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    F1 has become ‘billionaire boys club’ after Lewis Hamilton demanded change, claims Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll

    ASTON MARTIN F1 team owner, Lawrence Stroll, admits the sport has become “the billionaire boys club”.Lewis Hamilton used the term when he said he felt F1 had become overrun by young drivers with rich parents.
    Lawrence Stroll says F1 is an expensive sport dominated by very wealthy racersCredit: The Times
    Lewis Hamilton reckons it would be tough for someone from his background to break into F1Credit: PA
    And the eight-time world champion, 37, believes it would be impossible for him to break into the sport from his background if he tried to do it now.
    Hamilton told Spain news publication AS: “Growing up in a normal working-class family, there is no way I could be here – the guys you are fighting against have that much more money
    “We have to work to change that to make it more accessible, for the rich and for people with more humble origins.”
    The likes of Lance Stroll, the son of the Aston Martin tycoon, Nikita Mazepin, Lando Norris and Mick Schumacher have all come from wealthy families.
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    And Stroll, who is worth around £2.1billion ($3bn), and funded his son’s racing career said: “Racing is definitely expensive, from go-karting on up, there’s no doubt about it.
    “It’s a lot less expensive to play golf or play tennis but F1 it’s an expensive sport, there’s machinery. There’s a lot of people who run the machines.
    “You have to be a very wealthy individual or a very large corporation to be able to afford to be in Formula One.
    “I don’t know what Lewis’s comment was referring to but this is a sport that is very capital intensive.
    “If you look at, for example, building a new building or a new wind tunnel, that’s well over £150million.
    “But Formula One is definitely an expensive sport to be in, there’s no question about that.”
    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
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    Stroll completed his takeover of Aston Martin car company last year and then rebranded the former Racing Point F1 team, more commonly remembered as Force India.
    Not only is he building a new factory, but he is upping staff levels from 500 to 800 employees in pursuit of challenging the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes for titles.
    When quizzed how long it will take before they are competitive, he added: “I think it’s four, five or six years.
    “We’re currently in a good place. We share Mercedes’ wind tunnel, but it is not as good as having your own.
    “Facilities wise, we’ve definitely outgrown our current site.
    “We’re putting up a lot of temporary facilities in order to accommodate all these new employees.
    “But as far as plans going forward, like pretty much every other business I own, is to win.
    “In this case, winning and Formula One obviously means world championships. 
    “Ultimately, that’s what we are striving for. That’s what I am striving for.
    Stroll (right) says his team are targeting world championship winsCredit: Rex
    “We all know very well that success in Formula One or any other business for that matter doesn’t come overnight.
    “That takes years to put the right people, the right tools, the right processes in place.
    “But we’re building and investing in our team with the ambition of moving up the grid year by year.
    “And our ultimate ambition is to win world championships.”
    Lewis Hamilton says winning a record-breaking eighth world championship will not determine whether he quits Formula One at the end of the year More

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    F1 ace Mick Schumacher caused more damage to his car than any other driver – racking up staggering £4MILLION repair bill

    MICK SCHUMACHER has been revealed as F1’s crash king after racking up a whopping £4MILLION repair bill last season.The Haas driver caused more damage to his car than any other man on the grid as he failed to score a single point all year.

    Mick Schumacher crashed heavily at the Saudi Arabian Grand PrixCredit: Getty
    He cost his team over £1m in just one race when he crashed heavily on lap 10 of the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
    The race had to be red-flagged as track marshals scraped his VF-21 from the barriers at Turn 23.
    Research on fan site F1maximaal shows Schumacher totting up an extensive shopping list of new parts.
    He needed EIGHT new front wings and NINE new sets of suspension across the 22-race calendar.
    The son of F1 legend Michael joined his team-mate Nikita Mazepin in failing to score a point during the season.
    And it was touch-and-go as to whether the Haas drivers would even be able to compete in the year-end Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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    After Schumacher’s shunt in Saudi Arabia, team boss Guenther Steiner admitted: “We’ve used everything we have left. If we crash in practice before the last race, it’ll be tight.”
    The F1 rookie is seen as a talent on the grid and his struggles have as much to do with a shoddy car as they do with his inexperience.
    Ferrari star Charles Leclerc is second on the crash price list.
    The 24-year-old cost the famed Prancing Horse almost £3.5m in repair bills last season.
    And closing out the top three is champ Max Verstappen.
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    The Red Bull superstar needed over £3.3m in servicing on his way to snatching the world title from Lewis Hamilton.
    The Mercedes superstar doesn’t even feature in the top ten.
    He was only the 13th most expensive driver on the grid with just over £1m in repairs. More

