Motorsport

LEWIS HAMILTON had ‘one hand tied behind his back’ and was denied a ‘clean fight’ against Max Verstappen, according to his former Red Bull rival Mark Webber. The British superstar was on course for a record-breaking eighth Formula One world championship title.
Lewis Hamilton was pipped by Max Verstappen in devastating fashion in the 2021 F1 finaleCredit: Alamy
But race director Michael Masi’s decision to rip up the rulebook and bow to Red Bull’s demands saw Verstappen overtake Hamilton on the final lap of the season to snatch the crown.
And Webber, who won nine races in his 12-year F1 career, believes the Brit was unfairly treated.
The Aussie told Wide World of Sport: “For the sport we were all disappointed it ended like that, it’s not how we wanted it to end.
“Both of them deserved to lift that trophy, but we did not want it to finish like that at all.
“We wanted a straight fight, a clean fight, and unfortunately there was one guy with his hand tied behind his back.
“Of course in hindsight they would all agree we could have done something different, what happened wasn’t the ideal scenario.”
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Hamilton and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff were left gobsmacked by Masi’s decision to make only the five drivers ahead of Verstappen unlap themselves, allowing the Dutchman to catch back up to Hamilton and set up a showdown sprint.
Audio footage from the dramatic Abu Dhabi finale emerged with Masi appearing to act on the instructions of Red Bull chief Jonathan Wheatley without any question.
However, there are set to be no more similar incidents as 2022 rule changes prevent teams from speaking to the race director.
Ross Brawn said: “We will stop this contact next year.
“It is not acceptable that the team bosses put Michael under such pressure during the race.
“Toto Wolff cannot demand that a safety car should not come, and Christian Horner cannot demand that the cars have to lap back.
“That is at the discretion of the race director.”

The controversial end to the 2021 season led to speculation Hamilton would retire during the winter break – especially after his long social media silence.
However, after some time away to clear his head, the Stevenage hero returned to Mercedes’ HQ on Tuesday to take his first look at his new car.
His new team-mate George Russell headed to Brackley on Monday as their preparations begin for the 2022 season which starts in Bahrain on March 20.
Verstappen went past Hamilton with fresh soft tyres on the last lap to secure the titleCredit: Getty
Mark Webber, right, defended Hamilton, centre, despite his Red Bull pastCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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

THE 2022 F1 season is nearly upon us with the controversy surrounding the 2021 finale STILL swirling.Max Verstappen edged Lewis Hamilton to the crown with a thrilling final-lap overtake.

Lewis Hamilton will earn more than DOUBLE that of F1 title rival Max Verstappen in 2022Credit: Getty
But questions are still being asked about the bizarre decision from F1 race director Michael Masi in Abu Dhabi.
The controversial finale saw Hamilton quit social media for over a month with questions marks over his future.
But the seven-time world champion, 37, reported for duty at Mercedes HQ earlier this week to all-but end the speculation.
With that news, the grid for the 2022 season appears to be concrete.
And yet again, Hamilton is far and away the top-paid driver on the grid.
The Brit star rakes in a staggering £40m per year from Mercedes – more than DOUBLE his nearest rival.
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Reigning champion Verstappen, 24, earns £18.2m a year from Red Bull.
And McLaren star Lando Norris comes in third after signing a new bumper four-year contract.
Norris, 22, will take home £10.5m per year – more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren veteran Daniel Ricciardo (both £10.19m).
Ferrari ace Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin star Sebastian Vettel both earn £7.28m per year on their current deals.
Alpine’s legendary racer Fernando Alonso sits eight with an annual salary of £6.55m.
Red Bull whiz Sergio Perez (£4.5m) and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon (£4m) complete the top ten.
Lando Norris has risen to third in the list of top-paid F1 stars after signing a new McLaren dealCredit: AFP More

