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The 2023 Formula 1 season is heading into its final stretch of races and Red Bull have dominated throughout much like they did in the back end of 2022. This year sees 23 races held in a record-breaking calendar, as Max Verstappen is on the verge of three in a row following back-to-back World Championship triumphs. Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team have found further improvements so far this year following a disappointing 2022 season. Meanwhile Ferrari are struggling to match their strong start to 2022. There are new faces on the grid too - such as Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant - and all 20 drivers will be itching to get back on track after a three-month break with the official pre-season test in Bahrain before the first race of the season a week later. This year’s biggest shake-up so far came mid-season when AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries was dropped almost immediately after Silverstone as he failed to impress the higher-ups at Red Bull. He has been replaced by returning favourite Daniel Ricciardo. Here is everything you need to know. What is the 2023 F1 calendar? ROUND 1 —BAHRAIN Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - 3-5 March ROUND 2 - SAUDI ARABIA Jeddah Corniche Circuit - 17-19 March ROUND 3 - AUSTRALIA Albert Park, Melbourne - 31 March-2 April ROUND 4 - AZERBAIJAN (sprint weekend) Baku City Circuit - 28-30 April ROUND 5 - MIAMI Miami International Autodrome, Hard Rock Stadium - 5-7 May ROUND 6 - EMILIA ROMAGNA CANCELLED Imola Circuit - 19-21 May ROUND 7 - MONACO Circuit de Monaco - 26-28 May ROUND 8 - SPAIN Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - 2-4 June ROUND 9 - CANADA Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal - 16-18 June ROUND 10 - AUSTRIA (sprint weekend) Red Bull Ring, Spielberg - 30 June-2 July ROUND 11 - GREAT BRITAIN Silverstone Circuit - 7-9 July ROUND 12 - HUNGARY Hungaroring, Budapest - 21-23 July ROUND 13 - BELGIUM (sprint weekend) Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - 28-30 July ROUND 14 - NETHERLANDS Circuit Zandvoort - 25-27 August ROUND 15 - ITALY Monza Circuit - 1-3 September ROUND 16 - SINGAPORE Marina Bay Street Circuit - 15-17 September ROUND 17 - JAPAN Suzuka International Racing Course - 22-24 September ROUND 18 - QATAR (sprint weekend) Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 6-8 October ROUND 19 - UNITED STATES (sprint weekend) Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 20-22 October ROUND 20 - MEXICO Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 27-29 October ROUND 21 - BRAZIL (sprint weekend) Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 3-5 November ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS Las Vegas Street Circuit - 16-18 November ROUND 23 - ABU DHABI Yas Marina Circuit - 24-26 November When and where does the 2023 F1 season start? The first race of the season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, takes place from Friday 3 March - Sunday 5 March at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. Qualifying on Saturday 4 March starts at 3pm (GMT) with the race on Sunday also at 3pm (GMT). When is pre-season testing? Pre-season testing takes place at the Bahrain International Circuit the week before the first race, from Thursday 23 February - Saturday 25 February. Running will take place between 7am and 4:30pm (GMT) on each of the three days. There will be an hour’s break midway through each session for lunch. Each driver will have one-and-a-half days worth of time in the car. How can I watch it online and on TV? The Bahrain Grand Prix, as well as pre-season testing, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. Sky Sports subscribers can watch pre-season testing on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. What has been said? Max Verstappen has challenged Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to raise their game and provide him with the championship battle that Formula One needs. Verstappen ran away with last season’s title, winning 15 of the 22 races, to secure his second championship with four rounds to spare. In contrast, Hamilton, in his under-performing Mercedes, endured the worst year of his career as he failed to win a race and finished 214 points adrift. But when addressing the prospect of renewing his rivalry with Hamilton at Red Bull’s season launch in New York, Verstappen, 25, said: “In the interest of the sport you always want the teams to be super-close. “I do think it was close last year, but as a team we executed a lot of things better than the others and that was why the points gap was so big. I never felt, apart from two or three races, that we absolutely dominated. But for the general interest of Formula One, everyone wants a title battle with multiple teams involved.” What are the driver line-ups for 2023? RED BULL Max Verstappen Sergio Perez FERRARI Charles Leclerc Carlos Sainz MERCEDES Lewis Hamilton George Russell ALPINE Esteban Ocon Pierre Gasly McLAREN Lando Norris Oscar Piastri ALFA ROMEO Valtteri Bottas Zhou Guanyu ASTON MARTIN Fernando Alonso Lance Stroll HAAS Kevin Magnussen Nico Hulkenberg ALPHATAURI Yuki Tsunoda Daniel Ricciardo/Liam Lawson WILLIAMS Alex Albon Logan Sargeant *italics represents new addition to the grid/change of team Read More The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last Daniel Ricciardo ruled out of Qatar Grand Prix Andretti F1 team entry bid accepted by FIA Poignant Netflix film captures the many facets of legendary Schumacher What happened to Michael Schumacher and what’s latest health update? 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Britney Spears is and will always be “Mrs Extra! Extra!” The 41-year-old pop star first scored her status as a lauded artist with hits like “Toxic” and “I’m a Slave 4 U” - each song inciting self-confidence and a cult-like following reciting her lyrics as mantras. While her vocals left a heart-shaped imprint in the minds of many, the same can be said for Spears’ one-of-a-kind, provocative style. From glitzy jewels and furry overcoats to cropped graphic tees and ultra low-rise denim, the teen pop heroine has never missed a beat when it comes to her fashion. There isn’t much Spears can’t pull off – and not a lot she’s been afraid to try either. Between newsboy caps, fedoras, and even small animals, if her base garments didn’t scream Y2K in the late 90’s or early 2000’s, than her accessories sure did. It didn’t even matter whether she had her famed NSYNC ex-boyfriend by her side, the “Gimme More” artist still wowed every red carpet, front row, and sidewalk. Spears, the queen of the 2000’s, knows how to experiment with style like no other. With Halloween right around the corner and the Grammy winner’s memoir, The Woman in Me, being released on 24 October, let’s take a look at the artist’s best of the best fashion, from her renowned music video get-ups to her night out attire. Pink tube top and knee pads It would be wrong not to start with one of Spears’ on-stage looks that won her the “Princess of Pop” title. Among the number of outfits to choose from is a statement look that’s burned deep in the memory of many: her 1999 pink latex tube top and matching knee pads, worn while performing at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California. With her blond tresses pulled back in two tight pigtails, her baggy white pants with their massive hot pink patches, and platform white sneakers, Spears spun “skater” style and made it girl-coded. Denim, denim, and more denim Depending on who you ask, some will say the “Canadian Tuxedo” movement in fashion was led by Spears. You could always count on the powerhouse singer to splice denim or layer it, transforming the fabric’s inherent casualness into glamour. For the 28th annual American Music Awards in 2001, Spears donned a strapless gown made entirely of jean material. Not only did she pair it with a dazzling drop-down choker, but she matched with her former partner, Justin Timberlake, on the red carpet - who wore the most literal form of a Canadian tuxedo. Thus, the two crafted one of, if not the top sought-after photograph used to piece together the perfect couple’s costume for Halloween. Spears’ love for a good denim ensemble didn’t stop there. In 2001, just a couple months after she and Timberlake were applauded for their teamed-textile moment, the “Baby One More Time” creator wore a patchwork jean two-piece to the Teen Choice Awards. She paired a low-cut scoop bralette with a high-waisted layered band jean skirt, adorned with a white button-up that was unbuttoned and tucked in halfway. Elegant white gown and shawl Any talented artist can change their vocal range from a delicate ballad to a rock anthem, but not all can switch their personal style just as easily. Spears always could. If she wanted to bare her midriff and wear knee-high boots, she did. If she wanted to present a proper persona in a long, lush gown, she did. For the 42nd annual Grammy Awards, fans saw a side of Spears that remained hidden up until then. In a mod white halter-neck dress, a dainty crystal necklace, and a fur-shawl, Spears switched from being a grungy girl to an angelic goddess. Orange and pink bohemian get-up The jazzy dresser was back for the 2000 Billboard Music Awards, where Spears once again proved capable to make any style her own. In a long sleeve, low-cut flimsy orange and pink tie-dye dress, with a matching print velvet bra and mini shorts over sheer pink tights, the fashionista flashed boho-chic for the cameras. Spears paired the outfit with a multi-layered colourful choker, a feathered fedora, and pointed-toe red boots. Fur coat and wide-leg denim To watch a star with your name get inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a coveted occasion that many celebrities and entertainers never forget. When Spears received hers, the pop sensation was only 21 years old. In classic Spears fashion, she honoured the moment by dressing like her most authentic self. Spears wore wide-leg denim cargo pants, a pink fur coat, and a ruched embroidered top with strappy silver sandals. Juicy Couture Tracksuit Spears’ street style was no less emblematic of her creativity than her red carpet looks. Aside from her passion for oversised sweaters and lace-up boots, she struck many with her famed velour tracksuit. Plus, a queen of the 2000’s couldn’t be named queen if she didn’t wear at least one Juicy Couture ensemble. In this case, Spears paired a baby blue tracksuit with a bowling ball bag, white trainers, and tinted wraparound sunglasses. Music video Britney and 2001 MTV VMAs Lasly, Spears’ outfits for her “Baby One More Time” and “I’m a Slave 4 U” music videos were revolutionary. With her braided pig-tailed hair, pom-pom accessories, gray sweater, white blouse, mini pleated skirt, knee-high socks, and peak-a-boo red bra, Spears reimagined the “sexy schoolgirl” worn by many on Halloween today. But Spears confirmed she was more than just a schoolgirl when she performed “I’m a Slave 4 U” at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, when she wore a green wrap bra top, mini bedazzled booty shorts, pasted colourful gems all over her body. Not to mention, she donned a thick snake around her shoulders as if it were a scarf. Read More A timeline of Britney Spears and Sam Asghari’s relationship, from dating to divorce Britney Spears will not read her own audiobook after ‘heart-wrenching’ time ‘reliving’ experiences What is Britney Spears’ net worth? Everything we know about her conservatorship, real estate, and divorces Britney Spears announces engagement to Sam Asghari Britney Spears’ fiance responds to fans calling for star to get prenup Britney Spears reassures fans after deactivating Instagram account

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In a nutshell: The grande dame of luxury London hotels, with a remarkable history and stellar service. Expect to be treated like royalty – for a price. The neighbourhood Only the heart of central London, my dear. Opened in 1889, London’s first luxury hotel is located on a bend of the River Thames on the Strand. Reached via Savoy Court – the only road in the UK where cars must drive on the right to enable guests to board and exit from the driver’s side of a car – this Grade II listed building benefits from being both perfectly situated for some of the city’s superlative attractions, while also transporting you to an altogether more magical place. It enjoys enviable access to some of London’s most popular cultural institutions, including the Royal Opera House, Somerset House, the National Gallery, the Courtauld Institute of Art and the National Portrait Gallery; and with a plum position in Theatreland, the Lyceum, Vaudeville, Adelphi, Duchess, Novello and Aldwych theatres are all just minutes away, in addition to the Savoy’s own namesake playhouse. The Victoria Embankment Gardens and Cleopatra’s Needle are situated at the rear of the hotel, while the South Bank and its attractions – including the Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery and London Eye – are across the water. Read more on London travel: The best London hotels Where to shop and stay in London How to do winter in London right The vibe Opulent, old-school glamour without the stuffiness. Guests pass through the famous Art Deco front entrance before being ushered into the mahogany-panelled arrival hall, complete with marble columns, a black-and-white checkerboard marble floor, and plentiful vases of freshly cut floral displays. Luxury practically oozes from the walls, as does history; the roll-call of previous guests includes literary figures (Oscar Wilde, F Scott Fitzgerald, Mark Twain), former prime ministers (Winston Churchill), royalty (Queen Elizabeth II) and stars of stage and screen (Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Charlie Chaplin, Rihanna and Taylor Swift). The aesthetic is largely split between Art Deco and Edwardian, whether you’re sipping afternoon tea in the grand, light-filled Thames Foyer, complete with glass-domed atrium and winter garden gazebo, or quaffing fizz and celeb-spotting in the American Bar, London’s longest-surviving cocktail bar. Bed and bath The Savoy is home to 267 luxury guest rooms and suites decorated in a classic Edwardian or Art Deco style, ranging from Superior Queen Rooms, replete with marble bathrooms and bespoke Penhaligon’s toiletries, to the landmark Royal Suite (from £15,875 per night) designed by Gucci, whose founder worked at The Savoy as a luggage porter and lift boy as a young man. Many of the rooms feature outstanding panoramic views across the River Thames and South Bank that take in some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye and Oxo Tower. Suites include complimentary minibars, free-standing bathtubs and rainwater showers, Murano glass chandeliers, his and hers washbasins, chauffeur and butler services – and Boodles catalogues, in the event you fancy dropping six figures on some ice. Food and drink The American Bar is possibly one of the most famous hotel bars in the world, making a visit an essential element of any trip to London. Opened in 1893, its influence is global when it comes to the art of mixology, with celebrated bartenders creating the Hanky Panky, the White Lady, Prairie Oyster (as devoured by Sally Bowles in Cabaret) and the Moon Walk, Neil Armstrong’s bespoke concoction and first drink after his legendary trip to space. Famous patrons include Ernest Hemingway, Winston Churchill (a regular who kept his own bottle of whisky here), and F Scott Fitzgerald, while photographs of other acclaimed visitors can be found on the walls. Service is exquisite and discreet while the vibe is chic, with a pianist tickling the ivories. The newer Beaufort Bar, open Thursday to Saturday for champagne and cocktails, is the epitome of cocktail glamour, with black velvet furnishings, dim lighting and thousands of pounds worth of gold leaf on the walls. Dress up for this date night destination, which is also home to the original stage where George Gershwin performed the British premiere of “Rhapsody in Blue”. Competing with London’s culinary offerings is no mean feat, but the Savoy’s three restaurants – all of which are franchised to multi-Michelin-star awarded celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay – are more than fit for purpose. Specialising in shellfish and seafood, the River Restaurant is an absolute treat for pescatarians. The beef wellington – a house special – is also worth splashing out on, with juicy, tender meat encased in crisp and flaky pastry. Book a seat by the window and indulge in a seafood platter for the ultimate decadent dining experience. Described by Ramsay as the definition of “gourmet glamour”, the famous Savoy Grill’s sumptuous interiors – mirrored walls and plush velvets – have recently undergone a makeover to evoke the razzle-dazzle of the 1920s. Former regulars include the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Taylor, Noel Coward and Alfred Hitchcock; it’s also the place where Hollywood royalty, Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, first set eyes on each other, with Leigh declaring then and there that she would marry Olivier. Hero dishes include lobster thermidor, Louet-Feisser oysters and duck a l’orange. Elsewhere, the more intimate Restaurant 1890 has just 26 covers and offers a modern French tasting menu that takes inspiration from influential former Savoy chef and culinary pioneer, Georges Auguste Escoffier. Located above the hotel entrance, try and bag a window seat for the ultimate people watching spot. Public areas Even the hotel’s lobby offers a sumptuous place to take the weight off your feet and soak up the atmosphere. Guests preferring to indulge further can head to the beauty and fitness centre. In addition to a range of treatments, such as massages and facials, resident and non-resident guests and members can take a dip in the 10m pool, equipped with a jet stream to swim against the current. The men’s and women’s changing areas also include a cosy sauna and steam room. A gym with weights and cardiovascular equipment is adjacent. Nuts and bolts Room count: 237 Freebies: Standard rooms provide complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks and two beers, while suites extend this to include welcome drinks and butler service (one item of clothing for pressing per guest). Wifi: Free. Extra charges: None. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability, with charges determined on a case-by-case basis. Disability access: There are three accessible Deluxe King rooms, which feature wheel-in-shower and accessible-friendly amenities. All dining and bar venues are accessible; staff are available to assist guests with step-free routes. Pet policy: Well behaved pets up to 20lbs are welcome within the Savoy’s suites and rooms for a daily charge of £25. They are also welcome at the River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay. Bottom line Best thing: The service is exceptional. That, and the sheer, unadulterated glamour, darling. Worst thing: The spa is on the petite side. Perfect for: A special occasion. Treat yourself – or someone else. It’s an unforgettable experience. Not right for: Large, noisy groups. Have some decorum! Instagram from: The dramatic red lift. London’s first electric lift was dubbed “an ascending room” by founder Richard D’Oyly Carte, with nervous passengers handed a glass of brandy to calm their nerves before entering. Its historic status, plus gold doors, red lacquer interior and leather bench for two make it an ideal place for posing. thesavoylondon.com Read more of our best luxury London hotel reviews Read More The best luxury hotels in London for a stylish city break The best spa hotels in London for pampering and indulgence Best boutique hotels in London 2022 How to do winter in London right Could a night at this ‘sleep retreat’ cure my insomnia? Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa, the ultimate secluded stay in the Scottish Highlands

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Max Verstappen said he was fortunate to avoid a high-speed shunt with Sergio Perez after accusing his Red Bull team-mate of forcing him off the road in Saturday’s sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen survived the early drama to win a chaotic 24-lap dash in damp conditions at Red Bull’s home race in Spielberg and extend his championship lead from 69 points to 70. But despite racking up yet another victory on his probable gallop to a hat-trick of world championships, Verstappen expressed his disappointment with the conduct of Perez in the other Red Bull. “The exit of Turn 1 was not really nice,” said Verstappen on his way back to the pits after he crossed the finish line 21 seconds clear of the Mexican. “That could have been a big shunt so we need to have a chat about that because it was not OK.” Verstappen was referencing the flashpoint between the Red Bull drivers which arrived after only a few hundred metres. The Dutchman started from pole position, but he was unable to prevent a fast-starting Perez from muscling his way past on the run to the opening right hander. That could have been a big shunt so we need to have a chat about that because it was not OK. Max Verstappen Perez took the lead, but the Mexican then ran wide on the exit of the first bend allowing Verstappen the opportunity of a slingshot back past. Verstappen drew alongside his team-mate, but he ran out of room, briefly dropping two wheels on the grass. “He pushed me off, man,” yelled Verstappen over the radio. “What the f***.” However, on the long drag to the third bend, Verstappen managed to maintain enough momentum to launch an aggressive move down the inside of Perez. Verstappen, late on the brakes, ran deep into the right-hander, but he managed to make the move stick. And this time, it was Perez who felt aggrieved. “What is wrong with Max, man?” he said. As Verstappen raced off into the distance, Perez then lost out to Nico Hulkenberg before eventually finding a way past the Haas driver. The inquest started immediately after the flag dropped with Perez going over to Verstappen, while the world champion still had his crash helmet on. The debrief continued into the weighing room as the team-mates spoke for a couple of minutes before revealing their verdicts. “Max was angry that I went into Turn 2 but I did not see him,” said Perez. “I had a very bad Turn 1 so I tried to protect [the lead] and once I realised he was there, I opened up the door and gave him the place back. It is all fine. We just spoke about it. The visibility was very bad out there.” Verstappen was up next. “It was a hairy moment out of Turn 1,” he said. “When you get forced on to the grass it is very slippery but I managed to keep my car under control.” Moments later, Verstappen headed to the official press conference for the top three finishers. Sitting alongside Perez, he moved to downplay the row. “It might have compromised the result but it didn’t,” said Verstappen. “We don’t need to make this a big story. “This is what happens sometimes. We talk about it. We clear it. And it is fine. That is how human beings work. Question, answer, solve it, done. You don’t need to write a whole article about it, I hope.” Behind Verstappen and Perez, Carlos Sainz took third for Ferrari, while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton finished eighth and 10th for Mercedes. Lando Norris started third and ended a disappointing ninth. Hamilton fought back from 18th on the grid after he had three qualifying laps deleted for exceeding track limits. Russell started 15th but managed to make up seven places and take the final point after his roll of the dice to move to slick tyres – the first driver to do so – with nine laps to run paid off. Saturday’s result has no bearing on Sunday’s 71-lap Grand Prix, with Verstappen on pole as he bids to land his seventh victory from the nine rounds so far. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lewis Hamilton to start sprint race from 18th at Austrian Grand Prix Made us look like amateurs – Max Verstappen hits out over raft of deleted laps Lewis Hamilton calls for change, claiming new rule would ensure a ‘real race’

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