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    ‘On par with Maradona’ – Fuming Toto Wolff compares Abu Dhabi F1 finale to the infamous HAND OF GOD

    ANGRY Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has compared Max Verstappen’s F1 title win to Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’.Abu Dhabi’s controversial finale saw Lewis Hamilton lead for almost the entire race.
    Toto Wolff has compared Lewis Hamilton’s F1 title loss to Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’Credit: Splash
    Maradona famously dumped England out of the 1986 World Cup with his handball goalCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – Getty
    But a late safety car, followed by some bizarre decisions from race director Michael Masi, saw Verstappen overtake his rival in the last lap to seal his first-ever title win.
    And Mercedes boss Wolff has likened Red Bull’s controversial victory to Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal, which helped Argentina dump England out of the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals.
    Wolff told Bild: “It is definitely on a par with the ‘Hand of God’ by Diego Maradona, or the Wembley goal from 1966.
    “An inconsistent decision by the race director took the title away from Lewis.”
    As a result of Masi’s decision to race a final lap, Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth F1 title.
    Mercedes looked set to appeal Verstappen’s win in a bid to keep Hamilton’s dream alive.
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    But a decision was taken to drop proceedings, with Wolff adding: “The FIA would have been both defendant and judge.
    “That unleashes a sense of powerlessness, just like on Sunday in the last round.
    “I haven’t felt like that since I was a kid.”
    But the FIA could yet punish Hamilton for not attending the post-season trophy gala.
    New president Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained: “First of all, as a driver, I feel emotional but at the end of the day rules are rules.
    “So we are going to look into the side where the technical rules are there to be employed.
    “Was he in breach? I have to look into it. We have to be following our rules, but in the meanwhile it doesn’t stop us from making a champion feel good about the sport.
    “It’s easy to be nice to people, it’s cheap to be nice, and also to motivate people, but if there is any breach there is no forgiveness in this.” More

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    Mick Schumacher caused more damage to his car than any other F1 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 newly-crowned champ Max Verstappen.
    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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    Gary Lineker takes swipe at Max Verstappen’s controversial win over Lewis Hamilton at SPOTY 2021 awards

    GARY LINEKER has taken a fresh swipe at the FIA over Max Verstappen’s controversial Formula 1 world championship win.The former footballer, 61, co-hosted the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards last night.
    Gary Lineker had his say on the FIA controversyCredit: PA
    Max Verstappen won the title in deeply controversial circumstancesCredit: Rex
    Lineker had been left fuming by FIA race director Michael Masi’s ‘unfair’ decision that effectively handed Verstappen the world title in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.
    And as he was addressing the nation last night, he made sure to allude to British sporting hero Lewis Hamilton being ‘robbed’ of victory.
    He said: “That was the most incredible end to a season that had absolutely everything…. apart from, possibly, a fair final lap.”
    Hamilton, 36, had driven masterfully in the final race of the season, leading Verstappen by 11 seconds in the closing stages before Nicholas Latifi’s crash put a spanner in the works.
    As the safety car was deployed, Masi initially relayed the correct rules – that lapped cars could not pass the vehicle until it had left the track.
    But, appearing to panic at the prospect of the season ending behind the safety car, Masi changed his mind.
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    This decision put Verstappen, with fresh tyres, right on Hamilton’s tail with one lap remaining – leaving the seven-time champion a sitting duck.
    On Twitter after the race, Lineker used a football analogy to explain the injustice.
    He wrote: “Imagine Man City and Liverpool going toe to toe for the title.
    “On the last day of the season they meet & City are 3 up with just minutes to go.
    “The referee decides it would be more exciting to have a penalty shootout. What’s more the City players have to be barefooted. That’s @F1.”
    Hamilton’s runner-up finish saw him snubbed by SPOTY – as last year’s winner failed to even make this year’s shortlist.
    Shock US Open winner Emma Raducanu deservedly scooped the gong – while Olympians Tom Daley and Adam Peaty came second and third respectively.
    Meanwhile, Verstappen was nominated for World Sport Star of the Year alongside the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Novak Djokovic.
    But they were beaten by Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore.
    Lewis Hamilton won last year’s awardCredit: PA More

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    Hamilton and Verstappen’s dads have been messaging on Whatsapp all season as details of post Abu Dhabi GP chat revealed

