Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is set to secure his status as Britain’s highest-achieving sportsman of his era and arguably of all-time as he is set to be recognized with a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will be rewarded knighthood after Boris Johnson personally intervened to get a nod for Hamilton.

The knighthood will put Hamilton on par with the likes of Sir Mo Farah, Sir Andy Murray and Sir Alastair Cook as sportspersons to have secured knighthood.&nbsp;

According to David Coulthard, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton – in their primes – would be pretty equal in terms of skills and podium finishes.

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<h2>Sir Lewis Hamilton after dominating F1 for a decade</h2>

Hamilton, over the years, has sealed a spot as one of the worthy sporting personalities for the honour after dominating Formula One for nearly a decade while setting a record number of wins and pole positions. He secured his seventh world title in Turkey last week as the achievement brought his level with Michael Schumacher in terms of championship titles.

However, Hamilton’s tax status has delayed the impending elevation. Hamilton, who is worth more than £250million resides in Monaco and saved £3.3m in tax by registering his private jet on the Isle of Man. It has been sold since then.

Despite all this, Hamilton remains among the 5,000 highest taxpayers in the UK.

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According to Sportsmail, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is happy to overrule the conservation within the sports honours committee to knight an active athlete.&nbsp;

David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, the national governing body, said: ‘If correct, this is wonderful news and well-deserved recognition for Lewis.

‘It is for the Government to decide but it is clear that it is not only his considerable record as a sportsman that is outstanding. There are also the other spheres in which he is now a leading voice, from environment issues to fighting for opportunity for all.’

Hamilton will hence become the fourth F1 driver to be knighted after Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart, all awarded post-retirement.&nbsp;

Interestingly, no other F1 driver was knighted while racing

Hamilton said last week: ‘When I think about being knighted, I think of people like my grandad who served in the war. And Captain Tom, who waited 100 years.

‘Then you have these doctors and nurses who are saving lives at this hardest time ever. I don’t look at myself as an unsung hero. I haven’t saved anybody.’

Hamilton was awarded MBE in 2008 when he won the first of his titles, aged 23, at McLaren.

Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is set to secure his status as Britain’s highest-achieving sportsman of his era and arguably of all-time as he is set to be recognized with a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List.

Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is set to secure his status as Britain’s highest-achieving sportsman of his era and arguably of all-time as he is set to be recognized with a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will be rewarded knighthood after Boris Johnson personally intervened to get a nod for Hamilton. The knighthood will put Hamilton on par with the likes of Sir Mo Farah, Sir Andy Murray and Sir Alastair Cook as sportspersons to have secured knighthood. According to David Coulthard, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton – in their primes – would be pretty equal in terms of skills and podium finishes. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton named most influential black person in the UK Sir Lewis Hamilton after dominating F1 for a decade Hamilton, over the years, has sealed a spot as one of the worthy sporting personalities for the honour after dominating Formula One for nearly a decade while setting a record number of wins and pole positions. He secured his seventh world title in Turkey last week as the achievement brought his level with Michael Schumacher in terms of championship titles. However, Hamilton’s tax status has delayed the impending elevation. Hamilton, who is worth more than £250million resides in Monaco and saved £3.3m in tax by registering his private jet on the Isle of Man. It has been sold since then. Despite all this, Hamilton remains among the 5,000 highest taxpayers in the UK. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton: The world champion some find hard to like According to Sportsmail, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is happy to overrule the conservation within the sports honours committee to knight an active athlete. David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, the national governing body, said: ‘If correct, this is wonderful news and well-deserved recognition for Lewis. ‘It is for the Government to decide but it is clear that it is not only his considerable record as a sportsman that is outstanding. There are also the other spheres in which he is now a leading voice, from environment issues to fighting for opportunity for all.’ Hamilton will hence become the fourth F1 driver to be knighted after Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart, all awarded post-retirement. Interestingly, no other F1 driver was knighted while racing Hamilton said last week: ‘When I think about being knighted, I think of people like my grandad who served in the war. And Captain Tom, who waited 100 years. ‘Then you have these doctors and nurses who are saving lives at this hardest time ever. I don’t look at myself as an unsung hero. I haven’t saved anybody.’ Hamilton was awarded MBE in 2008 when he won the first of his titles, aged 23, at McLaren.

Lewis Hamilton set to be awarded knighthood in New Year's Honours List

Lewis Hamilton has been named the most influential black person in the United Kingdom after topping the Powerlist 2021. Hamilton bagged the prestigious award after winning the Formula One World Championship for a record-equalling seventh time.

The Powerlist honours the most powerful people of African, African-Caribbean and African-American heritage in the United Kingdom. And in the 2021 edition, the focus was on the two of the biggest themes of 2020 – COVID-19 and racial discrimination.

The independent judging panel of Powerlist 2021 looked upon the people who have "ability to change lives and alter events, as demonstrated over a protracted period of time and in a positive manner".

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Lewis Hamilton bagged the award for not only his phenomenal driving skills or for being F1’s only black driver. Hamilton has been extremely vocal in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, especially since the death of George Floyd under police custody.&nbsp;

In June 2020, Hamilton asked his fellow F1 drivers to take a knee before races while launching The Hamilton Commission, aimed at increasing the number of black people in motor racing.

Besides talking passionately about the BLM movement, Hamilton also wore a T-shirt with ‘Black Lives Matter’ written on it. His face masks were also dedicated to the victims of racial injustice.

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After grabbing the top spot on the Powerlist 2021, Hamilton said: "I am so proud to be acknowledged, especially within the black community".

"I like to think that I'm just a part of a chain of many people trying to push for change." 
&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton has been named the most influential black person in the United Kingdom after topping the Powerlist 2021. Hamilton bagged the prestigious award after winning the Formula One World Championship for a record-equalling seventh time.

Lewis Hamilton has been named the most influential black person in the United Kingdom after topping the Powerlist 2021. Hamilton bagged the prestigious award after winning the Formula One World Championship for a record-equalling seventh time. The Powerlist honours the most powerful people of African, African-Caribbean and African-American heritage in the United Kingdom. And in the 2021 edition, the focus was on the two of the biggest themes of 2020 – COVID-19 and racial discrimination. The independent judging panel of Powerlist 2021 looked upon the people who have "ability to change lives and alter events, as demonstrated over a protracted period of time and in a positive manner". ALSO READ: Cricket in Commonwealth Games: ICC announces qualification process Lewis Hamilton bagged the award for not only his phenomenal driving skills or for being F1’s only black driver. Hamilton has been extremely vocal in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, especially since the death of George Floyd under police custody. In June 2020, Hamilton asked his fellow F1 drivers to take a knee before races while launching The Hamilton Commission, aimed at increasing the number of black people in motor racing. Besides talking passionately about the BLM movement, Hamilton also wore a T-shirt with ‘Black Lives Matter’ written on it. His face masks were also dedicated to the victims of racial injustice. ALSO READ: Gareth Southgate: England players under massive pressure from clubs over playing time After grabbing the top spot on the Powerlist 2021, Hamilton said: "I am so proud to be acknowledged, especially within the black community". "I like to think that I'm just a part of a chain of many people trying to push for change."

Lewis Hamilton named most influential black person in the UK

Lewis Hamilton can seal a record-equalling seventh drivers' world title, position himself to be "best of the best" and set up long-awaited negotiations for a new Mercedes contract at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

The Briton needs only to prevent his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas outscoring him by eight points to retain his crown and, in the eyes of many including former Ferrari rival Felipe Massa, move on to become the most successful in F1 history.

A seventh championship would draw him level with Massa's erstwhile Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher for titles, but with the record for wins, poles and podiums, as well as consecutive points finishes, he will in many eyes already be the "greatest of all time".

Brazilian Massa, who himself missed out on a title triumph when Hamilton claimed his first in Sao Paulo in 2008, has no doubt that the Englishman, whose contract expires later this year, will deserve that soubriquet and a salary to match it.

"Lewis can really be the best of the best and everybody will say that for years and years, or maybe decades, or whatever," he told the F1 Nation podcast.

"So, I think he is just preparing his two or three-year contract, which I think he deserves.

"What he is doing... He shows that he definitely deserves it –- to be different to all of the other drivers in terms of everything and even in terms of salary."

Hamilton departed the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola earlier this month with an enigmatic suggestion, after his record-increasing 93rd win had secured Mercedes' unparalleled seventh consecutive constructors' championship, that he may not return to racing in 2021.

<h2>- Bumper new deal -</h2>

Notions of retirement were rejected by his team chief Toto Wolff, who is also out of contract this year. Massa suggested Hamilton is set for a bumper new deal ahead of any confirmed "salary cap" in the sport.

"I remember when Michael was my team-mate and he was like that," he recalled. "Michael was completely different to everybody in terms of everything –- in records, numbers and salary.

"For sure, Michael helped many other drivers to increase their salary. That's what Lewis is, in my view, trying to do. I think he is 'doing right' and he deserves it."

In the simplest terms, Hamilton will be champion again if he beats Bottas, who trails him by 85 points with four races remaining. For the Finn to keep alive his own title bid, he must out-score Hamilton by nine points or more.

Given that Hamilton has beaten him at 10 of this year's 13 races to date and has been in the points at a record 46 consecutive races, Bottas faces a daunting challenge.

Even if he wins on Sunday at the Istanbul Park Circuit, returning to the calendar for the first time since 2011, Hamilton can still take the title by finishing second and clocking the fastest lap.

With the title race reduced to a duel between the two 'silver arrows' drivers, many other teams have turned already to plans for next season – Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto deciding to stay in Italy to concentrate on car development.

Sporting director Laurent Mekies will take charge, but maintain close contact with Binotto, missing his first race since taking over last year.

"He has taken an innovative approach so his voice and input will be heard loud and clear," he said.

Lewis Hamilton can seal a record-equalling seventh drivers' world title, position himself to be "best of the best" and set up long-awaited negotiations for a new Mercedes contract at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton can seal a record-equalling seventh drivers' world title, position himself to be "best of the best" and set up long-awaited negotiations for a new Mercedes contract at this weekend's Turkish Grand Prix. The Briton needs only to prevent his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas outscoring him by eight points to retain his crown and, in the eyes of many including former Ferrari rival Felipe Massa, move on to become the most successful in F1 history. A seventh championship would draw him level with Massa's erstwhile Ferrari team-mate Michael Schumacher for titles, but with the record for wins, poles and podiums, as well as consecutive points finishes, he will in many eyes already be the "greatest of all time". Brazilian Massa, who himself missed out on a title triumph when Hamilton claimed his first in Sao Paulo in 2008, has no doubt that the Englishman, whose contract expires later this year, will deserve that soubriquet and a salary to match it. "Lewis can really be the best of the best and everybody will say that for years and years, or maybe decades, or whatever," he told the F1 Nation podcast. "So, I think he is just preparing his two or three-year contract, which I think he deserves. "What he is doing... He shows that he definitely deserves it –- to be different to all of the other drivers in terms of everything and even in terms of salary." Hamilton departed the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola earlier this month with an enigmatic suggestion, after his record-increasing 93rd win had secured Mercedes' unparalleled seventh consecutive constructors' championship, that he may not return to racing in 2021. - Bumper new deal - Notions of retirement were rejected by his team chief Toto Wolff, who is also out of contract this year. Massa suggested Hamilton is set for a bumper new deal ahead of any confirmed "salary cap" in the sport. "I remember when Michael was my team-mate and he was like that," he recalled. "Michael was completely different to everybody in terms of everything –- in records, numbers and salary. "For sure, Michael helped many other drivers to increase their salary. That's what Lewis is, in my view, trying to do. I think he is 'doing right' and he deserves it." In the simplest terms, Hamilton will be champion again if he beats Bottas, who trails him by 85 points with four races remaining. For the Finn to keep alive his own title bid, he must out-score Hamilton by nine points or more. Given that Hamilton has beaten him at 10 of this year's 13 races to date and has been in the points at a record 46 consecutive races, Bottas faces a daunting challenge. Even if he wins on Sunday at the Istanbul Park Circuit, returning to the calendar for the first time since 2011, Hamilton can still take the title by finishing second and clocking the fastest lap. With the title race reduced to a duel between the two 'silver arrows' drivers, many other teams have turned already to plans for next season – Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto deciding to stay in Italy to concentrate on car development. Sporting director Laurent Mekies will take charge, but maintain close contact with Binotto, missing his first race since taking over last year. "He has taken an innovative approach so his voice and input will be heard loud and clear," he said.

Hamilton poised to clinch seventh title and set up contract talks

Formula One unveiled a 23-race calendar for 2021 on Tuesday, its biggest ever, but the Vietnamese Grand Prix has been dropped.

The season will start in Australia on March 21 and will include the first ever race in Saudi Arabia on November 28 before the season ends a week later in Abu Dhabi.

Vietnam was to hold a street race on April 25 but doubts about the event arose after Nguyen Duc Chung, who was Hanoi's mayor and a major supporter of the event, was arrested on corruption charges in August. In the calendar unveiled on Tuesday, the race slot was left vacant.

F1's 2020 season was heavily disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but is eventually being run over 17 races, with reigning champion Lewis Hamilton on course to win the title for the seventh time.

Spectators have been barred from most races this year but organisers said they expect fans to return next year.

"The plans for 2021 have involved extensive dialogue with all promoters and their local and national authorities at a time of ongoing fluidity related to the global pandemic," F1 said in a statement.&nbsp;

"As we have said before, we expect fans to return for the 2021 season and for the calendar to look similar to the originally planned 2020 season."

Saudi Arabia said last week it was holding a race for the first time, an announcement that is likely to spark fresh accusations from human rights groups that the kingdom is using high-profile sports events to "wash" its human rights record.

The Netherlands, home to the popular Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, gets a race a year earlier than originally planned with a September 5 slot in the coastal town of Zandvoort. It will be the first Dutch grand prix since 1985.

Vietnam signed up for Formula One hoping the glamour of the sport could reflect the country's economic lift-off and reshape Hanoi's staid image, much as it has done for Singapore which will again host a race next year.

The communist nation inked a 10-year deal with Formula One in 2018 with state media saying hosting the race would cost the country $60 million per year.

The fee has been picked up in full by the country's largest private conglomerate, VinGroup, which had been hoping to dazzle with a night race.

But its 2020 race was cancelled due to concerns that teams and fans coming from overseas could spark a new outbreak of Covid-19 and the corruption scandal surrounding Nguyen Duc Chung now threatens the future of the event.

"Without Chung, the future of the race is gloomy. It might not happen," a source close to the race told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Formula One unveiled a 23-race calendar for 2021 on Tuesday, its biggest ever, but the Vietnamese Grand Prix has been dropped. The season will start in Australia on March 21 and will include the first ever race in Saudi Arabia on November 28 before the season ends a week later in Abu Dhabi.