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    F1 chiefs award Bahrain HUGE contract extension with Middle Eastern nation to host Grands Prix until at least 2036

    BAHRAIN’S International Circuit will be on the F1 calendar until at least 2036 after being handed a mammoth FIFTEEN-year contract extension.The venue for the first race of the 2022 season will continue to be a feature on the calendar thanks to a lengthy extension from F1 bosses.
    Lewis Hamilton won the last race at the Bahrain International Circuit in SakhirCredit: AFP
    The track will continue to host F1 races until at least 2036Credit: Getty
    A fifteen-year deal is a mighty reward for the Middle Eastern nation.
    In return chiefs at the Bahrain international circuit have pledged to ensure all energy used at the Grand Prix in March comes from sustainable sources.
    The circuit in Sakhir has hosted at least one race every year since 2004 – other than a one-year gap in 2011.
    And in the Covid-interrupted 2020 campaign it was the venue for two GP’s to help ensure the season could go ahead.
    Pre-season testing for the this year’s championship will take place in Bahrain, as it did twelve months ago.
    Speaking on the announcement, Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive of the circuit, said: “After 18 years of F1 racing, we are proud to have played a part in F1’s rich history and we are now looking forward to continuing to build on that heritage well into the future.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “The growth and interest in motorsport in Bahrain and the Middle East has significant momentum, with a new generation of fans embracing our great sport and we look forward to continuing that progress.”
    Meanwhile F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali gushed: “Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to welcome Formula 1 and it has a very special place in our sport.
    “And I personally want to thank HRH Prince Salman and his team for their dedication and hard work throughout our partnership and look forward to the many years of racing ahead of us.”
    Lewis Hamilton won the last edition of the Bahrain GP in last year’s season opener – finishing ahead of eventual championship winner Max Verstappen. More

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    McLaren launch ‘aggressive’ new car for 2022 F1 season as Lando Norris & Daniel Ricciardo target flying start to new era

    MCLAREN have released an aggressive new design with a bold new livery for the 2022 season.The new “MCL36” vehicle will be tested next month by Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo.
    McLaren have unveiled their new 2022 vehicleCredit: PA
    Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo sport their new racing suitsCredit: AFP
    With more black and baby blue on the car than last season, the paint work produces a streamline effect.
    Brit driver Norris described the new style as ‘aggressive’.
    McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: “We wanted something that was very vibrant.
    “I think it’s got speed and elegance to it that we thought would go on top of the fast race car that hopefully we’ve designed this year.”
    McLaren finished fourth in the 2021 Constructers Championship with Norris sixth in the Drivers Championship standings.
    Due to the F1’s latest update on regulations, new body designs are being released this week and next.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Motorsport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    A Twitter user said: “The more I look at it, the more I love it”.
    Another used said: “Oh she’s pretty…but does she have pace?”.
    Norris admires the Lego version of his new carCredit: The Mega Agency
    The new car has updated orange, black and blue liveryCredit: PA More

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    ‘Needs HUGE amount of work’ – Russell slams 2022 Mercedes car days before launch in blow to Lewis Hamilton’s title bid

