Don Robbie

By Oli Dickson Jefford At today’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix all eyes will largely focus on whether Lewis Hamilton wins a record eighth world title or if Max Verstappen can win his first. Yet, while Verstappen looks to become a F1 world champion, one man who has been there and done that will say a final goodbye to the sport. At the age of 42, Kimi   Raikkonen   will hang up his racing helmet for the final time following a career that has seen him compete at over 350 race weekends. Ahead of his final race, we take a look at ‘The Ice Man’s’ legacy. Longevity Midway through the 2020 season   Raikkonen   broke the record for the most Grand Prix starts, a testament to a hugely successful career over an extended period. Raikkonen   first entered the sport as a 21-year-old back in 2001 and has raced in F1 every year since barring 2010 and 2011, showing a longevity that very few athletes can dream of. Other drivers - notably Fernando Alonso, who also entered the sport in 2001...

Hamilton's History: Looking back at some of the closest title fights By Charlie Bennett A classic Formula 1 title race has been on the cards since the very first day of pre-season testing, but few saw a year as tense as this.  With 16 wins between them from 20 races, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have dominated the 2021 championship and, as we head for the final chapter of this epic thriller, just eight points separate the two.  Verstappen has the lead but Hamilton has the experience and it's that unquantifiable factor that many think will tip the scales in the Brit's favour. So, as he chases title No.8, let’s look back at some of Hamilton's other title battles.  2007 – A ROOKIE ASSASSIN  With his boyish looks, it’s hard to believe Hamilton turns 37 next month and has been an F1 driver for 14 years.  It’s also easy to forget he once drove for McLaren, who were perhaps the quickest team on the grid when they snapped him up in 2007.   F1 needed a new...

Mexican Grand Prix Review: Verstappen dominates to extend championship lead as Red Bull close in on Mercedes in constructors' race By Oli Dickson Jefford Max Verstappen edged closer to a first world title with a dominant display at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday. The Red Bull star holds a 19-point lead over seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton with only four races to go for the Brit to knock the Dutchman off the top of the leader board. Where the race was won and lost Red Bull were favourites to win this weekend, meaning that the Mercedes 1-2 in qualifying led by Valtteri Bottas came as a surprise. Yet, when the race began, it was immediately advantage Red Bull and that never looked like changing. Verstappen eased past both Mercedes cars with teammate and home favourite Sergio Perez also starting well, while Bottas spun and ended up at the back of the field. The Finn was stuck in 18th following the opening lap chaos, and was never able to recover. With Bottas at the back, Ham...

 Seat changes - a round-up of all the driver changes across the F1 landscape, with just one driver yet to be confirmed By Oli Dickson Jefford Another year, another F1 driver merry-go-round. Every season brings intrigue about which drivers may leave the sport, who may or may not keep their place at the team, and who will move elsewhere. While seven teams have decided to retain their 2021 driver line-up, three teams have made changes... The Finnish line: Bottas replaces retiring Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo were likely to change at least one driver, and they were the first team to confirm a new  face  with Valtteri Bottas joining the team. Bottas is replacing fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen, who confirmed he is calling time on his F1 career following months of rumours. A ten-time Grand Prix winner, 32-year-old Bottas brings an experience to Alfa Romeo that will be crucial as the team look to build a more competitive car. His move left a gap at Mercedes, and many people’s d...