Formula One unveiled a 23-race calendar for 2021 on Tuesday, its biggest ever, but the Vietnamese Grand Prix has been dropped. The season will start in Australia on March 21 and will include the first ever race in Saudi Arabia on November 28 before the season ends a week later in Abu Dhabi. Vietnam was to hold a street race on April 25 but doubts about the event arose after Nguyen Duc Chung, who was Hanoi's mayor and a major supporter of the event, was arrested on corruption charges in August. In the calendar unveiled on Tuesday, the race slot was left vacant. F1's 2020 season was heavily disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic but is eventually being run over 17 races, with reigning champion Lewis Hamilton on course to win the title for the seventh time. Spectators have been barred from most races this year but organisers said they expect fans to return next year. "The plans for 2021 have involved extensive dialogue with all promoters and their local and national authorities at a time of ongoing fluidity related to the global pandemic," F1 said in a statement. "As we have said before, we expect fans to return for the 2021 season and for the calendar to look similar to the originally planned 2020 season." Saudi Arabia said last week it was holding a race for the first time, an announcement that is likely to spark fresh accusations from human rights groups that the kingdom is using high-profile sports events to "wash" its human rights record. The Netherlands, home to the popular Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, gets a race a year earlier than originally planned with a September 5 slot in the coastal town of Zandvoort. It will be the first Dutch grand prix since 1985. Vietnam signed up for Formula One hoping the glamour of the sport could reflect the country's economic lift-off and reshape Hanoi's staid image, much as it has done for Singapore which will again host a race next year. The communist nation inked a 10-year deal with Formula One in 2018 with state media saying hosting the race would cost the country $60 million per year. The fee has been picked up in full by the country's largest private conglomerate, VinGroup, which had been hoping to dazzle with a night race. But its 2020 race was cancelled due to concerns that teams and fans coming from overseas could spark a new outbreak of Covid-19 and the corruption scandal surrounding Nguyen Duc Chung now threatens the future of the event. "Without Chung, the future of the race is gloomy. It might not happen," a source close to the race told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Formula One unveils biggest-ever 23-race calendar for 2021

Saudi Arabia on Thursday said that it will host its first Formula One Grand Prix for the first time next year with the Red Sea city of Jeddah set to host a night race.&nbsp;

"Hosting this event is part of the 'Vision 2030' project, with the support of our leadership and especially His Highness the Crown Prince," Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki said, referring to the kingdom's transformation plan.

Saudi Arabia has been locked in for the 2021 season as part of the record 23-race F1 programme as the motorsport seeks to bounce back stronger after a shorter 2020 season that has been hampered due to COVID-19 pandemic.

"We hope to overcome this pandemic and that people will be able to attend, but things aren't clear yet in this regard," Prince Abdulaziz told a press conference.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-in-imola-as-mercedes-claim-record-7th-straight-constructors-title-339464" hreflang="en">Lewis Hamilton wins in Imola as Mercedes claim record 7th straight constructors' title</a>

Formula One has been under the spotlight over staging a race in Bahrain and the addition of Saudi Arabia might escalate scrutiny from human rights watchers.

Saudi Arabia, along with rival Qatar, is also competing to host the 2030 Asian Games.&nbsp;

Under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” master plan, Saudi Arabia is aiming to clean up their image of rights abuses and export of hardline technology.

Critics say that in a country where two-thirds of the population is under 30, the sporting drive is aimed at blunting public frustration over economic downturn and soaring youth unemployment.

"Saudi Arabia has worked hard at 'sportswashing' its reputation -- trying to use the glamour of sport as a public relations tool to improve its international image," Amnesty International said earlier this year.

(With inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia on Thursday said that it will host its first Formula One Grand Prix for the first time next year with the Red Sea city of Jeddah set to host a night race.

Saudi Arabia on Thursday said that it will host its first Formula One Grand Prix for the first time next year with the Red Sea city of Jeddah set to host a night race. "Hosting this event is part of the 'Vision 2030' project, with the support of our leadership and especially His Highness the Crown Prince," Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki said, referring to the kingdom's transformation plan. Saudi Arabia has been locked in for the 2021 season as part of the record 23-race F1 programme as the motorsport seeks to bounce back stronger after a shorter 2020 season that has been hampered due to COVID-19 pandemic. "We hope to overcome this pandemic and that people will be able to attend, but things aren't clear yet in this regard," Prince Abdulaziz told a press conference. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton wins in Imola as Mercedes claim record 7th straight constructors' title Formula One has been under the spotlight over staging a race in Bahrain and the addition of Saudi Arabia might escalate scrutiny from human rights watchers. Saudi Arabia, along with rival Qatar, is also competing to host the 2030 Asian Games. Under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” master plan, Saudi Arabia is aiming to clean up their image of rights abuses and export of hardline technology. Critics say that in a country where two-thirds of the population is under 30, the sporting drive is aimed at blunting public frustration over economic downturn and soaring youth unemployment. "Saudi Arabia has worked hard at 'sportswashing' its reputation -- trying to use the glamour of sport as a public relations tool to improve its international image," Amnesty International said earlier this year. (With inputs from AFP)

Saudi Arabia set to host F1 GP for first time in 2021

Lewis Hamilton on Sunday won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola to help Mercedes secure a record-breaking seventh constructors’ title. While Hamilton finished at top of the podium, his team-mate and pole-sitter Valterri Bottas finished second with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo finishing third.&nbsp;

"What an incredible achievement for all of you. I am so proud of everybody and I am so grateful to be a part of it," Hamilton said on the team radio.

"Couldn't have done it without you," came back the reply from the jubilant Mercedes garage.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HAMILTON WINS!! 🏆 
 
He takes victory #93 at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 
 
Bottas second, with Ricciardo coming home P3!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImolaGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImolaGP</a> 🇮🇹 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/mbmydh8EOf">pic.twitter.com/mbmydh8EOf</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1322896838521966592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hamilton’s 93rd career pole finish extended his lead over Bottas in the championship table to 85 points with just four races remaining. 
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who is also celebrating his 47th birthday, said the iconic title win and the milestone was “something to be proud of” while suggesting "as long as we stay motivated and energised we can push each other more".

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Formula One takes a break next weekend before resuming the season with Turkish Grand Prix on November 15 where Hamilton could wrap-up a record-equalling seventh drivers’ crown.

However, Bottas could have lost his second place to Max Verstappen, who drove outstandingly well, after making a glaring mistake as he locked his front wheels into Rivazza. Verstappen ended up puncturing his right-read and 10 laps later smashed the suspension that sent him spinning into the gravel as Bottas regained his second-spot.

Verstappen's crash meant the safety car was sent out to clear the damage and it led to an action-packed fight for third place in the closing laps.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton on Sunday won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola to help Mercedes secure a record-breaking seventh constructors’ title. While Hamilton finished at top of the podium, his team-mate and pole-sitter Valterri Bottas finished second with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo finishing third.

Lewis Hamilton on Sunday won the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola to help Mercedes secure a record-breaking seventh constructors’ title. While Hamilton finished at top of the podium, his team-mate and pole-sitter Valterri Bottas finished second with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo finishing third. "What an incredible achievement for all of you. I am so proud of everybody and I am so grateful to be a part of it," Hamilton said on the team radio. "Couldn't have done it without you," came back the reply from the jubilant Mercedes garage. HAMILTON WINS!! 🏆 He takes victory #93 at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Bottas second, with Ricciardo coming home P3!#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/mbmydh8EOf — Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2020 × Hamilton’s 93rd career pole finish extended his lead over Bottas in the championship table to 85 points with just four races remaining. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who is also celebrating his 47th birthday, said the iconic title win and the milestone was “something to be proud of” while suggesting "as long as we stay motivated and energised we can push each other more". ALSO READ: 'That's what I do': Netizens go crazy as Barack Obama shows off his basketball skills Formula One takes a break next weekend before resuming the season with Turkish Grand Prix on November 15 where Hamilton could wrap-up a record-equalling seventh drivers’ crown. However, Bottas could have lost his second place to Max Verstappen, who drove outstandingly well, after making a glaring mistake as he locked his front wheels into Rivazza. Verstappen ended up puncturing his right-read and 10 laps later smashed the suspension that sent him spinning into the gravel as Bottas regained his second-spot. Verstappen's crash meant the safety car was sent out to clear the damage and it led to an action-packed fight for third place in the closing laps.

Lewis Hamilton wins in Imola as Mercedes claim record 7th straight constructors' title

Lewis Hamilton admitted to a surprise and a sad memory on Friday after arriving at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The surprise came, he said, on learning about Formula One's proposals for a drivers' salary cap to begin in 2023.

The sadness, he said, hit him as he recalled the death of his childhood racing hero Ayrton Senna when he passed the memorial statue at Tamburello corner, where &nbsp;the Brazilian &nbsp;died in 1994.

Five days on from his record-breaking 92nd victory at last Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix, the six-time champion was back at work and facing a barrage of questions about the past, the present and the future.

He said talk of a salary cap was unexpected, but it had nothing to do with any delay in his negotiations for a new contract with Mercedes. The talks are officially on hold until the drivers' and constructors' championships are settled.

"From a drivers' point of view, it's a surprise," said Hamilton, when asked about the outcome of last Monday's F1 Commission meeting at which all ten teams supported the idea.

"We'd heard of the idea a while ago, but it's the first we've heard of it again this week – I think it's important that the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) work closely with F1 and get into discussions."

This weekend's race will be Hamilton's first as an F1 driver at Imola, which, he said, that evoked emotions as he inspected the track.&nbsp;

"Obviously, the history of 1994 is something we always remember," he said. "I went 'round today and it was a really special lap, just going round and seeing this historic track, passing the harsh reminder of where Ayrton crashed...

"It is very surreal still for me, when I go to places where you know that the greats of the past have raced like the tunnel at Monaco or Silverstone...

"Earlier on, I was in an area where many years, 26 years ago, Ayrton was here doing what he loved, as I am.

"So, in one way, that's heart-warming, to know that I was able to be here and do what he was doing 26 years ago, but otherwise it's just another race."

Hamilton said he recalled May 1, 1994, the day of Senna's death, vividly.

As a nine-year-old boy, he remembers he was helping his father Anthony repair his kart at a British junior race meeting.

"I don't know how he got the news, but someone told him that Ayrton had died," he said.

"And I remember I had to walk away from my dad because he would never let me cry in front of him so I had to go to a different place. It wasn't easy.

"I remember trying to channel that sadness into my driving and I think I won that weekend, but the following weeks were very tough."

This weekend, Hamilton and team-mate Valtteri Bottas aim to wrap up Mercedes record seventh consecutive constructors' championship as he heads towards his own seventh drivers' title.

Lewis Hamilton admitted to a surprise and a sad memory on Friday after arriving at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton admitted to a surprise and a sad memory on Friday after arriving at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The surprise came, he said, on learning about Formula One's proposals for a drivers' salary cap to begin in 2023. The sadness, he said, hit him as he recalled the death of his childhood racing hero Ayrton Senna when he passed the memorial statue at Tamburello corner, where the Brazilian died in 1994. Five days on from his record-breaking 92nd victory at last Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix, the six-time champion was back at work and facing a barrage of questions about the past, the present and the future. He said talk of a salary cap was unexpected, but it had nothing to do with any delay in his negotiations for a new contract with Mercedes. The talks are officially on hold until the drivers' and constructors' championships are settled. "From a drivers' point of view, it's a surprise," said Hamilton, when asked about the outcome of last Monday's F1 Commission meeting at which all ten teams supported the idea. "We'd heard of the idea a while ago, but it's the first we've heard of it again this week – I think it's important that the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) work closely with F1 and get into discussions." This weekend's race will be Hamilton's first as an F1 driver at Imola, which, he said, that evoked emotions as he inspected the track. "Obviously, the history of 1994 is something we always remember," he said. "I went 'round today and it was a really special lap, just going round and seeing this historic track, passing the harsh reminder of where Ayrton crashed... "It is very surreal still for me, when I go to places where you know that the greats of the past have raced like the tunnel at Monaco or Silverstone... "Earlier on, I was in an area where many years, 26 years ago, Ayrton was here doing what he loved, as I am. "So, in one way, that's heart-warming, to know that I was able to be here and do what he was doing 26 years ago, but otherwise it's just another race." Hamilton said he recalled May 1, 1994, the day of Senna's death, vividly. As a nine-year-old boy, he remembers he was helping his father Anthony repair his kart at a British junior race meeting. "I don't know how he got the news, but someone told him that Ayrton had died," he said. "And I remember I had to walk away from my dad because he would never let me cry in front of him so I had to go to a different place. It wasn't easy. "I remember trying to channel that sadness into my driving and I think I won that weekend, but the following weeks were very tough." This weekend, Hamilton and team-mate Valtteri Bottas aim to wrap up Mercedes record seventh consecutive constructors' championship as he heads towards his own seventh drivers' title.

Hamilton saddened ahead of first F1 race at Imola

Lewis Hamilton may go on to win 10 world titles, but his status as the greatest could be undermined by a lack of true rivals, according to two of Britain's best-known former racers.

Martin Brundle and Damon Hill both agreed that the six-time champion is a relentless and deserved record-breaking success story, Brundle saying he felt privileged to witness his feats.

Hamilton last Sunday became the sport's most successful driver when he claimed a record 92nd win, moving one clear of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's 14-year record of 91 wins.

Hill, the 1996 world champion, believes Hamilton needs to be challenged by and beat another driver of the same calibre if he is to silence the doubters.

"There's a risk that Lewis's achievements will be measured against the intensity of his competition," said Hill, who had to beat Schumacher to win his title.

"Mercedes have totally dominated this era and Lewis is not challenged."

Brundle said he would not be surprised if Hamilton won 10 championships.

"I'm not sure we ever thought anybody would approach, let alone surpass, Michael Schumacher's tally of 91 victories," the commentator told Sky Sports before adding "and I think there's a long way to go yet".

Brundle added that Hamilton, like Schumacher, says he is not interested in statistics and league tables, but did this only to deflect pressure.

"I could see Lewis aiming at something like 10 frankly and a long way north of 100 victories."

Hamilton will be seeking a 93rd victory to help Mercedes seal an unprecedented seventh consecutive constructors title at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix amid much speculation about his future.

He is out of contract this year and Formula One is heading towards a likely salary cap for drivers in 2023.

Reports have suggested that Hamilton wants to improve on his current deal, claimed to be worth around 40 million euros per season while Mercedes want to cut costs.

Team boss Toto Wolff is also out of contract this year, but like Hamilton has said he wants to stay with the team – and would much prefer to secure the champion on a multi-year deal instead of a one-year extension.

Hamilton has a lead of 77 points ahead of nearest rival and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who has agreed already to stay with the team next year.

As the F1 circus returns to Imola, for the first time in 14 years, Hill and Brundle will have memories of the tragic 1994 San Marino Grand Prix stirred.&nbsp;

That weekend saw the deaths of Hill's&nbsp;close friend Austrian Roland Ratzenberger in qualifying and his Williams team-mate Brazilian Ayrton Senna during the race.