    LEWIS HAMILTON and Max Verstappen’s dads were messaging on WhatsApp throughout the dramatic F1 season.The two stars went head-to-head right down to the dramatic final lap at the Abu Dhabi GP and it has now emerged their fathers were keeping close for most of the campaign
    Max Verstappen’s dad Jos (left) was WhatsApping Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony throughout the F1 seasonCredit: Getty
    Jos described Hamilton Sr as ‘very nice’Credit: Action Images – Reuters
    Lewis and Verstappen Jr’s rivalry was ferocious throughout the seasonCredit: Reuters
    Verstappen, 24, pipped Hamilton to the world title in last Sunday’s controversial Abu Dhabi finale.
    Hamilton was denied a record eighth world title when FIA race director Michael Masi fudged the rules to set up a one-lap dash to the line.
    The Brit was a sitting duck on old tyres and Max Verstappen went on to win the race and the F1 crown.
    The pair’s relationship has got tense at times this season and Hamilton even snubbed Verstappen’s trophy gala.
    But their dads Anthony [Hamilton] and Jos [Verstappen] have kept things civil.
    Speaking after his son claimed his first ever championship, Jos said: “When I was sitting with Max before he went up to the podium, Anthony was there and he congratulated us.
    @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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    “That was really nice.
    “Also, during the season I had some conversations with him over WhatsApp. He’s really nice.
    “They won seven titles already, so for them it’s a bit different, I think, [to] when we win the first one. But he’s always respectful.”
    Verstappen Jr also praised the younger Hamilton for his magnanimous approach to his sham defeat.
    The Red Bull driver said: “The whole team were going crazy, but of course you have the other side where they are very disappointed and upset.
    “I think what was nice, of course, Lewis immediately came to me [and said] ‘well done, congrats’.
    “I said ‘thank you very much for an amazing season’ because at the end of the day I think it was an amazing season, whether we won or came second.

    “We did push each other every single race to the limit, with ourselves but also the car and the whole team.
    “I think everyone is very happy that the season is over, to have a bit of a break because it has been very tense and very tough on everyone.
    “But it was definitely a great rivalry.”
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    Lewis Hamilton could have been TEAM-MATES with F1 rival Max Verstappen as Mercedes nearly pinched him from Red Bull

    WARRING Formula One  drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton could have been team-mates.Red Bull chief Christian Horner revealed exactly how he pinched Verstappen from under the noses of Hamilton’s Mercedes team.
    Hamilton and Verstappen COULD have been team-mates at MercedesCredit: REUTERS
    Verstappen, 24, pipped Hamilton to the world title in last Sunday’s controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    But Mercedes missed out on signing the Dutchman SEVEN years ago — even though they wanted him.
    Horner knew the Dutch whizkid was destined for greatness after watching him drive a practice session in Japan —  arguably one of the toughest tracks to master — in 2014.
    After getting permission to drive in the session by the FIA, the 17-year-old Verstappen was so quick, it had Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost squirming.
    Horner said: “There was a desire from Mercedes to sign Max in Formula Three in 2014.
    “I had dinner with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko that evening and the only opportunity we had was to offer him a seat in Toro Rosso. He asked me what I thought and I said if he’s good enough, go for it.
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    “That was the advantage we had over Mercedes — they didn’t have a car they could put him in. That offer was made to give him a seat for the following season.
    “Niki Lauda was pushing like hell for him at the time to join Mercedes. So, anyway, he got in the Toro Rosso in Suzuka and was told to take it easy.
    “He was just 17 and five days old — and Suzuka is not for the faint-hearted.
    “Lap two he was flat through 130R and Franz was panicking a bit and told him to slow down.
    “We thought from that moment that this kid has real ability and his racing in Toro Rosso that year we saw he had balls.”
    Horner also recalls Verstappen’s Red Bull debut after promotion from Toro Rosso in mid-season.
    He sealed his debut drive with a stunning victory in the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016.
    Horner said: “We put him in the Red Bull car. Daniil Kvyat was having a tough year so we got him in Barcelona.
    “Despite having no testing prior to getting in the car, he was quicker in every session up until Q3 when Daniel Ricciardo pipped him right at the end.
    “We put Daniel on what we thought was the preferable strategy but Max made the two-stop work and won the race on his debut in a car he had never sat in.”
    After clinching the title in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen declared his intention to remain with the team for the rest of his career.
    He already has a long-term deal and Horner says he senses Verstappen will get even better now he has his first title.

