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    ‘I don’t care about the show’ – Sebastian Vettel blasts Max Verstappen’s F1 title win over Hamilton but defends Masi

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL has called on Formula 1 to focus on racing and forget about TV drama.Last season ended in explosively controversial fashion as Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton to victory on the final lap of the year to claim a maiden drivers’ title.
    Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll unveiled their new Aston Martin F1 carCredit: Splash
    Hamilton’s Mercedes team reacted furiously after race director Michael Masi pulled a late safety car in to allow Verstappen to attack their man.
    And questions have been raised over whether Masi was too keen to create late drama for the benefit of trackside TV cameras.
    Vettel told the BBC: “The main thing is that we focus on the sport and not so much on the show.
    “The main thing is going forward is there is clarity in those sorts of situations.”
    Netflix was last season filming for the next instalment of the Drive to Survive series but the former world champ insisted the integrity of the sport had to come first.
    He was speaking at the unveiling of Aston Martin’s car for the upcoming season and defended Masi, who took over as race director from the legendary Charlie Whiting in 2019.
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    🏁 F1 2022 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
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    Vettel said: “There are two interests clashing, the sport and the show, and I don’t care so much about the show.
    “It is not the easiest to be in the shoes of the referee or Michael’s shoes, but I think he has done a great job, especially filling in after Charlie passed away so suddenly.
    “He has been very focused and determined to do a good job. I don’t know his future, but I hope he sticks around because overall he did a really good job.
    “There is a lot of controversy over the last race but there shouldn’t be. Overall he has done a really good job.” More

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    ‘Respect him more than ever’ – Lewis Hamilton ‘really struggling’ on podium after Abu Dhabi but just held it together

    CARLOS SAINZ JR says that he respects Lewis Hamilton ‘more than ever’ after the way he behaved on the Abu Dhabi podium following his agonising defeat in the F1 title decider. The controversial finish to the season saw Max Verstappen steal the crown from the Brit on the last lap.
    Hamilton is forced to look on as Verstappen celebrates his title winCredit: Reuters
    The seven-time championship winner will be back with Mercedes for the 2022 seasonCredit: Getty
    There were calls for race director Michael Masi to lose his job after audio from last season’s finale came to light on Thursday.
    But Sainz, 27, has praised the way Hamilton, 37, dealt with the crazy ending.
    The Spanish driver told Corriere della Sera: “I was surprised how he avoided making a mess at the end of the race. 
    “Losing the title on the last lap like that is really hard to accept. 
    “I respect him more than before for how he managed to behave. 
    “On the podium we exchanged a few words, he was really in trouble.”
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    Sainz is back for his second season with Ferrari, who finished third in the constructors championship behind Mercedes and Red Bull.
    The cars for the 2022 F1 season have begun to be unveiled this week.
    Red Bull showed off their new vehicle and new team name on Wednesday as they become Oracle Red Bull Racing.
    Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s elegant new design has shark-like qualities.
    Verstappen was at the unveiling event of Red Bull’s new car on ThursdayCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Beautiful, love it’ – Aston Martin 2022 F1 car with ‘gills’ compared to a SHARK as fans rave about stunning design

