problem yesterday.
      FP3 is go
      Final practice has got the green light in Zandvoort. Red Bull have their work cut out after a slow start to the weekend on Friday.
      Mercedes and Ferrari will be hoping their early pace continues.
      Lewis and Alonso make up
      Lewis Hamilton cooled his rift with rival Fernando Alonso by insisting he is trying to “be a better driver”.
      The seven-time world champion was blasted as “an idiot” by the Spaniard after they crashed on the first lap of last Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix.
      Hamilton accepted the blame for the incident that forced his retirement from the race despite being cleared by the stewards.
      The 37-year-old then joked on social media that he’d offer Alonso a signed cap as a peace offering.
      And the Alpine driver duly collected the hat ahead of this weekend’s Dutch GP after meeting Hamilton and clearing the air.

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      ‘Want to get involved’ – Lewis Hamilton hints at joining Manchester United takeover bid with Sir Jim Ratcliffe

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has sensationally hinted at getting involved with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s potential takeover of Manchester United.The Brit driver rivalled Ratcliffe’s bid during the battle to take over Chelsea, which was eventually won by American Todd Boehly.
      Lewis Hamilton has revealed he would like to be involved in a possible bid for Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      Sir Jim Ratfcliffe is said to be worth £15billionCredit: Getty
      Hamilton and Ratcliffe celebrate on the podium following a race around Spain last yearCredit: Getty
      Ratcliffe owns multinational chemical company INEOS, who are a sponsor of Hamilton’s Formula One team Mercedes.
      The British entrepreneur is estimated to be worth £15billion and is said to be Britain’s richest man.
      But recent events have seen Ratcliffe linked with a takeover of Man United, with fans furious at the Glazer’s ownership of the club.
      Asked about the prospective takeover while at the Dutch Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “It’s the first time I’ve heard of it.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “I haven’t had time to catch up with Jim since I was in Namibia (during the mid-season break).
      “I haven’t had a call from him asking if I want to be involved in that just yet but I do want to get more and more involved in teams.
      “But Jim’s part-boss and part-partner, I would say we’re more partners because we’re in this together and I hope in the future to do something with Jim and build with him, I don’t know when that’ll be or what that’ll be.”
      However, despite Ratcliffe openly declaring he is interested in buying United – who he supported as a boy – the Glazers are said to be ignoring his efforts to purchase the club.
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      The 37-year-old doesn’t just appear to be interested in sports ownership to save face either.
      He revealed his Chelsea ownership bid along with Sir Martin Broughton was driven by his goal to improve diversity and inclusivity within sports, as well as turning Chelsea into a profit making organisation.
      Hamilton recently expanded his sporting portfolio thanks to an investment in the Denver Broncos NFL Team.
      He added: “I really do believe in black ownership which there’s a lack of in sports.
      “When I do get involved for example with the Broncos, I really try and focus on what I can do within the team.
      “Within the infrastructure and within the surroundings in terms of the stadium and the homes that you end up building when you do eventually get a new stadium and all those sort of things so it’s an exciting one for the potential there is there.”
      Hamilton suffered the ignominy of not finishing last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after he made the self-admitted error of failing to leave ex-team-mate Fernando Alonso space on the inside.
      Read More on The Sun
      The consequential crash gave the seven-time champion terminal damage on the floor of his car and forced him to retire.
      He will be hoping for better fortunes during this weekend’s race around Zandvoort. More

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      Fans all say same thing as Lewis Hamilton arrives for Dutch GP qualifying wearing brilliant jumpsuit

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      FORMULA ONE fans have been left in awe by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton after the Mercedes driver showed up for the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying in a jumpsuit.The Brit, 37, is still chasing his first win the the 2022 season.
      Hamilton turned up to qualifying at the Dutch GP in a jumpsuitCredit: AFP
      The Brit is yet to win a race this seasonCredit: Getty
      Mercedes are getting closer to their rivals, says HamiltonCredit: Getty
      Hamilton’s last win came last DecemberCredit: Getty
      Hamilton’s last win came in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last December just before his world title heartbreak to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi.
      But he remains in high spirits and arrived in style at Circuit Zandvoort.
      Hamilton is known for his extravagant outfits, but this time he opted for a brilliant grey jumpsuit – and fans are all saying the same thing on social media.
      One fan said on Twitter: “HE LOOKS SO GOOD.”
      READ MORE ON F1
      Another tweeted: “The main character never dies.”
      F1 fans say Hamilton treats the paddock like it’s a runway – and they’ve got a point.
      Hamilton says the Merc team have “landed in a much sweeter spot with the car” after a successful practice session on Friday.
      He said: “We’ve landed in a much sweeter spot with the car, being as it’s a much different track.
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      “It’s a work in progress. We are not that far behind, which is great to see.
      “And the car doesn’t feel that bad. Just got to keep chipping away.” More