    He said: “We have seen him grow.  He joined us as a boy and he has grown as a man. He has finished first and second in every race this year, bar the ones he didn’t finish and one ninth place.
    “He’s been outstanding. He has won more races, led more laps, and got the most poles. And let’s face it, since the summer break it has not been the fastest car.
    “We are at the start of what could be a really exciting journey.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton takes social media break with no posts since controversial F1 world title loss to Max Verstappen

    LEWIS HAMILTON has taken a break from social media since he was controversially beaten to the F1 World Championship by Max Verstappen last Sunday.The seven-time champion led for the majority of the race, driving brilliantly but being ‘robbed’ of victory by under-fire FIA race director Michael Masi’s much-disputed decision making.
    Lewis Hamilton has kept a low profile since the Abu Dhabi GP controversyCredit: Alamy
    Mercedes initially appealed against the result, before withdrawing upon agreement by the FIA to work together in order to make improvements that ensure there is no repeat of the cock-up that cost Merc the title.
    Hamilton, 36, was knighted on Wednesday, with his proud mother watching on as he received the honour from Prince Charles.
    He has otherwise kept a low profile, however, amid rumours that he could retire.
    The British hero, 36, hasn’t posted since updating fans on how he did in qualifying last weekend.
    He wrote at the time: “P2 on the front row tomorrow, not bad since I prefer the battle. We’re looking strong and feeling focused — we’ve got to dig deeper than ever before. LET’S GO ‼️‼️”
    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted Hamilton could retire before next season.
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    He said: “I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time.
    “As a racer his heart will say I need to continue because he’s at the peak of his game.
    “But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday. He is a man with clear values.”
    Hamilton currently finds himself in hot water with the FIA, after he skipped their lavish gala during which Verstappen was handed his trophy.
    Wolff was also absent, with outgoing driver Valtteri Bottas representing Mercedes.
    During the awards gala, Verstappen claimed that Hamilton has ‘no reason’ to retire.
    The Dutchman, 24, said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
    “You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
    “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
    “He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
    Lewis Hamilton was joined by his proud mum as he was knighted this weekCredit: Paul Edwards More

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    Lewis Hamilton facing punishment for boycotting Max Verstappen’s F1 trophy gala as FIA boss warns of ‘no forgiveness’

    LEWIS HAMILTON could be punished by new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for skipping their prize giving gala – warning the Brit there would be “no forgiveness”.Hamilton shunned the event in Paris on Thursday night along with Merc boss Toto Wolff.
    Hamilton did not attend the gala on Thursday eveningCredit: Splash
    Verstappen celebrated his first F1 world championship at the galaCredit: Getty
    The two did so in the wake of the controversial outcome of the Abu Dhabi GP where Max Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap to win the race and the title.
    SunSport reported on Thursday that the FIA could punish Hamilton as a failure to attend was a breach of Article 6.6 of F1’s Sporting Regulations.
    Ben Sulayem, who succeeded Jean Todt as FIA President, said: “First of all, as a driver, I feel emotional but at the end of the day rules are rules.
    “So we are going to look into the side where the technical rules are there to be employed.
    “Was he in breach? I have to look into it. We have to be following our rules, but in the meanwhile it doesn’t stop us from making a champion feel good about the sport.
    “It’s easy to be nice to people, it’s cheap to be nice, and also to motivate people, but if there is any breach there is no forgiveness in this.”
    @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);}
    Hamilton could be hit with a fine or even a reprimand, that would take his tally to three, triggering a 10-place grid penalty in the season-opener in Bahrain.
    Meanwhile, Ben Sulayem says he would not “jump” into a decision on under-fire race director Michael Masi, who made the controversial call in Abu Dhabi.
    He added: “I’ll look into every single matter that can improve the FIA or if there’s an issue about it, but I definitely wouldn’t do just jump into conclusions or decisions without going back to my team.”
    Fans and pundits have agreed that Hamilton was cruelly denied the world title, with supporters voicing their opinion in Paris.
    Parked outside the awards presentation was a van with an interactive message that read: “WeStandWithLewis.”
    The message comes after Wolff declared that Hamilton could sensationally quit F1 after being left ‘disillusioned’ by the sport following Verstappen’s triumph.
    But speaking during the FIA Prize-Giving gala in Paris, Verstappen insisted his rival has no reason to walk away.
    He said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
    “You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
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    “I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
    “He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.” More

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    Inside Bernie Ecclestone’s family, including baby Ace, eldest daughter Deborah, 66, and seven grandchildren

