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      Valtteri Bottas reveals he nearly quit in anger after Mercedes team orders let Lewis Hamilton win Russian GP

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS has revealed he nearly QUIT Formula One after the infamous Sochi Grand Prix in 2018.That season, Lewis Hamilton – the Finn’s Mercedes team-mate – was locked in a fierce tussle for the World Championship title with then-Ferrari star Sebastian Vettel.
      Bottas revealed he nearly quit F1 after Mercedes ordered he let Hamilton pass him at Sochi in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      With Bottas leading the race in Russia, Mercedes chiefs popped up on the radio to ask him to move aside to allow Hamilton through.
      While Bottas obeyed the controversial team order, he has now revealed it led to him considering his future in the sport – with the Finn almost retiring there and then.
      Speaking on Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’, Bottas revealed: “Sochi 2018, that was a pretty tough race.
      “It was tough to accept. I was pretty angry.
      “Honestly I was thinking ‘Why do I do this?’
      “I was thinking of quitting [F1], of giving up.
      “Straight after the race, I said I would not do it again.”
      Immediately after the race, Bottas was seemingly forgiving of Mercedes’ decision.
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      At the time, he acknowledged: “Lewis is fighting for the drivers’ championship and I’m not.
      “From the team’s point of view it was the ideal result today. Maybe not ideal for me but for the team, yes.”
      Even Hamilton claimed it was not a win he was proud of – even though it helped him go on to seal the 2018 crown.
      After the race in Russia, Hamilton said: “It is definitely a win on my list of wins that I am least proud of.
      “The strangest day I can remember in my career. I want to win the right way.
      “As racing drivers we exist to win; if you tell us we can’t, it is like you are taking our life away.
      “I would never wish it on someone else and I would never ask for it ever.
      “I made sure in a meeting that they knew this is not how I want to win.”
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff continued by calling it a ‘harsh reality’ of F1.
      Hamilton went on to win the race, with Bottas left mulling over his futureCredit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton is F1’s biggest earner
      Wolff said: “It’s deflating for drivers and for a team but there is a harsh reality also.
      “On a day like this you can extend the lead by seven points more in a championship that has been very tough and difficult at times, so you have to take it.”
      Bottas would ultimately finish the season in fifth – just four points off third, with the win in Sochi enough to have seen him end up in the top three.
      In the same episode of Drive To Survive, Bottas revealed he is fighting to be an equal member of the Mercedes team and not just a ‘No2’.
      Bottas added: “If your team-mate wins and you are second, you feel like you lose.
      “I know I’ve been second in the past, but I want to prove I’m not just a No2.
      “In the team, even though many wouldn’t admit it, maybe unconsciously they have a No1 and No2.
      “Sometimes the team members had to question themselves: ‘Are we giving equal treatment to Lewis and Valtteri?’”
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      Lewis Hamilton slams ‘unacceptable’ Catholic church’s same-sex marriage stance after Elton John’s ‘Rocketman’ criticism

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has taken aim at the Catholic church after the Vatican refused to bless same-sex marriages.Hamilton, who is a Catholic, took to Instagram to repost Elton John’s condemnation of their decision, which was made earlier this week.
      Lewis Hamilton has called out the Catholic church for its stance on same-sex marriageCredit: Splash
      Elton John’s criticism was reposted by the British racing driverCredit: Getty
      The singer wrote: “How can the Vatican refuse to bless gay marriages because they ‘are sin’, yet happily make a profit from investing millions in ‘Rocketman’ – a film which celebrates my finding happiness from my marriage to David?? #hypocrisy.”
      And F1 champ Hamilton reposted the comment and said their refusal to accept same-sex marriages was “unacceptable”.
      He wrote: “Standing in solidarity with Elton John and the whole LGBTQ+ community on this issue.
      “It is unacceptable that in this day and age, anyone should face prejudice or discrimination based on the person they love, especially in the name of God who we are told loves us all equally.
      “It is incredibly sad that many will now feel they have to choose between their faith and being their true self, and I want my followers to know that I stand with you and I support you, and you deserve happiness.
      “Love is love, don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
      Hamilton has found an increased voice in recent years fighting for greater social equality and diversity.
      Taking a knee before F1 races last year while wearing Black Lives Matter shirts in the paddock, he spoke of finding fresh energy through commitment to these causes.