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      Mystery girl F1 ace Lando Norris invited on McDonald’s date revealed as model Randi Hartman

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      MODEL Randi Hartman is today revealed as the mystery girl F1 ace Lando Norris invited on a McDonald’s date.The Sun told yesterday how Lando’s flirty chat with her was leaked online.
      Model Randi Hartman is today revealed as the mystery girl F1 ace Lando Norris invited on a McDonald’s date
      Lando split from his Portuguese model girlfriend Luisinha Oliveira after the messages were leaked onlineCredit: Frambooesas
      Lando, 22, begged for the conversation to be withdrawn before declaring he had split from his Portuguese model girlfriend Luisinha Oliveira.
      The McLaren driver later deleted his message about the break-up.
      Dutch Randi is an underwear model and vegan candles maker.
      She lives near the Zandvoort circuit where tomorrow’s Dutch Grand Prix takes place.
      Read more on Lando Norris
      When invited to McDonald’s with Lando, Randi asked him whether he had a girlfriend and he replied: “I’m single now”.
      Moving up the gears he then cheekily asked, “You’re [sic] place a b&b? Haha”.
      Norris did not comment.
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      Lando later deleted his message about the break-upCredit: Reuters
      Lando with now ex-girlfriend LuisinhaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/luisinhaoliveira99/?hl=en More

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      Who is Oscar Piastri and what did 2023 McLaren driver say about Alpine?

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      OSCAR PIASTRI is used to battling it out on the track for a first place finish on the podium – but he’s been doing laps in the court room instead.The Australian driver was caught in the middle of an extraordinary contract battle with his current employers Alpine and McLaren.
      Oscar Piastri is set to race for McLaren in 2023 after a dispute with AlpineCredit: Getty
      McLaren had stated that they were planning on tying the future Formula One icon down to a contract having recently paid off Daniel Ricciardo.
      Whilst current employers Alpine were adamant they had signed Piastri to a new deal despite the Formula 2 champion refuting the team’s confirmation.
      But the Four Person Recognition Board have unanimously ruled in Oscar’s favour for him to leave Alpine and join McLaren for 2023.
      Here is everything you need to know about Oscar Piastri.
      Who is Oscar Piastri?
      Born April 6, 2001, Oscar was raised by Italian-Australian parents in Melbourne, Australia.
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      The Formula 2 star began racing remote controlled cars at a national level before his career in karting took off during 2011.
      By 2014, Piastri had become professional and had took part in Australian championships alongside European and other CIK-FIA sanctioned karting tournaments.
      However, the Australian icon moved to the UK in 2016 to better his karting career, which led to Piastri competing and finishing 6th in the Bahrain Championships.
      Piastri also landed his first sponsorship deal with HP Tuners that same year and began to really catch the eye of big teams at the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup having won the GP.
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      And in 2020, Oscar claimed success at the FIA Formula 3 Championship, took part in his first Formula One test in October with the Renault F1 Team and finished first in the Formula 2 Championship in 2021.
      Piastri represented Renault in his first Formula One testCredit: Getty
      Oscar is only the sixth driver to achieve this with superstars such as Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
      And the title victory landed the Australian race an Alpine F1 Team’s reserve driver for the 2022 season.
      What did Oscar Piastri say about Alpine?
      In June 2022, it was reported that Piastri was set to drive for Williams in 2023 on loan from Alpine who were expecting to keep hold of Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso.
      However, Alonso announced that he would be replacing retiring Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin which led Alpine to putting out a statement that Piastri would be stepping in for Alonso in 2023.
      But Oscar was not happy with this as he claimed to have not signed any paper work due to the fact that he had already signed a deal with McLaren on July 4 instead.
      Reports suggest that key pieces of Alpine’s contractual paperwork were not signed.
      The Australian said: “I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”
      And after weeks of debating, the FIA Contract’s board unanimously ruled in McLaren and Piastri’s favour entitling the driver to race for McLaren in 2023.
      What did Alpine say?
      The decision has forced Alpine into looking elsewhere for a 2023 driver as they have indicated that they will not be appealing the decision.
      The French team “consider the matter closed” and they have stated that they will announce their driver line-up in due course.
      What did McLaren say?
      McLaren immediately announced a mult-year deal for new rookie driver Oscar Piastri who will partner Lando Norris.
      McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: “Oscar is one of the up-and-coming talents coming through the feeder series into F1 and we are delighted to see him join the team for 2023.
      “Winning both F3 and F2 in successive rookie seasons is a real achievement and testament to his talent in single-seater racing. In Lando and Oscar we have a young, exciting F1 line-up with a huge amount of potential, standing us in good stead to achieve our future ambitions.” More