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    F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying UNDERWAY as Hamilton struggles in F1 season opener in Bahrain – latest

    AFTER possibly the greatest season in Formula One history, the drivers are BACK on the track for 2022 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.World champ Max Verstappen is hoping to retain the title he won in thrilling fashion last year.
    But of course Lewis Hamilton is still hoping to win what would be a record driver’s world title.

    TV channel: Sky Sports F1
    Live stream: Now
    Saturday, March 19: Qualifying (3pm)
    Sunday, March 19: Bahrain Grand Prix (3pm)

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    Stay up to date with all the latest from the latest from the Bahrain Grand Prix in our live blog…
    Q1 standings

    Leclerc
    Sainz
    Verstappen
    Bottas
    Magnussen
    Ocon
    Gasly
    Norris
    Russell
    Hamilton
    Perez
    Alonso
    Schumacher
    Zhou
    Albon

    Reaction to Ricciardo’s failure
    McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has reacted to Daniel Ricciardo’s failure to make it out of Q1.
    He said: “I think we just saw the result of everything that happened in the last seven-eight days.
    “I think he was on the back foot from the beginning going into this weekend after missing out on the test last week, then he lost additional time yesterday with the water leak that we had, so it was always difficult challenge for him today.
    “In addition, we just struggled really, all weekend with the pace of the car. I think that’s a result of all the fire-fighting we’ve had to do.”
    Alfa Romeo progress
    Alfa Romeo have got both drivers through with Bottas impressing in P4.
    Magnussen has finished in fifth while Schumacher clinches P13 .
    Some big upsets in Q1

    Hamilton is only fifth-quickest
    First flying runs done and I will say it again. Mercedes have work to do!
    Russell is down in 11th place. Surely they will both get into Q2 at the very least.
    Max looking unstoppable
    Yes, it is early days, but he has smashed in an early lap to go 1.1 seconds clear. Staggering.
    We are go in Bahrain
    Alex Albon is first out in his Williams. He has plenty of work to do this season.
    No going back
    Haas had no option but to drop Russian driver Nikita Mazepin after Putin invaded Russia.
    That’s according to Haas’ team principal Guenther Steiner.
    He said: “The criticism, the sanction all together, it didn’t work out any more.
    “We made it [the decision] as a team and always with the background of what is best for the team.
    “Because the biggest asset here is the team, with all the people we employ here, all the people who work here, we cannot put that at risk.”
    Ferrari chief’s delight
    Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto is happy with his team’s performance since last year.
    He said to Sky Italia: “For sure it made a step forward compared to last year. We have to wait for qualifying tomorrow when everyone will push at the limit,” he explained.
    “So today’s indications are not a final result yet. But it’s a good sign, then in qualifying we will all unleash full power and we will see where we will be.
    “The testing showed we could be fast, as well as they showed Red Bull were fast too, maybe even more than us.”
    F1’s Abu Dhabi admission
    Formula One have confirmed that the controversy which decided Max Verstappen’s remarkable title win over Lewis Hamilton was caused by ‘human error’.
    The FIA, the sport’s governing body, finally released their report into the dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi las year.
    And while they admitted errors were made, it has been determined that race director Michael Masi acted in ‘good faith’.
    They also insist that the result for the race and Verstappen’s championship triumph was ‘valid’ and will stand.
    Hamilton writes off Mercedes’ chances
    Lewis Hamilton has ruled out a win for Mercedes at the Bahrain GP.
    The Brit admitted that his Mercedes team will just be there to make up the numbers as Red bull are far superior at the moment.
    Hamilton said: “I am just realistic. We are not going to be in the race for a win here.
    “The Red Bulls are a long way ahead, it is in the region of 0.8-0.9secs ahead of us and Ferrari are something like 0.6secs ahead of us. We are fighting with whoever is behind them.”
    Top 10 finish
    Here’s how the top ten finished in the final practice round this afternoon.
    Hamilton could only muster a sixth spot finish.
    And the Brit could only helplessly watch on as Verstappen cruised to another practice round win.
    Hamilton’s team-mate Russell fared a bit better and finished the race in fourth.