      He said in December: “I had this extra drive in me this year to get to the end of those races.
      “It was a different drive than what I’ve had in me in the past.
      “To get to the end of those races first so that I could utilise that platform and shine the light as bright as possible.”
      The defence of his seventh world title begins in Bahrain on March 28.
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      McLaren star Lando Norris set for ‘difficult time’ with new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, says F1 legend David Coulthard

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      LANDO NORRIS could be set for a ‘difficult time’ against his new McLaren team-mate, Daniel Ricciardo.Norris is going into this third season in Formula One.
      Lando Norris will be racing alongside Daniel Ricciardo with McLaren this seasonCredit: Getty
      David Coulthard was speaking exclusively to Sun SportCredit: Reuters
      But he will race alongside the seven-time race-winner after Carlos Sainz joined Ferrari.
      Norris enjoyed a brotherly relationship with Sainz.
      However, former racer David Coulthard is predicting a tougher battle against the former Red Bull man.
      Coulthard will head up Channel 4’s coverage of the season-opener in Bahrain on March 27 and 28th.
      And ahead of that he told SunSport: “This is a great test for Lando.
      “In Carlos he had a quick team-mate but also one that was pretty easy going and part of knowing your competitors is knowing your team-mate.
      “And with Daniel, he’s easy-going off track but he is pretty ruthless on track and has that racer’s heart and edge, which we saw come out when he was alongside Max and Seb.
      “It will be a difficult time for Lando.
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      “But it’s also a great opportunity for him to step up and show he can get his elbows out.”
      Meanwhile, Silverstone chiefs are giving away thousands of free tickets to key workers this summer.
      A total of 10,000 tickets will be issued to those who have worked during the Covid-19 pandemic for the circuit’s three major events –  the British GP, MotoGP and Silverstone Classic.

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      Silverstone chiefs giving away thousands of free F1 tickets to key workers this summer as thank you for ‘risking lives’

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      SILVERSTONE chiefs are giving away thousands of free tickets to key workers this summer.A total of 10,000 tickets will be issued to those who have worked during the COVID 19 pandemic for the circuit’s three major events –  the British GP, MotoGP and Silverstone Classic.
      Racing chiefs at Silverstone are giving away thousands of free tickets to key workersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      10,000 freebies are being handed out to front line staffCredit: Getty
      The ballot will be run in association with Blue Light Tickets, a sister company of the Blue Light Card discount scheme set up to reward workers in the NHS, emergency services, armed forces and social care sectors.
      There are currently two million Blue Light Card holders who could be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets at their website bluelighttickets.co.uk.
      Silverstone chief, Stuart Pringle said: “Working with Blue Light Card gives us the reassurance that our tickets will reach those we are all so indebted to and we hope as many as possible can join us this summer to experience live motorsport, something we have all missed over the past 12 months.
      “The last year has been a challenge for everyone but particularly for those working on the frontline, putting their lives at risk, to keep our country and population safe under very difficult circumstances.  
      “I hope that this gesture goes some way to demonstrating to this community that their work is very much appreciated.”
      Elsewhere, David Coulthard said Lewis Hamilton will know when the time is right to quit Formula One – and when he does he will stop racing for good.
      Coulthard left F1 in 2008 after 15 years in the sport.
      Eyebrows were raised when Hamilton, 36, agreed just a 10-month deal with Mercedes when he was expected to sign for at least two more years.
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      The short-term contract, followed by the world champion’s miserable pre-season test last weekend in Bahrain, has raised question marks over whether he will leave F1 at the end of this year, when new rules will come in for the 2022 season.
      Coulthard, who will be on Channel 4’s coverage at the season opener in Bahrain on March 27 and 28, said: “If he truly believed it was time [to quit now], he would not have been in Bahrain for pre-season testing.
      “I think he has got inner peace and if he had that feeling, we would have had that announcement he was leaving.
      “But when he does decide that’s it, I don’t believe he will drive one more lap in a racing car. I very much doubt you will see him rocking up at Le Mans or anything like that.
      “You know when to quit when you wake up one day, or even after a lap. Niki Lauda who knew during a lap in Canada, or James Hunt, who walked away midseason.

      “In my case, I got the realisation at the beginning of 2008 pre-season test. I jumped in the car with hopes and desires that we’d made a big step forward and it just didn’t feel like it.
      “Having had 14 previous seasons and known how long it takes to develop a car, that was the time I thought it was not going to be a winning year.
      “I remember Mark Webber asking me how I knew when it was enough. I knew it was time for him to stop having asked me the question.
      “It is like any relationship, you just knew in your heart that it is the right time. You just know.”

