Niyi Iyanda

Tunde Young

Following the approval of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), the FIA has released the official calendar for the 2023 Formula One (F1) season.&nbsp;

The announcement has met a fair amount of applause as well as criticism. While some fans are happy to see a return of the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, others are concerned about the physical demands so many races could have on drivers.&nbsp;

With various conversations taking up the media space, here are three of the biggest talking points from the 2023 F1 Calendar:&nbsp;

The most noticeable feature from the announcement is the addition of two new races. This will take the number of races on the calendar to 24 for the first time in the history of the sport.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today the FIA World Motor Sport Council has voted to approve the <a href="https://twitter.com/F1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1</a> calendar for 2023. Read more about the record-breaking 24 GPs here: <a href="https://t.co/EubEX5bMzc">https://t.co/EubEX5bMzc</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/0vJ62nyM98">pic.twitter.com/0vJ62nyM98</a>&mdash; FIA (@fia) <a href="https://twitter.com/fia/status/1572230043367264261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Speaking after the announcement, the FIA president, Mohammed bin Sulayem, stated that the additional races are proof of the growing popularity of the sport and he remains optimistic that it is a move in a positive direction.

Many fans have raised concerns about driver welfare as they feel drivers will be pushed to their limits, especially when considering travel fatigue.&nbsp;

Despite the additional race slots and the clamouring of an expectant fanbase, 2023 will not feature a Grand Prix on the African Continent.&nbsp;

Mercedes driver Sir Lewis Hamilton has been vocal about the need for the franchise to make a return to the second most populous continent and even went on an African tour during the Summer break visiting countries like Kenya and Rwanda.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton takes part in a traditional Pokot ceremony during his recent trip to Kenya

Fans were hopeful when news broke a few months ago that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali travelled to South Africa to discuss a possible return to the Kyalami circuit.

But with Tuesday’s announcement, it is clear that the we all must a bit longer to see F1 make a return for the first time since 1993.

While fans will have to wait to see the return of the Kyalami (South Africa)&nbsp;and Hockenheimring (German) races, Formula One has confirmed the return of the Caesars Palace circuit for the first time since 1982.

Speaking in March of 2022, Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, the organizer of the Las Vegas race, believes it is a welcomed event as the glitz and razzmatazz associated with Las vegas is ideal for a sport like Formula One.&nbsp;

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/F1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1</a> says that it will have a &quot;star-studded opening ceremony&quot; for <a href="https://twitter.com/F1LasVegas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1LasVegas</a> on the Wednesday of the race week next year. 🔲 F1 calls it &quot;the most anticipated Grand Prix in motorsports history&quot; and confirmed that it will start at 1:00am ET/10:00pm PT on November 18th, 2023. <a href="https://t.co/t4dKcxj0m0">pic.twitter.com/t4dKcxj0m0</a>&mdash; Adam Stern (@A_S12) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_S12/status/1572288010967711746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour,” Maffei told reporters upon the announcement of the race.&nbsp;

The Caesars Palace Grand Prix is set to become the third American venue on the calendar and is a testament to the growing popularity of Formula One in a country where NASCAR remains a crowd favourite.&nbsp;

Pending any unforeseen changes, here is the 2023 F1 calendar:

<ul><li>5 March - Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir</li><li>19 March - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah</li><li>2 April - Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park</li><li>16 April - Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai</li><li>30 April - Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku</li><li>7 May - Miami Grand Prix, Miami</li><li>21 May - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Imola</li><li>28 May - Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo</li><li>4 June - Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona</li><li>18 June - Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal</li><li>2 July - Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg</li><li>9 July - British Grand Prix, Silverstone</li><li>23 July - Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring</li><li>30 July - Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps</li><li>27 August - Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort</li><li>3 September - Italian Grand Prix, Monza</li><li>17 September - Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay</li><li>24 September - Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka</li><li>8 October - Qatar Grand Prix, Losail</li><li>22 October - United States Grand Prix, Austin</li><li>29 October - Mexico City Grand Prix, Mexico City</li><li>5 November - Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Interlagos</li><li>18 November - Las Vegas Grand Prix, Las Vegas</li><li>26 November - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina</li></ul>

Porsche has not been involved in Formula One since 1991

The FIA on Tuesday announced the official calendar for the 2023 F1 season. Here are some of the biggest talking points.

3 HUGE talking points from 2023 F1 calendar

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<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/search?q=lewis+hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> could soon call time on his incredible Formula 1 career.