    Max Verstappen – 1:32.544
    Charles Leclerc – +0.096
    Sergio Perez – +0.247
    George Russell – +0.391
    Carlos Sainz – +0.509
    Lewis Hamilton – +0.577
    Kevin Magnussen – +0.893
    Valtteri Bottas – +1.189
    Guanyu Zhou – +1.336
    Lance Stroll – +1.376

    Verstappen wins!
    Verstappen has stormed to victory once again in the FP3.
    And he was followed closely by Leclerc in an identical finish to yesterday’s second practice.
    Perez, Russell, Sainz and Hamilton compile the rest of the top six.
    Close call
    Alpine driver Fernando Alonso narrowly avoids a crash with Carlos Sainz.
    Alonso was forced to slam on the brakes to avoid Sainz who emerged into his path.
    Pitstop for Max
    Verstappen’s been forced into a pit stop due to a tyre issue.
    Verstappen’s crew are tending the front left tyre that seems to be giving him problems.
    Views from the top
    Here’s how the top five looks with just five minutes left to go.
    There’s no sign of Hamilton as Verstappen and Leclerc battle it out for pole position.

    Max Verstappen – 1:32.544
    Charles Leclerc – +0.096
    Sergio Perez – +0.247
    George Russell – +0.391
    Carlos Sainz – +0.509

    Verstappen retains top spot
    Verstappen has made sure Russell’s lead is short-lived and reclaims the top spot.
    The Dutch ace has got a time of 1:32.544.
    And now there’s only 0.096 between him and Leclerc.
    Russell takes the lead
    George Russell has turned the race on its head and has stormed into the top spot.
    The Mercedes driver gets a time of 1:32.935- tenth clear of Verstappen,.
    Ferrari’s Sainz is in third while Hamilton’s in fourth.
    Not going well for McLaren
    Mclaren are having a tough FP3 with Norris languishing in 14th on the softs.
    Ricciardo isn’t doing much better and is in 17th spot behind Norris.
    It comes after he missed three test days last week due to catching covid.
    Hamilton’s progress
    Hamilton has improved his form in the race and shot up the table.
    The Brit is now up to second place just 0.086 behind rival Verstappen.
    Tsunoda’s hydraulic issues
    Yuki Tsunoda’s session has been delayed unfortunately
    The Scuderia Alpha Tauri team spotted a hydraulic problem and are currently working to fix the issue.
    Leclerc’s spin
    Here’s a closer look at Leclerc’s earlier spin out on the track.

    Early lap times
    here’s how things stand in the third practice race after just under half hour.
    Verstappen’s in pole position and Leclerc’s trailing behind in a reflection of yesterday’s proceedings.

    Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:33.035
    Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.762
    Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) +1.113
    Sergio Perez (Red Bull) +1.125
    Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) +1.221
    Kevin Magnussen (Haas) +1.228
    George Russell (Mercedes) +1.435
    Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) +1.582
    Mick Schumacher (Haas) +1.594
    Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) +2.283
    Alexander Albon (Williams) 2.77
    Nicholas Latifi (Williams) +2.926
    All these top 12 have been on the softs

    Leclerc spins out!
    Leclerc emphatically spins out at Turn 11.
    He runs through the gravel but manages to recover the situation and continue on his way.
    It could’ve been a lot worse if the Ferrari driver didn’t stop himself from going into the wall.
    Verstappen makes early statement
    Max Verstappen has stormed past his rivals with a stunning first lap time of 1:33:05.
    That times seven tenths better than anyone else so far and 1.2 seconds better than Lewis Hamilton who’s dropped down to fifth.
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    FIA finally release report and admit ‘human error’ led to Lewis Hamilton losing to Max Verstappen… but he KEEPS title