    NEW Mercedes driver George Russell has put their Formula One rivals on high alert after stating their new car needs a ‘huge amount of improvement’.The 23-year-old has hinted that the Silver Arrows’ dominance in F1 is under threat when giving his assessment of the new ‘W13’ vehicle.
    George Russell has stated the new Mercedes car needs a ‘huge amount of improvement’Credit: PA
    Former Williams star Russell will be driving alongside Lewis Hamilton for the 2022 seasonCredit: Alamy
    Mercedes have won the last eight Constructors’ Championships, despite his team-mate Lewis Hamilton being pipped to last season’s title by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
    Speaking ahead of their car launch next week, Russell didn’t give a glowing evaluation of the vehicle.
    The former Williams ace told Mercedes’ YouTube channel: “First impressions of W13 have been interesting. 
    “It’s a very different car to the previous era – and the characteristics of how the downforce is completely different so we’re still learning as we are going.”
    Before adding: “There’s still a huge amount of improvement to be made to bring everything together and make it as nice as possible to drive.
    “I foresee a lot of people being in the same boat.
    “We’re just learning so much day after day, whether it be in the winter or in the simulator and I think it’s going to be a year of development.
    “I think everyone wants to go into the first race and have the fastest car possible.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}latest f1 news.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “But what will be more important is understanding what your limitations are and how you’re going to improve from those limitations to build the best foundation possible.”
    In positive news for Mercedes fans, the team all-but ended speculation regarding Hamilton’s future in F1 by stating he will race for them in the 2022 season.
    There were fears that the 37-year-old could retire from the sport after he was controversially denied a record eighth world title in the final race of 2021.
    However he is set to continue racing following a Mercedes news release put out ahead of their car launch.
    Mercedes referred to Hamilton and Russell as ‘our drivers’, who will attend the February 18 event.
    Part of the statement read: “You’ll have the chance to hear from our 2022 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and our Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff.”

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

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    Jenson Button’s luxury £8m LA mansion he shares with model fiancee boasts a home cinema and is listed for sale

    JENSON BUTTON and his model fiancée put their stunning £8million Los Angeles mansion back on the market just a year after buying the place.The Formula One legend, 42, and Brittny Ward, 30, splashed £6.6m on the incomplete luxury pad in the Bel Air region of the city in 2020.
    Jenson Button and Brittny Ward have put their luxury mansion back on the marketCredit: BackGrid
    The stunning house has plenty of awesome rooms including this home cinemaCredit: BackGrid
    The couple only bought the incomplete place in 2020 before getting it finished up but are now hoping to move onCredit: Getty – Contributor
    But now all finished, it is up for sale again with a guide price of £8m.
    And whoever does stump up the cash for the gorgeous home is in for a real treat.
    Measuring 8,000sq ft, the house – described as a mix of vintage and contemporary design – has no fewer than six bedrooms, including one gigantic master suite.
    And there will be no waiting for the bathroom to be free because there are six ‘full’ ones to choose from, plus an additional two ‘half’ bathrooms.
    But as well as the kitchen with not one but two islands and spacious family and breakfast rooms, the real excitement comes elsewhere: the bar and home cinema.
    That’s right, 2009 world champion Button spared no expenses by getting the builders to put in a fully-fitted home bar complete with climate-controlled wine storage as well as a brilliant entertainment room.
    The massive TV screen and comfy, tiered sofa seating is the perfect setting for a movie night – or to watch Lewis Hamilton and Co racing around the track in the F1 season.
    Button may not be under the same pressure to keep in such pristine physical condition these days – but he and Ward are taking no chances by installing a home gym complete with a treadmill, cross trainer, bike and weights.
    The kitchen features not one but two islands – any cook’s dream Credit: BackGrid
    The kitchen is completed with chic charcoal cupboards and matching islandCredit: BackGrid
    There is plenty of room in this bathroom, one of eight in the house, to get all fresh and readyCredit: BackGrid
    The house features a classy blend of vintage and contemporary designsCredit: BackGrid
    The interior is classy throughout – even the utility room and pair of double garages bookending the property – but the garden is just as impressive.
    A perfect lawn any golf course green keeper would be proud of takes a back seat to allow for the swimming pool to be the main focal point.
    With the sun beating down on the garden during the day and the hills to the back providing security and privacy, it really is the perfect spot to relax on a hot Californian afternoon.
    Come the evening, there is plenty of outdoor seating to accommodate a large group of guests, regardless of the occasion.
    Any person owning this place would undoubtedly be desperate to have people over and make full use of the barbecue area.
    But although Button and Ward got the house into fine shape, they have clearly decided they want to move on.
    One of the standout highlights is the professional fully-fitted home barCredit: BackGrid
    Button and Ward will be keeping in shape with the home gym which looks out on to the gardenCredit: BackGrid
    The garden’s focal point is the gorgeous swimming pool with sun loungers. to soak up the Californian raysCredit: BackGrid
    It is the perfect garden to host a dinner party with plenty of outdoor seatingCredit: BackGrid
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    The couple, who started dating in 2016, got engaged in June 2018.
    But they have twice had to postpone their wedding day – firstly after unexpectedly falling pregnant with their first child, son Hendrix who was born in 2019, and then due to the coronavirus crisis.
    Back in December, the two welcomed a daughter called Lenny. They plan to finally wed in Italy this year.
    Button and Ward welcomes their first son Hendrix into the world in the summer of 2019Credit: Instagram @brittnyward
    Their rearranged wedding day was once again postponed, this time due to coronavirus, and will now tie the knot in 2021Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source
    Button and Ward started dating in 2016 and got engaged two years later
    The garden basks in the sun during the afternoon and is protected by the hillsCredit: BackGrid
    The outdoor sofa and comfy seats give another more relaxed optionCredit: BackGrid
    There are a total of six bedrooms in the mansionCredit: BackGrid
    The house is situated in the Bel Air region of Los AngelesCredit: BackGrid
    They bought it for £6.66m last year but the guide price is now £8mCredit: BackGrid
    A climate-controlled storage is the perfect extra gimmick for any wine lovers Credit: BackGrid
    Button and Ward no doubt made the most of the barbecue and speakers for a brilliant evening in Credit: BackGrid
    The house measures approximately 8,000sq ft, giving plenty of space for any familyCredit: BackGrid
    The big glass doors and windows allow for plenty of light to flood in during the dayCredit: BackGrid More