    FORMULA 1 fans are raving about Aston Martin’s new shark-like design.Lawrence Stroll’s team unveiled their new car for 2022 with a glossy video posted to social media earlier today.
    Aston Martin revealed their elegant new designCredit: PA
    Fans love the ‘shark’ gillsCredit: PA
    Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel will drive the AMR22Credit: Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team
    The new AMR22 will be driven around the world by four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Stroll’s son, Lance.
    Aston Martin’s design has gone down a treat with fans, with some even saying it has a shark-like quality.
    Accompanied by a gif of a shark swimming, one wrote: “I love the gills. Looks absolute massive! Can’t wait to see it on track!”
    Another excited fan wrote: “Seb’s 5th title winning car looks great team.”
    A third exclaimed: “Holy f*** that’s beautiful.”
    Upon the car’s release Stroll, 62, said: “The Aston Clinton hill climb is about an hour’s drive from Gaydon and it was there that Lionel Martin launched Aston Martin into the heat of competition.
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    Lawrence Stroll has big plans for Aston MartinCredit: PA
    Aston Martin came seventh last seasonCredit: PA
    “That was the start of the climb that our Formula 1 team is still on today.
    “We have a five-year plan to keep climbing and get to the top.”
    Vettel, quoted by F1’s official website, added: “Look at that car, who wouldn’t feel excited about the prospect of racing that? And when it comes to hopes for the season, I do not think anyone really knows what to expect.
    “There are new rules and of course all the teams will be hoping that they have got it right.
    “Everyone wants to win, me included, and no one would be in Formula 1 if their dream was not to win. I am no different.
    This team has big ambitions and big plans, and I am hugely excited to be a part of thatSebastian Vettel
    “The main thing is to keep moving forward and moving up. This is only year two of a five-year plan, so we are still quite near the start.
    “But this team has big ambitions and big plans, and I am hugely excited to be a part of that.”
    Lance Stroll added: “This is not only a big opportunity for Aston Martin, but also for all the teams.
    “We just have to believe that we have done a better job and I know that everyone involved is working unbelievably hard to give Seb and me the best chance.
    “At the same time, we have to be realistic heading into the new season. Our main aim is to move nearer the front than we were last year.
    “That would be progress. As Seb said, it is impossible to know where every team will be until we all get on track, and even then you might not know who has really got it right until qualifying in Bahrain.
    “Aston Martin has some really clever people so I am optimistic we can make good progress this year.”
    Fans labelled the car ‘beautiful’Credit: Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team
    Stroll, 62, has a five-year planCredit: Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team More

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    Red Bull sign huge £369million sponsorship deal which will see team renamed for 2022 F1 season

    RED BULL have signed a huge £369million sponsorship deal which will see their team name changed for the new Formula One season.The five-year deal signed with Oracle will see the team be known as Oracle Red Bull Racing.
    Red Bull have unveiled their new car for the upcoming F1 seasonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Red Bull have signed a huge deal with Oracle and will be called Oracle Red Bull RacingCredit: Getty
    The agreement with the tech firm is one of the most lucrative in global sport, says AP.
    And fans of world champion Max Verstappen also got look at Red Bull’s new car on Wednesday.
    The Dutchman will take his new vehicle out for pre-season testing in Barcelona later this month.
    And revealing his first impressions, Verstappen said: “It looks a bit different, but at the end of the day it’s still a Formula One car. 
    “At testing we can do a lot of laps and get a lot of information about the car, which is important. I’m looking forward to it.”
    As for Red Bull’s new partnership with Oracle, chief Christian Horner believes it comes at an ideal time due to the new season cost cap of £107m for F1 teams.
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    Max Verstappen has already delivered his first thoughts on the new carCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Sergio Perez and Verstappen will get to properly try out the new motor later this monthCredit: Getty
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    Horner told AP: “We’re all about speed and the speed of response.
    “We’re pushing the Oracle technical guys. But they’re responding in the best possible way. And that’s what makes this partnership very exciting.
    “We’ve got a brand new set of regulations, a new technical challenge.
    “We’ve got financial regulations that are driving and forcing efficiency, which is again where this partnership helps us to make sure that we’re as efficient and productive as we possibly can be.”
    Meanwhile, fresh audio has emerged of the final minutes of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    And it included the moment race director Michael Masi appears to obey Red Bull orders, allowing Verstappen to catch Lewis Hamilton on the final lap and overtake him to win the title.

    Christian Horner is a big fan of the new agreementCredit: Getty
    Oracle come on board for Red Bull at the same time as a new season cost capCredit: Getty More

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    Sebastian Vettel ‘surprised’ F1 stars are no longer allowed to take knee before and claims drivers were not consulted