    FORMULA ONE’s governing body have delivered their report into the controversial end to the 2021 season – but it appears to be nothing more than a whitewash.The FIA have taken a whopping 97 days to disclose their findings after former race director, Michael Masi fudged safety car rules in the Abu Dhabi GP, denying Lewis Hamilton a record eighth world title.
    Verstappen pipped Hamilton to the title in controversial fashionCredit: AP
    Hamilton was left gutted when he was denied an eighth world titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The report blamed “human error” for the cock-up but stopped short of offering a full apology or taking responsibility for the controversy.
    It also FAILED to identify whether Masi had been influenced by the radio messages between himself and the Red Bull pitwall.
    In fact, Masi is barely mentioned in the detailed analysis of the incidents on December 12th.
    In a further damning indictment, the report stated that improvements should be made after identifying some FIA staff did not even know the rules.
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    Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the race – and the title – after Masi, the race director, failed to follow safety car rules in the final few laps of the race at the Yas Marina Circuit.
    Even the timing of the report – released ahead of qualifying for Sunday’s Bahrain GP – was questionable.
    The summary was delivered after the World Motor Sport Council met in Bahrain and was chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
    It said: “The report finds that the race director was acting in good faith and to the best of his knowledge given the difficult circumstances, particularly acknowledging the significant time constraints for decisions to be made and the immense pressure being applied by the teams.”
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    Race director Masi came under fire for his decisions in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
    It added: “The process of identifying lapped cars has up until now been a manual one and human error led to the fact that not all cars were allowed to un-lap themselves.”
    Crucially, the report finally confirms Verstappen as the 2021 world champion, adding “the results of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the FIA Formula One World Championship are valid, final and cannot now be changed.”
    Masi has since been axed from his role – some would argue a key point that is glossed over.
    There is no further mention of his future involvement in the organisation but he is a notable absentee from the report, which will raise even more questions.
    The report also noted that Masi “called the safety car back into the pit lane without it having completed an additional lap as required by the Formula One Sporting Regulations”.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BAHR BRAWL .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Hamilton finishes SIXTH at FP3 while Verstappen comes first ahead of qualifying
    However, despite admitting the breach, the governing body left wiggle-room by adding that “there could be different interpretations”, which “likely contributed to the applied procedure”.
    Finally, in a host of suggested improvements, the report gives the staggering admission that staff did not know the rules.
    There were several controversial incidents last season, including the two-lap race at the Belgium GP, which should raise even-more concern for F1, teams and drivers.
    The report said: “Additionally, the staff identified the need to improve communications between the FIA office in Geneva and track staff and between the F1 sport and F1 Technical departments.
    “They also noted the complexity of the F1 Regulations and the reduction of the duration of consultancy agreements from three years to one year, often resulting in a higher staff turnover and so reduced familiarity with the rules”. More

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    F1 Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and race schedule for opening GP

    FORMULA ONE fans, assemble! The new season is finally here. After last year’s controversial ending, which saw Max Verstappen pip Lewis Hamilton to his maiden world championship, the excitement for the upcoming campaign is like never before.
    F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE: Follow all the action from Sakhir
    Lewis Hamilton was left devastated by Max Verstappen title win last seasonCredit: AP
    Testing is over, Hamilton and Verstappen are back, despite rumours the former was going to call it quits on his racing career, and the other 18 drivers are all raring to go.
    We get things underway in Bahrain, the circuit where Hamilton was the victor last season.
    When is the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix?
    Fear no more F1 fans, because after three months of waiting, the season is here.
    The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix gets underway on Sunday, March 20, from 3pm UK time.
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F1.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LEW CAN DO IT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’Don’t get angry, get even’ – Hamilton ‘will be force of nature’ this season
    There will be a whopping 70,000 fans in attendance at the Bahrain international circuit.
    When is practice and qualifying?
    Practice One and Two will take place on Friday, March 18, with the third session to come on Saturday, March 19.
    Qualifying will follow later that day, with the Grand Prix set for 3pm GMT on Sunday, March 20.
    Friday, March 18

    Practice One – 12pm UK time
    Practice Two – 3pm UK time

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    Saturday, March 19

    Practice Three – 12pm UK time
    Qualifying – 3pm UK time

    Sunday, March 20

    Grand Prix – 3pm UK time

    What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    All the coverage from this weekend’s F1 Bahrain Grand Prix will be shown live on Sky Sports F1.
    You can live stream the action from the Sky Go or NOW TV app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

    What has been said?
    Lewis Hamilton has tipped Ferrari as the quickest team ahead of the first race of the season.
    “It is too early to have those kind of thoughts about the world championship, but at the moment I don’t think we will be competing for wins,” Hamilton said earlier this week.
    “There is potential within our car to get us there. We’ve just got to learn to be able to extract it and fix some of the problems, which is what we’re working on.”
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    “We have some hurdles to overcome and obviously next week we’ll get a much better showing of our pace, but I think people will be surprised, because people keep talking about whether we’re talking ourselves down or not, but it’s a bit different this year.
    “We’re not the quickest at the moment. I think Ferrari look to be the quickest and perhaps Red Bull and then maybe us or McLaren – but we’re currently not at the top.”

