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      Lewis Hamilton had different spec Mercedes car to Valtteri Bottas during Qatar Grand Prix following engineer tweaks

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS has revealed that he had a different spec Mercedes car to team-mate Lewis Hamilton during the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.The outgoing Finn, 32, endured a dreadful start on the Losail International Circuit.
      Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas had different cars on SundayCredit: Getty
      Bottas, 32, was forced to retire during the raceCredit: EPA
      And just as he was making his way back up the order he suffered a puncture, eventually having to retire from the race.
      Team-mate Hamilton went on to win the Qatar GP, cutting Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Driver Standings to just eight points.
      After the race, Bottas graciously tweeted: “DNF in Qatar Unlucky day for me, but good to see @LewisHamilton win the race. Let’s keep pushing @MercedesAMGF1 !”
      Lifting the lid somewhat on his own woes, however, he told Finnish outlet Ilta Sanomat: “I have found out the reason, but I cannot give details.
      “But my car was no longer quite the same as it was, nor was it the same as Lewis’.
      “There were little differences in the cars.”

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      Team chief Toto Wolff gave Bottas a vote of confidence after the race.
      He said: “We know that he can drive away when he’s at the front. So the speed is there.
      “I have absolute confidence in him for the next races and I hope that we will have a good car. Then Valtteri will be at the front again because we need him there.”
      Mercedes lead Red Bull by just five points in the Constructor Standings.
      On Bottas’ role in the battle, Wolff added to Sky Italia: “He’s very unlucky, because his start was very bad, then he recovered, he was P3 on track, and then there was this puncture.
      “If he had finished the race, we would have had a bit of a safety margin for the Constructors’ Championship, now it will be all decided at the end.”

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      Ahead of next week’s penultimate GP of the season in Saudi Arabia, Wolff vowed to unleash his team’s ‘spicy engine’.
      He said: “Saudi should be a good track for us but we know this year when you think it’s a good one it can turn the other way around, but it’s a long straight.
      “We’ll get our spicy engine out for Saudi Arabia that we didn’t use [in Qatar].”
      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      Lewis Hamilton to bring out ‘spicy engine’ on quick Saudi Arabia track as title race against Max Verstappen hots up

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      LEWIS HAMILTON is set for a timely boost in his F1 title battle with Max Verstappen next out in Saudi Arabia.The new circuit is close to completion ahead of next week’s inaugural grand prix in Jeddah.
      Lewis Hamilton has received a boost in his F1 title challengeCredit: Reuters
      The British legend is challenging Max Verstappen for the crownCredit: Getty
      The street circuit promises to be the second-quickest track on the F1 calendar behind Monza with high-speed corners similar to Silverstone.
      That plays into Mercedes’ hands as they have shown considerable pace over Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
      And another thing that swings this epic title race in Hamilton’s favour comes in the form of his new “spicy engine”, he used to power his way to glory in Brazil.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff said: “Saudi should be a good track for us but we know this year when you think it’s a good one it can turn the other way around, but it’s a long straight.
      “We’ll get our spicy engine out for Saudi Arabia that we didn’t use [in Qatar].”
      Hamilton has explained that his team have managed to eek out the performance from his Mercedes without any major upgrades.

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      He has managed to slash Verstappen’s lead from 19 to eight points in the last two races.
      He added: “[We’ve] definitely been able to squeeze more performance out of the package without bringing any upgrades.
      “We’ve not had an upgrade since Silverstone. It’s been quite phenomenal to see the small bits and the increments that we’ve been improving.
      “It’s very close between the two cars clearly, so I think that lines us up for a great battle.
      “In these last two [races], I think we’ve just been able to do a better job overall. And I hope that we can take this form into the next two.”
      Meanwhile, organisers in Saudi are confident the track will be finished in time for the race on December 5th and are without any major concerns.
      TRACK FACTFILE

      Track length is 6,175 km making it the second longest circuit on the calendar after Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the longest street track in F1.

      Average speeds are expected to reach 252km/h – the fastest street circuit on the calendar with highest speeds estimated to peak at 322km/h between Turns 25-27.

      When construction is complete, about 2,000 trees will be planted around the circuit.

      37,000 tons of asphalt have been used in the track’s construction.

      Construction of the circuit required 600,000 tons of cement, 30,000 square meters of bricks, and more than 1,400 tons of glass.

      Lighting levels are set at 1,500 lux, with more than 200,000 meters of cabling.