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL says he was “surprised” F1 chiefs have dropped the knee gesture from their pre-race programme.Since 2020, time has been put aside for drivers to show their support for diversity and inclusion as part of F1’s “We Race As One” campaign.
    Sebastian Vettlel, far right, takes the knee with fellow drivers during the 2021 seasonCredit: Getty
    However, that has been ditched for this season with Vettel saying drivers were not even consulted on the move.
    The German, who was speaking ahead of the launch of Aston Martin’s F1 car for this season, said the decision was made from a “business” perspective.
    When quizzed about the changes, he said: “No, they just changed.
    “I was a bit surprised. I think the issues that we’re tackling are not going to be gone within two years. And therefore I was a bit surprised.
    “I hope that as drivers, we find a way to get together and find a slot of still expressing topics that are important to us.
    “Probably not all the drivers care, but I think there’s some that really do care. And it’ll be great to get together.
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    “But probably it was getting a bit too strong and individual for the business side of things.”
    Vettel was one of the leading F1 drivers who have pushed for change and has supported Lewis Hamilton’s campaign to raise awareness for another of causes.
    Vettel has publicly supported the LGBTQ+ community by wearing items of clothing with the Progress Pride colours and supportive messages.
    Vettel took part in the unveiling of Aston Martin’s 2022 carCredit: Splash More

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    ‘Really uncomfortable’ – Masi position is ‘untenable’ says Martin Brundle who speaks out on Abu Dhabi race audio

    F1 fan favourite Martin Brundle claims Michael Masi’s position is ‘untenable’ after ‘really uncomfortable’ audio from last season’s controversial season finale came to light.The FIA are now investigating after race director Masi was heard acting on Red Bull’s suggestions at Abu Dhabi, allowing Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton on the final lap and win his first-ever title.
    Martin Brundle believes Michael Masi’s position as F1 race director is ‘untenable’Credit: Getty
    As Verstappen’s hopes slipped away while stuck behind lapped cars and a safety vehicle, Red Bull chief Jonathan Wheatley said to Masi on the radio: “Obviously those lapped cars, you don’t need to let them go right away round and catch up with the back of the pack.”
    Masi replied ‘understood’ before Wheatley continued: “You need to let them go and then we got a motor race on our hands.”
    Masi again said: “Understood, just give me a second.”
    Wheatley is then heard speaking directly to Verstappen, saying: “We think all the cars ahead of you are going to pass Hamilton, everybody behind you will stay in position.”
    Fans of Mercedes ace Hamilton have now reacted angrily to the exchange, and Sky Sports’ Brundle believes Masi will struggle to stay in his job as a result.
    Brundle said: “Let’s not assume it’s giving Masi information he didn’t already know in terms of what he could and couldn’t do in terms of the lapped pack.
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    “Of course it’s really uncomfortable, and a lot of people are unhappy: Hamilton fans, Mercedes fans.
    “Hugely unacceptable. I met so many fans that were new to Formula 1 last year particularly, and fans in general, that were hugely upset by what happened.
    “We cannot – and we know it’s going to change – have teams getting at the referee while he’s trying to make critical decisions with cars on the track and marshals and breakdown vehicles.
    “I made a comment that changing Masi won’t fix the problem, meaning that it’s way too big a job for one person.
    “That doesn’t mean to say I’m in full support for Masi. I think he’ll struggle to keep that position.
    “The trouble is that the spotlight will be on him, and every single decision will be analysed.
    “What happens if Lewis is up for a penalty? Will he be lenient on that? I think he’s in an untenable situation.
    “You can’t unravel the result. Red Bull did nothing wrong, and Ferrari did nothing wrong in third place for example. You can’t penalise them.
    “The FIA can only penalise themselves for getting it wrong on the day. Masi got it wrong, due to a lot of circumstances.”
    The new season starts with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20.
    In the meantime, teams have started to launch their 2022 cars with Verstappen’s Red Bull among them. More

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    Inside ex-F1 star Kimi Raikkonen’s amazing £20m Swiss villa that looks like a James Bond villain’s lair

