Formula 1

Wanna have a trophy case like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton?? Now's your chance ... 'cause Formula One is auctioning off awards from the canceled Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to support flood relief in Italy.

F1 is currently taking bids on some seriously rare, autographed items ... with all proceeds going to the Emilia-Romagna Region's Agency for Territorial Safety and Civil Protection.

The 2023 pole position award, the first, second, third place and constructor trophies, as well as a podium bottle of champagne are all up for grabs ... but they're not gonna come cheap.

The pole position award is currently going for more than $47,000 ... and with the first place trophy getting nearly $25,000 in bids so far.

All drivers and team principals put their John Hancocks on each piece ... making them even cooler for any F1 fan's collection.

The May 21 race was scrapped due to severe rainfall that rocked the northern Italy area at the time ... with fears there was no way to safely host the weekend's festivities.

F1 has already stepped up to help recovery efforts ... with the org. donating 1 million euros last month.

Shakira and Lewis Hamilton may be a thing after all -- 'cause she keeps going to his races, and hanging out after ... which is exactly what happened again this weekend.

The Colombian singer actually returned to her old stomping grounds for Sunday's F1 Spanish Grand Prix to see Lewis up close and in person -- and her guy didn't disappoint.

Lewis, driving for Mercedes, matched his best finish of the year as he came in 2nd.

After the race, he credited his team, saying he felt he'd driven the best car of the season -- but ya gotta wonder if he had a little extra incentive with Shakira there.

Anyway, he was all smiles at the podium ... which turned into a post-race hang with a bunch of his friends, including Shakira, who joined him and his crew for dinner and drinks.

She was even sitting right next to LH -- and if you look close ... you can see his arm wrapped around her.

Lewis has his other arm hanging over his buddy to his right ... so this could just be platonic. However, considering he and Shakira recently did this same thing after the F1 race in Miami,  this latest sighting is sure to raise some eyebrows among shippers.

The contact doesn't seem like anything on the verge of PDA, per se ... but it's right on the border between friendly and maybe more than friends. Eye of the beholder, we suppose.

In any case, Shakira certainly likes being in Lewis' company. Not only did they reportedly get cozy at the Miami Grand Prix last month -- but they ended up on the water together too ... which effectively thwarted any chances of Tom Cruise getting with Shakira.

You'll recall ... there were rumors TC was actually interested in courting her -- but it looks like she's got her sights set on Lewis, whom she continues to be seen with in public.

Shakira is probably the most eligible bachelorette on the planet right now -- thanks to her split from Gerard Piqué -- and so far, there's one dude in first place for her attention.

Formula One's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was canceled, but Yuki Tsunoda still deserves Driver of the Day honors ... 'cause the AlphaTauri driver decided to step up and help the locals in Italy clean up after this week's severe flooding.

Shots of the Japanese driver's good deed were captured on Thursday ... showing him shoveling mud out of the streets of Faenza, which is home to AlphaTauri headquarters.

Yuki and his team have been doing everything they can to help the area as it deals with the floods -- earlier this week, he called on his followers to donate to relief funds.

"After a horrible night the town is heavily impacted: dust, mud, and the smell of gasoline everywhere," Tsunoda said Wednesday morning. "Currently people are struggling to find food and especially places to stay, after many have been evacuated from their own homes."

"Please, anything you can do to help is appreciated."

Of course, F1 decided Wednesday to scrap the weekend's festivities ... saying it would not be possible to go ahead with the race while ensuring everyone's safety.

Northern Italy has been hit hard by the weather ... with thousands evacuating the area, and at least 13 deaths.

Formula One fans will not see their favorite drivers back on the track this week -- the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy has been scrapped due to severe weather and flooding in the area.

F1 announced the decision on Wednesday ... saying after speaking with the FIA, local officials and the race host, it was best to cancel all events slated for this weekend.

"The Formula 1 community wants to send its thoughts to the people and communities affected by the recent events in the Emilia-Romagna region," F1 said minutes ago. "We also want to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who are doing everything they can to help those in need."

The Emilia-Romagna region has been hit hard with heavy rainfall and flooding this week ... resulting in at least eight deaths and thousands of residents being forced to evacuate.

F1 said it would be impossible to keep fans, the drivers and teams and officials safe while going through with the event ... adding, "It would not be right to put further pressure on the local authorities and emergency services at this difficult time."

Defending champion Max Verstappen addressed the decision to cancel ... saying he supports the move and is sending his thoughts to those affected by the flooding.

"We wish you all strength to ensure your safety throughout this period," the Red Bull superstar said.

Shakira fans freaking out about her potentially dating Tom Cruise can all breathe a sigh of relief ... we've learned they're NOT a couple, and things were never heading that way.

Sources close to Shakira tell us she's very much single, and only happened to be around Cruise at the F1 Miami Grand Prix because they share a famous mutual friend.

Our sources say both Tom and Shakira were invited to the event by Team Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who, of course, is the biggest name in the sport -- so that's why they were together several times during the race.

As for the Page Six report Tom sent Shakira flowers ... our source didn't know whether or not that was legit, but did say Shakira's just not interested in dating right now.

Shakira was spotted on a boat with friends, including Hamilton, on Wednesday -- but again, we're told there's nothing romantic there either, it's all friendly.

Shakira seems to get along with super fast and successful guys ... 'cause after hitting it off with Tom Cruise at the Miami Grand Prix, the superstar singer was spotted hanging out with Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton on a boat!!