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    Lewis Hamilton WILL attend Mercedes car launch next week in another sign seven-time world champion won’t retire

    LEWIS HAMILTON looks set to continue racing after Mercedes confirmed he will attend their car launch next week.There were fears that the 37-year-old could retire from Formula One after he was controversially denied a record eighth world title in the final race of 2021.
    Mercedes have all-but confirmed Lewis Hamilton will race for them in the 2022 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Hamilton was pipped to the championship by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    The British legend was leading by ten seconds going into lap 54, only to have victory cruelly snatched away after the deployment of a safety car.
    And with fresher tyres having pitted, Verstappen overtook his rival after stewards decided to allow lapped cars to overtake.
    FIA director Michael Masi had initially indicated lapped cars between Hamilton and Verstappen would stay in their formation, only to change his mind, resulting in the Brit claiming that the race ‘has been manipulated’.
    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff then declared that Hamilton had been left ‘disillusioned’ with the sport – fuelling speculation his time in F1 was over.
    But Hamilton announced he’s ‘back’ last week as he broke his social media silence in a huge hint he is ready for another challenge.
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    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    And now his future has been all-but guaranteed in a news release by the Silver Arrows previewing their car launch event.
    Mercedes referred to Hamilton and new driver George Russell as ‘our drivers’, who will attend the February 18 event.
    Part of the statement read: “You’ll have the chance to hear from our 2022 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, and our Team Principal and CEO, Toto Wolff.”
    Hamilton’s return to action is likely to take place on February 23 in pre-season testing in Barcelona.
    Following that, there will be another short testing period in Bahrain prior to the opening race there on March 20.

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

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    UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov set to fight Max Holloway in first-ever 3D virtual reality Metaverse clash

    KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV is set to finally face Max Holloway this weekend… in the Metaverse.The pair were supposed to do battle at the infamous UFC 223.
    Khabib Nurmagomedov was supposed to fight Max Holloway in 2018Credit: Getty
    Khabib, 33, had been initially down to fight Tony Ferguson before El Cucuy had to pull out.
    Holloway then stepped up and the bout appeared set to go ahead.
    But Blessed wasn’t given medical clearance, leading to Raging Al Iaquinta stepping in at the final moment.
    The fightweek is best remembered for Conor McGregor’s infamous bus attack.
    Nurmagomedov and Holloway won’t actually be taking to an octagon, however, as their bout will instead take place via virtual reality in the Metaverse.
    The ’bout’ is part of Khabib’s partnership with gaming company Legionfarm and will go ahead at 8pm UK time this Saturday.
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    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Rather than a traditional ticket, fans will need to be the owner of a Legionfarm NFT to watch the ‘fight’.
    With more ‘events’ such as this one set to take place, the ‘quality’ of a fan’s NFT will determine what they have access to.
    The event will also feature commentary from Khabib’s team-mates Daniel Cormier and Islam Makhachev.
    Daniel Cormier is set to be involved in the ‘event’Credit: Getty More