    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info More

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    Lewis Hamilton only NINTH fastest in worrying Bahrain GP practice with F1 title rival Max Verstappen in first spot

    LEWIS HAMILTON faces a massive headache if he is to fight Max Verstappen for victory in Bahrain this weekend – in more ways than one.The Brit was only NINTH quickest in second practice while world champion Verstappen topped the field.
    Mercedes admitted they have to catch up with their rivals going into qualifyingCredit: AFP
    Lewis Hamilton faces an uphill battle due to Mercedes’ lack of paceCredit: Alamy
    World champion Max Verstappen topped the practice sessionCredit: AP
    It comes after Mercedes warned that their new car for this season was not quick enough.
    But that is only part of the problem as both Hamilton and George Russell are suffering from “porpoising” causing their car to bounce violently up and down at high speed.
    It is caused when the downforce pushes the car down but when it gets too low, it stalls the airflow under the car, lifting the car back up again.
    Not only does that cause discomfort for the drivers, but it also limits the top speed of the car.

    Mercedes are trying a number of options to resolve the issue and used a different floor on Russell’s car, which allowed him to go fourth-quickest.
    But it is a concern for Andrew Shovlin, trackside engineering director at Mercedes, who said: “We’ve got a lot of work to do. We have carried that on from the test into FP1 so continuing to do experiments.
    “Certainly on a single lap we were one step softer tyre than the cars we’d like to compete with doing similar times. So it’s pretty evident there is something to do there.
    “But we are learning every day at the moment. It does feel like we’ve got to catch up but as long as we keep on with that learning, that’s the main thing for us.
    Lewis Hamilton trumps his rival Max Verstappen in almost every category
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    “I don’t think we have got as good a handle on that as some of the other teams.”
    Meanwhile, Verstappen was quickest and topped the session from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, with Carlos Sainz half-a-second further back in third.
    Hamilton’s new teammate Russell was fourth quickest but the Brit was still six-tenths-of-a-second adrift of Verstappen. More

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    F1 Bahrain Grand Prix LIVE: Updates from second practice after debris on track due prompting red flag in FP1 – latest

    AFTER possibly the greatest season in Formula One history, the drivers are BACK on the track for 2022 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.World champ Max Verstappen is hoping to retain the title he won in thrilling fashion last year.
    But of course Lewis Hamilton is still hoping to win what would be a record driver’s world title.

    TV channel: Sky Sports F1
    Live stream: Now
    Friday, March 18: Practice 1 (12 noon), Practice 2 (3pm)
    Saturday, March 19: Practice 3 (12 noon), Qualifying (3pm)
    Sunday, March 19: Bahrain Grand Prix (3pm)

    All you need for Cheltenham Festival 2022

    Stay up to date with all the latest from the latest from the Bahrain Grand Prix in our live blog…
    Fantastic runs from Schumacher and Magnussen
    The Haas duo are running in fifth and fourth place respectively. They sacrificed all last year to get this car ready. And it looks like that decision could pay off.
    Hamilton is not looking comfortable
    The Mercedes man is still having issues with his new car and it is bouncing up and down, just as it reaches top speed.
    They are going to need to get on top of this quickly if he is to have any chance of winning on Sunday.
    Drivers’ eye
    This is an excellent view from inside the drivers’ helmets.

    FP2 is underway
    Under the spotlights in Bahrain, the second session of the day is underway.
    Can Lewis Hamilton and George Russell find some more performance from that Mercedes?
    Or will Ferrari continue to look the quickest?
    Summary from FP1 in Bahrain
    Pierre Gasly began Formula One’s new era with the fastest time for AlphaTauri.
    The Frenchman lapped the 5.4-km Sakhir desert track in 1min 34.193sec on a sunny but cool afternoon.
    Ferrari pair Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were second and third, the Italian team continuing to back up the hype that has them marked out as one of the favourites.
    George Russell led Mercedes’ charge in fourth with Lewis Hamilton seventh as the reigning champions, who struggled to dial their car into the Sakhir track during last week’s pre-season test, made a low-key start to their bid to secure a ninth-straight constructors title.
    Reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who ended last week’s test with the fastest time, was fifth for Red Bull.
    Friday afternoon’s running was not representative of the conditions drivers will face in Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race, which are scheduled to be floodlit dusk-to-night sessions.
    Teams are also still coming to terms with the most radical rules overhaul in decades, featuring cars that have been drastically redesigned in a bid to improve the racing spectacle.
    Canadian Lance Stroll was sixth for Aston Martin with Spanish double world champion Fernando Alonso eighth for Alpine.
    Session over. FP1 is done.
    Gasly tops the timesheets. Leclerc is second-quickest, Sainz is third.
    Ferrari are looking good here in Bahrain. Verstappen is fifth and Hamilton’s best lap is only good enough for seventh place.
    Gasly leads the way
    Early days but the AlphaTauri man tops the timesheets. We still have three minutes to go, but that’s a solid run for the Frenchman.
    SPIN FOR LECLERC
    It is very windy out there and it looks as though he was caught out. He’s sent into a 360 degree slide but he’s kept it out of the barriers.
    HULK IS BACK
    Nico Hulkenberg is filling in for Sebastian Vettel this week after the German tested positive for covid.
    Hulkenberg has previously filled in for Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll when they too tested positive.