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      Incredible pics of Saudi Arabia Grand Prix revealed with cars racing around Jeddah streets at average speed of 155mph

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      F1 chiefs have released details of the inaugural Saudi Arabian GP, which is expected to have an average speed of over 155mph – despite having 27 corners.The street circuit in Jeddah will host this year’s race in December while a permanent track is being built.
      F1 bosses have revealed details of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in DecemberCredit: Instagram / @f1
      The streets of Jeddah will host the race this year while a permanent track is builtCredit: Instagram / @f1
      The circuit will have an average speed of 155mphCredit: Instagram / @f1
      The layout is the second-longest on the calendar at 3.84miles but it is the fast-flowing nature of the track that will be most appealing.
      High-speed chicanes and esses will be hemmed in by catch fencing making the track look a lot like a temporary Formula E circuit.
      Ross Brawn, Formula One Managing Director Motorsport, said: “It’s always very exciting to release the details of a new circuit and the Saudi Arabia Street Circuit is no exception.
      “We have worked very closely with the design team and with the promoter to ensure we have a track that provides exciting wheel-to-wheel racing for our fans and challenges all of the drivers.
      “The design brings out the best of a modern street circuit but also has fast paced free flowing areas that will create fast speeds and overtaking opportunities.
      “The setting is incredible, on the Red Sea, and we can’t wait to see the cars on the track in December.”
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      High-speed chicanes and esses will be hemmed in by catch fencingCredit: Instagram / @f1
      The track in the Middle East will have 27 cornersCredit: Instagram / @f1
      The race in Saudi Arabia is set to take place in December a week before the season finale in Abu DhabiCredit: AFP
      The race is scheduled for December 5 and has attracted plenty of opposition, with groups accusing the government of “sportswashing” their dreadful human rights record.
      HRH Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Automobile & Motorsport Federation added: “We are looking forward to welcoming motorsport fans to Saudi Arabia.

      “Next December will be a huge moment, when we host the biggest event in motorsports.
      “This is a continuation of the endless support that sports in general, and motorsport in particular, is receiving from His Royal Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
      “Even though this is the first time we will host a Formula One Grand Prix, delivering such important international events is further confirmation of the Kingdom’s ability to manage and organise these events to the highest standards for our fans and growing young population.”
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      Lewis Hamilton will know exactly when to leave F1 and I think he will quit for good, claims David Coulthard

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will know when the time is right to quit Formula One – and when he does he will stop racing for good.That’s the view of former McLaren driver David Coulthard, who left F1 in 2008 after 15 years in the sport.
      Lewis Hamilton could be entering his final year in Formula OneCredit: Splash
      David Coulthard has told SunSport that drivers always know the right time to leave F1Credit: Reuters
      Eyebrows were raised when Hamilton, 36, agreed just a 10-month deal with Mercedes when he was expected to sign for at least two more years.
      The short-term contract, followed by the world champion’s miserable pre-season test last weekend in Bahrain, has raised question marks over whether he will leave F1 at the end of this year, when new rules will come in for the 2022 season.
      Coulthard, who will be on Channel 4’s coverage at the season opener in Bahrain on March 27th and 28th, said: “If he truly believed it was time [to quit now], he would not have been in Bahrain for pre-season testing.
      “I think he has got inner peace and if he had that feeling, we would have had that announcement he was leaving.
      “But when he does decide that’s it, I don’t believe he will drive one more lap in a racing car. I very much doubt you will see him rocking up at Le Mans or anything like that.
      “You know when to quit when you wake up one day, or even after a lap. Niki Lauda who knew during a lap in Canada, or James Hunt, who walked away midseason.
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      “In my case, I got the realisation at the beginning of 2008 pre-season test. I jumped in the car with hopes and desires that we’d made a big step forward and it just didn’t feel like it.
      “Having had 14 previous seasons and known how long it takes to develop a car, that was the time I thought it was not going to be a winning year.
      “I remember Mark Webber asking me how I knew when it was enough. I knew it was time for him to stop having asked me the question.
      “It is like any relationship, you just knew in your heart that it is the right time. You just know.”
      Hamilton is going in search of an eighth world title this season, which would move him clear of the joint-record he currently holds with Michael Schumacher.
      And while judging from the pre-season test he appears on the back foot, Coulthard says the Brit is capable of springing a surprise in Bahrain.
      I don’t doubt for one moment that, if he has a sniff of performance, then he would not be the man who can deliver it.David Coulthard
      Coulthard believes Hamilton cannot be ruled out after a poor pre-seasonCredit: Getty
      He added: “I was reading all the reviews of testing but you will find out where you are when you get to the first race weekend.
      “Now of course, you get an indication about reliability and general form from testing but nothing you could go to the bookies with.
      “So, what do I think? It clearly was not a smooth few days as they would have liked and may well have ticked a nerve.
      “But we have to remember as well, this is not his first pre-season rodeo.
      “He has done it all before and, depending on his mood, will depend on if he engages with the media.
      “It has been an unusual route to this point in terms of the contract being so late in being announced.
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      “But I don’t think with Lewis you can use historical trend. He is very much his own man and at this stage at his career where he has found a way of operating.
      “I don’t doubt for one moment that if he has a sniff of performance then he would not be the man who can deliver it.
      “Just when you think he’s down, he bounced back, a bit like Muhammad Ali when he was doing the old rope-a-dope. He’s not as easy to read as the others.”
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      Sabine Schmitz dead – Top Gear star and racing legend dubbed ‘Queen of Nürburgring’ dies aged 51 after cancer battle