Lewis Hamilton may go on to win 10 world titles, but his status as the greatest could be undermined by a lack of true rivals, according to two of Britain's best-known former racers.

Lewis Hamilton may go on to win 10 world titles, but his status as the greatest could be undermined by a lack of true rivals, according to two of Britain's best-known former racers. Martin Brundle and Damon Hill both agreed that the six-time champion is a relentless and deserved record-breaking success story, Brundle saying he felt privileged to witness his feats. Hamilton last Sunday became the sport's most successful driver when he claimed a record 92nd win, moving one clear of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's 14-year record of 91 wins. Hill, the 1996 world champion, believes Hamilton needs to be challenged by and beat another driver of the same calibre if he is to silence the doubters. "There's a risk that Lewis's achievements will be measured against the intensity of his competition," said Hill, who had to beat Schumacher to win his title. "Mercedes have totally dominated this era and Lewis is not challenged." Brundle said he would not be surprised if Hamilton won 10 championships. "I'm not sure we ever thought anybody would approach, let alone surpass, Michael Schumacher's tally of 91 victories," the commentator told Sky Sports before adding "and I think there's a long way to go yet". Brundle added that Hamilton, like Schumacher, says he is not interested in statistics and league tables, but did this only to deflect pressure. "I could see Lewis aiming at something like 10 frankly and a long way north of 100 victories." Hamilton will be seeking a 93rd victory to help Mercedes seal an unprecedented seventh consecutive constructors title at this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix amid much speculation about his future. He is out of contract this year and Formula One is heading towards a likely salary cap for drivers in 2023. Reports have suggested that Hamilton wants to improve on his current deal, claimed to be worth around 40 million euros per season while Mercedes want to cut costs. Team boss Toto Wolff is also out of contract this year, but like Hamilton has said he wants to stay with the team – and would much prefer to secure the champion on a multi-year deal instead of a one-year extension. Hamilton has a lead of 77 points ahead of nearest rival and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who has agreed already to stay with the team next year. As the F1 circus returns to Imola, for the first time in 14 years, Hill and Brundle will have memories of the tragic 1994 San Marino Grand Prix stirred. That weekend saw the deaths of Hill's close friend Austrian Roland Ratzenberger in qualifying and his Williams team-mate Brazilian Ayrton Senna during the race.

Hamilton legacy under threat due to 'lack of challengers'

Norris, who made his Formula One debut last year, has made 33 starts so far with one podium finish.McLaren’s racer Lando Norris on Tuesday publicly apologized for recent comments, without naming anyone, after the Briton played down Lewis Hamilton’s record 92nd Formula One triumph at Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

Norris, 20, the youngest driver on the grid, had criticized Racing Point’s Lance Stroll after the duo collided during the race. While Norris ended up 13th, stewards published Stroll for the incident.

“I owe an apology,” said Norris to his 750,000 followers on Twitter. “I’ve been stupid and careless with some things I’ve said lately in media and interviews, and haven’t shown the respect I should have to certain people.

“I’m not that kind of person, so know I should apologise to them but also everyone reading/listening. Sorry.” 
Norris was asked about Hamilton becoming the most successful F1 driver ever (in terms of wins) as he overtook Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher while shattering the record books.

“I’m just happy for him, nothing more,” the Briton had replied.

“It doesn’t mean anything to me, really. He’s in a car which should win every race, basically.

“He has to beat one or two other drivers, that’s it. Fair play to him, he’s still doing the job he has to do.”

Hamilton has won eight of the 12 races this season and is eyeing record-equalling seventh world championship, which would confirm him as the most successful racer in the history of the sport. He has average 10 wins in a season since 2014.

Whereas, Mercedes have won the last six championships and are on course to clinch the seventh in Italy next weekend. 
Meanwhile, Norris who made his F1 debut in 2019, has so far made 33 starts thus far with one podium finish. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Norris, who made his Formula One debut last year, has made 33 starts so far with one podium finish.McLaren’s racer Lando Norris on Tuesday publicly apologized for recent comments, without naming anyone, after the Briton played down Lewis Hamilton’s record 92nd Formula One triumph at Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

Norris, who made his Formula One debut last year, has made 33 starts so far with one podium finish.McLaren’s racer Lando Norris on Tuesday publicly apologized for recent comments, without naming anyone, after the Briton played down Lewis Hamilton’s record 92nd Formula One triumph at Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix. Norris, 20, the youngest driver on the grid, had criticized Racing Point’s Lance Stroll after the duo collided during the race. While Norris ended up 13th, stewards published Stroll for the incident. “I owe an apology,” said Norris to his 750,000 followers on Twitter. “I’ve been stupid and careless with some things I’ve said lately in media and interviews, and haven’t shown the respect I should have to certain people. “I’m not that kind of person, so know I should apologise to them but also everyone reading/listening. Sorry.” Norris was asked about Hamilton becoming the most successful F1 driver ever (in terms of wins) as he overtook Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher while shattering the record books. “I’m just happy for him, nothing more,” the Briton had replied. “It doesn’t mean anything to me, really. He’s in a car which should win every race, basically. “He has to beat one or two other drivers, that’s it. Fair play to him, he’s still doing the job he has to do.” Hamilton has won eight of the 12 races this season and is eyeing record-equalling seventh world championship, which would confirm him as the most successful racer in the history of the sport. He has average 10 wins in a season since 2014. Whereas, Mercedes have won the last six championships and are on course to clinch the seventh in Italy next weekend. Meanwhile, Norris who made his F1 debut in 2019, has so far made 33 starts thus far with one podium finish.

McLaren's Lando Norris apologises for 'stupid and careless' comments

Vietnam’s first Formula One grand prix has been officially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers said on Friday.

The Vietnamese Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place in April on the streets of Hanoi as the third race of the season, but sources told Reuters in March that it was under threat.

“This has been an extremely difficult but necessary decision to reach in view of the continued uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus pandemic,” Vietnam Grand Prix Corp said in an emailed statement, adding that it would refund all tickets sold.

Vietnam has recorded over 1,110 COVID-19 infections, with 35 deaths, Ministry of Health data showed.

The start of the Formula One season was pushed back to July from March due to the pandemic, with extensive changes made to the 2020 calendar.

The total number of races was cut to 17 from the record 22 originally envisaged, with Vietnam becoming the 13th race from the original calendar to be axed this year.

Hanoi city authorities had hoped to hold the race in November, but Vietnam Grand Prix Corp Chief Executive Le Ngoc Chi said on Friday that cancellation emerged as the only option after a review of safety criteria.

Formula One only finalised its 2020 calendar in August, following six rounds of racing.

The 13 races announced before the final calendar was made public were all in Europe, after all four of the season’s races in the Americas were scrapped.

In its August announcement, Formula One cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix, while adding four more races - one in Turkey, two in Bahrain and one in Abu Dhabi - in the last two months of the year.

Reporting by Khanh Vu; Additional reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing

Vietnam’s first Formula One grand prix has been officially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers said on Friday. The Vietnamese Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place in April on the streets of Hanoi as the third race of the season, but sources told Reuters in March that it was under threat.

Vietnam’s first Formula One grand prix has been officially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers said on Friday. The Vietnamese Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place in April on the streets of Hanoi as the third race of the season, but sources told Reuters in March that it was under threat. “This has been an extremely difficult but necessary decision to reach in view of the continued uncertainty caused by the global coronavirus pandemic,” Vietnam Grand Prix Corp said in an emailed statement, adding that it would refund all tickets sold. Vietnam has recorded over 1,110 COVID-19 infections, with 35 deaths, Ministry of Health data showed. The start of the Formula One season was pushed back to July from March due to the pandemic, with extensive changes made to the 2020 calendar. The total number of races was cut to 17 from the record 22 originally envisaged, with Vietnam becoming the 13th race from the original calendar to be axed this year. Hanoi city authorities had hoped to hold the race in November, but Vietnam Grand Prix Corp Chief Executive Le Ngoc Chi said on Friday that cancellation emerged as the only option after a review of safety criteria. Formula One only finalised its 2020 calendar in August, following six rounds of racing. The 13 races announced before the final calendar was made public were all in Europe, after all four of the season’s races in the Americas were scrapped. In its August announcement, Formula One cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix, while adding four more races - one in Turkey, two in Bahrain and one in Abu Dhabi - in the last two months of the year. Reporting by Khanh Vu; Additional reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing

Vietnam cancels 2020 F1 race due to COVID-19 pandemic

Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Formula One wins on Sunday when he guided his Mercedes to a narrow, if measured, victory at a frantic Eifel Grand Prix.

Taking full advantage of team-mate and pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas’ early retirement with engine problems, the runaway series leader and six-time champion drove a well-judged race to claim his seventh victory from 11 contests this year.

"What a result," he said on the Mercedes team radio after taking the chequered flag clear of Max Verstappen for Red Bull with Renault's Daniel Ricciardo in third. &nbsp;

In a touching tribute Mick Schumacher presented Hamilton with one of his father's race helmets.

"Seeing Michael's dominance for so long I don't think anyone especially me could ever think of getting near Michael in terms of records," said Hamilton.

On a circuit where Germany’s seven-time champion Schumacher won five times, Hamilton took his second Nurburgring victory – his previous was for McLaren in 2011.

Bottas’ bad luck handed Hamilton his chance and almost certainly ended his own title bid as the Briton moved 69 points clear ahead of him in the drivers’ championship.

Ricciardo’s podium success meant that he had won a bet with Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul, requiring the Frenchman to take a tattoo prescribed for him by the Australian.

Sergio Perez finished fourth for Racing Point ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Pierre Gasly of Alpha Tauri, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and ‘super-sub’ Nico Hulkenberg of Racing Point.

For Hulkenberg, it was a remarkable result coming only 24 hours after he had jumped into the cockpit of Lance Stroll’s car after a late call to action from a café in Cologne.

Romain Grosjean, with an injured finger, was ninth for Haas ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo.

Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Formula One wins on Sunday when he guided his Mercedes to a narrow, if measured, victory at a frantic Eifel Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Formula One wins on Sunday when he guided his Mercedes to a narrow, if measured, victory at a frantic Eifel Grand Prix. Taking full advantage of team-mate and pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas’ early retirement with engine problems, the runaway series leader and six-time champion drove a well-judged race to claim his seventh victory from 11 contests this year. "What a result," he said on the Mercedes team radio after taking the chequered flag clear of Max Verstappen for Red Bull with Renault's Daniel Ricciardo in third. In a touching tribute Mick Schumacher presented Hamilton with one of his father's race helmets. "Seeing Michael's dominance for so long I don't think anyone especially me could ever think of getting near Michael in terms of records," said Hamilton. On a circuit where Germany’s seven-time champion Schumacher won five times, Hamilton took his second Nurburgring victory – his previous was for McLaren in 2011. Bottas’ bad luck handed Hamilton his chance and almost certainly ended his own title bid as the Briton moved 69 points clear ahead of him in the drivers’ championship. Ricciardo’s podium success meant that he had won a bet with Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul, requiring the Frenchman to take a tattoo prescribed for him by the Australian. Sergio Perez finished fourth for Racing Point ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Pierre Gasly of Alpha Tauri, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and ‘super-sub’ Nico Hulkenberg of Racing Point. For Hulkenberg, it was a remarkable result coming only 24 hours after he had jumped into the cockpit of Lance Stroll’s car after a late call to action from a café in Cologne. Romain Grosjean, with an injured finger, was ninth for Haas ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo.

Towering Hamilton wins Eifel Grand Prix, equals Schumacher's record

Honda said Friday it will withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season as part of the car industry's move away from internal combustion engines.

The Red Bull and Alpha Tauri teams use power units made by the Japanese manufacturer.

Honda said it was pursuing "carbon neutrality by 2050" using "future power-unit and energy technologies, including fuel-cell vehicle and battery technologies".

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said: "The shifting focus within the automotive industry has led to Honda's decision to re-deploy their resources and we understand and respect the reasoning behind this.

"Their decision presents obvious challenges for us as a team but we have been here before and with our strength in depth we are well prepared and equipped to respond effectively, as we have proven in the past."

Honda returned to Formula One in 2015 but struggled for three years working with McLaren.

The company transferred its attention to Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso for 2018 and then Red Bull for 2019, and have won a total of five races over the last two years.

Honda said Friday it will withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season as part of the car industry's move away from internal combustion engines. The Red Bull and Alpha Tauri teams use power units made by the Japanese manufacturer.

Honda said Friday it will withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season as part of the car industry's move away from internal combustion engines. The Red Bull and Alpha Tauri teams use power units made by the Japanese manufacturer. Honda said it was pursuing "carbon neutrality by 2050" using "future power-unit and energy technologies, including fuel-cell vehicle and battery technologies". Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner said: "The shifting focus within the automotive industry has led to Honda's decision to re-deploy their resources and we understand and respect the reasoning behind this. "Their decision presents obvious challenges for us as a team but we have been here before and with our strength in depth we are well prepared and equipped to respond effectively, as we have proven in the past." Honda returned to Formula One in 2015 but struggled for three years working with McLaren. The company transferred its attention to Red Bull's junior team Toro Rosso for 2018 and then Red Bull for 2019, and have won a total of five races over the last two years.

Honda to withdraw from Formula One at end of 2021 season

Lewis Hamilton seeks to equal Michael Schumacher's record 91 Formula One wins at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on Sunday despite fears over a potential coronavirus fall-out from allowing 30,000 fans to attend.&nbsp;

The six-time world champion is one win away from what once was believed to be an untouchable total, but he will be a clear favourite to succeed on a track where he has triumphed four times in six years.

He has also reeled off six wins in nine races this season to open up a 55-point lead ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race, the Finn and former team-mate 2016 champion Nico Rosberg being the only other victors since Sochi arrived on the calendar.

Another Mercedes win at the former home of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games would also be a record for most successive victories by a team at a single Grand Prix.

But all involved with the champions are aware that not only is the event set to be the first sporting occasion to host a major crowd in the Covid-19 era, but it will also see the team shadowed by a Netflix film crew.

The organisers say 30,000 spectators are expected and that the race is sold out.&nbsp;

The cameras will be recording content for the third 'Drive to Survive' series – and tip-toeing around their subjects, hoping to avoid a repeat of events in Germany last year.

Then, at the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, run in teeming rain, Mercedes celebrated 125 years of motorsport with their worst performance of the season – a flu-struck Hamilton ending up classified ninth and Bottas crashing out from fourth.

"It made a very entertaining episode for Netflix," said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff. “

"But this time, we hope we can have great content – and have a great race."

Hamilton, lauded this week as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world this year, has approached the race with humility.

"I never thought that I would be here, that's for sure," he said after his 90th career triumph at the Tuscan Grand Prix two weeks ago.&nbsp;

"It just does not seem real to me."