    FORGET No Time To Die, this is a time to live for Kimi Raikkonen.The ex-F1 ace, 42, believed to have amassed a £150million fortune, leads a life of luxury.
    Kimi Raikkonen owns an amazing £20m home near ZurichCredit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
    Raikkonen, 42, takes the plunge in his outdoor poolCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    The Iceman called it a day on his career at the end of last season after driving for Alfa Romeo
    But, rest assured, he has the choice of some amazing homes to retire in.
    First, there is his £20million James Bond villain-like Swiss villa worth a cool £20million.
    Then there’s his reported three homes in his homeland of Finland, as well properties in Dubai and Thailand.
    But it’s his mansion near Zurich that Kimi spends the majority of time with his stunning wife, Minttu, and children Robin and Rianna.
    BEST BAAR NONE
    Kimi bought the dream house for a mega £17million in 2009.
    Named Butterfly – although it’s unclear why – it can be found in Baar, a small village near Zurich.
    Kimi explained: “We searched for about five years for a property where we could build our own house.
    “Then we found Villa Butterfly which was ready for move-in and had a name too.”
    F1 ace Raikkonen paid £17m for the home in 2009Credit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
    The Zug lake and the Alps can be seen from the propertyCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    The expansive property boasts 3,000 square-feetCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    In his spare time Raikkonen loves to play table tennis with his sonCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    Stunning Minttu and Kimi enjoy the home’s gardenCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    Kimi in his home, which has the name Villa ButterflyCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    Built over 3,000 square-feet, the vast living space offers the motorsport legend and his family plenty of space.
    There are two pools, one indoor, one outdoor, for the Raikkonens to enjoy.
    Lush gardens overlook an incredible backdrop of the Zug lake with the Alps right behind it.
    Astonishingly, the building also has a lift and the windows are bulletproof glass.
    And there’s a fully-equipped gym to help Kimi stay in shape.
    MASSIVE GARAGE
    As is a theme with racing car drivers, they like to take their work home with them.
    Raikkonen is no different, which explains why his massive garage at Villa Butterfly can hold up to 10 cars.
    Although he is said to own a £300,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge and a £3million Ferrari Enzo , it’s motorcycles that hold the Finnish legend’s attention.
    Family time in the pool is important to RaikkonenCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    Raikkonen likes to stay in shape when he’s at home in his gymCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    Daughter Rianna shares dad Kimi’s love of wheelsCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    The villa has a garage that can hold 10 cars, and is where Kimi keeps his customised motorbikesCredit: Instagram @kimimatiasraikkonen
    The Raikkonen family spend most of the year in their Swiss mansionCredit: Instagram @mintturaikkonen
    @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);}
    He has two customised bikes called Iceman I and Iceman II that were designed by German Walz Hardcore Cycles.
    Raikkonen was also gifted his 2018 United States Grand Prix-winning Ferrari that is believed to rest in his garage.
    But does he have enough room though for his old Alfa Romeo ride now the curtain has come down on his F1 career?
    Kimi Räikkönen conducts the final testing on the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm More

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    FIA aware of leaked messages showing Masi doing EXACTLY what Red Bull asked as Lewis Hamilton lost title to Verstappen

    RED BULL have been dragged into a fresh row over Max Verstappen’s controversial F1 title win.Lewis Hamilton’s army of fans reacted with renewed fury after the race conversation between Red Bull’s sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and F1 race director Michael Masi emerged on Wednesday.
    Michael Masi’s position as F1 race director is growing under increasing pressureCredit: Getty
    Red Bull influenced Masi’s decision to let the lapped cars overtake Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
    The FIA governing body are investigating Masi’s actions during the final race of last season in Abu Dhabi when he failed to follow safety car rules — resulting in Verstappen beating Hamilton to the title.
    Wheatley is heard telling Masi: “Those lapped cars — you don’t need to let them go right the way around and catch up with the back of the pack.
    “You only need to let them go and then we’ve got a motor race on our hands.”
    Masi replies: “Understood.” He then follows the suggestion.
    To add insult to injury for disgruntled Mercedes, after their boss Toto Wolff complained about the result, he said: “Toto, it’s called a motor race, OK?”
    The FIA has access to all radio communication from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and will release their findings at a meeting of the F1 commission next Monday.
    @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 Sport.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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    According to the BBC, figures within the FIA understand Masi failed to follow his own rules correctly and that resulted in Verstappen snatching the title.
    And there is said to be a growing belief that such a mishap makes Masi’s positon as race director untenable.
    Meanwhile, Red Bull have launched their car and title sponsor Oracle, who are understood to be paying the team £369million over five years.
    Verstappen warmed up for pre-season testing in Barcelona earlier this month by hitting the slopes in his F1 motor.
    He took on former European ice speedway champion Franky Zorn in an exhibition race held at Zell am See in Austria. More