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      RACING driver and Top Gear favourite Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51.The Nürburgring’s most famous female driver – widely known as Queen of the Ring – lost her battle with cancer after more than three years with the disease.
      Sabine Schmitz has died at the age of 51
      Sabine was a favourite on Top Gear over the years
      Paying tribute, a statement from the legendary German race track said: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.
      “Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
      The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine! pic.twitter.com/MFKNNFOSDU— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) March 17, 2021

      The driver was a favourite for fans of Top Gear, clocking up numerous appearances on the show
      She became an inspiration for many and was the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring
      Sabine, the only female winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, became known to the general public after appearing on Top Gear from 2004 before joining the presenting team when Chris Evans took over the show in 2016.
      Current host Paddy McGuinness paid tribute to the driver, describing her as “an amazing human being”.
      He tweeted: “She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz.”
      She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz. pic.twitter.com/awtbOnMD90— Paddy McGuinness 💙 (@PaddyMcGuinness) March 17, 2021

      Sabine, who became a professional driver in 1993, was first seen on British TV taking ex-Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson around the Nürburgring.
      He tweeted today: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
      Clarkson’s former Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Sabine Schmitz, a proper driving legend who’ll be sadly missed by many. The Ring has lost its Queen. RIP.”
      Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021

      Meanwhile, Chris Evans also expressed his “shock” at her death on his Virgin radio show, recalling how she made him “throw up” during a speedy drive.
      “It’s a shock to hear that she’s passed away. It’s really sad. She made me throw up!” he told listeners.
      “On Daytona, the best bit on my time in Top Gear was the ad, the trailer for Top Gear where we managed to put together because Sabine is such a good driver, we spent some time in southern California together and she taught me how to drive, how to actually make a car fly around Daytona. But very very sad news that she’s passed away.”
      Formula One paid tribute tweeting: “We are all deeply saddened to hear that Sabine Schmitz has passed away. An incredible talent and wonderful person who made us all smile. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
      Sabine had co-presented German motoring show D Motor from 2006, frequently being set challenges behind the wheel.
      She became known as “the fastest taxi driver in the world” after being one of two drivers who circled Nurburgring’s 20.8km track in BMW M5 “ring taxis”.
      She has also featured on other driving shows such as Fifth Gear.
      Sabine was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and in summer 2020 the disease struck again, reported Autoblog.
      Sabine revealed her battle with an ‘extremely persistent’ cancer last yearCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She shared her three-year cancer battle with fansCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      She revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post explaining her absence from the Nürburgring Endurance Series with her team Frikadelli Racing.
      “Dear friends of professional motor sport, many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn’t drive after all,” she wrote.
      “I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans!
      “Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far.
      “It got a little better – but now it’s come back with full force.
      “Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen. So I say goodbye ‘probably’ for the first time this season.