His greatest rival this weekend is likely to be team-mate Bottas, winner on the tight Sochi track in 2017, his maiden triumph.

The Finn has proved himself to be a force on the circuit that suits his style and knows he has to wreck Hamilton's party to stay in the championship race.

After two pointless exits with car failures, Max Verstappen of Red Bull will be seeking a return to his earlier form.&nbsp;

"It's not easy in Sochi and the track is not a favourite for us with a lot of long straights – it's not easy to overtake," he said.

While the 30,000 fans attending the Olympic Park circuit enjoy a rare glimpse of live sport, F1's top officials are reported to be anxious about the potential threat from coronavirus.

Russia has exceeded one million cases of Covid-19 – one of only four nations to do so – and after nine events run behind closed doors in strictly-controlled bubbles, this relaxation of the tight controls has not been welcomed warmly by all in the paddock.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton seeks to equal Michael Schumacher's record 91 Formula One wins at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on Sunday despite fears over a potential coronavirus fall-out from allowing 30,000 fans to attend.

Lewis Hamilton seeks to equal Michael Schumacher's record 91 Formula One wins at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on Sunday despite fears over a potential coronavirus fall-out from allowing 30,000 fans to attend. The six-time world champion is one win away from what once was believed to be an untouchable total, but he will be a clear favourite to succeed on a track where he has triumphed four times in six years. He has also reeled off six wins in nine races this season to open up a 55-point lead ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race, the Finn and former team-mate 2016 champion Nico Rosberg being the only other victors since Sochi arrived on the calendar. Another Mercedes win at the former home of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games would also be a record for most successive victories by a team at a single Grand Prix. But all involved with the champions are aware that not only is the event set to be the first sporting occasion to host a major crowd in the Covid-19 era, but it will also see the team shadowed by a Netflix film crew. The organisers say 30,000 spectators are expected and that the race is sold out. The cameras will be recording content for the third 'Drive to Survive' series – and tip-toeing around their subjects, hoping to avoid a repeat of events in Germany last year. Then, at the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, run in teeming rain, Mercedes celebrated 125 years of motorsport with their worst performance of the season – a flu-struck Hamilton ending up classified ninth and Bottas crashing out from fourth. "It made a very entertaining episode for Netflix," said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff. “ "But this time, we hope we can have great content – and have a great race." Hamilton, lauded this week as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world this year, has approached the race with humility. "I never thought that I would be here, that's for sure," he said after his 90th career triumph at the Tuscan Grand Prix two weeks ago. "It just does not seem real to me." His greatest rival this weekend is likely to be team-mate Bottas, winner on the tight Sochi track in 2017, his maiden triumph. The Finn has proved himself to be a force on the circuit that suits his style and knows he has to wreck Hamilton's party to stay in the championship race. After two pointless exits with car failures, Max Verstappen of Red Bull will be seeking a return to his earlier form. "It's not easy in Sochi and the track is not a favourite for us with a lot of long straights – it's not easy to overtake," he said. While the 30,000 fans attending the Olympic Park circuit enjoy a rare glimpse of live sport, F1's top officials are reported to be anxious about the potential threat from coronavirus. Russia has exceeded one million cases of Covid-19 – one of only four nations to do so – and after nine events run behind closed doors in strictly-controlled bubbles, this relaxation of the tight controls has not been welcomed warmly by all in the paddock.

Hamilton eyes Schumacher record despite Sochi virus worries

Ace Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has avoided any action by F1’s governing body for the T-shirt he wore on the podium at the Tuscan Grand Prix. However, amid official review into FIA guidelines, Hamilton has now vowed to continue protesting and use his position to promote his views while raising awareness against discrimination.

Ahead of Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix, Hamilton took a knee while wearing a black T-shirt with the message: “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor”. He then went on to wear the same T-shirt in the post-match race interview and on the podium. Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was shot dead by police in Louisville six months ago.

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It’s been 6 months since Breonna Taylor was murdered by policemen, in her own home. Still no justice has been served. We won’t stay silent. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeForBreonnaTaylor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JusticeForBreonnaTaylor</a> <a href="https://t.co/7zinVHiYcH">pic.twitter.com/7zinVHiYcH</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1305185960024510464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While the FIA is a non-political organization, the matter was looked into with a conclusion that Hamilton will not be punished.

However, FIA has launched a review of the current set of guidelines which included what racing drivers can wear during an event. 
Hamilton took to social media platform Instagram to declare that he will continue to use his standing as a six-time winner to promote his views.

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✊ <a href="https://t.co/OXXW8OIy9C">pic.twitter.com/OXXW8OIy9C</a>
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1305180657140797442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“I want you to know that I won’t stop,” he wrote on Tuesday. “I won’t let up. I won’t give up on using this platform to shed light on what I believe is right. This is a journey for all of us to come together and challenge the world on every level of injustice, not only racial. We can help make this a better place for our kids and the future generations.”

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— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1305849221917089794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Damon Hill, Britain’s 1996 world champion, accused the sport of having previously ignored the issue of race. He wrote on Twitter: “Such mixed message to Lewis Hamilton’s t-shirt podium message.

“But F1 has always had its head in the sand over any issue that might make people think about anything other than F1. It has to make space for these messages if it is to be embraced by the wider world.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton is now one win away from equaling Michael Schumacher’s record with 90th career triumph of his career in Mugello last week. He will look to equalize Schumacher’s record at the Sochi Autodrom in Russia on Sunday. 
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Ace Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has avoided any action by F1’s governing body for the T-shirt he wore on the podium at the Tuscan Grand Prix. However, amid official review into FIA guidelines, Hamilton has now vowed to continue protesting and use his position to promote his views while raising awareness against discrimination.

Ace Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has avoided any action by F1’s governing body for the T-shirt he wore on the podium at the Tuscan Grand Prix. However, amid official review into FIA guidelines, Hamilton has now vowed to continue protesting and use his position to promote his views while raising awareness against discrimination. Ahead of Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix, Hamilton took a knee while wearing a black T-shirt with the message: “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor”. He then went on to wear the same T-shirt in the post-match race interview and on the podium. Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was shot dead by police in Louisville six months ago. It’s been 6 months since Breonna Taylor was murdered by policemen, in her own home. Still no justice has been served. We won’t stay silent. #JusticeForBreonnaTaylor pic.twitter.com/7zinVHiYcH — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 13, 2020 × ALSO READ: 'The only regret I have...' - Neymar alleges racism after Alvaro Gonzalez bust-up in PSG vs Marseille While the FIA is a non-political organization, the matter was looked into with a conclusion that Hamilton will not be punished. However, FIA has launched a review of the current set of guidelines which included what racing drivers can wear during an event. Hamilton took to social media platform Instagram to declare that he will continue to use his standing as a six-time winner to promote his views. ✊ pic.twitter.com/OXXW8OIy9C — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 13, 2020 × ALSO READ: Sebastian Vettel signs for Aston Martin from Ferrari for '2021 and beyond' “I want you to know that I won’t stop,” he wrote on Tuesday. “I won’t let up. I won’t give up on using this platform to shed light on what I believe is right. This is a journey for all of us to come together and challenge the world on every level of injustice, not only racial. We can help make this a better place for our kids and the future generations.” ✊ @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/zb0rsn5Tfl — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 15, 2020 × Damon Hill, Britain’s 1996 world champion, accused the sport of having previously ignored the issue of race. He wrote on Twitter: “Such mixed message to Lewis Hamilton’s t-shirt podium message. “But F1 has always had its head in the sand over any issue that might make people think about anything other than F1. It has to make space for these messages if it is to be embraced by the wider world.” Meanwhile, Hamilton is now one win away from equaling Michael Schumacher’s record with 90th career triumph of his career in Mugello last week. He will look to equalize Schumacher’s record at the Sochi Autodrom in Russia on Sunday.

As FIA launches review of guidelines, Lewis Hamilton vows to keep protesting

Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton took his tally of Formula One wins to 90 and the brink of Michael Schumacher’s record on Sunday, but he said it felt like he had just done three in a day.

The Briton’s latest victory, in a Tuscan Grand Prix that was twice red-flagged and re-started, left him one shy of the Ferrari great -- a record once held up as a milestone to withstand the test of time.

“Hectic,” said the 35-year-old Mercedes driver, when asked to sum up his afternoon at Ferrari-owned Mugello in central Italy.

“Such a roller-coaster ride, emotionally and physically.”

“It was all a bit of a daze. It was like three races in one day.”

Hamilton has won six races out of nine this season and, with a seventh title looking inevitable, the year has become a countdown to two of the greatest records in the sport -- both owned by Schumacher.

There are eight races remaining and it is inconceivable that Hamilton will not win at least one more. He has been averaging 10 a season for the past six years now.

Schumacher, who has been out of the public eye since suffering severe head injuries in a December 2013 ski accident, took his seventh title with Ferrari in 2004 and last win in 2006.

Hamilton can pull alongside at the next race in Sochi, Russia, in two weeks’ time.

“It just doesn’t seem real,” he said.

“It is ultimately a privilege to be in the position and have such a great team and a car to be able to deliver weekend in and weekend out. I am forever grateful to the people who continue to work hard. I’m just a link in the chain.

“Getting these wins is not easy when you have a great driver in Valtteri pushing you to the limit. I never thought that I would be here, that’s for sure.”

Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton took his tally of Formula One wins to 90 and the brink of Michael Schumacher’s record on Sunday, but he said it felt like he had just done three in a day.

Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton took his tally of Formula One wins to 90 and the brink of Michael Schumacher’s record on Sunday, but he said it felt like he had just done three in a day. The Briton’s latest victory, in a Tuscan Grand Prix that was twice red-flagged and re-started, left him one shy of the Ferrari great -- a record once held up as a milestone to withstand the test of time. “Hectic,” said the 35-year-old Mercedes driver, when asked to sum up his afternoon at Ferrari-owned Mugello in central Italy. “Such a roller-coaster ride, emotionally and physically.” “It was all a bit of a daze. It was like three races in one day.” Hamilton has won six races out of nine this season and, with a seventh title looking inevitable, the year has become a countdown to two of the greatest records in the sport -- both owned by Schumacher. There are eight races remaining and it is inconceivable that Hamilton will not win at least one more. He has been averaging 10 a season for the past six years now. Schumacher, who has been out of the public eye since suffering severe head injuries in a December 2013 ski accident, took his seventh title with Ferrari in 2004 and last win in 2006. Hamilton can pull alongside at the next race in Sochi, Russia, in two weeks’ time. “It just doesn’t seem real,” he said. “It is ultimately a privilege to be in the position and have such a great team and a car to be able to deliver weekend in and weekend out. I am forever grateful to the people who continue to work hard. I’m just a link in the chain. “Getting these wins is not easy when you have a great driver in Valtteri pushing you to the limit. I never thought that I would be here, that’s for sure.”

Hamilton on brink of Schumacher record after three-in-one win

Sergio Perez was given only a few hours notice that he was to be replaced at Racing Point next year by Sebastian Vettel, the Mexican driver said on Thursday.

Perez, who had a contract for 2021 and believed the team wanted him to stay, learned his fate during a phone call from team owner Lawrence Stroll on Wednesday, shortly before his departure was confirmed.&nbsp;

The Canadian billionaire told him the team was going "in another direction".

"I didn't expect that. It is how it is," Perez told a news conference on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Tuscan Grand Prix.

Until then, said Perez, "nobody told me anything".

Perez announced his exit, after seven years with the Silverstone-based team, on social media later Wednesday and Vettel was confirmed as joining on a multi-year contract starting in 2021, with the re-branding of the team as Aston Martin, on Thursday morning.

"Nobody told me anything, but I already knew and figured out a couple of things," said Perez.&nbsp;

"Final confirmation came yesterday. It's fine. Seven years with the team -- I know everything has a beginning and also an end.&nbsp;

"We still have nine races to make each other proud."

Only four weeks ago at the Spanish Grand Prix, Perez quashed speculation that he was to be replaced by four-time champion Vettel.&nbsp;

He felt it was only a "matter of time" before the team confirmed in public the feedback he was being given about him continuing with them in 2021.

"That was the feedback that I was getting, that the team wanted to keep me and so on," he explained. &nbsp;

"There were some discussions in the background, about contracts and so on, that I'm not willing to disclose because I think those things should remain between the team and myself.

"There were a couple of things in the contract that we went through…. &nbsp;In the end, they officially told me yesterday that I'm not continuing."

<h2>- 'I understand it' -</h2>

Perez signed a three-year agreement last season and had a contract for 2021, which together with the team's apparent desire to keep him persuaded him not to seek any alternatives.

He was reluctant to criticise Racing Point's handling of the situation too forcefully but suggested that he could have been given more clarity.

"I understand it. It's the negotiations going on," he said.&nbsp;

"They probably took longer than I thought… Probably, a bit more clarity would have helped regarding my future as well.

"Then I would have looked for a plan B, which probably wouldn't have changed anything."

Perez, who now has no seat for 2021, said he wants to stay in Formula One next year with a competitive team.

"I think everything is an option right now. My main target is to remain in F1. I feel that I'm still very young and hungry and want to carry on, but it has to be the right package.

"A package that really gives me the maximum motivation to give 100 per cent every single lap and also a long-term project, targeting 2022, because then I expect the rule change to play a major effect."&nbsp;

Sergio Perez was given only a few hours notice that he was to be replaced at Racing Point next year by Sebastian Vettel, the Mexican driver said on Thursday. Perez, who had a contract for 2021 and believed the team wanted him to stay, learned his fate during a phone call from team owner Lawrence Stroll on Wednesday, shortly before his departure was confirmed.

Sergio Perez was given only a few hours notice that he was to be replaced at Racing Point next year by Sebastian Vettel, the Mexican driver said on Thursday. Perez, who had a contract for 2021 and believed the team wanted him to stay, learned his fate during a phone call from team owner Lawrence Stroll on Wednesday, shortly before his departure was confirmed. The Canadian billionaire told him the team was going "in another direction". "I didn't expect that. It is how it is," Perez told a news conference on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Tuscan Grand Prix. Until then, said Perez, "nobody told me anything". Perez announced his exit, after seven years with the Silverstone-based team, on social media later Wednesday and Vettel was confirmed as joining on a multi-year contract starting in 2021, with the re-branding of the team as Aston Martin, on Thursday morning. "Nobody told me anything, but I already knew and figured out a couple of things," said Perez. "Final confirmation came yesterday. It's fine. Seven years with the team -- I know everything has a beginning and also an end. "We still have nine races to make each other proud." Only four weeks ago at the Spanish Grand Prix, Perez quashed speculation that he was to be replaced by four-time champion Vettel. He felt it was only a "matter of time" before the team confirmed in public the feedback he was being given about him continuing with them in 2021. "That was the feedback that I was getting, that the team wanted to keep me and so on," he explained. "There were some discussions in the background, about contracts and so on, that I'm not willing to disclose because I think those things should remain between the team and myself. "There were a couple of things in the contract that we went through…. In the end, they officially told me yesterday that I'm not continuing." - 'I understand it' - Perez signed a three-year agreement last season and had a contract for 2021, which together with the team's apparent desire to keep him persuaded him not to seek any alternatives. He was reluctant to criticise Racing Point's handling of the situation too forcefully but suggested that he could have been given more clarity. "I understand it. It's the negotiations going on," he said. "They probably took longer than I thought… Probably, a bit more clarity would have helped regarding my future as well. "Then I would have looked for a plan B, which probably wouldn't have changed anything." Perez, who now has no seat for 2021, said he wants to stay in Formula One next year with a competitive team. "I think everything is an option right now. My main target is to remain in F1. I feel that I'm still very young and hungry and want to carry on, but it has to be the right package. "A package that really gives me the maximum motivation to give 100 per cent every single lap and also a long-term project, targeting 2022, because then I expect the rule change to play a major effect."