      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      Toto Wolff vows Lewis Hamilton’s upgraded F1 car will be ‘spicy’ at Saudi Arabia GP thanks to another engine tweak

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      TOTO WOLFF is banking on Lewis Hamilton’s ‘spicy’ Mercedes engine to heat things up at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix as the F1 championship battle intensifies.Hamilton’s FIFTH engine replacement this season helped him cruise to victory in Brazil last week.
      Wolff can’t wait to unleash Mercedes’ new engine once again at the Saudi GPCredit: Rex
      Mercedes’ new engine helped Hamilton to victory in Brazil but he managed to win without it in Qatar yesterdayCredit: Getty
      And although it wasn’t used in Qatar yesterday, Hamilton still managed to steal the win, cutting rival Max Verstappen’s lead to just eight points with two races to go.
      The title race could now go down to the wire and Wolff made it clear that Mercedes will unleash their engine beast in Saudi again to ensure Hamilton clinches victory.
      The Mercedes supremo is also hoping Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas can capitalise off of the mean machinery to help pile the pressure on Verstappen and his Red Bull team ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.
      Speaking after the seven-time world champion’s heroics in Qatar, an amped-up Wolff declared to Sky F1, reported by Planet F1: “Saudi should be a good track for us, but we know this year when you think it’s a good one it can turn the other way around.
      “But it’s a long straight, we’ll get our spicy equipment (engine) out for Saudi Arabia that we didn’t use (in Qatar) and hopefully Valtteri (Bottas) is right up there – we need him.
      “But in any case, if everyone finishes the race it will go to Abu Dhabi.”

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      Mercedes’ new kit is so impressive that Wolff reckons it’s the best engine they’ve had all season.
      When asked if Mercedes’ new engine was their best yet, Wolf added: “Yes, definitely. I think the car is quick on the straight and good around the corners.
      “Degradation works fine – even at races in the Middle East and we have two to come of these – on old tyres.
      “I think we have to push maximum attack. We have to catch up, make some points up and that’s just what we are going to do.”
      Despite Hamilton winning in Qatar without his new fancy engine kit, he was given a huge boost before the race as Verstappen was slapped with a FIVE-place grid penalty for ignoring double yellow warning flags.
      However, the Dutch driver still managed to battle back to second after starting in seventh and he also earned an extra point with the fastest lap.
      Lewis Hamilton reacts to his Qatar GP win More

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      How Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen could be TIED going into final F1 race of season at Abu Dhabi GP

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      TWO wins in two races for Lewis Hamilton means the F1 title race could be TIED heading into the final Grand Prix of the season. Hamilton’s win at the Qatar GP means he currently trails Verstappen by eight points going into the penultimate race in Saudi Arabia.
      Verstappen (L) and Hamilton’s (R) title race could go all the way to the final lap of the seasonCredit: Reuters
      The rivals have been going back-and-forth all season as the campaign reaches a thrilling climax.
      And David Beckham has risked the wrath of long-time pal Hamilton after being snapped in the Red Bull garage in Qatar.
      Were the Brit to take 25 points for a race win in Saudi Arabia and Verstappen come second, the Dutchman’s lead would be cut to just one point.
      But Hamilton could go even further and scoop the extra point given to the driver who posts the quickest lap of the race.
      That would leave them on EXACTLY the same number of points before the F1 season concludes in Abu Dhabi on December 12.
      However, Verstappen could yet make sure it doesn’t come to that as he chases a maiden world title.
      The 24-year-old can actually win the world championship in Jeddah on December 5.
      He needs to outscore Hamilton by 18-points at the next GP to make sure the title doesn’t go the distance.
      That would give him an unassailable 26-point lead going into the final race of the season.

      To do so he would need to finish second or higher in Jeddah and Hamilton to end the weekend pointless.
      Alternatively a Verstappen win would mean Hamilton would have to finish sixth or higher to take it to the final race at Yas Marina.
      However if he won with the fastest lap bonus point Hamilton would then have to finish fifth or above.
      Verstappen can clinch the title by finishing second and posting the fastest lap, if Hamilton finishes 10th or lower.
      But if Verstappen finishes second and does not secure the fastest lap, he will still win the title if Hamilton fails to score.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      If the pair finish the season LEVEL on points after the two remaining races then Verstappen will be victorious on races won.
      He’s won nine races this year and cannot be overhauled on race wins by Hamilton regardless of whether the Brit takes the chequered flag in the next two.
      Got all of that?
      Well to put it simply if Verstappen extends his current eight-point lead to 26 or more in Saudi Arabia then he will be champion with a race to spare.
      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP More

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      Lewis Hamilton hailed for ‘superhero’ Qatar performance as commanding victory closes gap on Max Verstappen