The 37-year-old Brit is currently tied with Michael Schumacher as the competition's all-time most successful drivers, having won seven world championships each.

Hamilton has not yet hinted at his plans to retire soon and has also made it clear that he will choose when he feels he has achieved all he wants to in the sport.

However, Mercedes feel it is important for them to have a plan in case he chooses not to renew his contract with the Silver Arrows, with Hamilton's current deal due to expire next season.

Lewis Hamilton's current contract with Mercedes expires next year

Reports have now claimed that Daniel Ricciardo could become a reserve driver for Mercedes as a long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton after next season.

<h3>Daniel Riccardio lined up as Lewis Hamilton backup replacement</h3>

The Aussie's Formula 1 future is currently unclear after he was told by McLaren that they would be terminating his contract a year before it is due to expire.

Riccardio's axing comes in the wake of his failure to adapt to his car and produce consistent results since joining in 2021.

At the moment, there is no guarantee of a seat on the grid next year, slimming down Ricciardo's chances of advancing in his Formula 1 career.

Daniel Riccardio will leave McLaren at the end of the season

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/formulaone/article-11190913/Mercedes-considering-Daniel-Ricciardo-long-term-replacement-38-year-old-Lewis-Hamilton.html">Daily Mail</a>, Riccardio may be thrown a lifeline by the Silver Arrows, as they seek to plan for a future that doesn't involve their seven-time world champion, Hamilton.

A source told the newspaper: "Mercedes are thinking about Ricciardo to cover off the possibility of walking away at the end of next season. Having Daniel in their camp means they wouldn't be left high and dry. It would also mean George would be the main man from that point in 2024."

Ricciardo himself has already made it clear that he "wouldn't give up on F1" if he couldn't find a race seat for next season.

"If it means I'm not on the grid next year, I will still certainly try to find a way to be on there in 2024," he was quoted to have said last week.

The report also adds that the 33-year-old could be enlisted as a backup driver for next season, with a view to taking over from Hamilton if he does decide to call time on his racing career at the end of the year.

Mercedes will likely sign Daniel Riccardio as a backup replacement if Lewis Hamilton retires at the end of the season

The Silver Arrows are accessing their options should the seven-time world champion decide not to renew at the end of his current contract next year.

Mercedes keen to secure Lewis Hamilton's long-term replacement

No other racer, active or retired, has as many wins at the Silverstone track as Mercedes driver Sir Lewis Hamilton. Watching the British driver at the historic track is always a pleasure, whether he is in a McLaren or a Mercedes.

With the practice sessions for the British Grand Prix done and dusted, we saw Lewis Hamilton in his true element, recording one of the fastest laps we have seen from him in recent outings.

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This has led many to speculate that he could record a surprise win at Silverstone this weekend despite his well-documented car struggles. If anyone can bounce back it is Lewis Hamilton.&nbsp;

Here are three of the seven-time champion's most memorable wins at Silverstone:

The 2020 British Grand Prix was a memorable one as the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the iconic race was held behind closed doors for the first time. Anyone who imagined that the lack of fans would lead to a dull atmosphere had another thing coming.

Hamilton was enjoying his home race as expected when suddenly his front tire burst around the eighth turn on the final lap.

Lewis Hamilton's front left tyre had suffered a puncture

There was something in the air that day because, before Hamilton, two other drivers had also suffered tyre problems, with Valtteri Bottas and Carlos Sainz retiring to the garage.

With Max Verstappen closing in, Hamilton still managed to make the tough turns and hold off his opponent's desperate charge, eventually winning the race by only five seconds.&nbsp;

The Copse Corner crash was the climax of what was an unforgettable weekend in F1. Last year’s British Grand Prix saw the introduction of the sprint qualification format, something that had long been proposed in the sport.

Hamilton was the fastest driver by some distance in the practice sessions, but during the sprint, he came in second to an inspired Max Verstappen.&nbsp;With Sir Hamilton the crowd favourite at home, and Verstappen snatching pole from the Briton, the stage was set for a genuinely pulsating race.

Hamilton and Verstappen struggled for pole position for the most of the early stages of the race

The race started as expected, with Sir Hamilton and Verstappen tied neck-in-neck as they struggled for the lead. The Mercedes eventually took pole by the fourth turn, following some good defensive driving by Sir Hamilton.