'I didn't expect that', says axed Racing Point driver Perez

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has joined the Canadian-owned Racing Point team and will race for Aston Martin after signing a multi-year deal as his stint with Ferrari comes to an end. Vettel replaces Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who announced his exit at the end of 2020 season on Wednesday.&nbsp;

“I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future. I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021,” Vettel said in a team statement ahead of Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix at Italy’s Mugello circuit.

“It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter,” he said.

“I believe we can build something very special together. I still have so much love for Formula One and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-year-after-red-bull-dumping-gasly-delivers-maiden-f1-triumph-325673" hreflang="en">One year after Red Bull dumping, Gasly delivers maiden F1 triumph</a>

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CONFIRMED: Four-time <a href="https://twitter.com/F1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1</a> World Champion Sebastian Vettel signs up for 2021 and beyond 🖋️ 
 
Get the full story right here ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/zI8JeBEemc">https://t.co/zI8JeBEemc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a>
— BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RacingPointF1/status/1303952148875673600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While the statement didn’t share much details but Vettel said that he has signed up for 2021 and beyond. Vettel has had a topsy-turvvy run with Ferrari since the arrival of Charles Leclerc, who beat him on wins, points and poles last season.

Ferrari have struggled in the 2020 season but had announced in May that Vettel would be leaving at the end of the season and will be replaced by Spaniard Carlos Sainz from McLaren.

Vettell, at Merceded-powered Aston Martin, will team up with Canadian racer Lance Stroll.

“Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 team,” team principal Otmar Szafnauer said.

“Sebastian is one of the best in the world and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has joined the Canadian-owned Racing Point team and will race for Aston Martin after signing a multi-year deal as his stint with Ferrari comes to an end.

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has joined the Canadian-owned Racing Point team and will race for Aston Martin after signing a multi-year deal as his stint with Ferrari comes to an end. Vettel replaces Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who announced his exit at the end of 2020 season on Wednesday. “I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future. I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021,” Vettel said in a team statement ahead of Sunday’s Tuscan Grand Prix at Italy’s Mugello circuit. “It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter,” he said. “I believe we can build something very special together. I still have so much love for Formula One and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid.” ALSO READ: One year after Red Bull dumping, Gasly delivers maiden F1 triumph CONFIRMED: Four-time @F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel signs up for 2021 and beyond 🖋️ Get the full story right here ⬇️https://t.co/zI8JeBEemc #F1 — BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) September 10, 2020 × While the statement didn’t share much details but Vettel said that he has signed up for 2021 and beyond. Vettel has had a topsy-turvvy run with Ferrari since the arrival of Charles Leclerc, who beat him on wins, points and poles last season. Ferrari have struggled in the 2020 season but had announced in May that Vettel would be leaving at the end of the season and will be replaced by Spaniard Carlos Sainz from McLaren. Vettell, at Merceded-powered Aston Martin, will team up with Canadian racer Lance Stroll. “Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 team,” team principal Otmar Szafnauer said. “Sebastian is one of the best in the world and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”

Sebastian Vettel signs for Aston Martin from Ferrari for '2021 and beyond'

Pierre Gasly jumped for joy on Sunday and then admitted he was too happy for words after claiming his maiden Formula One victory a year after being demoted by Red Bull to their junior sister team Alpha Tauri.

His stubborn and skilful drive to a stirring triumph in a tumultuous Italian Grand Prix was celebrated deliriously by the Faenza-based team on a day when their grandee fellow-Italians Ferrari suffered another debacle, this time on home soil.

It was only the former Minardi and Toro Rosso outfit's second win in Formula One since entering the sport in 1985.&nbsp;

Gasly, 24, had struggled to make any impression as Max Verstappen's team-mate in the first half of 2019 and was replaced by rookie Alex Albon in August last year.

"I've gone through so many emotions in the last 18 months," said the Frenchman.&nbsp;

He returned to Toro Rosso, this year renamed Alpha Tauri, to recover his confidence and registered a second place for the team in Brazil before the end of last season.

This year, he has improved and on Sunday delivered a result he and the team could only have dreamed of until a series of incidents – including accidents, penalties and safety cars -- threw up an unexpected opportunity.

"To be honest, I can't believe it," he said.&nbsp;

"I just can't realise what's happening right now. It was such a crazy race!

"We took full advantage of the red flag. The car was very fast today and we had a pretty fast car behind us.&nbsp;

He added: "On my first podium last year, I was already... wow. And now my first win, with AlphaTauri... and at Monza. I just can't believe it."

Gasly became the first Frenchman to win a F1 race since Olivier Panis won a rain-hit 1996 Monaco Grand Prix.&nbsp;

He finished first ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, aged 26, and Lance Stroll of Racing Point, aged 21, in one of the youngest top-three podium finishers in modern times.&nbsp;

"This team has done so much for me. They have given me my first opportunity in Formula One, my first podium and now my first victory," he said.

"It is really crazy. I am so happy, I can't say enough.

"I am so grateful to everyone on the team and to Honda. It is a power circuit here at Monza -- and we won the race.

"So, it's a great day. I can't believe this happened to Alpha Tauri. We've just been focusing on ourselves and working on the car, step by step, since last year."

Pierre Gasly jumped for joy on Sunday and then admitted he was too happy for words after claiming his maiden Formula One victory a year after being demoted by Red Bull to their junior sister team Alpha Tauri.

Pierre Gasly jumped for joy on Sunday and then admitted he was too happy for words after claiming his maiden Formula One victory a year after being demoted by Red Bull to their junior sister team Alpha Tauri. His stubborn and skilful drive to a stirring triumph in a tumultuous Italian Grand Prix was celebrated deliriously by the Faenza-based team on a day when their grandee fellow-Italians Ferrari suffered another debacle, this time on home soil. It was only the former Minardi and Toro Rosso outfit's second win in Formula One since entering the sport in 1985. Gasly, 24, had struggled to make any impression as Max Verstappen's team-mate in the first half of 2019 and was replaced by rookie Alex Albon in August last year. "I've gone through so many emotions in the last 18 months," said the Frenchman. He returned to Toro Rosso, this year renamed Alpha Tauri, to recover his confidence and registered a second place for the team in Brazil before the end of last season. This year, he has improved and on Sunday delivered a result he and the team could only have dreamed of until a series of incidents – including accidents, penalties and safety cars -- threw up an unexpected opportunity. "To be honest, I can't believe it," he said. "I just can't realise what's happening right now. It was such a crazy race! "We took full advantage of the red flag. The car was very fast today and we had a pretty fast car behind us. He added: "On my first podium last year, I was already... wow. And now my first win, with AlphaTauri... and at Monza. I just can't believe it." Gasly became the first Frenchman to win a F1 race since Olivier Panis won a rain-hit 1996 Monaco Grand Prix. He finished first ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, aged 26, and Lance Stroll of Racing Point, aged 21, in one of the youngest top-three podium finishers in modern times. "This team has done so much for me. They have given me my first opportunity in Formula One, my first podium and now my first victory," he said. "It is really crazy. I am so happy, I can't say enough. "I am so grateful to everyone on the team and to Honda. It is a power circuit here at Monza -- and we won the race. "So, it's a great day. I can't believe this happened to Alpha Tauri. We've just been focusing on ourselves and working on the car, step by step, since last year."

One year after Red Bull dumping, Gasly delivers maiden F1 triumph

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;on Thursday urged people to continue discussing their mental health and said, based on his personal experience, that it was a strength and not a weakness for people to show their vulnerability.

The championship leader and six-time world champion said he experienced "difficult days" in his own life, explaining that this season's run of triple-header race weekends meant that he was often lonely and grateful for contact from his family.

"I think I'm managing," he told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix.

"I've got a great group of people around me. I think Covid's given me the time to focus on communication and improving that between family and getting a deeper relationship with my mum, getting a deeper relationship with my dad, my brother, my sister and those that I work with."

In a post on social media,&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;said: "There are two sides to me. First, the one you see on TV -- the competitive, cut-throat, hungry racer in me that comes out when I close the visor.

"When the visor is down I come alive, all my fears, insecurities and doubts are cast aside and my focus kicks in and will not break until the job is done. It feels like I get to have the superpowers I always dreamed of having, but behind the wheel.

"Second, there's just me. Someone who is figuring life out, day by day, just like you."

"Like many of you, I'm just trying to be and do my best in everything. I also have a lot of difficult days….especially in the bubble that we're currently in.

"You get lonely, you miss your friends and family, and with back to back race weeks it means there's not much time for anything, but work.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is it's never a bad thing to ask for help if you need it or to tell somebody how you feel. Showing your vulnerable side doesn't make you weak. Instead, I like to think of it as a chance to become stronger."

Hamilton&nbsp;is only two wins short of equalling Michael Schumacher's record haul of 91 race wins as he heads towards his record-equalling seventh title.

He said he believed it was important that he was open and expressed himself.

"I think as competitors, it's not the first thing you think about doing, being open and expressing yourself, but I think it's very important, more important than what's happening here."

"We arrive -- and you're on TV for three days and it all looks pretty good, but the fact is you only see the tip of the iceberg. There's all the stuff that goes on in the background.

"So that's what I was trying to convey -- that's its ok to have the difficult days, they're the growing days."

Lewis Hamilton on Thursday urged people to continue discussing their mental health and said, based on his personal experience, that it was a strength and not a weakness for people to show their vulnerability.

Lewis Hamilton on Thursday urged people to continue discussing their mental health and said, based on his personal experience, that it was a strength and not a weakness for people to show their vulnerability. The championship leader and six-time world champion said he experienced "difficult days" in his own life, explaining that this season's run of triple-header race weekends meant that he was often lonely and grateful for contact from his family. "I think I'm managing," he told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix. "I've got a great group of people around me. I think Covid's given me the time to focus on communication and improving that between family and getting a deeper relationship with my mum, getting a deeper relationship with my dad, my brother, my sister and those that I work with." In a post on social media, Hamilton said: "There are two sides to me. First, the one you see on TV -- the competitive, cut-throat, hungry racer in me that comes out when I close the visor. "When the visor is down I come alive, all my fears, insecurities and doubts are cast aside and my focus kicks in and will not break until the job is done. It feels like I get to have the superpowers I always dreamed of having, but behind the wheel. "Second, there's just me. Someone who is figuring life out, day by day, just like you." "Like many of you, I'm just trying to be and do my best in everything. I also have a lot of difficult days….especially in the bubble that we're currently in. "You get lonely, you miss your friends and family, and with back to back race weeks it means there's not much time for anything, but work. "I guess what I'm trying to say is it's never a bad thing to ask for help if you need it or to tell somebody how you feel. Showing your vulnerable side doesn't make you weak. Instead, I like to think of it as a chance to become stronger." Hamilton is only two wins short of equalling Michael Schumacher's record haul of 91 race wins as he heads towards his record-equalling seventh title. He said he believed it was important that he was open and expressed himself. "I think as competitors, it's not the first thing you think about doing, being open and expressing yourself, but I think it's very important, more important than what's happening here." "We arrive -- and you're on TV for three days and it all looks pretty good, but the fact is you only see the tip of the iceberg. There's all the stuff that goes on in the background. "So that's what I was trying to convey -- that's its ok to have the difficult days, they're the growing days."

Hamilton admits to 'lonely, difficult days'

Lewis Hamilton will seek to break more records and a few hearts this weekend when he bids to win the Italian Grand Prix for Mercedes while Ferrari, without the 'tifosi' in attendance, hope only to avoid embarrassment at their traditional home event.

Championship leader and six-time world champion Hamilton has won five of this year's seven races and is now within two triumphs of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's career total of 91 wins as he demolishes the German's statistical grip on Formula One's peaks.

This weekend, he will be favourite to claim his sixth victory in the old royal park, moving him one clear of the record five he now shares with Schumacher – and leaving him on 90 wins overall ahead of the Tuscany Grand Prix a week later, an event organised to celebrate Ferrari's 1,000th F1 race.

After their dismal and pointless performance at last Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, it is a nightmare scenario.&nbsp;

Ferrari travelled back to Italy warning absent fans not to expect miracles.&nbsp;

Many believe Ferrari could be heading towards the team's worst-ever Monza performance in 70 years.&nbsp;

The 'scarlet scuderia' has won 19 of the 69 races to date, but will – if they repeat their Belgian showing – register a new first by failing to qualify a car in the top ten on the grid and in the race.

Monza is famous as the "temple of speed", a track where outright power and straight line speed are usually decisive.&nbsp;

"It is a circuit that is high power-sensitive," said Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto.

"So it may change the balance of competitiveness in qualifying and we all know how important it is to start ahead on the grid."

In the circumstances, departing four-time champion Sebastian Vettel has said it is "probably better" that there will be no fans at the behind-closed-doors event, his last race in red at Monza.

"Don't get me wrong, it will be sad not to have the fans in Monza – it is the first time," he said.

"For me, it would be so difficult to race in front of the Ferrari fans knowing it's my last time in red. So, in that regard, perhaps it is a little better this way."

Given his excellence this year, Hamilton will be expected to rule again, but he may face a serious challenge from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, as well as a threat from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the only other drivers to have won this season.

Bottas this week revealed that Hamilton has raised his game in qualifying this year to a level that he is struggling to match.&nbsp;

"Lewis has been really consistent, not making any mistakes in qualifying," said the Finn.

Hamilton has five wins from pole already in 2020 while his fastest lap last Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps prompted Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff to suggest he was "extra terrestrial".

"This year, I have had to make a couple of adjustments and with this car it seems to work quite well," said Hamilton.&nbsp;

"So now I am back to being able to produce qualifying laps that I was able to do before last year and on a more consistent basis."

Lewis Hamilton will seek to break more records and a few hearts this weekend when he bids to win the Italian Grand Prix for Mercedes while Ferrari, without the 'tifosi' in attendance, hope only to avoid embarrassment at their traditional home event.