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      LEWIS HAMILTON turned in a “superhero” performance in Qatar after his victory pulled him back in the F1 title race.The seven-time world champion won convincingly in Doha to slash Max Verstappen’s advantage from 19 to eight points in the last two races.
      Lewis Hamilton secured another crucial win in the Formula One 2021 season at the first Qatar GPCredit: Getty
      He was cheered on by England football legend David Beckham – a year before the World Cup kicks off in the Middle EastCredit: Getty
      The brilliant Brit was cheered on by David Beckham in the desert after bouncing back from a disqualification in qualifying last time out in Brazil.
      Merc boss Toto Wolff hailed his driver’s turn around in form to crank up the pressure on rivals Red Bull.
      He said: “They woke up the lion on Saturday in Interlagos [after being disqualified for a broken rear wing].
      “He is absolutely on it and brutal. He’s cold-blooded and on it, this is the best Lewis we have seen in the past, and he is right there.
      “When adversity happens, then it takes him to a place where he is able to mobilise superhero powers. It was the adversity that triggered that in Interlagos.
      “I never stopped believing this championship was on. Everyone in the team refuses to give up and I am grateful with how the championship has gone.

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      “I hope it goes all the way to the end and whoever wins will deserve to win.”
      Hamilton is now eager to get going again in Saudi Arabia in two weeks’ time before the finale in Abu Dhabi a week later.
      He added: “It was pretty straight forward and lonely at the front. I enjoy those races where you’re battling through but we needed those points and it was a solid job.
      “I feel great. I feel in the best shape physically than I have been all year.
      “The car is feeling better than ever and I feel positive going into the next couple of races, I feel they should be quite good for our car and I’m looking forward to the battle.”
      Meanwhile, Verstappen says he knew he would be in for a tough race after being called to the stewards the previous evening for ignoring yellow warning flags.
      He said: “I knew I was going to get a penalty on Saturday night. When I saw the result, I was not shocked or surprised.
      “You just focus, you just have to pass a few more cars than you would usually like.”
      Hamilton was simply too good in the Qatari desert on SundayCredit: EPA
      It was a good weekend for Toto Wolff in the drivers’ championship but Red Bull closed the gap for the constructors’ titleCredit: Splash
      Lewis Hamilton reacts to his Qatar GP win More

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      F1 Qatar Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Hamilton WINS but Verstappen jumps from seventh to second place – latest reaction

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will start the Qatar Grand Prix on pole after a superb drive in qualifying. The Mercedes star was at his best to see off the challenge of both Max Verstappen and teammate Valtteri Bottas.

      Race time: Sunday 2pm
      TV/Live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV

      Follow all the latest with our live blog from Qatar below…
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      LEWIS HAMILTON WINS IN QATAR
      He slices Verstappen’s lead in the championship to just EIGHT points with two races to go.
      This is going down to the wire as Verstappen finishes second.
      Fernando Alonso first podium since the 2014 Hungarian GP.
      VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR
      Verstappen stops for tyres again. Free stop. Just to cover off the threat of Hamilton from trying to get it.
      VERSTAPPEN SETS THE FASTEST LAP
      The Dutchman is on for the bonus point here.
      LATIFI NOW GETS A PUNCTURE
      Cars failing left right and centre. Pirelli did say they would not last the distance.

      PUNCTURE FOR RUSSELL
      The gamble not to stop for a second time has backfired at Williams. Russell has a puncture.
      BOTTAS TOLD TO RETIRE THE CAR
      A miserable GP for the Finn, who is back in the team’s garage after a wretched race.
      10 LAPS TO GO
      It is Hamilton, Verstappen, Alonso, Norris, Perez.
      Could Alonso be on for a podium?
      HAMILTON PITS
      And the race leader pits too. He pits from the lead and returns to the track in the lead. He is crushing this GP.
      LAP 42 PEREZ STOPS FOR TYRES TOO
      The Mexican pits from third.

      LAP 42 VERSTAPPEN STOPS AGAIN
      A fresh set of tyres to get him to the end of the race.
      HAMILTON RADIOS HIS TEAM – A SLIGHT CONCERN?
      “Very small vibrations on my front tyre,” he says. He is nine seconds ahead of Verstappen.
      BOTTAS HAS A PUNCTURE
      He was running in third but had not stopped for fresh tyres. He slides off track and into the gravel.
      He made it back on track and trundled around, sparks flying from his Merc. Eventually he was passed by Perez.
      He limped back to the pits and now has a fresh set of tyres, but he is down in 14th