    BITS DROPPING OFF EVERYWHERE
    George Russell loses part of the floor of his Mercedes. Worth remembering most of these parts are new and being put through their paces for the first time. They have all been upgraded since the test last week.
    WE ARE UNDERWAY AGAIN IN BAHRAIN
    After a 13 minute delay, we have the green light to resume.
    LONG DELAY FOR A CLEAR UP
    Ocon did lose a chunk of bodywork, but this has taken some time to clear up. The team are investigation what caused the part to simply come loose and snap off.

    RED FLAG
    Just seven minutes into the session and it has been stopped. A huge part of bodywork has ripped off one of the Alpine cars, revealing the internal parts of the car.
    FP1 IS UNDERWAY IN BAHRAIN
    The new season has started and Charles Leclerc is the first out on track. A signal of intent for Ferrari, who are hoping to win the title for the first time since 2008.
    60 minutes of practice
    The drivers have an hour to stretch their legs around the track.
    Of course all eyes will be on the new designs of the cars and the side wall of the Mercedes, which has attracted lots of glances.
    That said, Lewis Hamilton still isn’t quite happy with the pace of his car.
    Let’s see how he gets on this weekend.
    Green light is out
    Here comes Charles Leclerc followed by Nico Hulkenberg.
    Nico isn’t hanging around, he’s in for Sebastian Vettell this weekend as the German has caught Covid.
    The Formula One season has begun!
    Netflix no chill
    Sergio Perez is ready to snub the next instalment of Netflix’s hit TV series, Drive to Survive.
    Max Verstappen has already refused to do interviews with the show after accusing the heavily-edited fly-on-the-wall F1 series of being “fake”.
    And now his Red Bull team-mate is ready to take the same approach after they “tried to create too much drama” out of the climax to last season.
    He said ahead of the Bahrain GP: “I really thought that they had the best season in Formula One and I feel like they probably missed out a bit in the story and the way they presented it.
    “They tried to create too much drama, which was already had, the season had enough drama, you know?
    “They probably have gone too far in this last season. I thought it was going to be the best season [to watch], but to be totally honest I haven’t finished it.”
    Ten minutes till first practice starts
    The countdown is well and truly on now…
    Russell on being a Merc’d man
    “I can only learn from Lewis and it can only be beneficial in the long run.
    “Equally, I think now is the best time to have this opportunity to go up alongside him — because we are starting from fresh.
    “We have completely new cars. Last year was constant evolution whereas now it’s a complete fresh start and a good opportunity.
    “With my experiences last year — disappointments, crashes, missing out on points, scoring points — I now feel more complete.
    “Over the last six years, I have outperformed my team-mates.
    “But I’ve got to be realistic. Suddenly now I need to change my thought process — but I feel stronger to be able to deal with that than I would’ve been a year ago.”
    George can Russell some feathers
    George Russell says taking on Lewis Hamilton as Formula One stands on the brink of a new era is ‘win-win’, writes BEN HUNT.
    The 24-year-old from King’s Lynn has been promoted by Mercedes after a three-year spell effectively on loan at Williams.
    Russell replaced Valtteri Bottas and will drive alongside seven-time world champion Hamilton — as F1 prepares to welcome a whole new generation of cars in Sunday’s curtain-raiser in Bahrain.
    The sport has undergone the biggest rule changes in its history, creating a level playing field where Russell is hoping to thrive.
    He said: “It is incredibly exciting. I find myself in a win-win scenario.
    “You are going up against the greatest of all time, who has beaten everybody.”
    Max on his title win
    Verstappen is aware his championship title win last year wasn’t a normal one, but he hasn’t a care in the world what people think about it.
    “Clearly not. It is what it is. People have their own opinions and that’s fine,” he told the BBC.
    Credit: AP
    Hamilton calls for no bias
    Lewis Hamilton has hinted he doesn’t want to see any bias with F1 stewards this season.
    Race director Michael Masi was removed from his position after last season and will be replaced by Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich.
    “Race drivers are sometimes very, very good friends with certain individuals. Some travel with certain individuals and tend to take a more keen liking to some of them,” Hamilton said.
    “So just people who have no bias is super-essential when it comes to making decisions.”
    “Last year there were maybe one or two. It would be awesome to have a male and female as the two race directors. That’s a great way of promoting diversity.”
    Credit: EPA
    Hamilton misses FIA gala
    But he doesn’t seem to care…
    Hamilton wants the fine to go to a good cause.