Never known for shying away from a challenge, Verstappen made a confident charge for pole around the sixth turn, but the risky move cost him his whole race. As Verstappen tried to secure a place inside the track, an accelerating Hamilton crashed into the Dutch driver in a heart-stopping moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sir Lewis Hamilton crashed into Max Verstappen

The Red Bull car lost its rear right tyre, and Verstappen had a close call as he slid off the track and collided with the barricade at high speed.

The crash caused Hamilton to lose speed, and Ferrari’s Charles Le Clerc overtook him and led the race for most of the day. Unfortunately for the Monegasque, he suffered issues with his power unit, allowing Sir Hamilton to catch up and overtake him at Lap 50.

Most people often say that the first time is always the most special, and we think that would have been the case for Sir Lewis Hamilton. Starting in fourth on the grid, and in the middle of heavy rains, a 23-year-old Lewis Hamilton was in no way a favourite to win the race.&nbsp;

However, with race leaders Mark Webber and Kimi Raikkonen struggling in the wet conditions, the seven-time champion went on to win the race by 68 seconds, the largest winning margin since 1995.

Sir Lewis Hamilton celebrating his first ever win at Silverstone

Coincidentally, his first win at Silverstone came in the same year the seven-time champion won his first-ever championship title.

Here are three of the most memorable wins for Sir Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix.

Most memorable Lewis Hamilton victories at Silverstone

Ahead of this weekend’s race at Silverstone, a conversation Richard&nbsp;Piquet had on a Brazilian podcast where he was discussing Hamilton’s crash at last year's race leaked.

In his discussion, Piquet, a former champion, had used a racial slur when referring to the seven-time world champion. Since the podcast made the news, many in the Formula One community have come out to condemn the silly and despicable act.&nbsp;

The FIA took to their Twitter handle to condemn the act, even releasing a statement to show their solidarity with Sir Hamilton. The statement read: “Discriminatory or racist language is unacceptable in any form and has no place in society.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/HJwKokmzps">pic.twitter.com/HJwKokmzps</a>&mdash; Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1541719302876823552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Lewis is an incredible ambassador for our sport and deserves respect. His tireless efforts to increase diversity and inclusion are a lesson to many and are something we are committed to in F1.”

Being the only black driver in the sport's history, Sir Hamilton is often under the microscope. Reacting to the leaked audio, he also took to Twitter to air his views on the subject. In his statement, Sir Lewis called for more punitive measures rather than the usual conversations that lead nowhere.

As the only black driver in the history of Formula One, Sir Hamilton is always under some form of scrutiny or the other

His tweet read: “It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.”

Sir Hamilton will be looking to make it four straight wins at Silverstone with a victory in Sunday's British Grand Prix.

Sir Lewis Hamilton has hit back at the racist remarks made by former F1 driver Nelson Piquet

Seven-time Formula One champion Sir Lewis Hamilton has responded to the disgusting language directed at him by former driver Nelson Piquet.&nbsp;

Sir Lewis Hamilton calls for action following racist remarks by former driver

The Podium finish in Montreal, which was the 184th of his career, is an encouraging development for Sir Lewis who has endured an uncharacteristically poor season by his lofty standards.

Speaking after the race, Sir Lewis was upbeat and revealed that he was excited to be amongst the race leaders once again and that his W13 still has more to give.

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“It feels great to be in the battle. It’s given me and the team a lot of hope that there’s more to come from this car, the potential is there. When you get a full race distance you find a lot out with the car. Got really good reliability.

Lewis Hamilton enjoyed his second podium finish of the season

"Great work from the team. Just got to keep our heads down. I know where I’m losing to these guys, so that’s where I’m going to focus on attacking to improve.” Hamilton said.

With the fourth place finish in Baku and now a Podium in Montreal, Hamilton is picking up pace at the right time. The next stop on the F1 calendar is the British GP and Hamilton would be looking forward to racing on the legendary Silverstone track.

Britain Formula One - F1 - British Grand Prix 2016 - Silverstone, England - 9/7/16 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates qualifying in pole position

Hamilton was born barely a kilometer from the track and cited it as one of the inspirations that pushed him into full time racing. The fast paced track will play into Mercedes’ hands and if Sir Lewis and the impressive George Russell.

Sir Lewis Hamilton is happy with his 3rd place finish in Montreal

Legendary driver Sir Lewis Hamilton was full of praise for his mechanics and his W13 after what was only his second podium finish of the season in Canada.

Lewis Hamilton praises Mercedes team and much maligned W13

Lewis Hamilton slumped to an all time low in his 16 season-career Formula 1, after finishing down in 13th place at the&nbsp;Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton finished 13th at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday

The seven-time world champion finished 13th at Sunday's wet-dry circuit in Imola, one lap behind winner and rival Red Bull's &nbsp;Max Verstappen, and nine places adrift of his Mercedes team-mate&nbsp;George Russell.

Max Verstappen claimed his second pole of the season at Emilia Romagna

It was a rough day for the 37-year-old Brit in Imola, as the Mercedes driver now sits 58 points adrift from leader and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, in the driver standings.

Following the disappointing result in Italy, the seven-time champion conceded defeat, admitting how difficult it's been for him this season.

'It's been difficult, but I don't really know what to say. It's definitely not easy.'

'At least George got some points today so my apologies to everyone that I wasn't able to do the same.

'I am out of the championship, and there's no question about that. It has been a weekend to forget.'

Indeed, it is difficult to recall a weekend where Hamilton has been so off the pace and so inferior to his team-mate.' Hamilton said.

Sir Lewis Hamilton ruled himself out of this season's championship title following the disappointment at Imola

This season, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has suffered&nbsp;mechanical failures, accidents and&nbsp;failed to finish races on a few occasions.

However, the result in Imola is surely the lowest ebb of the the experienced Briton's illustrious career.

Despite team-mate&nbsp;George Russell&nbsp;finishing fourth, both Mercedes drivers are struggling with this campaign's car, with Russell admitting that the violent bouncing at high speed is terrible and causes him, severe chest pain.

Formula 1's next race of the season is in Miami - who are hosting an inaugural Grand Prix.

However, Sir Lewis has admitted, he isn’t “particularly looking forward to it".

"I’m sure in the week I’ll get to a positive frame of mind. I will be at the factory tomorrow to see what we can improve." he added.

Lewis Hamilton has ruled himself out of the F1 Championship title this season after disappointing finish in Imola

Seven-time Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton&nbsp;has ruled himself out of the 2022 Formula One title&nbsp;following his 'shocking' 13th-place finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

'I'm out, there's no question' - Lewis Hamilton gives up on title chances after just 4 races

Lewis Hamilton made his way to the Albert Park track full of confidence that he could stand atop the podium at the end of the race.

Hamilton's Mercedes team have proven very uncompetitive so far in 2022, with the seven-time F1 Champion lucky to even finish third in the opening race in Bahrain after both Red Bull drivers retired ahead of him.

The outcome was also followed by a very disappointing 10th-finish in Saudi Arabia the following week.

However, between Hamilton's and Mercedes struggles, the seven-time World Champion still maintaons his style with his super drip game each time he steps out.

Lewis Hamilton's sylish outfit ahead of Australian GP

The 37-year-old Englishman was spotted rocking a full Green AW22 Cable look comprising a Merino Cable Jacquard Crew, Cable Puffer and Cable Cargos.

Lewis Hamilton arrives in Paddock earlier today

Lewis Hamilton has been know to be unarguably one of the most fashionable drivers in the entire Formula 1 division and his appearance at Paddock once more confirms that claim.

Lewis Hamilton announces himself with his stylish drip as he touches down in Melbourne ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix

The seven-time World Champion&nbsp;arrived in&nbsp;Melbourne&nbsp;on Monday night local for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix and as usual he didn't fail to impress with his stylish outfit

Lewis Hamilton drips in Melbourne following build up to Australian Grand Prix

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Olamide Ayeni

<h1>The supermodel who was joined by Winnie Harlow and Luka Sabbat from 'Grownish' walked for Tommy Hilfiger’s Fall 2020 collection at the just-concluded London Fashion Week.</h1>

The collection was a collaboration between the popular clothing line, Tommy Hilfiger and the six-time race driver champion, Lewis Hamilton. The collection was all about inclusivity as it respects every shape, colour, and size.

Naomi Campbell stuns in neon for Tommy Hilfigher's Fall 2020 collection [Instagram/ Naomi Campbell]

The 49-year-old model brought life to the runway as she opened up the show in a neon and white tracksuit and white box trainers with a neon shoelace. Naomi Campbell commanded everyone’s attention with her poise and confidence as the queen of the runway should.

Live bands played behind the Vogue cover star as she made her way to the runway. The sporty top had puffy neon sleeves that got our attention.

We can’t ignore the spice that the black silk patterned scarf brought to the total look. The top was paired with matching joggers and a laced neon at her ankle.

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Her staggering look was decorated with metallic shadow, fluttery lashes, and berry lip gloss. Naomi was every shade of magic on the runway.

Naomi Campbell lit up the runway at the London Fashion Week as she stepped out in a neon tracksuit.&nbsp;

Naomi Campbell glows in neon tracksuit for Tommy Hilfiger's presentation during London Fashion Week 2020

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Pulse News Agency International by AFP

<h1>Lewis Hamilton cemented his position as one of Formula One's true greats when he captured his sixth world title, a staggering achievement described as "not bad for a boy from a council house."</h1>

His second-place finish at the United States Grand Prix on Sunday took him past the five titles of Juan-Manuel Fangio -- who he describes as 'The Godfather' -- and to within one of seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

He had already won more than men like Australia's Jack Brabham, fellow-Briton Jackie Stewart, Austrian Niki Lauda and Brazilians Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna in a spectacular statement of achievement.

The son of a black father and a white mother, who survived a broken home in his youth, Hamilton, 34, grew up on a municipal housing estate where his father Anthony at one time held down three jobs to fund his son's embryonic racing career in karts.

His journey was unprivileged and without luxury, but it was clear from an early age that he had an outstanding gift for speed and all the gutsy natural instincts of a born racer.

In 1995, aged 10, and wearing a jacket and shoes borrowed from his predecessor as British Formula Cadet karting champion, he went to a glittering awards ceremony in London where he met McLaren's then-boss Ron Dennis.

He asked for an autograph and told him "one day I want to race for you". Dennis replied: "Phone me in nine years and I'll sort you a deal."

Bold, determined and individual, he almost won the title in his first record-breaking season as he reeled off nine successive podiums from his debut in Melbourne, rocking the establishment along the way with his speed and his style.

On and off the track, he was fast, somewhat mercurial and occasionally tempestuous and this combination led to a fierce rivalry with team-mate and two-time champion Fernando Alonso, who left McLaren at the end of the year.

That was a signal of how tough it was to be for all his future team-mates as Hamilton, who narrowly missed out on the 2007 title, returned to triumph in 2008 with a dramatic last-gasp fifth-place finish in Brazil.

He also showed frustration as McLaren failed to deliver the speed to beat current rival and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull, who reeled off four straight title triumphs from 2010 to 2013, by when Hamilton had departed for Mercedes.

Escaping the management regime of Dennis and his father, Hamilton found freedom at Mercedes alongside team-mate German Nico Rosberg, his teenage karting friend and rival.

This enabled Hamilton to express himself with a headline-grabbing trans-Atlantic lifestyle, mixing with musicians and 'fashionistas'.

He showed little love for any duty to obey conventions and, for many observers, gave his sport a welcome injection of freshness and diversity as champion again in 2014 and 2015.

Rosberg broke Hamilton's sequence of supremacy in 2016 and then retired, leaving the Englishman to dominate.

His former McLaren team-mate Jenson Button summed up Hamilton's pure speed when he said: "For me, over one lap, I don't think there is anyone as quick as Lewis and I don't think there ever has been."

That speed, which has always been a natural talent, has in recent seasons been allied to a more mature attitude to his job as team leader.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff summed up: "He is never satisfied. He never settles. He is never happy with where he is as a racing driver and a human being. He wants to optimise, to develop and he is very much part of the leadership of the team."

Having achieved so much as his sport's best-known ambassador, Hamilton's interest in social issues has emerged more frequently.

Earlier this month, he posted his concerns for the environment and revealed a fleeting despair at the state of the world when he used Instagram to declare that the planet was "a messed-up place" and he felt he wanted "to give up".

That commentary, including revelations about his vegan lifestyle, led to him being accused of hypocrisy.

"I'm only human," he said. "Like everyone, we have up and down days. That's what I've been really trying to convey."

His own career and his quest for self-expression and freedom has shaped his advice for young drivers.

"What I can definitely advise any kid that's out there trying to race is don't listen to people who tell you that you need a mental coach or you need someone to help control your mind," he said.

"You need to let it run wild and free and discover yourself. It is all about discovery. And only you can do it."

On Sunday, father Anthony summed up his son's achievement: "It's absolutely amazing and not bad for a boy from a Stevenage council house."

Lewis Hamilton