NEW audio has emerged of the final moments of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.And it includes the ‘sickening’ moment race stewards execute Red Bull orders – allowing Max Verstappen to overtake Lewis Hamilton and win the Formula One championship.
New audio has emerged of the moment Max Verstappen pipped Lewis Hamilton to the F1 title
Race director Michael Masi appears to obey Red Bull orders without question
Mercedes fans were left speechless when Hamilton, who had led the whole race and was moments away from sealing a record eighth title, was pipped on the final lap by Verstappen.
Languishing behind five lapped drivers due to a safety car, the Dutchman was allowed to waltz his way up to Hamilton thanks to a bizarre order from race director Michael Masi.
Verstappen was on fresher tyres as the race commenced for a final nail-biting lap.
And he managed to overtake Hamilton moments before the last bend to seal a historic title win.
Hamilton and Mercedes chief Toto Wolff were left gobsmacked by Masi’s decision to make only the five drivers ahead of Verstappen unlap themselves, allowing him to drift back up to Hamilton and set up a showdown sprint.
But according to F1 Jordan, new ‘sickening’ footage has come out revealing Masi appearing to act on the instructions of Red Bull chief Jonathan Wheatley without any question.
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As Verstappen’s title hopes slipped away, Wheatley said 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.”

However, former F1 star Damon Hill was not bowled over by the exchange.
He replied to F1 Jordan: “Sorry to burst your hot air balloon, but it’s not new or emerging news. It does however make for uncomfortable listening, as it did at the time.
“No one (except Red Bull) is happy about this. The question is, what does one do about it? Grateful for any ingenious ideas.” More

HOLLYWOOD star Tom Holland has gushed over Lewis Hamilton’s ‘grace’ after having dinner with the Formula 1 ace last month.The Spider-Man actor is currently promoting his latest film Uncharted alongside Mark Wahlberg.
Tom Holland is currently promoting his latest filmCredit: The Mega Agency
Lewis Hamilton has shown amazing ‘grace’Credit: AP
But as a big sports fan, the 25-year-old loves talking about things unrelated to his new picture.
Going off topic to chat about his fellow Brit, Holland said: “I mean, if you look at Lewis Hamilton and his career.
“I just had dinner with him a couple of weeks ago. He’s a role model for so many people around the world.
“What happened to him at the end of last season and his ability to lose with so much grace against all odds, in a sport that seems so elitist.
“He’s broken just about every record and broken every glass ceiling you can think of.
“So he’s someone who impresses me a lot, and he’s making history every day, so I congratulate him.”
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Hamilton, 37, was pipped to last year’s championship by Max Verstappen in controversial circumstances back in December.
Following events in Abu Dhabi, he embarked on a near two-month social media silence.
He sent the internet into frenzy last weekend, however, when he proclaimed ‘I’m back’.
And he has all but ended retirement rumours after returning to Mercedes HQ as the Silver Arrows gear up for the new season.
Holland, meanwhile, is also a big football fan.
The Londoner supports Tottenham Hotspur, and even recently met Son Heung-min alongside girlfriend Zendaya.
Holland recently met Son Heung-min alongside girlfriend ZendayaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/hm_son7/?hl=en
Hamilton, 37, has returned to Mercedes HQCredit: Twitter @MercedesAMGF1 More