Lewis Hamilton will seek to break more records and a few hearts this weekend when he bids to win the Italian Grand Prix for Mercedes while Ferrari, without the 'tifosi' in attendance, hope only to avoid embarrassment at their traditional home event. Championship leader and six-time world champion Hamilton has won five of this year's seven races and is now within two triumphs of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's career total of 91 wins as he demolishes the German's statistical grip on Formula One's peaks. This weekend, he will be favourite to claim his sixth victory in the old royal park, moving him one clear of the record five he now shares with Schumacher – and leaving him on 90 wins overall ahead of the Tuscany Grand Prix a week later, an event organised to celebrate Ferrari's 1,000th F1 race. After their dismal and pointless performance at last Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, it is a nightmare scenario. Ferrari travelled back to Italy warning absent fans not to expect miracles. Many believe Ferrari could be heading towards the team's worst-ever Monza performance in 70 years. The 'scarlet scuderia' has won 19 of the 69 races to date, but will – if they repeat their Belgian showing – register a new first by failing to qualify a car in the top ten on the grid and in the race. Monza is famous as the "temple of speed", a track where outright power and straight line speed are usually decisive. "It is a circuit that is high power-sensitive," said Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto. "So it may change the balance of competitiveness in qualifying and we all know how important it is to start ahead on the grid." In the circumstances, departing four-time champion Sebastian Vettel has said it is "probably better" that there will be no fans at the behind-closed-doors event, his last race in red at Monza. "Don't get me wrong, it will be sad not to have the fans in Monza – it is the first time," he said. "For me, it would be so difficult to race in front of the Ferrari fans knowing it's my last time in red. So, in that regard, perhaps it is a little better this way." Given his excellence this year, Hamilton will be expected to rule again, but he may face a serious challenge from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, as well as a threat from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the only other drivers to have won this season. Bottas this week revealed that Hamilton has raised his game in qualifying this year to a level that he is struggling to match. "Lewis has been really consistent, not making any mistakes in qualifying," said the Finn. Hamilton has five wins from pole already in 2020 while his fastest lap last Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps prompted Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff to suggest he was "extra terrestrial". "This year, I have had to make a couple of adjustments and with this car it seems to work quite well," said Hamilton. "So now I am back to being able to produce qualifying laps that I was able to do before last year and on a more consistent basis."

Hamilton aims to break Ferrari hearts at Monza's 'temple of speed'

Lewis Hamilton saluted actor Chadwick Boseman on the podium after a majestic 89th career win at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he would prefer to have to fight harder for victories.

The championship leader and six-time Formula One champion made the crossed-forearms gesture from the "Black Panther" movies in respect for Hollywood star Boseman, who died on Friday, and to whose memory he had dedicated his 93rd pole position on Saturday.

Hamilton said he had been inspired by Boseman to produce another flawless performance.

"It feels great to finish on a high this weekend, particularly with Chad dying because he made everyone feel like a superhero."

Hamilton claimed his fifth win in seven outings this year to increase his lead in the title race to 47 points. His team-mate Valtteri Bottas was second.

"I know it is not necessarily what everyone wants to see – the two Mercedes at the front," said Hamilton.

He said he would prefer to have closer racing with multi-stop racing, instead of one-stop, as most drivers finished Sunday's race managing their tyres.

"Today was really all about tyres. Everyone doing this one-stop thing — it's really boring. At the end of the day, we are all managing out there, which is not racing. At the end, we are backing off, maybe it would have been fine but it was too big a risk today," he said.

"I really, really would like to have more of a fight, but that is not on me." &nbsp;

Hamilton said that the Mercedes domination was a product of the team's approach.&nbsp;

"No matter how much success we have, we have to keep our heads down," he said.&nbsp;

"It's an incredible mentality and I feel so privileged to be a part of this team."

He said that although his race appeared to be under control from lights to flag, it had ended tensely as he nursed his car to the finish on worn tyres.

"It was a bit of a struggle, but nonetheless it was ok," he said.&nbsp;

"I was a little nervous that we may have something like that which we had at Silverstone with the tyre – so I was nursing it to the end."

Hamilton won the British Grand Prix on three good wheels after suffering a last lap puncture.

He added that, on a personal level, he felt confident, fit and strong ahead of the races ahead, starting with two in Italy in successive weeks.

"I am 35 now, going towards 36, but I feel better than ever," he said. "That is a positive."

Bottas said he had been unable to catch Hamilton.

"Lewis played the start really well and I couldn't get the momentum. I think he was faultless today and yesterday, of course, he was quick. I did my best and I am glad there is another opportunity next weekend."

Lewis Hamilton saluted actor Chadwick Boseman on the podium after a majestic 89th career win at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he would prefer to have to fight harder for victories.

Lewis Hamilton saluted actor Chadwick Boseman on the podium after a majestic 89th career win at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he would prefer to have to fight harder for victories. The championship leader and six-time Formula One champion made the crossed-forearms gesture from the "Black Panther" movies in respect for Hollywood star Boseman, who died on Friday, and to whose memory he had dedicated his 93rd pole position on Saturday. Hamilton said he had been inspired by Boseman to produce another flawless performance. "It feels great to finish on a high this weekend, particularly with Chad dying because he made everyone feel like a superhero." Hamilton claimed his fifth win in seven outings this year to increase his lead in the title race to 47 points. His team-mate Valtteri Bottas was second. "I know it is not necessarily what everyone wants to see – the two Mercedes at the front," said Hamilton. He said he would prefer to have closer racing with multi-stop racing, instead of one-stop, as most drivers finished Sunday's race managing their tyres. "Today was really all about tyres. Everyone doing this one-stop thing — it's really boring. At the end of the day, we are all managing out there, which is not racing. At the end, we are backing off, maybe it would have been fine but it was too big a risk today," he said. "I really, really would like to have more of a fight, but that is not on me." Hamilton said that the Mercedes domination was a product of the team's approach. "No matter how much success we have, we have to keep our heads down," he said. "It's an incredible mentality and I feel so privileged to be a part of this team." He said that although his race appeared to be under control from lights to flag, it had ended tensely as he nursed his car to the finish on worn tyres. "It was a bit of a struggle, but nonetheless it was ok," he said. "I was a little nervous that we may have something like that which we had at Silverstone with the tyre – so I was nursing it to the end." Hamilton won the British Grand Prix on three good wheels after suffering a last lap puncture. He added that, on a personal level, he felt confident, fit and strong ahead of the races ahead, starting with two in Italy in successive weeks. "I am 35 now, going towards 36, but I feel better than ever," he said. "That is a positive." Bottas said he had been unable to catch Hamilton. "Lewis played the start really well and I couldn't get the momentum. I think he was faultless today and yesterday, of course, he was quick. I did my best and I am glad there is another opportunity next weekend."

Hamilton salutes Boseman and pleads for end to 'boring' racing

Lewis Hamilton will not boycott this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix in sympathy with American sports protests following the shooting of Jacob Blake in the United States, but said he felt unified with their cause.

The world championship leader and six-time champion told reporters via an official video news conference that he was impressed by the athletes taking action, which had led to the postponement of events.

"I stand unified with them and trying to do what I can over here (in Europe)," he explained.&nbsp;

"I don't really know how not doing the race...it will still go on, but I will speak to Formula One to see what else we can do to continue to raise awareness and continue to push."

A number of athletes in the United States led boycotts of sporting events this week after Blake - an unarmed, black man - was shot by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday.

Blake's shooting sparked a wave of protests across the world amid on-going activism against racism, police violence and racial injustice.

Hamilton added it was "incredible what many out there in the States are doing within their sports all the way down to the people that are hosting – commentators, for example.

"But that is America and I don't know really if me doing it here will have any affect. We're in Belgium. We're not in the United States."

The Wisconsin-based Milwaukee Bucks began the boycotts when they refused to play their NBA play-off on Wednesday, an action that was followed by several others including protests in baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hamilton added that it "such a mess over there (America)" and observed that "the president is just sitting there and not doing anything."

He said that "people are losing their lives on a daily basis due to racism."

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari said it was important for the F1 drivers to continue with their pre-race protest ceremonies, during which most of them take a knee.

"One thing is to take action in public," he said.

"I think more importantly, it's what everyone is deciding or how everyone is acting or confronting it once the cameras are off.

"That's true for us, being in a spotlight in a certain amount during a weekend, but also valid for everyone else."

Lewis Hamilton will not boycott this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix in sympathy with American sports protests following the shooting of Jacob Blake in the United States, but said he felt unified with their cause.

Lewis Hamilton will not boycott this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix in sympathy with American sports protests following the shooting of Jacob Blake in the United States, but said he felt unified with their cause. The world championship leader and six-time champion told reporters via an official video news conference that he was impressed by the athletes taking action, which had led to the postponement of events. "I stand unified with them and trying to do what I can over here (in Europe)," he explained. "I don't really know how not doing the race...it will still go on, but I will speak to Formula One to see what else we can do to continue to raise awareness and continue to push." A number of athletes in the United States led boycotts of sporting events this week after Blake - an unarmed, black man - was shot by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Sunday. Blake's shooting sparked a wave of protests across the world amid on-going activism against racism, police violence and racial injustice. Hamilton added it was "incredible what many out there in the States are doing within their sports all the way down to the people that are hosting – commentators, for example. "But that is America and I don't know really if me doing it here will have any affect. We're in Belgium. We're not in the United States." The Wisconsin-based Milwaukee Bucks began the boycotts when they refused to play their NBA play-off on Wednesday, an action that was followed by several others including protests in baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hamilton added that it "such a mess over there (America)" and observed that "the president is just sitting there and not doing anything." He said that "people are losing their lives on a daily basis due to racism." Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari said it was important for the F1 drivers to continue with their pre-race protest ceremonies, during which most of them take a knee. "One thing is to take action in public," he said. "I think more importantly, it's what everyone is deciding or how everyone is acting or confronting it once the cameras are off. "That's true for us, being in a spotlight in a certain amount during a weekend, but also valid for everyone else."

Hamilton will not boycott Belgian Grand Prix

Former Formula One champions Williams announced their sale to U.S.-based private investment firm Dorilton Capital on Friday, a deal that marked the end of an era for the struggling family-owned team.

They will continue to race under the Williams brand and remain at their Grove headquarters in England, the statement added.

It said the deal for Williams Racing was supported unanimously by the board, including 78-year-old co-founder Frank Williams, and would secure the long-term success of the struggling team.

“This may be the end of an era for Williams as a family owned team, but we know it is in good hands,” said deputy principal Claire Williams, Frank’s daughter.

“The sale ensures the team’s survival but most importantly will provide a path to success.”

Williams, whose current drivers are Britain’s George Russell and Canadian Nicholas Latifi, had announced in May they were considering selling the team as part of a strategic review.

There were no financial details given and a spokeswoman could not confirm the team’s future management structure.

Dorilton’s website says, however, that it partners with companies “that are led by strong management teams and have a successful history and culture.

“We firmly believe in our companies continuing with the elements that have made them successful,” it added.

Williams will be the second U.S.-owned team, after Haas, in a sport that sees North America as a key growth area under commercial rights holders Liberty Media, who are headquartered in Colorado.

They are the third oldest and most successful constructor in the sport’s history, with 114 wins and 16 titles, but have not won a race since 2012 and their last championship was with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

Founded in 1977 as Williams Grand Prix Engineering, the team were at their peak in the 1980s and 90s with champions Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Villeneuve.

The team finished last overall in 2019, despite using the same engines as champions Mercedes, and are currently last this year after six races without points.

The team’s finances have suffered as a result of poor track performance and the COVID-19 pandemic that led to a spate of race cancellations and a season that did not start until last month.

The future looks brighter, however, with all 10 teams signing up to a new Concorde Agreement that promises a fairer share of the revenues and a more level playing field between the big teams and smaller private ones.

“The new Concorde Agreement is set to transform the sport and will help address the historical challenges that Williams has faced as an independent constructor,” the team statement said.

Dorilton chairman Matthew Savage looked forward to working with Williams “in carrying out a detailed review of the business to determine in which areas new investment should be directed.

“We also recognise the world class facilities at Grove and confirm that there are no plans to relocate,” he added.

Former Formula One champions Williams announced their sale to U.S.-based private investment firm Dorilton Capital on Friday, a deal that marked the end of an era for the struggling family-owned team.

Former Formula One champions Williams announced their sale to U.S.-based private investment firm Dorilton Capital on Friday, a deal that marked the end of an era for the struggling family-owned team. They will continue to race under the Williams brand and remain at their Grove headquarters in England, the statement added. It said the deal for Williams Racing was supported unanimously by the board, including 78-year-old co-founder Frank Williams, and would secure the long-term success of the struggling team. “This may be the end of an era for Williams as a family owned team, but we know it is in good hands,” said deputy principal Claire Williams, Frank’s daughter. “The sale ensures the team’s survival but most importantly will provide a path to success.” Williams, whose current drivers are Britain’s George Russell and Canadian Nicholas Latifi, had announced in May they were considering selling the team as part of a strategic review. There were no financial details given and a spokeswoman could not confirm the team’s future management structure. Dorilton’s website says, however, that it partners with companies “that are led by strong management teams and have a successful history and culture. “We firmly believe in our companies continuing with the elements that have made them successful,” it added. Williams will be the second U.S.-owned team, after Haas, in a sport that sees North America as a key growth area under commercial rights holders Liberty Media, who are headquartered in Colorado. They are the third oldest and most successful constructor in the sport’s history, with 114 wins and 16 titles, but have not won a race since 2012 and their last championship was with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve in 1997. Founded in 1977 as Williams Grand Prix Engineering, the team were at their peak in the 1980s and 90s with champions Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Villeneuve. The team finished last overall in 2019, despite using the same engines as champions Mercedes, and are currently last this year after six races without points. The team’s finances have suffered as a result of poor track performance and the COVID-19 pandemic that led to a spate of race cancellations and a season that did not start until last month. The future looks brighter, however, with all 10 teams signing up to a new Concorde Agreement that promises a fairer share of the revenues and a more level playing field between the big teams and smaller private ones. “The new Concorde Agreement is set to transform the sport and will help address the historical challenges that Williams has faced as an independent constructor,” the team statement said. Dorilton chairman Matthew Savage looked forward to working with Williams “in carrying out a detailed review of the business to determine in which areas new investment should be directed. “We also recognise the world class facilities at Grove and confirm that there are no plans to relocate,” he added.

Dorilton takeover marks end of an era for Williams F1

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton won in Spain for the fourth year in a row on Sunday to celebrate a record 156th podium finish and stretch his already commanding lead to 37 points.

The victory from pole position on a sweltering afternoon at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, in a race without spectators due to the pandemic, was the 88th of the Mercedes driver’s career, and one of the more straightforward.

The six-times champion lapped all but the top three in a race that offered few thrills other than for fans of tyre management.

“I was in a different zone — I didn’t even realise it was the last lap,” said Hamilton, who described the race as one of his best in terms of how he drove.

“I was just in a daze out there...I was ready to keep going,” he added, speaking of how he felt completely at one with the car.