      MAX IS READY TO GO…
      He’s asked his engineer if he can “have a bit of fun” as he is “going to finish second anyway”.
      Tells you all you need to know about this race now, which is becoming a procession for Hamilton.
      SAINZ AND LECLERC IN FOURTH AND FIFTH
      That’s a solid result so far for Ferrari, who are looking to take third place in the constructors’ championship.
      HAMILTON HAS A WHOPPING LEAD
      Just 20 laps into this 57 lap race and he’s stopped for tyres and has a 8.6 second lead over Verstappen.
      Alonso, who has not even stopped yet, it a further 4.5 seconds behind the Dutchman.
      BOTH VERSTAPPEN AND HAMILTON HAVE STOPPED
      And yet they remain the front two cars in this race. That’s a free pitstop for both. It is only lap 19 of 57.
      It is Hamilton then Verstappen.
      HAMILTON NOW STOPS TOO
      Mercedes respond to the undercut from Red Bull to call in the race leader for fresh rubber.
      VERSTAPPEN STOPS FOR TYRES
      The Red Bull man makes his pitstop at the end of lap 17.
      BOTTAS HAS WOKEN UP
      The Finn who drinks about 10 espressos a day, has finally come alive. He’s passing everyone and in to sixth.
      PEREZ IS ALSO MAKING PROGRESS
      He is up to fifth.

      BOTTAS GETS A HURRY UP FROM THE BOSS
      Wolff is on the radio telling his man to pull his finger out. He’s been languishing in 11th place for 9 laps. He’s just overtaken Tsunoda for 10th.

      VERSTAPPEN IN SECOND
      It has taken him five laps to wipe up that grid penalty. He is now behind Hamilton, albeit four seconds behind.

      MAX IS BACK
      He is on the charge. He started seventh but is already up to third on lap 4.
      TV REPLAYS SHOW VERSTAPPEN AVOIDING ALONSO
      The Red Bull man was hard on the brakes to avoid hitting the Spaniard.
      GREAT START FROM HAMILTON
      He gets away cleanly. Verstappen gets right into the thick of things and some how makes it into fourth place.
      It is Hamilton, Alonso, Gasly, Verstappen, Norris…
      Load more entries… More

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      Hamilton narrows F1 championship gap to just EIGHT points with impressive victory at the Qatar GP and Verstappen second

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      LEWIS HAMILTON continued his superb form by clinching victory at the inaugural Qatari Grand Prix despite a determined Max Verstappen pursuit.Hamilton, 36, edged closer to winning back the top spot in the drivers’ championship standings win a second consecutive race win in Qatar.
      Hamilton won the inaugural Qatar Grand PrixCredit: Splash
      The seven-time world champion started on pole and got off to a strong start, showing his superior pace by maintaining his lead for the whole 57 laps.
      Hamilton defended his lead with an assured drive, never allowing rival Verstappen to get within five seconds of him.
      Verstappen got off to an excellent start by rising from seventh to second in just six laps, overtaking the likes of Pierre Gasly, Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris.
      And despite having a solid race, a near-perfect drive from Hamilton meant the Dutchman just couldn’t get near him, earning his 102nd Grand Prix win.
      The win was Hamilton’s seventh of the season and gives him the chance to seal his eighth world title with two more race wins in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More

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      David Beckham risks angering F1 pal Lewis Hamilton as he poses with rival Max Verstappen’s Red Bull ahead of Qatar GP

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      DAVID BECKHAM has been snapped in the Red Bull garage alongside the car of his long-time pal Lewis Hamilton’s rival Max Verstappen.Beckham, 46, was pictured alongside drivers’ championship leader Max Verstappen’s car shortly before the start of the Qatar Grand Prix today.
      Beckham posed next to Verstappen’s Red Bull car prior to the Qatar GPCredit: Getty
      Both Beckham and Horner are married to former Spice GirlsCredit: Getty
      He could also be seen chatting to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who is married to Becks’ wife Victoria’s old Spice Girls bandmate Geri Halliwell.
      Beckham, a keen F1 fan, has struck up a close relationship with seven time world championship winner and fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton.
      And the relationship between Verstappen and Hamilton has soured drastically throughout the season as the two battle it out for this year’s championship.
      Becks’ support of Verstappen and Red Bull could anger his friend Hamilton, who started the Qatar GP on pole after some phenomenal driving in qualifying.
      Verstappen has been handed a five-place grid penalty for ignoring double yellow flag warnings, handing Hamilton a major title boost.
      The penalty means Verstappen started the GP in seventh, shortening the odds of another Hamilton triumph after his dramatic win at the Brazilian GP last week.

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      Verstappen starts the Qatar GP 14 points clear of Hamilton in the drivers’ standings and both will be desperate for a win with just three races to go.
      A victory for Hamilton in Qatar could mean this year’s title goes right down to the wire and Verstappen will focus on damage limitation to try and protect his lead.
      There’s very little separating the two currently and as it stands, the Abu Dhabi GP on 12 December is gearing up to be a dramatic climax to a thrilling season.
      Lewis Hamilton celebrates his F1 victory at Brazil Grand Prix More