    Lewis Hamilton arrives
    Rocking up like dressed to impress, and looking like some sort of jiu-jitsu master, the seven-time champ is in Bahrain and ready to go.
    Credit: AFP
    Credit: AFP
    Good morning!
    Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of today’s F1 Bahrain Grand Prix first practice!
    It’ been a long time coming, but the new season is finally here for all your motorsport fans to enjoy.
    The end to last year’s campaign ended in a whole host of controversy, as Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton by the smallest of margins in the season’s final race to claim his first championship.
    But Hamilton is looking to win his crown back, and it all begins today in the Middle East.
    Hamilton won last year’s season opener in Bahrain, but has tipped rival teams Red Bull and Ferrari to come out of the blocks faster than everyone else this season.
    Either way, it’ll be an enthralling start to the new season.
    So strap yourselves in petrol heads, first practice gets going from 12pm GMT.
    Load more entries… More

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    ‘You’ll see’ – Lewis Hamilton vows to be ‘more aggressive’ in Max Verstappen fight despite crashes last season

    LEWIS HAMILTON lit the touchpaper on the eve of the new F1 season by promising to be “more aggressive” this year.The Brit missed out on winning the title last year to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a season dogged by controversy.
    Hamilton has promised to be “more aggressive”Credit: GETTY
    Verstappen will look to defend his F1 crown this seasonCredit: GETTY
    The two came to blows spectacularly at Silverstone and Monza while also had a near miss in Sao Paulo and clashed in Jeddah.
    But it was the final race that caused the biggest uproar when Michael Masi, the former FIA race director, failed to follow safety car rules to allow Verstappen to pass Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the title.
    Hamilton spent the off season licking his wounds and has promised to come out swinging this season as he looks to win a record eighth world title.
    He said: “I will be a more aggressive driver this year, you’ll see.”
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Cheltenham.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GOLD CUP LIVE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Cheltenham Gold Cup day latest updates as week reaches thrilling finale
    Masi has since been axed from his role following an FIA investigation but somewhat incredibly his replacements have yet to introduce themselves to the drivers.
    With FIA’s reputation damaged and their level of integrity called into question, it would have been an easy win for Niels Wittich, who will share the role with Eduardo Freitas.
    An F1 insider explained how he was dismayed that Wittich had only met the team’s sporting directors on Thursday, less than 24 hours before the first practice session in Bahrain.
    Meanwhile, Hamilton says he will not be distracted by the controversial end to the last campaign.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    He added: “I don’t hold any grudges. I don’t have any baggage going into the season. It is important to let go.
    “All I can do is try and shape what’s ahead. I can’t change the past. I’m just approaching the season trying to be the best that I can be.
    “I want to see if there’s a way I can somehow raise my game — drive at least how I was at the end of last season.
    “And just that collaboration with the team, there’s going to be lots and lots of hurdles along the way. But I love that.
    “I don’t have that [revenge] viewpoint. I think I’ll just try and be the best driver I can be this year.”
    The FIA are set to present the results of their investigation into Masi’s handling of the Abu Dhabi GP today (SAT).
    However, there are questions as to whether an actual report exists or whether it would be presented in full.
    Hamilton, who met with the new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Thursday, has urged them for full disclosure for the purposes of transparency.
    He said: “It is important that as a sport we are transparent and I had a good meeting with Mohammed last night.
    “He agreed that’s the direction we should take as a sport, so I’m looking forward to it coming out and for people to know the sport is transparent and we are learning from what happened in the past and are moving forwards.”
    However, Verstappen disagrees and says it is not essential the full report is published.
    The world champion said: “I don’t think we need a full report.
    “It’s good to discuss about what happened in the year before. Right? You always analyse everything you do.
    “So, yeah, we’ll find out and if there’s things that can be written down in an easier way, or a way to understand it better.”
    Meanwhile, Hamilton has also confirmed he WILL be fined for skipping the end-of-season FIA gala.
    Lewis Hamilton trumps his rival Max Verstappen in almost every category
    The lavish presentation in Paris is mandatory for the top three finishes in the drivers’ championship, however, Hamilton did not turn up after growing “disillusioned” by the outcome of the title race, claiming at the time it felt “manipulated”.
    However, he says that his fine will be spent on a worthy cause rather than boosting the FIA coffers.
    He added: “There will be some sort of fine regarding the gala but we have worked together to make sure that the money will be put towards youth from underprivileged backgrounds getting into motorsports engineering.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton ‘set to turn up heat on FIA’ over not getting answers on Abu Dhabi GP with report still not released