Hamilton is now just three wins short of Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s unmatched 91, and the podium ended another of the German’s records that he had shared with the Briton since last Sunday at Silverstone.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s closest challenger after six races and winner a week ago of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, finished runner-up but a massive 24.177 seconds behind.

Valtteri Bottas was third for Mercedes, having taken the fastest lap after a late stop for fresh tyres, in another big setback for the Finn.

Verstappen has now beaten Bottas in the last four races and been second to Hamilton in three of them. Hamilton has 132 points to Verstappen’s 95, with Bottas falling further behind on 89.

“The weakness for Valtteri today was the start. He caught up to Max but he couldn’t overtake as the soft tyres didn’t work as expected,” commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.

<h3>WARNING FLAGS</h3>

Verstappen had lined up third on the grid but grabbed second at the start as Bottas was squeezed on both sides and dropped to fourth, taking back third place four laps later.

Canadian Lance Stroll took fourth place for Racing Point with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez ahead of him at the finish, on a one-stop strategy, but with a five-second penalty for ignoring blue warning flags.

Stroll had seized third at the start with an impressive surge past his team mate, who was returning from two weeks in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.

“I saw a gap on the inside went for it, and it really set me up,” said the Canadian, whose team were again protested by Renault afterwards as at the previous four races. Stewards applied a reprimand, as before.

Racing Point have already been docked 15 points and fined 400,000 euros for a breach of the sporting regulations with a car that is a close copy of last year’s Mercedes but Renault are appealing for a heavier punishment.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz was sixth for McLaren and Sebastian Vettel seventh for Ferrari, after doing close to 40 laps on one set of soft tyres, with Red Bull’s Alexander Albon eighth for Red Bull.

AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was ninth and Lando Norris took the final point for McLaren.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was the sole retirement of the afternoon, having spun off after an engine cut-out due to an electrical problem, possibly caused by a kerb.

The Monegasque got the car started again but headed straight to the pits and retired from last place.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton won in Spain for the fourth year in a row on Sunday to celebrate a record 156th podium finish and stretch his already commanding lead to 37 points.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton won in Spain for the fourth year in a row on Sunday to celebrate a record 156th podium finish and stretch his already commanding lead to 37 points. The victory from pole position on a sweltering afternoon at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, in a race without spectators due to the pandemic, was the 88th of the Mercedes driver’s career, and one of the more straightforward. The six-times champion lapped all but the top three in a race that offered few thrills other than for fans of tyre management. “I was in a different zone — I didn’t even realise it was the last lap,” said Hamilton, who described the race as one of his best in terms of how he drove. “I was just in a daze out there...I was ready to keep going,” he added, speaking of how he felt completely at one with the car. Hamilton is now just three wins short of Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s unmatched 91, and the podium ended another of the German’s records that he had shared with the Briton since last Sunday at Silverstone. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s closest challenger after six races and winner a week ago of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, finished runner-up but a massive 24.177 seconds behind. Valtteri Bottas was third for Mercedes, having taken the fastest lap after a late stop for fresh tyres, in another big setback for the Finn. Verstappen has now beaten Bottas in the last four races and been second to Hamilton in three of them. Hamilton has 132 points to Verstappen’s 95, with Bottas falling further behind on 89. “The weakness for Valtteri today was the start. He caught up to Max but he couldn’t overtake as the soft tyres didn’t work as expected,” commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. WARNING FLAGS Verstappen had lined up third on the grid but grabbed second at the start as Bottas was squeezed on both sides and dropped to fourth, taking back third place four laps later. Canadian Lance Stroll took fourth place for Racing Point with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez ahead of him at the finish, on a one-stop strategy, but with a five-second penalty for ignoring blue warning flags. Stroll had seized third at the start with an impressive surge past his team mate, who was returning from two weeks in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. “I saw a gap on the inside went for it, and it really set me up,” said the Canadian, whose team were again protested by Renault afterwards as at the previous four races. Stewards applied a reprimand, as before. Racing Point have already been docked 15 points and fined 400,000 euros for a breach of the sporting regulations with a car that is a close copy of last year’s Mercedes but Renault are appealing for a heavier punishment. Spaniard Carlos Sainz was sixth for McLaren and Sebastian Vettel seventh for Ferrari, after doing close to 40 laps on one set of soft tyres, with Red Bull’s Alexander Albon eighth for Red Bull. AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was ninth and Lando Norris took the final point for McLaren. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was the sole retirement of the afternoon, having spun off after an engine cut-out due to an electrical problem, possibly caused by a kerb. The Monegasque got the car started again but headed straight to the pits and retired from last place.

Dazed Hamilton takes dominant win in the Spanish heat

Valtteri Bottas set the pace ahead of his team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes resumed normal service by topping the times in Friday’s opening Spanish Grand Prix practice.

The Finn clocked a best lap in one minute and 16.785 seconds to outpace the six-time champion by 0.039sec with last Sunday’s race victor Max Verstappen third for Red Bull, nine-tenths adrift of the fastest time.

The Dutchman had beaten both Mercedes men to claim the ninth win of his career in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix in sweltering conditions at Silverstone.

But with the temperature hovering at 28 degrees on a perfect summer’s day at the Circuit de Catalunya there were no major heating or tyre issues for the ‘black arrows’ this time out.

Charles Leclerc finished fourth ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel, running in a new chassis, Romain Grosjean of Haas and Sergio Perez of Racing Point.

Mexican Perez was back in action after missing both Silverstone races due to coronavirus.

Alex Albon was eighth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen in the second Haas and Lance Stroll in the second Racing Point.

The session was run in near-ideal conditions and delivered few incidents apart from complaints by Hamilton about his left-front tyre wearing rapidly and his team-mate’s radio communications reverting to a crackle.

Valtteri Bottas set the pace ahead of his team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes resumed normal service by topping the times in Friday’s opening Spanish Grand Prix practice.

Valtteri Bottas set the pace ahead of his team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes resumed normal service by topping the times in Friday’s opening Spanish Grand Prix practice. The Finn clocked a best lap in one minute and 16.785 seconds to outpace the six-time champion by 0.039sec with last Sunday’s race victor Max Verstappen third for Red Bull, nine-tenths adrift of the fastest time. The Dutchman had beaten both Mercedes men to claim the ninth win of his career in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix in sweltering conditions at Silverstone. But with the temperature hovering at 28 degrees on a perfect summer’s day at the Circuit de Catalunya there were no major heating or tyre issues for the ‘black arrows’ this time out. Charles Leclerc finished fourth ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel, running in a new chassis, Romain Grosjean of Haas and Sergio Perez of Racing Point. Mexican Perez was back in action after missing both Silverstone races due to coronavirus. Alex Albon was eighth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen in the second Haas and Lance Stroll in the second Racing Point. The session was run in near-ideal conditions and delivered few incidents apart from complaints by Hamilton about his left-front tyre wearing rapidly and his team-mate’s radio communications reverting to a crackle.

Bottas tops Hamilton as Mercedes return to form

Former champions Williams joined McLaren on Wednesday in dropping plans to appeal a stewards decision against Formula One rivals Racing Point.

The matter will still go to the governing FIA’s International Court of Appeal after Ferrari and Renault confirmed their intention to take the matter forward.

“After careful consideration, Williams have elected not to proceed with the formal appeal,” the Mercedes-powered team said in a statement.

“We believe the FIA’s decision to seek the prohibition of extensive car copying for 2021 onwards addresses our most fundamental concern and reasserts the role and responsibility of a constructor within the sport.”

McLaren, who will switch from Renault to Mercedes engines next season, said on Tuesday they had dropped plans to appeal.

Racing Point’s car is a visual copy of last year’s Mercedes, who provide their engines and gearbox, and the argument is about what it means to be a constructor and how much of the car has to be designed in-house.

Racing Point were fined 400,000 euros ($469,880.00) and docked 15 constructors’ championship points after Renault protested the brake ducts on the car. The team are allowed to continue racing with it, however.($1 = 0.8513 euros)

Former champions Williams joined McLaren on Wednesday in dropping plans to appeal a stewards decision against Formula One rivals Racing Point. The matter will still go to the governing FIA’s International Court of Appeal after Ferrari and Renault confirmed their intention to take the matter forward.

Former champions Williams joined McLaren on Wednesday in dropping plans to appeal a stewards decision against Formula One rivals Racing Point. The matter will still go to the governing FIA’s International Court of Appeal after Ferrari and Renault confirmed their intention to take the matter forward. “After careful consideration, Williams have elected not to proceed with the formal appeal,” the Mercedes-powered team said in a statement. “We believe the FIA’s decision to seek the prohibition of extensive car copying for 2021 onwards addresses our most fundamental concern and reasserts the role and responsibility of a constructor within the sport.” McLaren, who will switch from Renault to Mercedes engines next season, said on Tuesday they had dropped plans to appeal. Racing Point’s car is a visual copy of last year’s Mercedes, who provide their engines and gearbox, and the argument is about what it means to be a constructor and how much of the car has to be designed in-house. Racing Point were fined 400,000 euros ($469,880.00) and docked 15 constructors’ championship points after Renault protested the brake ducts on the car. The team are allowed to continue racing with it, however.($1 = 0.8513 euros)

Motor racing: Williams follow McLaren in dropping Racing Point appeal

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday to end Mercedes’ dominant start to the season and become Lewis Hamilton’s closest challenger.

In a race dictated by tyre wear and strategy, six-times world champion Hamilton swept past Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas two laps from the end to take second place and stay 30 points clear in the standings.

Hamilton, who gained an extra point for fastest lap, also equalled Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s record of 155 career podium finishes and extended his own unmatched scoring run to 38 races in a row.

“I didn’t see it coming, but after the first stint it seemed like we were really good on tyres,” said Verstappen as he celebrated a ninth career win that lifted him to 77 points with Hamilton on 107.

“I didn’t really have a lot of tyre issues at all. We just kept pushing.”

An unhappy Bottas dropped to third overall on 73 points after starting on pole position in a race run, like all the others, without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a team, we were sleeping at some point when Max managed to get ahead of us and my strategy was far, far from ideal. Lots to learn from today, I think,” said the Finn.

Mercedes had won the delayed season’s four previous races, and taken every pole, but Verstappen was alone among the top 10 on the grid to start on the hard tyres and it paid off in a race celebrating the championship’s birth at Silverstone in 1950.

<h3>“LIKE A GRANDMA”</h3>

Mercedes were mindful that Hamilton and Bottas had both suffered late blowouts at the previous weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, when Hamilton won on three wheels, in trying to eke out a one-stopper.

Pirelli had brought softer tyres this time and Mercedes were suffering in a fast-changing two-stop race with Verstappen able to run a longer first stint to seize the initiative.

“The tyre’s not going to blow, right?,” Hamilton asked about his rear left with 17 laps to go. “We think it’s OK. It’s just the blistering,” came the reply.

Verstappen’s confidence throughout was evident, the youngster replying to a team warning about his tyres by saying he was not about to sit behind “like a grandma”.

“We haven’t really had an opportunity in all the races so far to push them and I could see we were pushing them. I tried to put the pressure on, they had to pit, I did my own pace,” he said.

Hamilton ultimately made his second pitstop with 11 laps to go, using his fresh tyres to quickly pass Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc before targeting Bottas.

Leclerc ended up fourth after doing just one stop.

His team mate Sebastian Vettel, a four-times world champion who is leaving at the end of the year, had another dismal afternoon — spinning on the opening lap and fortunate not to take out other cars before dropping to last and finishing 12th.

Red Bull’s Alexander Albon took fifth and the Racing Points of Lance Stroll and stand-in Nico Hulkenberg were sixth and seventh.

Hulkenberg had started third as a replacement for COVID-positive Mexican Sergio Perez but his hopes of a first podium at the 178th attempt faded at the start and he ended up making three stops.

Renault’s Esteban Ocon was eighth with McLaren’s Lando Norris ninth and Russian Daniil Kvyat taking the final point for AlphaTauri.

The sixth round of the championship is at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya next weekend.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday to end Mercedes’ dominant start to the season and become Lewis Hamilton’s closest challenger.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won Formula One’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday to end Mercedes’ dominant start to the season and become Lewis Hamilton’s closest challenger. In a race dictated by tyre wear and strategy, six-times world champion Hamilton swept past Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas two laps from the end to take second place and stay 30 points clear in the standings. Hamilton, who gained an extra point for fastest lap, also equalled Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s record of 155 career podium finishes and extended his own unmatched scoring run to 38 races in a row. “I didn’t see it coming, but after the first stint it seemed like we were really good on tyres,” said Verstappen as he celebrated a ninth career win that lifted him to 77 points with Hamilton on 107. “I didn’t really have a lot of tyre issues at all. We just kept pushing.” An unhappy Bottas dropped to third overall on 73 points after starting on pole position in a race run, like all the others, without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a team, we were sleeping at some point when Max managed to get ahead of us and my strategy was far, far from ideal. Lots to learn from today, I think,” said the Finn. Mercedes had won the delayed season’s four previous races, and taken every pole, but Verstappen was alone among the top 10 on the grid to start on the hard tyres and it paid off in a race celebrating the championship’s birth at Silverstone in 1950. “LIKE A GRANDMA” Mercedes were mindful that Hamilton and Bottas had both suffered late blowouts at the previous weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, when Hamilton won on three wheels, in trying to eke out a one-stopper. Pirelli had brought softer tyres this time and Mercedes were suffering in a fast-changing two-stop race with Verstappen able to run a longer first stint to seize the initiative. “The tyre’s not going to blow, right?,” Hamilton asked about his rear left with 17 laps to go. “We think it’s OK. It’s just the blistering,” came the reply. Verstappen’s confidence throughout was evident, the youngster replying to a team warning about his tyres by saying he was not about to sit behind “like a grandma”. “We haven’t really had an opportunity in all the races so far to push them and I could see we were pushing them. I tried to put the pressure on, they had to pit, I did my own pace,” he said. Hamilton ultimately made his second pitstop with 11 laps to go, using his fresh tyres to quickly pass Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc before targeting Bottas. Leclerc ended up fourth after doing just one stop. His team mate Sebastian Vettel, a four-times world champion who is leaving at the end of the year, had another dismal afternoon — spinning on the opening lap and fortunate not to take out other cars before dropping to last and finishing 12th. Red Bull’s Alexander Albon took fifth and the Racing Points of Lance Stroll and stand-in Nico Hulkenberg were sixth and seventh. Hulkenberg had started third as a replacement for COVID-positive Mexican Sergio Perez but his hopes of a first podium at the 178th attempt faded at the start and he ended up making three stops. Renault’s Esteban Ocon was eighth with McLaren’s Lando Norris ninth and Russian Daniil Kvyat taking the final point for AlphaTauri. The sixth round of the championship is at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya next weekend.