      “In addition, I would like to thank everyone for their help and support in my everyday life, and encouragement in writing!
      “So sweethearts, now you have an update. Please stay healthy and cheerful, see you at the ‘Ring’.”
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      Sabine Schmitz’s Top Gear co-hosts Chris Evans & Jeremy Clarkson lead tributes to ‘absolutely fearless’ star dead at 51

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      CHRIS Evans, Jeremy Clarkson and Paddy McGuinness have led tributes to the legendary female racing driver Sabine Schmitz after her death at the age of 51.Presenter Chris Evans paid tribute to the driver following her death from cancer, describing her as “absolutely fearless”.
      Tributes have poured in for Sabine SchmitzCredit: Newspress
      Chris Evans described Sabine Schmitz as “absolutely fearless”
      The enormously popular racing driver appeared on Top Gear
      Chris Evans described Sabine Schmitz as “absolutely awesome” and “fearless”Credit: Handout
      Speaking on his breakfast radio show, Chris Evans said: “It’s a shock to hear that she’s passed away. It’s really sad. She made me throw up!
      “Do you remember? On Daytona, the best bit on my time in Top Gear was the ad, the trailer for Top Gear where we managed to put together because Sabine is such a good driver, we spent some time in southern California together and she taught me how to drive, how to actually make a car fly around Daytona.
      “But very, very sad news that she’s passed away.”
      At the time, Top Gear fans ridiculed Evans for throwing up during the speed lap in Daytona.
      He added later after a song: “I know she’d been challenged with cancer for a while and has now passed away, she’d become more seriously ill for a short time.
      “If you’ve never seen Sabine in action, just look up any of her YouTubes, she’s absolutely awesome. Absolutely fearless, but such a natural, such a natural. Already being so sadly missed.”
      Paddy McGuinness was among stars celebrating the famous racing driver’s incredible talent and drive.
      “She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz,” he wrote on Twitter.
      She gave me pointers on how to drive a Ferrari very fast and hunted me down in a banger race. Brilliantly bonkers and an amazing human being! RIP the great Sabine Schmitz. pic.twitter.com/awtbOnMD90— Paddy McGuinness 💙 (@PaddyMcGuinness) March 17, 2021

      Sabine was first seen on British TV taking ex-Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson around the ring taxi in 2002’s Jeremy Clarkson Meets the Neighbours.
      She had also previously starred alongside the original Top Gear line up and appeared on the show from time to time from 2004 onwards.
      Jeremy Clarkson tweeted: “Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.”
      Terrible news about Sabine Schmitz. Such a sunny person and so full of beans.— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 17, 2021

      He added in a separate post on Instagram: “Such a sad day. Sabine was a wonderful happy person. Quick as hell too.”

      Top Gear host Chris Harris described the star as a “wonderful, powerful, hilarious person”.
      “Rest in peace you wonderful, powerful, hilarious person,” he wrote in a tribute on Twitter, sharing a personal photo of the two of them.

      Fellow presenter Andrew Flintoff also paid tribute, sharing an emoji of a face with a tear alongside a broken heart symbol.
      Since 2006, Sabine co-presented a German motoring show called D Motor, frequently being set challenges behind the wheel for the show.
      She became known as “the fastest taxi driver in the world” after being one of two drivers who circled the Nurburgring 20.8km race track in BMW M5 “ring taxis”.
      She has also featured on other television shows, such as Fifth Gear.
      Her name is a household name on and around the Nürburgring, after she became a professional driver in 1993.
      The famous driver was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and in summer 2020 the disease struck again, reported Autoblog.
      Sabine Schmitz revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post last yearCredit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      Racing driver Sabine Schmitz had been diagnosed with and “extremely persistent” cancer in 2017Credit: Facebook/Sabine Schmitz Motorsport
      Sabine Schmitz was revered for her talent on the racetrackCredit: Avalon.red
      Sabine Schmitz has died of cancer at 51Credit: Alamy
      The popular driver revealed her heartbreaking battle with cancer in a social media post explaining her absence from the Nürburgring Endurance Series with her team Frikadelli Racing.
      “Dear friends of professional motor sport, many of you have probably wondered why I was on the list of participants on our Porsche in the NSL and then didn’t drive after all,” she wrote.
      “I would like to provide enlightenment here, I think I owe it to my/our fans!
      “Since the end of 2017, I have been fighting an extremely persistent cancer that has not been eliminated with the resources so far.
      “It got a little better – but now it’s come back with full force.
      “Now I have to draw all the strength and nerve to master the next powerful therapies … hoping something [good] will happen. So I say goodbye ‘probably’ for the first time this season.”

      Paying tribute to the famous driver, legendary motorsport complex the Nürburgring tweeted: “The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.
      “Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine!”
      The Nürburgring has lost its most famous female racing driver.Sabine Schmitz passed away far too early after a long illness. We will miss her and her cheerful nature. Rest in peace Sabine! pic.twitter.com/MFKNNFOSDU— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) March 17, 2021

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