    LEWIS HAMILTON is set to turn up the heat on the FIA over their Abu Dhabi GP report.The findings of the investigation are STILL yet to be released, despite the new season kicking off this weekend.
    Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for this season’s first race weekend in BahrainCredit: Getty
    Hamilton is understood to be upset over the lack of updates from the FIA.
    An investigation was launched in December as Mercedes fumed over race director Michael Masi’s botched decision that gifted the world championship to Max Verstappen.
    Masi has since been axed, with a number of new measures imposed to ensure that the farcical situation won’t happen again.
    But the actual findings of the probe have not been released, or seen be Mercedes.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1h37p88{background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Cheltenham.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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    According to the Mail, Hamilton will raise the matter in his pre-race press conference in Bahrain this weekend.
    The 37-year-old’s comments could spark action within the FIA.
    Hamilton will race alongside compatriot and new Silver Arrows team-mate George Russell for the first time this weekend.
    Things kick-off today as drivers get stuck in to practice, with FP1 and FP2 scheduled for this afternoon.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    Hamilton’s expectations appear to be low, at least initially, if his comments earlier this month are to be believed.
    He said: “It is too early to have those kind of thoughts about the world championship, but at the moment I don’t think we will be competing for wins.
    “We’re not the quickest at the moment.
    “Ferrari look to be the quickest and perhaps Red Bull and then maybe us or McLaren – but we’re currently not at the top.
    “We have far bigger challenges this time and they’re not one-week turnarounds, they’ll take a little bit longer, but from what I’m told, we have a significant amount of pace to find.”
    Hamilton, 37, has attempted to lower expectationsCredit: Alamy

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    ‘We’ve got a lot of problems’ – Lewis Hamilton casts doubt over Mercedes’ F1 title challenge days before new season

    LEWIS HAMILTON has once again expressed his fear regarding Mercedes’ car as he declared it could take FOUR races for them to challenge for victories.The controversial new car is the talk of the paddock ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix with it boasting virtually non-existent sidepods.
    Lewis Hamilton fears his Mercedes car may be too slow to challenge Red Bull this seasonCredit: Splash
    But despite the design built to increase speed, Hamilton doesn’t think it is quick enough.
    The 37-year-old revealed last week how he believes the car will be too slow to deliver him a record-breaking eighth world F1 championship.
    And he has once again spoke of the Silver Arrows’ lack of pace with Ferrari and Red Bull impressing in pre-season testing.
    Hamilton has stated how it could take at least four races to unlock the full performance of Mercedes’ car.
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    Speaking during a visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, he said: “The testing has been difficult
    “It’s crazy because, years ago, we used to have a lot of test days.
    “And now we only have, literally, three days in the car altogether. So it’s not a lot of laps.
    “When we go into this race, this week, we’re still learning about the car – we probably will be for the first four races at least. We’ve got a lot of problems.”
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    Hamilton has also revealed he is in the process of changing his NAME to honour his mum’s legacy.
    The British icon wants his mother’s surname Larbalestier to live on with him after questioning why women lose their surname after they become married.
    He remarked: “It would mean the world to my family [to win an eighth title].
    “It would mean a lot to me knowing that, for example, I am really proud of my family’s name, Hamilton.
    “Actually none of you might know that my mum’s [sur]name is Larbalestier. And I’m just about to put that in my name.
    “Because I don’t really fully understand the whole idea of why, when people get married, the woman loses her name.

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    “I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”
    Asked if the change would be in time for Sunday’s race, he added: “It will be soon. No, I don’t know if it will be this weekend. But we’re working on it.” More