Verstappen steps up to end Mercedes' winning start

Formule One star Charles Leclerc on Thursday complained that his words have been "manipulated" on social media to suggest he is racist because he has not joined drivers taking a knee before races.

The Monegasque Ferrari driver argued his case both a video news conference ahead of this weekend's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, and in a series of tweets earlier in the afternoon.

He told the press conference he "did not want to be judged any more."

Leclerc is one of six drivers who chose to stand and not take a knee during all four pre-race anti-racism demonstrations this season.

On Thursday, he complained he had become a focus of criticism.

"It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist," he wrote in the first of a series of tweets.

"I am not racist and I absolutely hate racism. Racism is disgusting," he went on.

"Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating others because of their skin colour, religion or gender.

"I'm not part of them and I never will. I've always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today's world.

"And to whoever is using my image to promote their wrong ideas, please stop. I'm not into politics and I don't want to be involved in that."

He talked about his tweets during the news conference.

"As I've said many times, I'm quite active on social media and I just do not accept to be called the way I've been called in the last few weeks -- negatively obviously, just because of not kneeling.

"I just wanted to make a straightforward tweet just to express my feelings and that's it."

Fellow-driver Kevin Magnussen of Haas also explained his position on Thursday after he chose to abandon kneeling and to stand instead before last Sunday's British Grand Prix.&nbsp;

Magnussen said he wanted to support F1's anti-racism stance, but to distance himself from any political message associated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Formule One star Charles Leclerc on Thursday complained that his words have been "manipulated" on social media to suggest he is racist because he has not joined drivers taking a knee before races.

Formule One star Charles Leclerc on Thursday complained that his words have been "manipulated" on social media to suggest he is racist because he has not joined drivers taking a knee before races. The Monegasque Ferrari driver argued his case both a video news conference ahead of this weekend's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, and in a series of tweets earlier in the afternoon. He told the press conference he "did not want to be judged any more." Leclerc is one of six drivers who chose to stand and not take a knee during all four pre-race anti-racism demonstrations this season. On Thursday, he complained he had become a focus of criticism. "It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist," he wrote in the first of a series of tweets. "I am not racist and I absolutely hate racism. Racism is disgusting," he went on. "Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating others because of their skin colour, religion or gender. "I'm not part of them and I never will. I've always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today's world. "And to whoever is using my image to promote their wrong ideas, please stop. I'm not into politics and I don't want to be involved in that." He talked about his tweets during the news conference. "As I've said many times, I'm quite active on social media and I just do not accept to be called the way I've been called in the last few weeks -- negatively obviously, just because of not kneeling. "I just wanted to make a straightforward tweet just to express my feelings and that's it." Fellow-driver Kevin Magnussen of Haas also explained his position on Thursday after he chose to abandon kneeling and to stand instead before last Sunday's British Grand Prix. Magnussen said he wanted to support F1's anti-racism stance, but to distance himself from any political message associated with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Leclerc says criticism unfair after social media charges of racism

Valtteri&nbsp;Bottas is looking forward to battle for Formula One world championship next season after Mercedes on Thursday announced that he would be racing for them until at least the end of 2021. Mercedes made it clear that they would be retaining the 30-year-old Finn fort a fifth successive season in what is likely to be an unchanged line-up for them.

Mercedes are likely to continue with six-time world champions Lewis Hamilton; whose contract ends at the end of the year. Team boss Toto Wolff said that Valtteri is an important step in retaining strength for the future while praising his work ethic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-after-vivos-exit-byjus-and-coca-cola-likely-to-join-race-for-title-sponsorship-318637" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: After Vivo's exit, BYJU's and Coca-Cola likely to join race for title sponsorship</a>

“I’m confident that we have the strongest driver pairing in F1 today and signing Valtteri is an important first step in retaining this strength for the future,” said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement ahead of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

“Valtteri is a hard-working, straightforward guy who has a good relationship with the entire team including his team-mate, which is not a given when both drivers are fighting for the championship.”

Hamilton leads Bottas by 30 points after four races and is heading for his fourth consecutive win on Sunday when Silverstone hosts a Grand Prix for second weekend in a row.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a>

Bottas, who was overall runners-up in 2019, won the season-opener in Austria and has won eight races with Mercedes since joining them in 2017.&nbsp;

“The past few years have been all about continuous improvement, working on every aspect of my performance. I’m confident that today I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, but I can always raise the bar,” he said.

“I’m in the fight for the title this year and staying with Mercedes puts me in the best possible position to compete for it next season as well.” 
&nbsp;

Valtteri Bottas is looking forward to battle for Formula One world championship next season after Mercedes on Thursday announced that he would be racing for them until at least the end of 2021.

Valtteri Bottas is looking forward to battle for Formula One world championship next season after Mercedes on Thursday announced that he would be racing for them until at least the end of 2021. Mercedes made it clear that they would be retaining the 30-year-old Finn fort a fifth successive season in what is likely to be an unchanged line-up for them. Mercedes are likely to continue with six-time world champions Lewis Hamilton; whose contract ends at the end of the year. Team boss Toto Wolff said that Valtteri is an important step in retaining strength for the future while praising his work ethic. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: After Vivo's exit, BYJU's and Coca-Cola likely to join race for title sponsorship “I’m confident that we have the strongest driver pairing in F1 today and signing Valtteri is an important first step in retaining this strength for the future,” said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement ahead of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. “Valtteri is a hard-working, straightforward guy who has a good relationship with the entire team including his team-mate, which is not a given when both drivers are fighting for the championship.” Hamilton leads Bottas by 30 points after four races and is heading for his fourth consecutive win on Sunday when Silverstone hosts a Grand Prix for second weekend in a row. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson Bottas, who was overall runners-up in 2019, won the season-opener in Austria and has won eight races with Mercedes since joining them in 2017. “The past few years have been all about continuous improvement, working on every aspect of my performance. I’m confident that today I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, but I can always raise the bar,” he said. “I’m in the fight for the title this year and staying with Mercedes puts me in the best possible position to compete for it next season as well.”

Mercedes confirm Valtteri Bottas for 2021 F1 season

Softer tyres and hotter temperatures will pose a fresh test for Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone on Sunday after the Formula One championship leader won last weekend’s British Grand Prix on three wheels and a flat.

Tyre supplier Pirelli had always planned a change of compounds for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, second of two at the circuit where the championship began in 1950, but there will be more scrutiny now.

Hamilton’s win after a last lap tyre failure will go down as one of his most dramatic and came after he completed more than three quarters of the race on a single set.

“One step softer is going to be a challenge for us all and no doubt will move us all to at least a two-stop,” the six-times world champion, now 30 points clear of team mate Valtteri Bottas, said last Sunday.

“Obviously our cars are a lot quicker this year, we’re using the same tyres as last year, they (Pirelli) weren’t able to develop a better tyre to deal with the forces for this season, so it’s going to be a serious challenge I think.”

Team boss Toto Wolff agreed: “The hotter conditions brought the field closer together last week and the softer tyres will mean more pit stops and more variability with strategy, so we can expect a good fight.”

Hamilton has won the last three races, out of four so far in this COVID-19 affected season, and will start as favourite again.

If he finishes on the podium the Briton will equal the Formula One record of 155 set by Ferrari great Michael Schumacher.

Another win would leave him just three short of Schumacher’s record 91.

Mercedes have won all four races in dominant fashion, with Bottas triumphant in the Austrian opener last month, and rivals recognise the champions are in a league of their own.

They would have had a one-two on Sunday had Bottas not suffered a tyre failure a lap before Hamilton and plunged from second to 11th.

“Maybe you find a tenth, or one-and-a-half, OK and we are a bit closer — but it’s not close enough,” said Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

“You have to be realistic. I mean you can dream, and you can hope, but I think it’s way more important to be realistic because that’s how you move forward,” added the Dutch driver, who finished second on Sunday.

Ferrari will be hoping young Monegasque Charles Leclerc can again get more out of the car than seemed possible after finishing third last weekend.

Nico Hulkenberg looks set for a second chance to start for Racing Point as stand-in for Mexican Sergio Perez, in quarantine after testing positive for the new coronavirus. The German was sidelined by a power unit problem last time.

Softer tyres and hotter temperatures will pose a fresh test for Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone on Sunday after the Formula One championship leader won last weekend’s British Grand Prix on three wheels and a flat.

Softer tyres and hotter temperatures will pose a fresh test for Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone on Sunday after the Formula One championship leader won last weekend’s British Grand Prix on three wheels and a flat. Tyre supplier Pirelli had always planned a change of compounds for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, second of two at the circuit where the championship began in 1950, but there will be more scrutiny now. Hamilton’s win after a last lap tyre failure will go down as one of his most dramatic and came after he completed more than three quarters of the race on a single set. “One step softer is going to be a challenge for us all and no doubt will move us all to at least a two-stop,” the six-times world champion, now 30 points clear of team mate Valtteri Bottas, said last Sunday. “Obviously our cars are a lot quicker this year, we’re using the same tyres as last year, they (Pirelli) weren’t able to develop a better tyre to deal with the forces for this season, so it’s going to be a serious challenge I think.” Team boss Toto Wolff agreed: “The hotter conditions brought the field closer together last week and the softer tyres will mean more pit stops and more variability with strategy, so we can expect a good fight.” Hamilton has won the last three races, out of four so far in this COVID-19 affected season, and will start as favourite again. If he finishes on the podium the Briton will equal the Formula One record of 155 set by Ferrari great Michael Schumacher. Another win would leave him just three short of Schumacher’s record 91. Mercedes have won all four races in dominant fashion, with Bottas triumphant in the Austrian opener last month, and rivals recognise the champions are in a league of their own. They would have had a one-two on Sunday had Bottas not suffered a tyre failure a lap before Hamilton and plunged from second to 11th. “Maybe you find a tenth, or one-and-a-half, OK and we are a bit closer — but it’s not close enough,” said Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. “You have to be realistic. I mean you can dream, and you can hope, but I think it’s way more important to be realistic because that’s how you move forward,” added the Dutch driver, who finished second on Sunday. Ferrari will be hoping young Monegasque Charles Leclerc can again get more out of the car than seemed possible after finishing third last weekend. Nico Hulkenberg looks set for a second chance to start for Racing Point as stand-in for Mexican Sergio Perez, in quarantine after testing positive for the new coronavirus. The German was sidelined by a power unit problem last time.

Softer tyres throw up a fresh challenge for Hamilton

Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez will miss Sunday’s British Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Racing Point team said on Thursday.

The Canadian-owned outfit said the 30-year-old, who is the first driver to test positive since the pandemic-hit season started this month, was “physically well and in good spirits”.

They said they planned to replace him for the race at Silverstone.

With Britain extending the virus isolation period to 10 days from seven on Thursday, Perez also looks set to miss the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix — race five — at the same circuit on the following weekend.

Racing Point share reserves with engine supplier Mercedes, who have Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez in those roles.

Both are experienced former F1 race drivers but Gutierrez would be the driver on call since Vandoorne is preparing for the final races of the stalled all-electric Formula E season in Berlin.

Racing Point could, however, call up another driver of their choice with Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg — who raced for Renault last season — one such possibility.

A decision will have to be made before practice starts on Friday.

Perez, who is sixth in the championship, and a small group of team mates who had come into contact with him had already gone into self-isolation after an initial test came back as inconclusive.

“The FIA and Formula One can now confirm that the result of his re-test is positive,” Formula One and the governing body said in a joint statement.

“Perez has entered self-quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the relevant public health authorities, and will continue to follow the procedure mandated by those authorities.”

<h3>NO WIDER IMPACT</h3>

Mexico has been hard hit by the virus, with the fourth highest number of fatalities in the world, but a Racing Point spokesman said Perez had not been back to his country since he last raced in Hungary on July 19.

Formula One has started its delayed season without spectators and under carefully controlled conditions, with teams operating in bubbles and all employees and those with access to the paddock tested every five days.

The sport had reported only two positive results, neither involving people who attended races, from more than 15,000 tests carried out from June 26 to July 23.

“The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula One have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend’s event,” the sport said.

Formula One chairman Chase Carey said before the start of the season that the sport would not cancel a race even if a driver tested positive.

“We encourage teams to have procedures in place so if an individual has to be put in quarantine, we have the ability to quarantine them at a hotel and to replace that individual,” he said then.

The original season-opener in Melbourne in March was cancelled after a McLaren employee tested positive before the track action had started.

Racing Point have been in the headlines on track as well this season, with their pink car a lookalike of last year’s title-winning Mercedes and subject to an ongoing protest by Renault.

The team are fourth, just one point behind McLaren.

Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez will miss Sunday’s British Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Racing Point team said on Thursday. The Canadian-owned outfit said the 30-year-old, who is the first driver to test positive since the pandemic-hit season started this month, was “physically well and in good spirits”.

Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez will miss Sunday’s British Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, his Racing Point team said on Thursday. The Canadian-owned outfit said the 30-year-old, who is the first driver to test positive since the pandemic-hit season started this month, was “physically well and in good spirits”. They said they planned to replace him for the race at Silverstone. With Britain extending the virus isolation period to 10 days from seven on Thursday, Perez also looks set to miss the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix — race five — at the same circuit on the following weekend. Racing Point share reserves with engine supplier Mercedes, who have Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez in those roles. Both are experienced former F1 race drivers but Gutierrez would be the driver on call since Vandoorne is preparing for the final races of the stalled all-electric Formula E season in Berlin. Racing Point could, however, call up another driver of their choice with Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg — who raced for Renault last season — one such possibility. A decision will have to be made before practice starts on Friday. Perez, who is sixth in the championship, and a small group of team mates who had come into contact with him had already gone into self-isolation after an initial test came back as inconclusive. “The FIA and Formula One can now confirm that the result of his re-test is positive,” Formula One and the governing body said in a joint statement. “Perez has entered self-quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the relevant public health authorities, and will continue to follow the procedure mandated by those authorities.” NO WIDER IMPACT Mexico has been hard hit by the virus, with the fourth highest number of fatalities in the world, but a Racing Point spokesman said Perez had not been back to his country since he last raced in Hungary on July 19. Formula One has started its delayed season without spectators and under carefully controlled conditions, with teams operating in bubbles and all employees and those with access to the paddock tested every five days. The sport had reported only two positive results, neither involving people who attended races, from more than 15,000 tests carried out from June 26 to July 23. “The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula One have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend’s event,” the sport said. Formula One chairman Chase Carey said before the start of the season that the sport would not cancel a race even if a driver tested positive. “We encourage teams to have procedures in place so if an individual has to be put in quarantine, we have the ability to quarantine them at a hotel and to replace that individual,” he said then. The original season-opener in Melbourne in March was cancelled after a McLaren employee tested positive before the track action had started. Racing Point have been in the headlines on track as well this season, with their pink car a lookalike of last year’s title-winning Mercedes and subject to an ongoing protest by Renault. The team are fourth, just one point behind McLaren.

F1 driver Perez to miss British GP after COVID-19 positive

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