    LAST year, Bernie Ecclestone became a father for the fourth time at the grand old age of 89.The ex-Formula 1 boss and his third wife Fabiana, 44, welcomed baby Ace into their extravagant world.
    Bernie Ecclestone became a father in 2020 at the age of 89Credit: Getty – Contributor
    The new arrival makes for a remarkable family tree – starting with Bernie at the top, his children and then his grandchildren.
    SunSport breaks it down for you, in full.
    BERNIE ECCLESTONE, 91
    The patriarch of the family, Bernie was born in Suffolk in 1930.
    Worth £2.5billion, Ecclestone had been associated with F1 since the 1950s – during the 1958 season he entered two Grand Prix races, but failed to qualify for either.
    In 1972 he became a team-owner, acquiring Brabham, which he ran for 15 years.
    Two years later, Ecclestone formed the Formula One Constructors Association, emerging as chief executive in 1978.
    In 2017, Bernie was removed from his position after the Formula One Group was taken over by Liberty Media.
    Not bad for the son of a fisherman, who left Dartford West Central Secondary School at 16 and first worked as an assistant in a chemical laboratory testing gas purity.
    Ecclestone shares a thought with Lewis HamiltonCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Niki Lauda, right, drove for Ecclestone’s Brabham racing teamCredit: Getty – Contributor
    IVY BAMFORD, FIRST WIVE
    Not much is known about Bernie’s early years, when he ran motorcycle shops and car dealerships.
    His first wife, a local girl called Ivy, was believed to be two years older than the businessman when they married in 1952.
    They welcomed daughter Deborah three years later, but the marriage fell to pieces and they drifted apart.
    It’s unknown if Ivy, who would be 91 today, is alive.
    SLAVICA RADIC, WIFE NO2
    Bernie married the 6ft 2in former Armani model Slavica in 1985, three years after they met at a promotional event at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
    Despite the height difference (Slavica stands a foot taller than Bernie), a language barrier, and an age gap of 28 years they remained married for 23 years.
    In 2009, she topped the Sunday Times’ Rich List in the “richest divorcees” category – getting a reported £740million settlement.
    They have two daughters, Tamara and Petra.
    Wife No2 Slavica Radic stands 6ft 2in tallCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Radic, the mother of Petra and Tamara Ecclestone, was a former Armani modelCredit: Getty Images
    In a divorce settlement Radic received a reported £740million payoutCredit: GC Images – Getty
    FABIANA FLOSI, WIFE NO3
    Not much is known about the 44-year-old Brazilian.
    But Bernie met Fabiana in 2009 at the World Motor Sport Council, marrying three years later in a private ceremony at their £23million Swiss chalet in Gstaad.
    She helps run his coffee plantation in Brazil, where their brand Celebrity Coffee is produced.
    In 2016, her mum Aparecida Schunk was kidnapped and a ransom of £28million was demanded.
    Nine days later, she was found safe.
    In 2020, they welcomed their first son together, baby Ace.
    It has been reported she is line for a big role in F1 next season now that Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been elected FIA president.
    Bernie Ecclestone met Fabiana in 2009Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    44-year-old Fabiana hails from BrazilCredit: fabianaecclestone/Instagram
    Fabiana helps Bernie run his coffee plantation in South AmericaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    DEBORAH, ELDEST DAUGHTER, 66
    Deborah has preferred to stay out of the limelight, despite her famous family connection.
    The only child from Bernie’s first marriage, she is said to have followed her dad into business.
    It is believed she has two children of her own.
    However, their names and ages are unknown.
    TAMARA, 37
    Bernie’s first child with Slavica, Tamara has dabbled with modelling, presenting and reality TV.
    For the 2009 F1 season, she presented motorsport coverage for Sky Sports Italia.
    In 2011 she starred in Tamara Ecclestone: Billion $$$ Girl on Channel 5 and then in ITVBe’s Tamara’s World in 2017.
    In-between, the brunette beauty appeared nude in Playboy magazine.
    Brunette beauty Tamara once appeared in Playboy magazineCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Bernie and Tamara share a tight bond
    Tamara Ecclestone lives with her family in a £70m West London homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    She has one daughter, Sophia, 6, from her seven year marriage to Jay Rutland.
    They live in a lavish £70million mansion, a stones throw from Kensington Palace.PETRA, 32
    Arguably the more famous of Bernie’s socialite daughters with Slavica, Petra is now based in Los Angeles.
    At 19, she launched menswear label FORM, which was sold in Harrods.
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    Her personal life was splashed across the front pages after an acrimonious £5.5billion divorce row with ex-husband James Stunt, who she split with in 2017.
    She was granted sole custody of their three children, Lavinia, 7, and twins James and Andrew, both 5.
    And last May, Petra gave birth to a baby girl with fiancé Sam Palmer, but has remained tight-lipped on her name, which gives Bernie seven grandchildren ALL younger than his latest child.
    Petra Ecclestone is now based in Los AngelesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Petra had an acrimonious divorce from James Stunt in 2017Credit: twitter/Petra Stunt
    Petra has four children, giving Bernie seven grandchildren in totalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    I want to be a dad again at 90 and I don’t need Viagra, says ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone More