Five times Formula One world champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-was-a-poor-place-yet-we-had-this-massive-beautiful-grand-prix-track-made-hamilton-177264">Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments</a> about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix.

The Mercedes driver had said this week, in discussing new venues like Vietnam, that he would like more grands prix in places with 'real racing history' such as Europe and the United States.

"I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful," he had told the BBC.

"I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix."

The 33-year-old Briton took to social media on Thursday, saying he had noticed some people had been upset by his comments.

Opinion:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mr-lewis-hamilton-please-grow-up-f-1-needs-india-vietnam-to-survive-177474">Mr</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mr-lewis-hamilton-please-grow-up-f-1-needs-india-vietnam-to-survive-177474"> Lewis Hamilton, please grow up, F-1 needs India and Vietnam to survive</a>

"My reference was that a grand prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in a huge arena where money was not an issue," explained Hamilton on Instagram and Twitter.

"They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need.

"When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However I have met some amazing Indian fans," added Hamilton, who won his fifth title in Mexico last month.

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Some of those Indian fans had responded to Hamilton's initial comments by pointing out the country's fast-growing economy was now the world's sixth largest.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton's earlier words and meaning had been "spun out of context".

"He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors," the Austrian said in a statement issued by the reigning champions.

"He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion."

India, the world's second most populous nation after China, hosted three grands prix at the Buddh International circuit south of the capital New Delhi from 2011-13.

All three were won by German driver Sebastian Vettel, then champion with Red Bull.

The race was dropped from 2014 due to a number of factors, including a tax dispute and bureaucratic hurdles faced by teams.

The little-used circuit has since hosted a number of domestic championship races, and been used by car manufacturers for track days, but is widely seen as an expensive 'white elephant'.

Five times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix.

Five times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix. The Mercedes driver had said this week, in discussing new venues like Vietnam, that he would like more grands prix in places with 'real racing history' such as Europe and the United States. "I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful," he had told the BBC. "I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix." The 33-year-old Briton took to social media on Thursday, saying he had noticed some people had been upset by his comments. Opinion: Mr Lewis Hamilton, please grow up, F-1 needs India and Vietnam to survive "My reference was that a grand prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in a huge arena where money was not an issue," explained Hamilton on Instagram and Twitter. "They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need. "When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However I have met some amazing Indian fans," added Hamilton, who won his fifth title in Mexico last month. Please read 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/UtXRvcP74A — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 15, 2018 × Some of those Indian fans had responded to Hamilton's initial comments by pointing out the country's fast-growing economy was now the world's sixth largest. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton's earlier words and meaning had been "spun out of context". "He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors," the Austrian said in a statement issued by the reigning champions. "He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion." India, the world's second most populous nation after China, hosted three grands prix at the Buddh International circuit south of the capital New Delhi from 2011-13. All three were won by German driver Sebastian Vettel, then champion with Red Bull. The race was dropped from 2014 due to a number of factors, including a tax dispute and bureaucratic hurdles faced by teams. The little-used circuit has since hosted a number of domestic championship races, and been used by car manufacturers for track days, but is widely seen as an expensive 'white elephant'.

Lewis Hamilton clarifies 'poor' India comments

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed to raise the bar further next year as he told Mercedes factory staff on Tuesday never to stop believing in what they can achieve.

Fresh from Brazil, where he won Sunday's race and Mercedes completed a record-equalling fifth consecutive constructors' and drivers' title double, the Briton thanked the massed men and women driving the team's success and set his sights on more.

He and Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas also joined in a red cap salute to absent non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, the Austrian three-times world champion who is recovering from a lung transplant in August.

"I do believe this team can do it again," Hamilton told Reuters after being surrounded by staff seeking selfies and autographs, with five title-winning cars lined up outside the Brixworth high performance engine facility.

"I do believe that we have the capability and there's an opportunity there. It just depends how much work we put in from now until the start of the season.

"You've got to imagine the opposition is going to be raising the bar, Red Bull are going to be raising the bar with the change within their team. So we've got to take a step up."

Hamilton has won 10 of 20 grands prix and taken 10 pole positions this season, with one race remaining in Abu Dhabi next week.

Closest rivals Ferrari won six with Red Bull -- switching from Renault to Honda engines in 2019 -- the rest in the toughest title battle Mercedes have fought since the V6 turbo hybrid era started in 2014.

Hamilton has barely put a wheel wrong, unlike Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel whose title challenge again fell apart, but the 33-year-old Briton still saw room for improvement.

"I've not been on top of everything. There's always areas that you can understand and improve on," he said after a team photograph with everyone raising their hands in a high five.

"But ultimately we have a really good foundation so we've just got to keep on building. It's just about being strategic and being really selective and think how you go about the process.

"And as a driver myself individually I've just got to try and find where the weak areas are and see if I can improve it," he added.

Areas to improve

Team boss Toto Wolff told Reuters there had already been a discussion that morning with engineers about 2019.

"We said 'How can we get better next year, where are the areas to improve?'," said the Austrian. "I'd like to take it a step up."

Hamilton had said in Brazil that returning to the factories would be emotional, telling every member of the team they should look in the mirror and say 'I'm a legend'.

He added on Tuesday that meant taking pride in the achievements and celebrating, while avoiding complacency.

"You've got to have that self-belief that you've got the ability and that you're great and you can be great if you work towards it," he said.

"It is what is enabling us to do what we are doing and achieving.

"We have just done something quite legendary, collectively as a team. It's not a bad thing to acknowledge how well we've done. Acknowledge it, absorb it and want to do better."

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed to raise the bar further next year as he told Mercedes factory staff on Tuesday never to stop believing in what they can achieve.

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed to raise the bar further next year as he told Mercedes factory staff on Tuesday never to stop believing in what they can achieve. Fresh from Brazil, where he won Sunday's race and Mercedes completed a record-equalling fifth consecutive constructors' and drivers' title double, the Briton thanked the massed men and women driving the team's success and set his sights on more. He and Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas also joined in a red cap salute to absent non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, the Austrian three-times world champion who is recovering from a lung transplant in August. "I do believe this team can do it again," Hamilton told Reuters after being surrounded by staff seeking selfies and autographs, with five title-winning cars lined up outside the Brixworth high performance engine facility. "I do believe that we have the capability and there's an opportunity there. It just depends how much work we put in from now until the start of the season. "You've got to imagine the opposition is going to be raising the bar, Red Bull are going to be raising the bar with the change within their team. So we've got to take a step up." Hamilton has won 10 of 20 grands prix and taken 10 pole positions this season, with one race remaining in Abu Dhabi next week. Closest rivals Ferrari won six with Red Bull -- switching from Renault to Honda engines in 2019 -- the rest in the toughest title battle Mercedes have fought since the V6 turbo hybrid era started in 2014. Hamilton has barely put a wheel wrong, unlike Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel whose title challenge again fell apart, but the 33-year-old Briton still saw room for improvement. "I've not been on top of everything. There's always areas that you can understand and improve on," he said after a team photograph with everyone raising their hands in a high five. "But ultimately we have a really good foundation so we've just got to keep on building. It's just about being strategic and being really selective and think how you go about the process. "And as a driver myself individually I've just got to try and find where the weak areas are and see if I can improve it," he added. Areas to improve Team boss Toto Wolff told Reuters there had already been a discussion that morning with engineers about 2019. "We said 'How can we get better next year, where are the areas to improve?'," said the Austrian. "I'd like to take it a step up." Hamilton had said in Brazil that returning to the factories would be emotional, telling every member of the team they should look in the mirror and say 'I'm a legend'. He added on Tuesday that meant taking pride in the achievements and celebrating, while avoiding complacency. "You've got to have that self-belief that you've got the ability and that you're great and you can be great if you work towards it," he said. "It is what is enabling us to do what we are doing and achieving. "We have just done something quite legendary, collectively as a team. It's not a bad thing to acknowledge how well we've done. Acknowledge it, absorb it and want to do better."

High fives at Mercedes as Hamilton sets sights on six

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever.

Hamilton, who took his fifth title in Mexico last month, will address staff at Brackley and Brixworth on Tuesday in what will be a thank you, communal celebration and rallying cry rolled into one.

"I have to try and find the right words," the 33-year-old said on Sunday, a bashful comment for a man whose achievements -- 10 wins and 10 poles so far this season -- speak for themselves.

The Briton will have no trouble in expressing himself, having already done so in an emotionally-charged garage debrief at Interlagos.

"It's an incredible honour to work with all of you," he told assembled mechanics, engineers and bosses after winning the penultimate race of the season. "Seeing you guys after the race, seeing that energy that you guys all had, that happiness can fill a lifetime.

"I really want you to just remember that moment and hold on to it because that's what's going to power us to many more championships. Never let that energy drop... I tell you, that propels me.

"This past six years has been epic and iconic. We are now legends. Just remember that. When you go home, when you look in the mirror, when you wake up, say 'I'm a legend'. You've got to say that to yourself: 'I'm a legend'.

SCHUMACHER RECORDS

Sunday was Hamilton's 72nd career win, leaving him 19 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record. The Briton has averaged 10 a season for the last four years and won 50 of 99 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014.

"You've got to say that Lewis this year has just made the difference for us," technical director James Allison told Sky Sports television.

"He keeps putting it on pole, whenever its wet he’s always at the front. In the races we can make mistakes and he’ll recover it by doing something unlikely on the track that no-one sees coming.

"And he spends a whole year not making mistakes. He’s just the consummate racing driver."

Only Ferrari had previously racked up five successive championship doubles and their milestone of six constructors' titles in a row between 1999 and 2004 remains the sport's outright record.

That is the next target on the radar and it will be back to business soon enough.

"The risk is that you become complacent with winning and I think this team has overcome this obstacle," declared team boss Toto Wolff on Sunday night. "We’ve set ourselves objectives that motivated us.

"And the job is going to get more difficult every year. We are setting the benchmark at the moment and our competition will get more energized and motivated by us.

"All points start at zero next year. We will have forgotten about the five and will fight hard to be in contention for the sixth. Whether we achieve it or not we will see next year."

Hamilton's enduring motivation has been questioned in the past but, on Sunday's evidence, that is not a concern.

"I want to continue trying to elevate Mercedes to making them the most successful brand of all time," he said.

"I've never experienced the height of what I'm feeling and experienced here. And I know when I get to the factory the energy is going to be higher than I've ever felt so I've got to get to sleep.

"I might not be able to hold these emotions in."

Lewis Hamilton has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever.

Lewis Hamilton has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever. Hamilton, who took his fifth title in Mexico last month, will address staff at Brackley and Brixworth on Tuesday in what will be a thank you, communal celebration and rallying cry rolled into one. "I have to try and find the right words," the 33-year-old said on Sunday, a bashful comment for a man whose achievements -- 10 wins and 10 poles so far this season -- speak for themselves. The Briton will have no trouble in expressing himself, having already done so in an emotionally-charged garage debrief at Interlagos. "It's an incredible honour to work with all of you," he told assembled mechanics, engineers and bosses after winning the penultimate race of the season. "Seeing you guys after the race, seeing that energy that you guys all had, that happiness can fill a lifetime. "I really want you to just remember that moment and hold on to it because that's what's going to power us to many more championships. Never let that energy drop... I tell you, that propels me. "This past six years has been epic and iconic. We are now legends. Just remember that. When you go home, when you look in the mirror, when you wake up, say 'I'm a legend'. You've got to say that to yourself: 'I'm a legend'. SCHUMACHER RECORDS Sunday was Hamilton's 72nd career win, leaving him 19 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record. The Briton has averaged 10 a season for the last four years and won 50 of 99 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014. "You've got to say that Lewis this year has just made the difference for us," technical director James Allison told Sky Sports television. "He keeps putting it on pole, whenever its wet he’s always at the front. In the races we can make mistakes and he’ll recover it by doing something unlikely on the track that no-one sees coming. "And he spends a whole year not making mistakes. He’s just the consummate racing driver." Only Ferrari had previously racked up five successive championship doubles and their milestone of six constructors' titles in a row between 1999 and 2004 remains the sport's outright record. That is the next target on the radar and it will be back to business soon enough. "The risk is that you become complacent with winning and I think this team has overcome this obstacle," declared team boss Toto Wolff on Sunday night. "We’ve set ourselves objectives that motivated us. "And the job is going to get more difficult every year. We are setting the benchmark at the moment and our competition will get more energized and motivated by us. "All points start at zero next year. We will have forgotten about the five and will fight hard to be in contention for the sixth. Whether we achieve it or not we will see next year." Hamilton's enduring motivation has been questioned in the past but, on Sunday's evidence, that is not a concern. "I want to continue trying to elevate Mercedes to making them the most successful brand of all time," he said. "I've never experienced the height of what I'm feeling and experienced here. And I know when I get to the factory the energy is going to be higher than I've ever felt so I've got to get to sleep. "I might not be able to hold these emotions in."

Team energy will power Mercedes to more titles, says Lewis Hamilton

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-amazing-team-family-after-winning-f1-title-174094">Lewis Hamilton</a> said here Thursday, after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship</a> in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

"I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday.

After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said.

Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running.

Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team. "I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said. Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running. Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

'Job isn't done yet,' says F1 champ Lewis Hamilton

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula One world championship</a> on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place.

The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth.

"I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home.

"It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support.

"Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over.

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Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... <a href="https://t.co/U02N19GX8J">https://t.co/U02N19GX8J</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LHFive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LHFive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> 📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Motors_images?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Motors_images</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROLGAnD3nR">pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1056681307634388992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil.

"This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'.

"I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner.

"I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment.

"Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit." Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place. The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth. "I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home. "It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support. "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over. Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... https://t.co/U02N19GX8J#LHFive @MercedesAMGF1 📷 @Motors_images pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 28, 2018 × "In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil. "This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'. "I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner. "I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment. "Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Lewis Hamilton thanks 'amazing' team, family after winning F1 championship

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit.

"We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session.

Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare.

Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace.

Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon.

Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch.

Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions.

The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual.

"The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others."

Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop.

Fangio's Five

Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear.

"We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton.

"Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race."

Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon.

"I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German.

"I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape.

"It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards."

Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem. Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit. "We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session. Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare. Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace. Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon. Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch. Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions. The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual. "The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others." Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop. Fangio's Five Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear. "We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton. "Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race." Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon. "I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German. "I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape. "It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards." Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen fastest in Mexican Grand Prix practice

Sebastian&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one.

The German must now win all three remaining races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to have any chance of beating Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, and that will still not be enough on its own.

Hamilton, the winner of nine races this year to the German's five, has a 70 point advantage after Sunday's US&nbsp;Grand Prix and needs to score only five more to become a five-time champion.

He will not even need those if&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;falls short of perfection.

British bookmaker William Hill was offering Hamilton at 1-500 with&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;50-1 -- the German on the same odds as Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio or George Clooney becoming the next US&nbsp;president.

Realistically, it is all over and the coronation is likely to come in Mexico City next weekend.

The last time Hamilton went three races in a row without scoring at least five points was in 2012, when he was at McLaren and failed to finish in Valencia, was eighth in Britain and retired in Germany.

It has never happened in his time at Mercedes, and Hamilton has not had three races in a row off the podium in a single season since 2013.

Vettel&nbsp;has not won three races in a row since he was at Red Bull in 2013.

Ferrari last won in Mexico in 1990 -- admittedly not as dramatic as it sounds because that race was not held from 1993 to 2014 -- and have never triumphed in Abu Dhabi in that grand prix's nine-year existence.

Asked about his championship chances after starting fifth in Austin and dropping to 15th following a first lap spin before he eventually finished fourth,&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;smiled.

"Getting slimmer," the German, whose teammate Kimi Raikkonen won the race with Hamilton third, replied.

The grim humour continued when it was pointed out to him that he had to win the last three races: "Yeah, probably the last four or five," he said.

"So far we didn’t do so well. Obviously, the last couple of months haven’t been very good for us in many regards.

"I had another recovery drive (on Sunday) but I’m getting a bit tired of recovery drives."

On the plus side, Austin showed that Ferrari had at least regained some of their speed to end Hamilton's bid for a fifth win in a row.

That, however, was largely due to discarding some recent changes and reverting to what worked before.

"You can see it as good news but you can also see it as bad news. If we have to go back to a car that has been competitive three or four months ago, then surely it can’t be good news. If you think about it," said&nbsp;Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one.

Sebastian Vettel would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one. The German must now win all three remaining races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to have any chance of beating Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, and that will still not be enough on its own. Hamilton, the winner of nine races this year to the German's five, has a 70 point advantage after Sunday's US Grand Prix and needs to score only five more to become a five-time champion. He will not even need those if Vettel falls short of perfection. British bookmaker William Hill was offering Hamilton at 1-500 with Vettel 50-1 -- the German on the same odds as Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio or George Clooney becoming the next US president. Realistically, it is all over and the coronation is likely to come in Mexico City next weekend. The last time Hamilton went three races in a row without scoring at least five points was in 2012, when he was at McLaren and failed to finish in Valencia, was eighth in Britain and retired in Germany. It has never happened in his time at Mercedes, and Hamilton has not had three races in a row off the podium in a single season since 2013. Vettel has not won three races in a row since he was at Red Bull in 2013. Ferrari last won in Mexico in 1990 -- admittedly not as dramatic as it sounds because that race was not held from 1993 to 2014 -- and have never triumphed in Abu Dhabi in that grand prix's nine-year existence. Asked about his championship chances after starting fifth in Austin and dropping to 15th following a first lap spin before he eventually finished fourth, Vettel smiled. "Getting slimmer," the German, whose teammate Kimi Raikkonen won the race with Hamilton third, replied. The grim humour continued when it was pointed out to him that he had to win the last three races: "Yeah, probably the last four or five," he said. "So far we didn’t do so well. Obviously, the last couple of months haven’t been very good for us in many regards. "I had another recovery drive (on Sunday) but I’m getting a bit tired of recovery drives." On the plus side, Austin showed that Ferrari had at least regained some of their speed to end Hamilton's bid for a fifth win in a row. That, however, was largely due to discarding some recent changes and reverting to what worked before. "You can see it as good news but you can also see it as bad news. If we have to go back to a car that has been competitive three or four months ago, then surely it can’t be good news. If you think about it," said Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel clings on mathematically for another week

US Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton's title hopes boosted by Vettel's grid drop

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three.

The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio.

Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix.

Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out.

HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps.

Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot. To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three. The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio. Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix. Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out. HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps. Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Kimi Raikkonen wins F1 United States Grand Prix

Ferrari's Sebastian&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;will have a three-place grid penalty at Sunday's US&nbsp;Grand Prix, dealing a blow to his hopes of preventing Lewis Hamilton winning a fifth Formula One world championship.

Race stewards decided on the drop after&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;had failed to slow sufficiently while red warning flags were waved in Friday's wet practice.

Britain's Hamilton leads&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;by 67 points with four races remaining and the Mercedes driver will take the title on Sunday if he scores eight points more than the German.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel will have a three-place grid penalty at Sunday's US Grand Prix, dealing a blow to his hopes of preventing Lewis Hamilton winning a fifth Formula One world championship.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel will have a three-place grid penalty at Sunday's US Grand Prix, dealing a blow to his hopes of preventing Lewis Hamilton winning a fifth Formula One world championship. Race stewards decided on the drop after Vettel had failed to slow sufficiently while red warning flags were waved in Friday's wet practice. Britain's Hamilton leads Vettel by 67 points with four races remaining and the Mercedes driver will take the title on Sunday if he scores eight points more than the German.

Sebastian Vettel handed three-place grid drop for US Grand Prix

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already.

The Briton stands on the brink of becoming only the third man to win at least five titles, with his team's stranglehold on both championships tighter than ever after he won Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The 33-year-old has a contract until the end of 2020 and a teammate in Valtteri Bottas who has proved more beatable and acquiescent than predecessor and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg.

A change of engine rules that might shake things up is not due until 2021, at the earliest.

"Let’s say you win this championship... Lewis wins another title, can he go to seven?" 1996 world champion Damon Hill asked Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sky Sports television on Sunday, voicing the thoughts of many.

The Austrian's reply, while emphasising that nothing was being taken for granted, was revealing.

"I think it’s important to reinvent yourself and set new objectives," he said.

"And there is always the risk of complacency, that you are running out of targets... so we are setting ourselves ambitious targets."

Hamilton's record already bears comparison to Schumacher's, and in some areas exceeds the great German's achievements.

Saturday brought the Briton a record-extending 80th pole from 225 starts, compared to Schumacher's 68 in 307 races.

Sunday was&nbsp;Hamilton's 71st win, 20 short of the former Ferrari great's 91.

Hamilton&nbsp;has won nine races so far this season and looks likely to end the year in double figures. His 2014-17 average was 10 wins a year -- 11 in 2014, 10 in 2015 and 2016 and then nine last year.

Britain's most successful driver has 131 podium places since his debut in 2007, compared to Schumacher's 155.

Schumacher won 72 races with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006.&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;has won 50 with Mercedes in less than six seasons.

A more meaningful point of comparison, however, would be the years of dominance -- 2000-04 for Ferrari and 2014-18 for Mercedes.

There, the win figures are 49 for&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;(so far) and 48 for Schumacher but the percentage rate remains in the German's favour since there are now more races on the calendar. On podiums, Hamilton&nbsp;is ahead 77-66.

Hamilton&nbsp;has also matched or beaten Schumacher at key stages of his career, the German taking his first title with Benetton aged 25 whereas the Briton opened his account at McLaren as a 23-year-old.

Schumacher, whose January 3 birthday falls four days before&nbsp;Hamilton's, was also 33 when he celebrated his fifth championship in 2002 -- but he did it in France in July with six races to spare.

Hamilton, 67 points clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with four races to go, has his first chance to clinch title number five in Texas at the end of next week.

Nothing lasts forever but Mercedes will start 2019 more settled than those immediately below them in the pecking order, the only top team to field an unchanged lineup.

Error-prone Ferrari will be exchanging 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen for Monegasque youngster Charles Leclerc while Red Bull start a new partnership with Honda, whose engines have yet to match those of Mercedes or Ferrari.

Hamilton&nbsp;is in the form of his life, hungry for more and as motivated as ever. If Mercedes can keep providing him with a winning car, then comparisons with Schumacher will only become louder.

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already.

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already. The Briton stands on the brink of becoming only the third man to win at least five titles, with his team's stranglehold on both championships tighter than ever after he won Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. The 33-year-old has a contract until the end of 2020 and a teammate in Valtteri Bottas who has proved more beatable and acquiescent than predecessor and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg. A change of engine rules that might shake things up is not due until 2021, at the earliest. "Let’s say you win this championship... Lewis wins another title, can he go to seven?" 1996 world champion Damon Hill asked Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sky Sports television on Sunday, voicing the thoughts of many. The Austrian's reply, while emphasising that nothing was being taken for granted, was revealing. "I think it’s important to reinvent yourself and set new objectives," he said. "And there is always the risk of complacency, that you are running out of targets... so we are setting ourselves ambitious targets." Hamilton's record already bears comparison to Schumacher's, and in some areas exceeds the great German's achievements. Saturday brought the Briton a record-extending 80th pole from 225 starts, compared to Schumacher's 68 in 307 races. Sunday was Hamilton's 71st win, 20 short of the former Ferrari great's 91. Hamilton has won nine races so far this season and looks likely to end the year in double figures. His 2014-17 average was 10 wins a year -- 11 in 2014, 10 in 2015 and 2016 and then nine last year. Britain's most successful driver has 131 podium places since his debut in 2007, compared to Schumacher's 155. Schumacher won 72 races with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006. Hamilton has won 50 with Mercedes in less than six seasons. A more meaningful point of comparison, however, would be the years of dominance -- 2000-04 for Ferrari and 2014-18 for Mercedes. There, the win figures are 49 for Hamilton (so far) and 48 for Schumacher but the percentage rate remains in the German's favour since there are now more races on the calendar. On podiums, Hamilton is ahead 77-66. Hamilton has also matched or beaten Schumacher at key stages of his career, the German taking his first title with Benetton aged 25 whereas the Briton opened his account at McLaren as a 23-year-old. Schumacher, whose January 3 birthday falls four days before Hamilton's, was also 33 when he celebrated his fifth championship in 2002 -- but he did it in France in July with six races to spare. Hamilton, 67 points clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with four races to go, has his first chance to clinch title number five in Texas at the end of next week. Nothing lasts forever but Mercedes will start 2019 more settled than those immediately below them in the pecking order, the only top team to field an unchanged lineup. Error-prone Ferrari will be exchanging 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen for Monegasque youngster Charles Leclerc while Red Bull start a new partnership with Honda, whose engines have yet to match those of Mercedes or Ferrari. Hamilton is in the form of his life, hungry for more and as motivated as ever. If Mercedes can keep providing him with a winning car, then comparisons with Schumacher will only become louder.

Lewis Hamilton is stepping into Michael Schumacher territory

Ferrari's title contender Sebastian Vettel collided with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday in yet another blow to the German's fading Formula One championship hopes.

Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, was trying to pass the young Dutch driver for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner.

Instead, they made contact, with Vettel spun around. He resumed in 19th place with a damaged car.

Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action.

Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for forcing Vettel's team mate Kimi Raikkonen off the track earlier in the race and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops.

Vettel, who was back to 11th by lap 24 of 53, is 50 points behind Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton with just four races remaining after Sunday.

Hamilton was leading from pole position.

Ferrari's title contender Sebastian Vettel collided with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday in yet another blow to the German's fading Formula One championship hopes.

Ferrari's title contender Sebastian Vettel collided with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday in yet another blow to the German's fading Formula One championship hopes. Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, was trying to pass the young Dutch driver for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner. Instead, they made contact, with Vettel spun around. He resumed in 19th place with a damaged car. Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action. Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for forcing Vettel's team mate Kimi Raikkonen off the track earlier in the race and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops. Vettel, who was back to 11th by lap 24 of 53, is 50 points behind Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton with just four races remaining after Sunday. Hamilton was leading from pole position.

Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen collide in Japan

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival, finished only sixth after an early collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen left the German fighting back from 19th place in a damaged car.

Finland's Valtteri Bottas secured the Mercedes one-two with second place while Verstappen finished third despite collecting a five-second penalty.

If Hamilton wins the next race, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin and one of his favourite tracks, the 33-year-old will be champion with three races to spare in case Vettel finishes lower than second.

"We've gone from strength to strength as a team this year. Austin is generally a good track for us and I can't wait to unleash this beast there," said Hamilton after leading every lap from pole position.

The victory was the 71st of his career, leaving him only 20 behind the record of seven times world champion Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton now has 331 points to Vettel's 264, while Mercedes lead Ferrari in the constructors' standings with 538 points to 460 for the Italians.

Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sebastian-vettel-and-max-verstappen-collide-in-japan-169944">collided with Verstappen</a> while trying to pass on the inside for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner.

Vettel spun around and resumed at the back.

Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action.

Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for earlier running wide and forcing Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen off the track and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops.

"The touch with Sebastian...in that corner you can't overtake. I even gave him space but he understeered into my car," said Verstappen.

Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said the podium had been within Ferrari's grasp.

"I know the situation looks impossible but our job is to challenge the impossible, this is what we are going to do in the next four races," added the Italian.

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title.

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival, finished only sixth after an early collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen left the German fighting back from 19th place in a damaged car. Finland's Valtteri Bottas secured the Mercedes one-two with second place while Verstappen finished third despite collecting a five-second penalty. If Hamilton wins the next race, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin and one of his favourite tracks, the 33-year-old will be champion with three races to spare in case Vettel finishes lower than second. "We've gone from strength to strength as a team this year. Austin is generally a good track for us and I can't wait to unleash this beast there," said Hamilton after leading every lap from pole position. The victory was the 71st of his career, leaving him only 20 behind the record of seven times world champion Michael Schumacher. Hamilton now has 331 points to Vettel's 264, while Mercedes lead Ferrari in the constructors' standings with 538 points to 460 for the Italians. Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, collided with Verstappen while trying to pass on the inside for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner. Vettel spun around and resumed at the back. Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action. Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for earlier running wide and forcing Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen off the track and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops. "The touch with Sebastian...in that corner you can't overtake. I even gave him space but he understeered into my car," said Verstappen. Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said the podium had been within Ferrari's grasp. "I know the situation looks impossible but our job is to challenge the impossible, this is what we are going to do in the next four races," added the Italian.

Lewis Hamilton wins in Japan, Vettel sixth

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton completed a practice clean sweep in his Mercedes, setting the pacein the final hour of track action ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Briton, who had dominated Friday's opening day of practice, lapped the 5.8-kilometre long Suzuka circuit in one minute, 29.599 seconds in a session that saw an early drizzle and gusty winds.

Hamilton's championship rival Sebastian Vettel was second fastest for Ferrari.

The German, trailling Hamilton by 50 points in the overall standings after the Briton won five of the last six races, had been nearly a second adrift of his rival's best on Friday, but closed that gap to 0.116 seconds on Saturday.

Kimi Raikkonen followed his Ferrari team-mate in third ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes, who was 0.823 seconds off team-mate Hamilton's pace.

Daniel Ricciardo was sixth for Red Bull ahead of Esteban Ocon who swept 'best of the rest' honours for the third successive session in his Force India.

His team-mate Sergio Perez was eighth ahead of Renault's Carlos Sainz.

Kevin Magnussen, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday, rounded out the top-10 in his Haas.

Saturday's final practice session was interrupted by an early drizzle, with teams choosing not to risk running on the damp track after an early flurry of laps.

But with the sun shining, the track dried out enough to allow the cars back out on slick tyres with a little under 30 minutes remaining, even if the drivers still had to cope with gusting winds.

The session was largely uneventful except for a few incidents of drivers going off track as they sought to tease traction from the drying surface.

The biggest incident was a crash for Nico Hulkenberg two minutes before the chequered flag that brought out the red flags and ended the session. The German walked away unhurt.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton completed a practice clean sweep in his Mercedes, setting the pacein the final hour of track action ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton completed a practice clean sweep in his Mercedes, setting the pacein the final hour of track action ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. The Briton, who had dominated Friday's opening day of practice, lapped the 5.8-kilometre long Suzuka circuit in one minute, 29.599 seconds in a session that saw an early drizzle and gusty winds. Hamilton's championship rival Sebastian Vettel was second fastest for Ferrari. The German, trailling Hamilton by 50 points in the overall standings after the Briton won five of the last six races, had been nearly a second adrift of his rival's best on Friday, but closed that gap to 0.116 seconds on Saturday. Kimi Raikkonen followed his Ferrari team-mate in third ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes, who was 0.823 seconds off team-mate Hamilton's pace. Daniel Ricciardo was sixth for Red Bull ahead of Esteban Ocon who swept 'best of the rest' honours for the third successive session in his Force India. His team-mate Sergio Perez was eighth ahead of Renault's Carlos Sainz. Kevin Magnussen, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday, rounded out the top-10 in his Haas. Saturday's final practice session was interrupted by an early drizzle, with teams choosing not to risk running on the damp track after an early flurry of laps. But with the sun shining, the track dried out enough to allow the cars back out on slick tyres with a little under 30 minutes remaining, even if the drivers still had to cope with gusting winds. The session was largely uneventful except for a few incidents of drivers going off track as they sought to tease traction from the drying surface. The biggest incident was a crash for Nico Hulkenberg two minutes before the chequered flag that brought out the red flags and ended the session. The German walked away unhurt.

Lewis Hamilton completes practice clean sweep

Sebastian Vettel made clear Monday he still believes he can win a fifth world title this year despite sliding 50 points behind Lewis Hamilton after the Russian Grand Prix.

Hamilton's victory, after Valtteri Bottas followed Mercedes team orders to let him take the lead, lifted the Briton further clear of Vettel with five races remaining this season.

But the Ferrari driver insisted he has not given up hope despite seeing his in-form rival reel off a fifth win in six races to maintain his momentum as Ferrari struggled to keep pace.

"I go race by race," said Vettel. "Obviously, it's not getting easier if we lose points.

"But I still believe in our chances. Yes, it's not getting bigger, as I said, if you finish behind, but who knows?&nbsp;

"It takes one DNF (Did Not Finish) – ideally two! - and then all of a sudden things look different.

"I'm not wishing that on Lewis, but you never know what happens, so we need to stay on top of our game which maybe we haven't been completely this weekend.

"We must make sure that from where we are now we focus on winning the last races."

Hamilton's 50-point advantage is the equivalent of two race victories worth 25 points, a lead he could relinquish only if he fails to finish, or score points, and Vettel wins.

Vettel was unexpectedly encouraged by Ferrari's performance on Sunday when he followed Hamilton and Bottas.

"It's not entirely in our hands," he added. "We need a little bit of something to happen, but we need to make sure that we are always there.

"If it's a third we can get, or a win, you need to get those places to make sure that we do everything.

"The rest, unfortunately, is not anymore entirely in our hands, but I still think that if we win the next few races we can put a lot of pressure on them and make something to happen.

Sebastian Vettel made clear Monday he still believes he can win a fifth world title this year despite sliding 50 points behind Lewis Hamilton after the Russian Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel made clear Monday he still believes he can win a fifth world title this year despite sliding 50 points behind Lewis Hamilton after the Russian Grand Prix. Hamilton's victory, after Valtteri Bottas followed Mercedes team orders to let him take the lead, lifted the Briton further clear of Vettel with five races remaining this season. But the Ferrari driver insisted he has not given up hope despite seeing his in-form rival reel off a fifth win in six races to maintain his momentum as Ferrari struggled to keep pace. "I go race by race," said Vettel. "Obviously, it's not getting easier if we lose points. "But I still believe in our chances. Yes, it's not getting bigger, as I said, if you finish behind, but who knows? "It takes one DNF (Did Not Finish) – ideally two! - and then all of a sudden things look different. "I'm not wishing that on Lewis, but you never know what happens, so we need to stay on top of our game which maybe we haven't been completely this weekend. "We must make sure that from where we are now we focus on winning the last races." Hamilton's 50-point advantage is the equivalent of two race victories worth 25 points, a lead he could relinquish only if he fails to finish, or score points, and Vettel wins. Vettel was unexpectedly encouraged by Ferrari's performance on Sunday when he followed Hamilton and Bottas. "It's not entirely in our hands," he added. "We need a little bit of something to happen, but we need to make sure that we are always there. "If it's a third we can get, or a win, you need to get those places to make sure that we do everything. "The rest, unfortunately, is not anymore entirely in our hands, but I still think that if we win the next few races we can put a lot of pressure on them and make something to happen.

Sebastian Vettel still believes in F1 title bid

Lewis Hamilton increased his lead in this year's drivers' world championship to 50 points when he claimed an accomplished victory, aided by Mercedes team tactics, in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.

The defending four-time champion, who started second on the grid, was helped again by Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who allowed him to overtake and then defended him from attack by title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, as he battled to finish second.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sat next to former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone after a late arrival at the Sochi Autodrom, saw the Briton make the most of Mercedes' strategy and a thrilling passing move on Vettel in what was an intriguing contest.&nbsp;

Bottas had started on pole and was unhappy at being asked to obey team orders that deprived him of a possible victory as he came home 2.5 seconds behind Hamilton, who looked sheepish about it all after the race.&nbsp;

Vettel finished third in the race and the German saw Hamilton extend his lead over him in the standings.

It was Hamilton's third win in Russia, his fifth in six races and the 70th of his career, confirming he has the momentum to clinch a fifth title triumph with five races remaining.

Kimi Raikkonen finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen who marked his 21st birthday with a rousing drive, including a spell as race leader, from 19th on the grid.

Renault-bound Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc of Sauber filled the next placings.

Kevin Magnussen finished eighth for Haas ahead of job-hunting Frenchman Esteban Ocon and his Force India team-mate Sergio Perez.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff left the luckless Bottas with no choice, but he tried to comfort the Finn afterwards.&nbsp;

"Valtteri, this is Toto – a difficult day for you, difficult for us – let's get together and discuss it later," Wolff said.

Lewis Hamilton increased his lead in this year's drivers' world championship to 50 points when he claimed an accomplished victory, aided by Mercedes team tactics, in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton increased his lead in this year's drivers' world championship to 50 points when he claimed an accomplished victory, aided by Mercedes team tactics, in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix. The defending four-time champion, who started second on the grid, was helped again by Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who allowed him to overtake and then defended him from attack by title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, as he battled to finish second. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sat next to former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone after a late arrival at the Sochi Autodrom, saw the Briton make the most of Mercedes' strategy and a thrilling passing move on Vettel in what was an intriguing contest. Bottas had started on pole and was unhappy at being asked to obey team orders that deprived him of a possible victory as he came home 2.5 seconds behind Hamilton, who looked sheepish about it all after the race. Vettel finished third in the race and the German saw Hamilton extend his lead over him in the standings. It was Hamilton's third win in Russia, his fifth in six races and the 70th of his career, confirming he has the momentum to clinch a fifth title triumph with five races remaining. Kimi Raikkonen finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen who marked his 21st birthday with a rousing drive, including a spell as race leader, from 19th on the grid. Renault-bound Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc of Sauber filled the next placings. Kevin Magnussen finished eighth for Haas ahead of job-hunting Frenchman Esteban Ocon and his Force India team-mate Sergio Perez. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff left the luckless Bottas with no choice, but he tried to comfort the Finn afterwards. "Valtteri, this is Toto – a difficult day for you, difficult for us – let's get together and discuss it later," Wolff said.

Lewis Hamilton wins in Russia to extend lead in title race

Valtteri Bottas of Finland (Mercedes) claimed pole position for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday, his second pole of the 2018 Formula One season, ahead of British teammate Lewis Hamilton and Germany's&nbsp;(Ferrari).

Bottas finished the qualifying round for Sunday's race with a time of one minute and 31.387 seconds, 0.145 seconds faster than 2018 championship leader Hamilton and 0.556 ahead of Vettel.

Bottas started from pole at the Austrian Grand Prix in July, but did not finish due to a hydraulic problem.

Hamilton, despite a small mistake that cost him pole, set his own record and posted his fastest lap in the Sochi Autodrom circuit with a time of one minute and 31.532 seconds.

Ferrari's other driver, Kimi Raikkonen of Finland, will start Sunday's race from the second row alongside Vettel, having finished the qualifying round in fourth place with a time of one minute and 32.237 seconds.

Hamilton has a 40-point lead over Vettel in the overall standings.

Valtteri Bottas of Finland (Mercedes) claimed pole position for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday, his second pole of the 2018 Formula One season, ahead of British teammate Lewis Hamilton and Germany's (Ferrari).

Valtteri Bottas of Finland (Mercedes) claimed pole position for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday, his second pole of the 2018 Formula One season, ahead of British teammate Lewis Hamilton and Germany's (Ferrari). Bottas finished the qualifying round for Sunday's race with a time of one minute and 31.387 seconds, 0.145 seconds faster than 2018 championship leader Hamilton and 0.556 ahead of Vettel. Bottas started from pole at the Austrian Grand Prix in July, but did not finish due to a hydraulic problem. Hamilton, despite a small mistake that cost him pole, set his own record and posted his fastest lap in the Sochi Autodrom circuit with a time of one minute and 31.532 seconds. Ferrari's other driver, Kimi Raikkonen of Finland, will start Sunday's race from the second row alongside Vettel, having finished the qualifying round in fourth place with a time of one minute and 32.237 seconds. Hamilton has a 40-point lead over Vettel in the overall standings.

Bottas claims second pole in 2018 ahead of Hamilton, Vettel at Russian GP

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes men delivered a convincing one-two on a bright sunlit morning by the Black Sea where Ferrari again struggled to keep pace with the Silver Arrows.

Britain's defending four-time world champion, who leads Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 40 points in this year’s title race, stormed to a fastest lap in one minute and 33.067 seconds - an outright lap record for the Sochi Autodrom.

This left team-mate Bottas trailing by nearly three-tenths of a second and Vettel, down in third, by six-tenths with the Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen taking fourth in the second Ferrari.

Dutchman Max Verstappen, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Sunday, was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Monegasque prodigy Charles Leclerc of Sauber.

Frenchman Esteman Ocon, who is expected to lose his seat at Force India despite a highly-promising season, was eighth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Sergio Perez, in the second Force India.

The session followed confirmation from Toro Rosso that local hero Daniil Kvyat had been re-signed by the team for next season. It will be the Russian's third spell with the team.

Current Toro Rosso driver, Frenchman Pierre Gasly, is moving to replace Renault-bound Ricciardo at Red Bull.

"Toro Rosso has always made me feel at home and I'm sure it will still be the same next season," said Kvyatt, who has been released by Ferrari where he was hired as a development driver.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix. The Mercedes men delivered a convincing one-two on a bright sunlit morning by the Black Sea where Ferrari again struggled to keep pace with the Silver Arrows. Britain's defending four-time world champion, who leads Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 40 points in this year’s title race, stormed to a fastest lap in one minute and 33.067 seconds - an outright lap record for the Sochi Autodrom. This left team-mate Bottas trailing by nearly three-tenths of a second and Vettel, down in third, by six-tenths with the Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen taking fourth in the second Ferrari. Dutchman Max Verstappen, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Sunday, was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Monegasque prodigy Charles Leclerc of Sauber. Frenchman Esteman Ocon, who is expected to lose his seat at Force India despite a highly-promising season, was eighth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Sergio Perez, in the second Force India. The session followed confirmation from Toro Rosso that local hero Daniil Kvyat had been re-signed by the team for next season. It will be the Russian's third spell with the team. Current Toro Rosso driver, Frenchman Pierre Gasly, is moving to replace Renault-bound Ricciardo at Red Bull. "Toro Rosso has always made me feel at home and I'm sure it will still be the same next season," said Kvyatt, who has been released by Ferrari where he was hired as a development driver.

Record-setting Hamilton tops Sochi practice session

Russian Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat will return to the Toro Rosso team for the 2019 F1 season, the team announced Saturday.

Kvyat, who was already a Toro Rosso driver in 2014 and then between the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix and the 2017 United States Grand Prix, will replace Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who moves over to Red Bull.

"First of all, I would like to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this opportunity to race in Formula 1 again and I am particularly pleased to be returning to a team I know very well," the 24-year-old driver said.

Kvyat also thanked Ferrari for its trust, allowing him to "stay connected to F1 as their development driver."

"Even if my duties were primarily simulator based, I've learned a lot, and I now feel stronger and better prepared than when I left Toro Rosso," Kvyat added.

Russian Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat will return to the Toro Rosso team for the 2019 F1 season, the team announced Saturday. Kvyat, who was already a Toro Rosso driver in 2014 and then between the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix and the 2017 United States Grand Prix, will replace Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who moves over to Red Bull.

Russian Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat will return to the Toro Rosso team for the 2019 F1 season, the team announced Saturday. Kvyat, who was already a Toro Rosso driver in 2014 and then between the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix and the 2017 United States Grand Prix, will replace Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who moves over to Red Bull. "First of all, I would like to thank Red Bull and Toro Rosso for giving me this opportunity to race in Formula 1 again and I am particularly pleased to be returning to a team I know very well," the 24-year-old driver said. Kvyat also thanked Ferrari for its trust, allowing him to "stay connected to F1 as their development driver." "Even if my duties were primarily simulator based, I've learned a lot, and I now feel stronger and better prepared than when I left Toro Rosso," Kvyat added.

Russia's Kvyat to return to Toro Rosso for 2019 F1 season

The German Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) achieved his fiftieth victory in the Formula One World Championship this Sunday by winning the Canadian Grand Prix leading from start to finish. 
 
Vettel also regained, by a single point, the leadership in the competition, as the British driver Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), the first placed so far, finished in fifth place. 
 
The German, already four-time world champion (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013), won from pole position at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal, where he steered to an undeniable victory. 
 
Sunday's victory is his third victory in 2018, after Australia and Bahrain, and his second in Canada, where he also won in 2013, at the helm of a Red Bull. 
 
The driver from the small German town of Heppenheim rider won the race ahead of Finn Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and the two Red Bull Racing drivers, Dutchman Max Verstappen and Australian Daniel Ricciardo. 
 
Lewis Hamilton, a six-time winner in Montreal and aiming to equal the record of seven set by Germany's Michael Schumacher, could only finish fifth, depriving him of the championship lead by just one point. Vettel now has 121 points. 
 
Sebastian Vettel took advantage of his privileged position on the grid to reach the first corner in the lead, while behind him Bottas stopped Verstappen's frantic attack by taking second place. 
 
The first lap had to be neutralised with the safety car after an accident between the Canadian Lance Stroll (Williams) and the New Zealander Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso), which ended without penalties for either of them. 
 
Nothing changed during the restart. Vettel went on first and little by little he set a pace that his rivals were unable to keep up. He crossed the finish line with a clear advantage over Bottas, and further back the Red Bull drivers. 
 
The World Championship resumes with the Grand Prix of France from 22nd to 24th June at the Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet.

The German Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) achieved his fiftieth victory in the Formula One World Championship

The German Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) achieved his fiftieth victory in the Formula One World Championship this Sunday by winning the Canadian Grand Prix leading from start to finish. Vettel also regained, by a single point, the leadership in the competition, as the British driver Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), the first placed so far, finished in fifth place. The German, already four-time world champion (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013), won from pole position at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal, where he steered to an undeniable victory. Sunday's victory is his third victory in 2018, after Australia and Bahrain, and his second in Canada, where he also won in 2013, at the helm of a Red Bull. The driver from the small German town of Heppenheim rider won the race ahead of Finn Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) and the two Red Bull Racing drivers, Dutchman Max Verstappen and Australian Daniel Ricciardo. Lewis Hamilton, a six-time winner in Montreal and aiming to equal the record of seven set by Germany's Michael Schumacher, could only finish fifth, depriving him of the championship lead by just one point. Vettel now has 121 points. Sebastian Vettel took advantage of his privileged position on the grid to reach the first corner in the lead, while behind him Bottas stopped Verstappen's frantic attack by taking second place. The first lap had to be neutralised with the safety car after an accident between the Canadian Lance Stroll (Williams) and the New Zealander Brendon Hartley (Toro Rosso), which ended without penalties for either of them. Nothing changed during the restart. Vettel went on first and little by little he set a pace that his rivals were unable to keep up. He crossed the finish line with a clear advantage over Bottas, and further back the Red Bull drivers. The World Championship resumes with the Grand Prix of France from 22nd to 24th June at the Paul Ricard circuit at Le Castellet.

Sebastian Vettel wins Canada GP, regains F1 leadership

New Zealander Brendon Hartley lost control of his Toro Rosso car at Turn Nine and smashed into the barriers during Practice Three for Spanish Grand Prix.

Brendon Hartley was trying to gain maximum speed into Turn Nine but edged onto the dirt and crashed, destroying the rear-end of his car.

Both rear wheels and the rear of the gearbox were left hanging by their tethers, but Hartley was unhurt and responded "I'm OK" on the team's radio link.

Hartley was assisted by medical staff as he walked away from his wrecked car.

Watch the video of the crash:

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The speed with which the Toro Rosso hit the wall in Campsa, is astonishing. I'm glad Brendon Hartley got out unscathed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpanishGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpanishGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/l4h7ffOwIG">pic.twitter.com/l4h7ffOwIG</a>
— The Caution Clock ⚠️ (@CautionClock20) <a href="https://twitter.com/CautionClock20/status/995266775007858689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Will <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendonHartley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrendonHartley</a>'s car be ready for qualifying after this big shunt in FP3?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpanishGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpanishGP</a> ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZEGViMxJjS">pic.twitter.com/ZEGViMxJjS</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/995277552695439362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton topped the times ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the third and final free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The magnitude of the crash indicates that Hartley won't be able to take part because the engineers will surely struggle and need a lot of time to rebuild the damaged car in time for qualifying which means Pierre Gasly is set to be the only Toro Rosso representative out on track for the qualifying session.

The extent of the damage to his car was evident as the recovery crane removed it from the gravel, with the engine and gearbox falling off the back. 
&nbsp;

New Zealander Brendon Hartley lost control of his Toro Rosso car at Turn Nine and smashed into the barriers during Practice Three for Spanish Grand Prix

New Zealander Brendon Hartley lost control of his Toro Rosso car at Turn Nine and smashed into the barriers during Practice Three for Spanish Grand Prix. Brendon Hartley was trying to gain maximum speed into Turn Nine but edged onto the dirt and crashed, destroying the rear-end of his car. Both rear wheels and the rear of the gearbox were left hanging by their tethers, but Hartley was unhurt and responded "I'm OK" on the team's radio link. Hartley was assisted by medical staff as he walked away from his wrecked car. Watch the video of the crash: The speed with which the Toro Rosso hit the wall in Campsa, is astonishing. I'm glad Brendon Hartley got out unscathed. #SpanishGP pic.twitter.com/l4h7ffOwIG — The Caution Clock ⚠️ (@CautionClock20) May 12, 2018 × Will @BrendonHartley's car be ready for qualifying after this big shunt in FP3?#SpanishGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/ZEGViMxJjS — Formula 1 (@F1) May 12, 2018 × Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton topped the times ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the third and final free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix. The magnitude of the crash indicates that Hartley won't be able to take part because the engineers will surely struggle and need a lot of time to rebuild the damaged car in time for qualifying which means Pierre Gasly is set to be the only Toro Rosso representative out on track for the qualifying session. The extent of the damage to his car was evident as the recovery crane removed it from the gravel, with the engine and gearbox falling off the back.

Watch: Brendon Hartley suffers horrific crash in Spanish GP practice

A pit stop crew member of Ferrari suffered a massive tragedy when&nbsp;Kimi Raikkonen ran over him and fractured his leg in the Bahrain Grand Prix during the pit stop.

Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini was immediately taken to hospital as he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg when Raikkonen hit him during the second pit-stop in Sunday's race.

Cigarini has undergone a successful operation and send his gratitude by sharing his photo on Instagram quoting, "I want to thank all the people who asked about me and worried. Only a big thank-you. Hugs."

Here is the post:

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVIb4KltMR/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF border:0 border-radius:3px box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15) margin: 1px max-width:658px padding:0 width:99.375% width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px) width:calc(100% - 2px)">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/pngbase64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) display:block height:44px margin:0 auto -44px position:relative top:-22px width:44px">&nbsp;</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhVIb4KltMR/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Surgery ok. I have to thank all the people worried for me. Nothing else, just a big thanks. Hugs! L'operazione è andata bene. Voglio ringraziare tutte le persone che hanno chiesto di me e si sono preoccupate. Solo un grande GRAZIE. Abbracci #thanks #grazie</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/francesco.cigarini/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Francesco Cigarini</a> (@francesco.cigarini) on <time datetime="2018-04-09T00:50:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 8, 2018 at 5:50pm PDT</time>
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Kimi Raikkonen was criticised on social forums for the incident for which he wrote back: "Get well soon mate!"

The incident happened when Cigarini was preparing to fit a new left-rear tyre during Raikkonen's second stop and the system turned on a green light to signal that all four wheels had re-fitted tyres, but the left-rear tyre was stuck and had not been removed.

Though Raikkonen was stopped immediately in the pit lane because it is against the regulations to run a car with a mismatched set of tyres.

Watch the tragic incident here:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raikkonen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raikkonen</a> takes out pit crew!? <a href="https://t.co/yhVnpbR3bq">pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq</a>
— Simon (@quicktweetaway) <a href="https://twitter.com/quicktweetaway/status/983018335561506817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pitcrew Kimi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BahrainGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BahrainGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ferrari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ferrari</a> <a href="https://t.co/cIU4rJI2CK">pic.twitter.com/cIU4rJI2CK</a>
— Brayen Engels (@XF1RacingLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/XF1RacingLeague/status/983025524976037889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Later Ferrari launched an immediate investigation to discover how their automated system had failed.

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros for the incident. It was the second time the team had been involved in an unsafe release from a pit stop during the weekend.

Raikkonen’s Ferrari team-mate, four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel, won the race, his second victory in two events this season.

Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini has undergone a successful operation on his leg broken when Kimi Raikkonen ran over him in the Bahrain Grand Prix

A pit stop crew member of Ferrari suffered a massive tragedy when Kimi Raikkonen ran over him and fractured his leg in the Bahrain Grand Prix during the pit stop. Ferrari mechanic Francesco Cigarini was immediately taken to hospital as he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg when Raikkonen hit him during the second pit-stop in Sunday's race. Cigarini has undergone a successful operation and send his gratitude by sharing his photo on Instagram quoting, "I want to thank all the people who asked about me and worried. Only a big thank-you. Hugs." Here is the post: Surgery ok. I have to thank all the people worried for me. Nothing else, just a big thanks. Hugs! L'operazione è andata bene. Voglio ringraziare tutte le persone che hanno chiesto di me e si sono preoccupate. Solo un grande GRAZIE. Abbracci #thanks #grazie A post shared by Francesco Cigarini (@francesco.cigarini) on Apr 8, 2018 at 5:50pm PDT × Kimi Raikkonen was criticised on social forums for the incident for which he wrote back: "Get well soon mate!" The incident happened when Cigarini was preparing to fit a new left-rear tyre during Raikkonen's second stop and the system turned on a green light to signal that all four wheels had re-fitted tyres, but the left-rear tyre was stuck and had not been removed. Though Raikkonen was stopped immediately in the pit lane because it is against the regulations to run a car with a mismatched set of tyres. Watch the tragic incident here: #Raikkonen takes out pit crew!? pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq — Simon (@quicktweetaway) April 8, 2018 × Pitcrew Kimi #F1 #BahrainGP @Ferrari pic.twitter.com/cIU4rJI2CK — Brayen Engels (@XF1RacingLeague) April 8, 2018 × Later Ferrari launched an immediate investigation to discover how their automated system had failed. Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros for the incident. It was the second time the team had been involved in an unsafe release from a pit stop during the weekend. Raikkonen’s Ferrari team-mate, four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel, won the race, his second victory in two events this season.

Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member

Formula&nbsp;One has ended the practice of using scantily clad &quot;grid girls&quot; before races, the sport&#39;s organisers Liberty Media said on Wednesday.

They said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races were &quot;clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms&quot;.

Darts took a similar decision this month, banning the women who walk on with the players before matches.

&quot;Over the last year we have looked at a number of areas which we felt needed updating so as to be more in tune with our vision for this great sport,&quot; said&nbsp;Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;1.

&quot;While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;1&nbsp;Grands Prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern-day societal norms.&quot;

Bratches said the practice was not &quot;appropriate or relevant to&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;1&nbsp;and its fans, old and new, across the world&quot;.

The decision by F1 bosses to axe the grid girls, one of the sport&#39;s long-standing pre-race traditions, is expected to bring similar pressure onto organisers of boxing and motorcycling who routinely use attractive women in event promotions.

The treatment and media image of women in sport has been drawn into sharp focus after the momentum sparked by the #MeToo campaign which has highlighted allegations of sexual misconduct in the world of entertainment and politics.

However, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said Wednesday he will not remove ring card girls from his fights.

&quot;The ring card girls have been a part of boxing history for many, many years. As far as I am aware, darts will still have dancers on stage performing, but the walk-on girls were not really necessary,&quot; Hearn told GQ magazine.

&quot;From a boxing point of view, we want to keep the traditions of the sport going and in my opinion, it has nothing to do with sexism or feminism. It is just a part of boxing and until we are told otherwise.&quot;

Women&#39;s groups, however, backed the F1 decision.

&quot;Thank you @F1 for deciding to stop using grid girls. Another sport making a clear choice about what they want to stand for,&quot; tweeted @WomenSportTrust.

Drivers preferred to concentrate on the positive side of the F1 announcement on Wednesday.

&quot;I don&#39;t care, I&#39;m married to the most beautiful girl on earth,&quot; tweeted Haas team driver Romain Grosjean.

Former Indian F1 driver, Karun Chandhok tweeted: &quot;Would be a good idea to use the money saved from paying the &#39;grid girls&#39; to make a small investment in getting more female drivers into the sport...&quot;

F1 has experimented with changes in its presentation in previous years.

At the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel was less than impressed with the decision to employ &quot;grid boys&quot; instead of women.

&quot;Why didn&#39;t we have any grid girls today?&quot; said German star Vettel. &quot;What was that? You get there and park behind George or Dave. What&#39;s the point?&quot;

The new Formula One season begins on March 25 with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

&nbsp;

F1 said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races was 'clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms'

Formula One has ended the practice of using scantily clad "grid girls" before races, the sport's organisers Liberty Media said on Wednesday. They said the practice of having the women milling about in the grid area before races were "clearly at odds with modern-day societal norms". Darts took a similar decision this month, banning the women who walk on with the players before matches. "Over the last year we have looked at a number of areas which we felt needed updating so as to be more in tune with our vision for this great sport," said Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at Formula 1. "While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of Formula 1 Grands Prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern-day societal norms." Bratches said the practice was not "appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, across the world". The decision by F1 bosses to axe the grid girls, one of the sport's long-standing pre-race traditions, is expected to bring similar pressure onto organisers of boxing and motorcycling who routinely use attractive women in event promotions. The treatment and media image of women in sport has been drawn into sharp focus after the momentum sparked by the #MeToo campaign which has highlighted allegations of sexual misconduct in the world of entertainment and politics. However, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said Wednesday he will not remove ring card girls from his fights. "The ring card girls have been a part of boxing history for many, many years. As far as I am aware, darts will still have dancers on stage performing, but the walk-on girls were not really necessary," Hearn told GQ magazine. "From a boxing point of view, we want to keep the traditions of the sport going and in my opinion, it has nothing to do with sexism or feminism. It is just a part of boxing and until we are told otherwise." Women's groups, however, backed the F1 decision. "Thank you @F1 for deciding to stop using grid girls. Another sport making a clear choice about what they want to stand for," tweeted @WomenSportTrust. Drivers preferred to concentrate on the positive side of the F1 announcement on Wednesday. "I don't care, I'm married to the most beautiful girl on earth," tweeted Haas team driver Romain Grosjean. Former Indian F1 driver, Karun Chandhok tweeted: "Would be a good idea to use the money saved from paying the 'grid girls' to make a small investment in getting more female drivers into the sport..." F1 has experimented with changes in its presentation in previous years. At the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel was less than impressed with the decision to employ "grid boys" instead of women. "Why didn't we have any grid girls today?" said German star Vettel. "What was that? You get there and park behind George or Dave. What's the point?" The new Formula One season begins on March 25 with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Formula 1 ends use of 'grid girls'

Italian Formula One team Ferrari paid tribute to Michael Schumacher on Wednesday as the former seven-time world champion turned 49.

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Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher turns 49 today<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepFightingMichael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepFightingMichael</a> <a href="https://t.co/vwqVeOil8J">pic.twitter.com/vwqVeOil8J</a>
&mdash; Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/948486284481359872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Today Michael turns 49, our thoughts are always with him. #Keepfighting #ForzaMichael,&quot; the Italian stable wrote on their Twitter account.

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Today Michael turns 49, our thoughts are always with him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Keepfighting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Keepfighting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaMichael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaMichael</a> <a href="https://t.co/vkRLtDPqOD">pic.twitter.com/vkRLtDPqOD</a>
&mdash; Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/948463945911799808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The retired seven-time F1 champion German racing ace, widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers ever, has been battling for his life ever since he suffered catastrophic brain injuries four years ago after he hit his head on a rock during a skiing holiday in the French resort of Meribel in December 2013.

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Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/schumacher?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@schumacher</a> you are still and will always be the very best to me! 
A very happy birthday Michael! All the best to you always! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaMichael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaMichael</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y44r3AHy6p">pic.twitter.com/Y44r3AHy6p</a>
&mdash; Mechthild B&ouml;ttger (@MechiBoettger) <a href="https://twitter.com/MechiBoettger/status/948478524754747392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Schumacher won two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five consecutive world drivers&#39; titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004.

His records of seven titles, 91 career victories, fastest laps (77) and most races won in a single season (13), remain unchallenged.

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Seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is 49 today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepFightingMichael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepFightingMichael</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaMichael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaMichael</a> <a href="https://t.co/c0Xq8JUy69">pic.twitter.com/c0Xq8JUy69</a>
&mdash; Planet F1 (@Planet_F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Planet_F1/status/948492633097125888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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SCHUMACHER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> STATS 
 
306 - Starts 
91 - Wins 
68 - Pole positions 
155 - Podiums 
77 - Fastest laps 
7 - World titles<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1FastFact?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1FastFact</a> <a href="https://t.co/jPXMnfDUSd">pic.twitter.com/jPXMnfDUSd</a>
&mdash; Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/948512319121821701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The seven-time F1 champion has been battling for his life ever since he suffered catastrophic brain injuries

Italian Formula One team Ferrari paid tribute to Michael Schumacher on Wednesday as the former seven-time world champion turned 49. Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher turns 49 today#KeepFightingMichael pic.twitter.com/vwqVeOil8J — Formula 1 (@F1) January 3, 2018 × "Today Michael turns 49, our thoughts are always with him. #Keepfighting #ForzaMichael," the Italian stable wrote on their Twitter account. Today Michael turns 49, our thoughts are always with him. #Keepfighting #ForzaMichael pic.twitter.com/vkRLtDPqOD — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) January 3, 2018 × The retired seven-time F1 champion German racing ace, widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers ever, has been battling for his life ever since he suffered catastrophic brain injuries four years ago after he hit his head on a rock during a skiing holiday in the French resort of Meribel in December 2013. Hey @schumacher you are still and will always be the very best to me! A very happy birthday Michael! All the best to you always! #ForzaMichael pic.twitter.com/Y44r3AHy6p — Mechthild Böttger (@MechiBoettger) January 3, 2018 × Schumacher won two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five consecutive world drivers' titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004. His records of seven titles, 91 career victories, fastest laps (77) and most races won in a single season (13), remain unchallenged. Seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is 49 today.#KeepFightingMichael #ForzaMichael pic.twitter.com/c0Xq8JUy69 — Planet F1 (@Planet_F1) January 3, 2018 × SCHUMACHER #F1 STATS 306 - Starts 91 - Wins 68 - Pole positions 155 - Podiums 77 - Fastest laps 7 - World titles#F1FastFact pic.twitter.com/jPXMnfDUSd — Formula 1 (@F1) January 3, 2018 ×

Formula-1 legend Michael Schumacher turns 49, fans send wishes

Attendance at the&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;Grand Prix rose 19 percent in 2017, underscoring the popularity of the race, whose contract was extended last week for four years.

Overall attendance hit 260,400, higher than the event&#39;s 10-year average, event organiserSingapore&nbsp;GP said in a statement on Sunday. The 2016 edition attracted about 219,000 spectators.

The sport&#39;s first night race marked its 10th anniversary this year and has established itself as one of the most popular and glamorous of Formula One&#39;s events. Last week, the sport and race organisers confirmed that the&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;Grand Prix would stay on the Formula One calendar until 2021.

Sunday&#39;s race, which was won by Lewis Hamilton, would otherwise have been the last in the city-state.

Overall attendance hit 260,400, higher than the event's 10-year average, event organiser Singapore?GP said in a statement on Sunday. The 2016 edition attracted about 219,000 spectators.

Attendance at the Singapore Grand Prix rose 19 percent in 2017, underscoring the popularity of the race, whose contract was extended last week for four years. Overall attendance hit 260,400, higher than the event's 10-year average, event organiserSingapore GP said in a statement on Sunday. The 2016 edition attracted about 219,000 spectators. The sport's first night race marked its 10th anniversary this year and has established itself as one of the most popular and glamorous of Formula One's events. Last week, the sport and race organisers confirmed that the Singapore Grand Prix would stay on the Formula One calendar until 2021. Sunday's race, which was won by Lewis Hamilton, would otherwise have been the last in the city-state.

Singapore Grand Prix attendance rises 19 per cent in 2017

Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton will start off the pole in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix after winning qualifying on Saturday.

Hamilton in a Mercedes clocked a record lap of one minute 22.188 seconds to take his 62nd career pole and sixth in Australia into Sunday&#39;s race in Melbourne.

Ferrari&#39;s Sebastian Vettel was second with Hamilton&#39;s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas third.

Hamilton has been on pole in Melbourne in each of the last four seasons, and in five out the last six Australian GPs.

&quot;It&#39;s been a fantastic weekend so far. I&#39;m incredibly proud of my team,&quot; Hamilton said.

&quot;Valtteri did a great job and it&#39;s great for us as Mercedes. It&#39;s going to be a tight race.

&quot;Tomorrow is about putting all the work together and making sure I come back stronger than ever.&quot;

He was pushed in the final Q3 stage first by Bottas and then by Vettel before clinching the fastest lap.

&quot;I lost a bit in turn one and in turn nine I tried a bit too much, but I don&#39;t think it would have been enough,&quot; said Vettel, who&nbsp;claimed Ferrari&#39;s first front row since 2015 in knocking Bottas&nbsp;out of second place.

Hamilton&#39;s pole time was 1.7 seconds quicker than his qualifying time last year.

&quot;Third position is not ideal,&quot; Bottas said.

&quot;In general I&#39;m not happy for the result. But I&#39;m proud of what the team has done.

&quot;I only saw a very small part of the preparation and it&#39;s nice to see the work has pulled off and we&#39;re fighting at the front.&quot;

Australia&#39;s big hope Daniel Ricciardo crashed his Red Bull at turn 14 looking to post a good time in Q3 and will start 10th off the grid.

Ricciardo damaged the rear of his RB13 car and was heard over the team radio as saying: &quot;I&#39;m alright... sorry guys.&quot;

The final session of qualifying was suspended while Ricciardo&#39;s car was removed from the gravel alongside the track.

&quot;He&#39;s absolutely fine. It&#39;s a shame. He&#39;s lost the rear of the car at turn 14. He&#39;s come on the radio and apologised. Just pushing a bit too hard in that corner,&quot; team principal Christian Horner said.

Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon and Marcus Ericsson all failed to make it through the top ten shootout.

Red Bull&#39;s Max Verstappen had a lock-up into turn six on ultrasoft tyres before he posted a time to stay alive into Q2.

McLaren&#39;s Stoffel Vandoorne had a fuel-flow issue which sent the Belgian to the pits and knocked out in Q1.

Vandoorne was joined by Antonio Giovinazzi, Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll and Jolyon Palmer to be eliminated in the first session of qualifying.

Giovinazzi is making his F1 debut after replacing Williams team-mate Pascal Wehrlein, who has not sufficiently recovered from a back injury sustained in a pre-season crash.

(AFP)

Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Bottas came third followed by Raikkonen

Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton will start off the pole in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix after winning qualifying on Saturday. Hamilton in a Mercedes clocked a record lap of one minute 22.188 seconds to take his 62nd career pole and sixth in Australia into Sunday's race in Melbourne. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was second with Hamilton's Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas third. Hamilton has been on pole in Melbourne in each of the last four seasons, and in five out the last six Australian GPs. "It's been a fantastic weekend so far. I'm incredibly proud of my team," Hamilton said. "Valtteri did a great job and it's great for us as Mercedes. It's going to be a tight race. "Tomorrow is about putting all the work together and making sure I come back stronger than ever." He was pushed in the final Q3 stage first by Bottas and then by Vettel before clinching the fastest lap. "I lost a bit in turn one and in turn nine I tried a bit too much, but I don't think it would have been enough," said Vettel, who claimed Ferrari's first front row since 2015 in knocking Bottas out of second place. Hamilton's pole time was 1.7 seconds quicker than his qualifying time last year. "Third position is not ideal," Bottas said. "In general I'm not happy for the result. But I'm proud of what the team has done. "I only saw a very small part of the preparation and it's nice to see the work has pulled off and we're fighting at the front." Australia's big hope Daniel Ricciardo crashed his Red Bull at turn 14 looking to post a good time in Q3 and will start 10th off the grid. Ricciardo damaged the rear of his RB13 car and was heard over the team radio as saying: "I'm alright... sorry guys." The final session of qualifying was suspended while Ricciardo's car was removed from the gravel alongside the track. "He's absolutely fine. It's a shame. He's lost the rear of the car at turn 14. He's come on the radio and apologised. Just pushing a bit too hard in that corner," team principal Christian Horner said. Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso, Esteban Ocon and Marcus Ericsson all failed to make it through the top ten shootout. Red Bull's Max Verstappen had a lock-up into turn six on ultrasoft tyres before he posted a time to stay alive into Q2. McLaren's Stoffel Vandoorne had a fuel-flow issue which sent the Belgian to the pits and knocked out in Q1. Vandoorne was joined by Antonio Giovinazzi, Kevin Magnussen, Lance Stroll and Jolyon Palmer to be eliminated in the first session of qualifying. Giovinazzi is making his F1 debut after replacing Williams team-mate Pascal Wehrlein, who has not sufficiently recovered from a back injury sustained in a pre-season crash. (AFP)

Australian GP: Hamilton secures pole, Vettel second

New signing Valtteri Bottas put champions Mercedes on top of the timesheets on Wednesday with the fastest lap so far in Formula One&#39;s pre-season testing, while Kimi Raikkonen crashed his Ferrari.

Bottas&#39;s best lap of one minute 19.310 seconds came on supersoft tyres in the morning session, with the Finn then handing over to triple champion team mate Lewis Hamilton (79 laps) for the afternoon.

The time was 0.395 faster than the best set last week, also by Bottas on ultrasoft tyres, and quicker than any Spanish Grand Prix pole position time since the Circuit de Catalunya layout was changed in 2007.

It was also nearly three seconds faster than Hamilton&#39;s 2016 pole time.

Bottas, who did 70 laps on Wednesday, joined from Williams in January as replacement for retired world champion Nico Rosberg.

The Finn&#39;s former team mate Felipe Massa, who was fastest on Tuesday when he did an eye-catching 168 laps equal to 2-1/2 race distances, was second quickest and completed another 63 laps.

The Brazilian handed over the Williams to Canadian rookie Lance Stroll, who managed to stay out of trouble after mishaps last week and did 59 laps with the fifth best time.

Raikkonen was third with a time of 1:20.406 but spent some time in the garage while Ferrari carried out a fluid systems check and he completed just 39 laps before lunch.

The Finn crashed into the barriers at turn three in the afternoon.

Red Bull had to carry out an engine change over the lunch break with Max Verstappen managing only 34 laps - the second lowest of any team in the morning session. With the problem resolved, he ended the day with 102 under his belt.

McLaren&#39;s Fernando Alonso was 3.7 seconds off the pace and managed only 46 timed laps with the team still struggling with their latest Honda engines.

Racing director Eric Boullier told reporters that the lack of speed and mileage was a concern for the former champions with the season starting in Australia on March 26.

&quot;If you are not running fast enough, you do not put the right energy into the tyres, you don&#39;t put the right energy in the brakes of the car, and your ride height targets are different,&quot; he said.

&quot;There are a lot of consequences to run 15kph or 18kph slower in a straight line. But still, we make the most of the data we can gather just by running the car, and that is what we want to see.&quot;

(Reuters)

Double world champion Fernando Alonso continued to struggle, with his McLaren car 3.7 seconds off the fastest time

New signing Valtteri Bottas put champions Mercedes on top of the timesheets on Wednesday with the fastest lap so far in Formula One's pre-season testing, while Kimi Raikkonen crashed his Ferrari. Bottas's best lap of one minute 19.310 seconds came on supersoft tyres in the morning session, with the Finn then handing over to triple champion team mate Lewis Hamilton (79 laps) for the afternoon. The time was 0.395 faster than the best set last week, also by Bottas on ultrasoft tyres, and quicker than any Spanish Grand Prix pole position time since the Circuit de Catalunya layout was changed in 2007. It was also nearly three seconds faster than Hamilton's 2016 pole time. Bottas, who did 70 laps on Wednesday, joined from Williams in January as replacement for retired world champion Nico Rosberg. The Finn's former team mate Felipe Massa, who was fastest on Tuesday when he did an eye-catching 168 laps equal to 2-1/2 race distances, was second quickest and completed another 63 laps. The Brazilian handed over the Williams to Canadian rookie Lance Stroll, who managed to stay out of trouble after mishaps last week and did 59 laps with the fifth best time. Raikkonen was third with a time of 1:20.406 but spent some time in the garage while Ferrari carried out a fluid systems check and he completed just 39 laps before lunch. The Finn crashed into the barriers at turn three in the afternoon. Red Bull had to carry out an engine change over the lunch break with Max Verstappen managing only 34 laps - the second lowest of any team in the morning session. With the problem resolved, he ended the day with 102 under his belt. McLaren's Fernando Alonso was 3.7 seconds off the pace and managed only 46 timed laps with the team still struggling with their latest Honda engines. Racing director Eric Boullier told reporters that the lack of speed and mileage was a concern for the former champions with the season starting in Australia on March 26. "If you are not running fast enough, you do not put the right energy into the tyres, you don't put the right energy in the brakes of the car, and your ride height targets are different," he said. "There are a lot of consequences to run 15kph or 18kph slower in a straight line. But still, we make the most of the data we can gather just by running the car, and that is what we want to see." (Reuters)

F1 testing: Bottas goes fastest as Raikkonen crashes

Mexican Formula One driver Sergio &quot;Checo&quot; Perez joined on Thursday a campaign by the Mexico Grand Prix opposing US President Donald Trump&#39;s plan to build a border wall.

The racetrack&#39;s Twitter account shows a photo of the Force India driver under a banner that reads &quot;#BridgesNotWalls&quot; at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez speedway along with people holding the Mexican flag.

&quot;It represents many Mexican motorsport fans&#39; views currently, it&#39;s a call to action inviting fans to build bridges, not barriers,&quot; the Grand Prix organizers said in a statement that does not mention Trump&#39;s name but is clearly directed at his wall plans.

Trump has angered Mexicans and caused a diplomatic row by vowing to make their country pay for the massive border barrier.

In November, Perez dropped one of his sponsors, sunglasses maker Hawkers, after a message mocking Mexicans appeared on the company&#39;s Twitter account&nbsp;following Trump&#39;s election.

Another Mexican sports star, veteran national team skipper Rafael Marquez, fired a Twitter volley at Trump last month, writing that &quot;No wall can stop us if we believe in ourselves.&quot;

Marquez posted the phrase next to a video of him firing home a trademark freekick from his days playing with Barcelona.

(AFP)

Trump has angered Mexicans and caused a diplomatic row by vowing to make their country pay for the massive border barrier

Mexican Formula One driver Sergio "Checo" Perez joined on Thursday a campaign by the Mexico Grand Prix opposing US President Donald Trump's plan to build a border wall. The racetrack's Twitter account shows a photo of the Force India driver under a banner that reads "#BridgesNotWalls" at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez speedway along with people holding the Mexican flag. "It represents many Mexican motorsport fans' views currently, it's a call to action inviting fans to build bridges, not barriers," the Grand Prix organizers said in a statement that does not mention Trump's name but is clearly directed at his wall plans. Trump has angered Mexicans and caused a diplomatic row by vowing to make their country pay for the massive border barrier. In November, Perez dropped one of his sponsors, sunglasses maker Hawkers, after a message mocking Mexicans appeared on the company's Twitter account following Trump's election. Another Mexican sports star, veteran national team skipper Rafael Marquez, fired a Twitter volley at Trump last month, writing that "No wall can stop us if we believe in ourselves." Marquez posted the phrase next to a video of him firing home a trademark freekick from his days playing with Barcelona. (AFP)

F1: Mexico's Sergio Perez opposes Trump's wall plan

Bernie Ecclestone&#39;s long reign as Formula One&#39;s ringmaster came to an end Monday as Liberty Media completed its multi-billion-dollar takeover of motorsport&#39;s most prestigious brand.

Colorado-based Liberty confirmed in a statement that American Chase Carey had been appointed chairman and chief executive of F1, with Ecclestone moving into an advisory role as &quot;chairman emeritus&quot;.

Ecclestone, 86, had already signalled the end of his near 40-year reign as head of Formula One in comments to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport earlier Monday.

&quot;I was dismissed today,&quot; Ecclestone told the magazine. &quot;I no longer run the company. My position has been taken by Chase Carey,&quot; he said.

He said his new chairman emeritus role was &quot;a kind of honorary president&quot; position, but added: &quot;I have this title without knowing what it means.&quot;

Ecclestone, a former car salesman who transformed F1 into a multi-billion dollar business, was initially reported to be staying on after news of the Liberty deal emerged last year.

However in a statement confirming completion of the takeover, valued at around $8 billion, Liberty president Greg Maffei confirmed Ecclestone would be leaving his role as chief executive.

&quot;We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of F1 and that Chase will lead this business as CEO,&quot; Maffei said.&nbsp;

&quot;There is an enormous opportunity to grow the sport, and we have every confidence that Chase, with his abilities and experience, is the right person to achieve this,&quot; Maffei added, paying tribute to the &quot;tremendous success&quot; of Ecclestone in helping to grow Formula One.

&#39;Huge potential&#39;

Carey, a vice-chairman of the 21st Century Fox media conglomerate, said he was looking forward to running a sport which had &quot;huge potential with multiple untapped opportunities.&quot;

&quot;I have enjoyed hearing from the fans, teams, FIA, promoters and sponsors on their ideas and hopes for the sport,&quot; Carey said.

&quot;We will work with all of these partners to enhance the racing experience and add new dimensions to the sport and we look forward to sharing these plans overtime.&quot;

Carey also praised Ecclestone&#39;s role in developing Formula One, adding that he would seek to utilise the octogenarian impresario&#39;s advice in future.

&quot;The sport is what it is today because of him,&quot; Carey said of Ecclestone. &quot;I am grateful for his continued insight and guidance as we build F1 for long-term success.&quot;

McLaren executive director Zak Brown was among the first to lead the tributes to Ecclestone.

&quot;Today we should all pay tribute to a remarkable entrepreneur,&quot; Brown said on McLaren&#39;s Twitter feed. &quot;He will be a very hard act to follow.&quot;

In separate comments on the pitpass.com website, Brown said Ecclestone had turned Formula One into a &quot;sporting powerhouse.&quot;

&quot;Indeed, I can&#39;t think of a single other person who has had anything like as much influence on building a global sport as he has,&quot; he said.

The takeover gives Liberty, which is backed by US media titan John Malone, control of a global and highly profitable sport that rakes in billions from advertisers and broadcasting rights.

Formula One-branded merchandise also brings in millions, but some F1 teams are plagued by financial problems and the sport has limited activity in the social and digital media platforms crucial to courting the next generation of fans.

Carey has a proven record in expansive sport-media growth, and expertise in the value and exploitation of sports rights, notably in the US market.

The 20-race 2017 Formula One season gets underway in Australia on March 26 and ends in Abu Dhabi on November 26.

(AFP)

American Chase Carey has been appointed chairman and chief executive of F1

Bernie Ecclestone's long reign as Formula One's ringmaster came to an end Monday as Liberty Media completed its multi-billion-dollar takeover of motorsport's most prestigious brand. Colorado-based Liberty confirmed in a statement that American Chase Carey had been appointed chairman and chief executive of F1, with Ecclestone moving into an advisory role as "chairman emeritus". Ecclestone, 86, had already signalled the end of his near 40-year reign as head of Formula One in comments to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport earlier Monday. "I was dismissed today," Ecclestone told the magazine. "I no longer run the company. My position has been taken by Chase Carey," he said. He said his new chairman emeritus role was "a kind of honorary president" position, but added: "I have this title without knowing what it means." Ecclestone, a former car salesman who transformed F1 into a multi-billion dollar business, was initially reported to be staying on after news of the Liberty deal emerged last year. However in a statement confirming completion of the takeover, valued at around $8 billion, Liberty president Greg Maffei confirmed Ecclestone would be leaving his role as chief executive. "We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of F1 and that Chase will lead this business as CEO," Maffei said. "There is an enormous opportunity to grow the sport, and we have every confidence that Chase, with his abilities and experience, is the right person to achieve this," Maffei added, paying tribute to the "tremendous success" of Ecclestone in helping to grow Formula One. 'Huge potential' Carey, a vice-chairman of the 21st Century Fox media conglomerate, said he was looking forward to running a sport which had "huge potential with multiple untapped opportunities." "I have enjoyed hearing from the fans, teams, FIA, promoters and sponsors on their ideas and hopes for the sport," Carey said. "We will work with all of these partners to enhance the racing experience and add new dimensions to the sport and we look forward to sharing these plans overtime." Carey also praised Ecclestone's role in developing Formula One, adding that he would seek to utilise the octogenarian impresario's advice in future. "The sport is what it is today because of him," Carey said of Ecclestone. "I am grateful for his continued insight and guidance as we build F1 for long-term success." McLaren executive director Zak Brown was among the first to lead the tributes to Ecclestone. "Today we should all pay tribute to a remarkable entrepreneur," Brown said on McLaren's Twitter feed. "He will be a very hard act to follow." In separate comments on the pitpass.com website, Brown said Ecclestone had turned Formula One into a "sporting powerhouse." "Indeed, I can't think of a single other person who has had anything like as much influence on building a global sport as he has," he said. The takeover gives Liberty, which is backed by US media titan John Malone, control of a global and highly profitable sport that rakes in billions from advertisers and broadcasting rights. Formula One-branded merchandise also brings in millions, but some F1 teams are plagued by financial problems and the sport has limited activity in the social and digital media platforms crucial to courting the next generation of fans. Carey has a proven record in expansive sport-media growth, and expertise in the value and exploitation of sports rights, notably in the US market. The 20-race 2017 Formula One season gets underway in Australia on March 26 and ends in Abu Dhabi on November 26. (AFP)

Ecclestone's F1 era over as Liberty Media takes over

The French Grand Prix is returning to the Formula One calendar in 2018 after a decade-long absence at Le Castellet&#39;s Paul Ricard circuit near Marseille, organisers announced on Monday.

&quot;The French Grand Prix is making its comeback,&quot; Christian Estrosi, president of the Provence-Alpes-Cotes d&#39;Azur region told a press conference in Paris.

Estrosi made the announcement at the Automobile Club de France which helped stage the first ever grand prix in 1906.

The desired optimal date for the new French race would be late August or early September 2018, between the usual dates for the Belgium and Italian GP races.

French driver Romain Grosjean was one of the first to welcome the news.

&quot;Really super happy for all the French fans who will have their Grand Prix and who can come and support us&quot; the Haas team driver posted on Twitter.&nbsp;

Felipe Massa in a Ferrari won the last F1 race staged in France in 2008 at Magny-Cours, when a major budget deficit was shouldered by the French state and local authorities.

The Paul Ricard venue has held 14 F1 races in all between 1971 and 1990 when French four-time champion Alain Prost was victorious.

&quot;We lost this GP in 1990, it&#39;s returning now to Provence and that&#39;s only right for our region,&quot; Estrosi observed.

Since 2002 the track&#39;s shareholders have invested 80 million euros ($85.6mn) to bring it up to scratch.

&quot;It&#39;s a venue that is both recognised and appreciated,&quot; Estrosi declared.

He said the cost of staging the race had been estimated in an independent audit at 30 million euros - 14 million coming from local authorities and the balance from direct revenue.

&quot;And the impact on the local economy will be 65 million euros,&quot; he added, quoting figures from the audit into the project conducted by international consultants Deloitte.

Estrosi disclosed that it was only last month that he believed F1 would return to his region.

&quot;The crucial moment was when we met (F1 supremo and the track&#39;s former owner) Bernie Ecclestone, on November 16 in Geneva with (FIA) president Jean Todt.

&quot;We put all the numbers involved on the table, he believed us and I felt that he had confidence in us.&quot;

The circuit is named in honour of the man who used to bankroll it, the late industrialist who made his fortune from pastis.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The desired optimal date for the new French race would be late August or early September 2018

The French Grand Prix is returning to the Formula One calendar in 2018 after a decade-long absence at Le Castellet's Paul Ricard circuit near Marseille, organisers announced on Monday. "The French Grand Prix is making its comeback," Christian Estrosi, president of the Provence-Alpes-Cotes d'Azur region told a press conference in Paris. Estrosi made the announcement at the Automobile Club de France which helped stage the first ever grand prix in 1906. The desired optimal date for the new French race would be late August or early September 2018, between the usual dates for the Belgium and Italian GP races. French driver Romain Grosjean was one of the first to welcome the news. "Really super happy for all the French fans who will have their Grand Prix and who can come and support us" the Haas team driver posted on Twitter. Felipe Massa in a Ferrari won the last F1 race staged in France in 2008 at Magny-Cours, when a major budget deficit was shouldered by the French state and local authorities. The Paul Ricard venue has held 14 F1 races in all between 1971 and 1990 when French four-time champion Alain Prost was victorious. "We lost this GP in 1990, it's returning now to Provence and that's only right for our region," Estrosi observed. Since 2002 the track's shareholders have invested 80 million euros ($85.6mn) to bring it up to scratch. "It's a venue that is both recognised and appreciated," Estrosi declared. He said the cost of staging the race had been estimated in an independent audit at 30 million euros - 14 million coming from local authorities and the balance from direct revenue. "And the impact on the local economy will be 65 million euros," he added, quoting figures from the audit into the project conducted by international consultants Deloitte. Estrosi disclosed that it was only last month that he believed F1 would return to his region. "The crucial moment was when we met (F1 supremo and the track's former owner) Bernie Ecclestone, on November 16 in Geneva with (FIA) president Jean Todt. "We put all the numbers involved on the table, he believed us and I felt that he had confidence in us." The circuit is named in honour of the man who used to bankroll it, the late industrialist who made his fortune from pastis. (AFP)

French GP to return to F1 2018 calendar after decade-long absence

Nico Rosberg realised a dream and silenced his critics Sunday when he emulated his father Keke&rsquo;s achievement and claimed his maiden Formula One drivers&rsquo; championship.

But by beating his Mercedes team-mate and three-time champion Lewis Hamilton the usually-reserved Rosberg did far more than that.

In addition to persuading F1&rsquo;s veteran commercial ring-master Bernie Ecclestone to &quot;eat his words&quot; after saying that a Rosberg title win would be bad for business, he left several other pundits chewing furiously.&nbsp;

His father famously won only one race in his 1992 title triumph and a career total of five, but Rosberg swept to the title with nine wins this year.

It was emphatic proof that, despite all of Hamilton&rsquo;s reliability problems, he won the title on merit as much through dogged pursuit as a raw talent for speed.

Despite losing to Hamilton in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, his overall triumph against Hamilton reflected his character -&ndash; his refusal to concede, a relentless competitiveness and a cerebral attention to detail.

It also enabled Rosberg to exorcise the demons that appeared to inhabit his intense competition with Hamilton, a relationship which dates back to teenage karting days as team-mates, room-mates and rivals, which has exploded with collisions in the last four years.

In many ways, Rosberg&rsquo;s success -- and his identity as a champion -- has been defined by his relationship, and differences, with Hamilton.

Born to his Finnish father and German mother Sina in Wiesbaden, Germany, on June 27, 1985, Rosberg has raced for both Finland, briefly in his early career, and Germany. Yet, if anything, he is Monegasque and cosmopolitan.

He is a speaker of five languages with dual nationality from his parents, yet he does not speak Finnish thanks to his father&rsquo;s decision to bring him up without it.

And, far from having an easy life thanks to inherited wealth and privilege, he has, like Hamilton, always had a sense that he has much to prove.

His father Keke always stressed a need to be prudent.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always wanted to achieve things on my own,&rdquo; he told The Guardian earlier this year. &ldquo;I hated buying jeans with my dad&rsquo;s money. I&rsquo;d buy the minimum for whatever was necessary.

&ldquo;My mum grew up after the war in Germany and she used to take cigarettes from the floor and smoke the last bit left by American soldiers. They had nothing. She grew up like that.&rdquo;

Like Hamilton, he was once managed by his father, but no longer.

Rosberg began karting aged six. He and Hamilton met as rivals in 1997 and became team-mates in 2000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2002, he moved to the German Formula BMW championship and won the title.

His rise was a season ahead of Hamilton&rsquo;s parallel ascent of motor racing&rsquo;s ladder. As teenage rivals, both dreamt and laughed at the prospect of racing for the F1 world title.

Rosberg arrived in F1, with Williams, via the Formula 3 Euro Series and winning the inaugural GP2 title in 2005. He was partnered with Australian Mark Webber.

Williams had carried his father to the championship. For his son, however, blessed with flaxen hair and an easy charm, it was a harsh school for top-level competition.

The unforgiving Webber dubbed him Britney, after the pop singer Britney Spears. It was a soubriquet that branded Rosberg, only 20, with an image that took time to shake off.

Before joining Williams, he turned down a place at Imperial College, London, to study aeronautical engineering.

After Webber departed to Jaguar, Rosberg grew in confidence and claimed his first podium at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, sharing the moment with a victorious Hamilton who had arrived in F1 with McLaren a year earlier.

In 2010, he moved to the rebranded Mercedes team created by the German manufacturer&rsquo;s takeover of the 2009 champions Brawn.

He recorded consistent finishes, mixed with accidents, as team-mate to returning Michael Schumacher before the seven-time champion&rsquo;s final retirement and the arrival, in 2013, of Hamilton.

Their partnership ignited the team&rsquo;s current spell of dominance. Though Hamilton beat him to be champion in 2014 and 2015, the methodical Rosberg has become the fourth driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix three times in a row and win seven races in succession.

His championship triumph maintains the virility of his competitive value in combat with Hamilton and caps a happy period in his personal life.

While Hamilton remains single and has a playboy image, Rosberg in 2014 married his childhood sweetheart Vivian Sibold with whom he has a daughter, Alaia, born in August last year.

(AFP)

Mercedes's Nico Rosberg finished second, behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton, to win the drivers' championship

Nico Rosberg realised a dream and silenced his critics Sunday when he emulated his father Keke’s achievement and claimed his maiden Formula One drivers’ championship. But by beating his Mercedes team-mate and three-time champion Lewis Hamilton the usually-reserved Rosberg did far more than that. In addition to persuading F1’s veteran commercial ring-master Bernie Ecclestone to "eat his words" after saying that a Rosberg title win would be bad for business, he left several other pundits chewing furiously. His father famously won only one race in his 1992 title triumph and a career total of five, but Rosberg swept to the title with nine wins this year. It was emphatic proof that, despite all of Hamilton’s reliability problems, he won the title on merit as much through dogged pursuit as a raw talent for speed. Despite losing to Hamilton in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, his overall triumph against Hamilton reflected his character -– his refusal to concede, a relentless competitiveness and a cerebral attention to detail. It also enabled Rosberg to exorcise the demons that appeared to inhabit his intense competition with Hamilton, a relationship which dates back to teenage karting days as team-mates, room-mates and rivals, which has exploded with collisions in the last four years. In many ways, Rosberg’s success -- and his identity as a champion -- has been defined by his relationship, and differences, with Hamilton. Born to his Finnish father and German mother Sina in Wiesbaden, Germany, on June 27, 1985, Rosberg has raced for both Finland, briefly in his early career, and Germany. Yet, if anything, he is Monegasque and cosmopolitan. He is a speaker of five languages with dual nationality from his parents, yet he does not speak Finnish thanks to his father’s decision to bring him up without it. And, far from having an easy life thanks to inherited wealth and privilege, he has, like Hamilton, always had a sense that he has much to prove. His father Keke always stressed a need to be prudent. “I’ve always wanted to achieve things on my own,” he told The Guardian earlier this year. “I hated buying jeans with my dad’s money. I’d buy the minimum for whatever was necessary. “My mum grew up after the war in Germany and she used to take cigarettes from the floor and smoke the last bit left by American soldiers. They had nothing. She grew up like that.” Like Hamilton, he was once managed by his father, but no longer. Rosberg began karting aged six. He and Hamilton met as rivals in 1997 and became team-mates in 2000. In 2002, he moved to the German Formula BMW championship and won the title. His rise was a season ahead of Hamilton’s parallel ascent of motor racing’s ladder. As teenage rivals, both dreamt and laughed at the prospect of racing for the F1 world title. Rosberg arrived in F1, with Williams, via the Formula 3 Euro Series and winning the inaugural GP2 title in 2005. He was partnered with Australian Mark Webber. Williams had carried his father to the championship. For his son, however, blessed with flaxen hair and an easy charm, it was a harsh school for top-level competition. The unforgiving Webber dubbed him Britney, after the pop singer Britney Spears. It was a soubriquet that branded Rosberg, only 20, with an image that took time to shake off. Before joining Williams, he turned down a place at Imperial College, London, to study aeronautical engineering. After Webber departed to Jaguar, Rosberg grew in confidence and claimed his first podium at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, sharing the moment with a victorious Hamilton who had arrived in F1 with McLaren a year earlier. In 2010, he moved to the rebranded Mercedes team created by the German manufacturer’s takeover of the 2009 champions Brawn. He recorded consistent finishes, mixed with accidents, as team-mate to returning Michael Schumacher before the seven-time champion’s final retirement and the arrival, in 2013, of Hamilton. Their partnership ignited the team’s current spell of dominance. Though Hamilton beat him to be champion in 2014 and 2015, the methodical Rosberg has become the fourth driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix three times in a row and win seven races in succession. His championship triumph maintains the virility of his competitive value in combat with Hamilton and caps a happy period in his personal life. While Hamilton remains single and has a playboy image, Rosberg in 2014 married his childhood sweetheart Vivian Sibold with whom he has a daughter, Alaia, born in August last year. (AFP)

Abu Dhabi GP: Nico Rosberg wins maiden F1 world title

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