LANDO NORRIS has signed a new four year deal at McLaren worth up to £50million.The Brit, who only signed a deal with the Woking-based team nine months ago, has agreed a new package – killing off interest from Red Bull and Mercedes.
Lando Norris has signed a bumper new £50m four-year deal with McLarenCredit: Splash
The Brit, 22, took four podiums last season and was wanted by Red Bull and MercedesCredit: AP
Norris, 22, who finished last season in sixth place in the drivers’ championship after taking four podiums, says he was approached by rival F1 teams.
However, he says his decision to commit until the end of the 2025 season shows his faith in the team.
He said: “I am extremely happy. McLaren is a big part of my career and my life so to stay for another four years is pretty amazing.
McLaren are people I’ve grown up with. The people I’ve come into Formula One with.
“More than anything, we’d love to continue what we have and try to reach that dream of ours, which is to get back to winning races and to eventually try and win championships.
“This deal is more about solidarity, for me and the team and that level of confidence in both of us.
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“I see it as a benefit for myself to have this longer contract and for the team, it is a performance benefit and motivation.
“I want to give the whole team the confidence that I’m here to stay. I want to keep trying to achieve things with them.”
Norris says he was approached by rival teams about his availability, and had ‘little chats here and there’ but McLaren acted swiftly to fend off attention in their star driver.
And the Monaco-based star said that while he had discussions with others, he always kept McLaren in the loop.
He added: “There were opportunities that I knew would be coming up in the future with various teams, but this put out a strong message on how I believe in Mclaren, even with those opportunities that could arise.
“I had to weigh up all the factors and I looked at all the best options for me in what I think I can achieve.
“Of course there will now be opportunities for other drivers to go to Red Bull or Mercedes, who knows if I would have had those opportunities.
“But the fact I chose to stay at McLaren is the good thing about this and is the strong message.”
McLaren boss Andreas Seidl confirmed that Norris’s new deal did not contain any ‘get outs for both sides’ and added that it was all part of the team’s plans, having tied down several other key staff to long-term deals.
He said: “The beauty of this new agreement that we have in place is that there’s no get outs on both sides, which is simply the important message that we wanted to give to the team.”
Norris finished last season in sixth place in the drivers’ championshipCredit: Rex More

MAX VERSTAPPEN has been enjoying a well deserved break since his controversial F1 championship victory in December.Since his win in Abu Dhabi, aside from defending the nature of his Michael Masi-assisted triumph, he’s spent quality time with his girlfriend, travelled the world and hooked up with some other sporting legends.
The Dutchman received his trophy at the FIA Prize Giving gala alongside girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
Max Verstappen began his off season by meeting David CoulthardCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Max and Kelly partied together in MiamiCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
He started his break by meeting Formula 1 legend David Coulthard in the sunshine.
Sharing a picture to Instagram, he wrote: “In good company for my first interview as a World Champion.”
Verstappen, 24, then attended the lavish FIA Prize Giving gala just before Christmas alongside glamorous girlfriend Kelly Piquet.
He received the trophy after Mercedes dropped their legal challenge, before spending a very happy Chrimbo at home with his stunning partner.
The loved-up couple then got properly into the party spirit, by jetting out to Miami for New Year’s Eve.
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The happy couple spent Christmas togetherCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Verstappen partied with Canelo in MiamiCredit: TikTok @alemarrufogg
The reigning F1 world champion hit the gym upon his return from holidayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
While over there, Max partied with pound-for-pound boxing king Canelo Alvarez, whipping up a crowd in the process.
Up on stage with the Mexican great, Verstappen shouted: “Let’s f*** s*** up!”
Canelo, 31, then thrilled the crowd further by adding: “Let’s f****** party!”
After returning to Europe things calmed down a little for Verstappen, who then began to ramp up preparations for another long, tough season.
But he has had room for another little holiday in the meantime.
He and Kelly jetted out to Austria in the back end of January for a break.
Kelly, 33, shared a stunning video of the pair taking in beautiful mountainous scenery as they enjoyed a helicopter ride.
After returning to Monaco, Verstappen again built up his season preparations, sharing plenty of content of his gym workouts.
He has also been for runs with a view by the ocean in the principality.
Verstappen will have to be at his best this season, with Lewis Hamilton all but ending retirement talk this week by returning to Mercedes HQ.
The 37-year-old had been off the grid since events in Abu Dhabi, but tweeted ‘I’m back’ over the weekend – sending his fans into a frenzy.
Max and Kelly took a trip over the mountains togetherCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Verstappen has been jogging by the sea in MonacoCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Lewis Hamilton is back in the pictureCredit: Twitter @MercedesAMGF1 More