Rumors have been swirling around the "Hips Don't Lie" artist's love life following her appearance at the big race over the weekend ... with reports saying the "Top Gun" actor was smitten with her.

But it appears Hamilton may be zooming into P1 in the race for 46-year-old Shakira's heart ... 'cause the potential couple spent some quality time together on his boat Wednesday.

The two reportedly met at Cipriani restaurant in Miami after Sunday's event ... and it must've gone well, as Shakira made her way to Lewis' Florida crib just days later.

In pics of the trip, 38-year-old Lewis, who was wearing a black tee with the sleeves cut off, is shown being a gentleman and offering his hand as Shakira made her way onto the watercraft ... with the driver's friend, fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, standing nearby.

No word on whether they're just friends or if there's a romance brewing ... but Shakira is available after her split from soccer star Gerard Pique, and Hamilton appears to be single as well.

Tom Cruise apparently wants to court Shakira in what could be a new romance -- but her fans are having a hilarious reaction to the news ... STAY THE HELL AWAY!!!

Page Six came out with a story Tuesday, claiming insiders are saying Tom is "extremely interested in pursuing" her -- this after they crossed paths Sunday at Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix ... where they were photographed looking chipper, not to mention talking a lot.

According to the outlet, there's some chemistry between them -- so, it would seem they hit it off ... enough so for him to send her flowers post-meeting, which he reportedly did.

Of course, both of them are single and unattached at the moment ... especially Shakira, who just went through a nasty public split with her longtime partner and soccer star Gerard Pique -- who cheated on her with a younger, less-famous woman ... who he's currently dating.

Not just that, but Tom and Shakira aren't too far off in age -- she's 46 and he's 60 ... and they're both in the upper echelon of stardom. Plus, as PS notes, she's not taller than him.

On paper, you'd think they'd be a great match, but Twitter certainly doesn't like the pairing ... and they're making it known in droves. Users are screaming into the void in hopes Shakira will hear them. The message being ... please don't get mixed up with this guy, Shak.

One tweeter wrote, "SHAKIRA! LISTEN TO ME! HE'S TRYING TO RECRUIT YOU INTO SCIENTOLOGY! DON'T GO OUT WITH HIM! LISTEN TO ME!  SHAKIRA!!" Another chirped, "'Get away from her' and 'stay away from her' trending because there are reports tom cruise wants to date shakira is sending me." Obviously, in reference to the collective freak-out.

The reason they don't want her to date Tom, it seems, has to do with his past relationships -- as well as his connection to Scientology. Bird app folks feel like those 2 things haven't historically meshed very well ... especially when he's involved with high-profile women.

His ex-wife Nicole Kidman's iconic reaction to her divorce from Tom being finalized in 2001 comes to mind ... when she was seen rejoicing outside of a law office, which was telling.

With that said, we feel like it's kinda unfair to Tom to mock him like this ... and maybe even for Shakira too. Fact is, they're both grown and probably up to speed on each other's reps. So, if Shakira feels inclined to test the Cruise waters -- she should.

All aboard???

Hollywood's all about the fast life, and this weekend proved to be no different with the number of stars that made it out to the Miami Grand Prix ... including some big, big names.

Sunday turned out to be quite a who's-who at the Miami International Autodrome -- where F1 was hosting its latest professional race ... and where the stars came flocking to catch a glimpse of the action up-close and in person. There was some heavy hitters walking the grid.

Among some of the most famous people noodling around the grounds ... Tom Cruise, Shakira, Nick Jonas, Ludacris, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, LL Cool J and Patrick Mahomes, to name a few.

There were even more A-listers, though, beyond that -- folks like J Balvin and his girlfriend, Valentina Ferrer, DJ Khaled, Paul Wesley, Michelle Rodriguez, Will.I.Am, Becky G, Blaise Matuidi, Jason Oppenheim, Cowboys stars Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were also roaming around and posing for pics.

Indeed, the Grand Prix turned out to be a huge celebrity draw, and it's becoming more common with each passing year. Formula 1 seems to really be growing on the masses here -- and with more starry outings like this ... it's bound to expand its reach even further.

BTW, this wasn't just a one-day thing either. Like we reported ... Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos were on the scene on Saturday during the final practice rounds, so it brings in techies too.

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos were on the same Formula One turf this weekend -- and seeing how they didn't cross paths ... it would seem Miami's big enough for the two of them.

The mega-billionaires paid a visit Saturday to the 2023 Formula One Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome ... where they visited different garages and took in the sights -- separate from one another -- for the final practice laps ahead of the main event Sunday.

Jeff and Lauren Sanchez hit up the McLaren pit wall... and looked very much like the power couple they often seem to be. The pair was hand in hand and rocking orange lanyards.

Elon, meanwhile, also brought along some company for his trip to Red Bull squad's station ... looks like his young son, X, was the special guest of honor -- and could be seen hanging on tight to his pops while getting an up-close view of the race cars and drivers. Lucky kid.

Now, as far as 'fits go ... you might argue Jeff was looking a little more stylish than his Tesla counterpart -- who was wearing a straight-up dad hat, sans any other accessories.

Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton went off on Florida's LGBTQ+ legislation ahead of the Miami Grand Prix this weekend, calling the host state's laws "not good at all" ... and vowing to wear a rainbow on his helmet in solidarity with those impacted by the measures.

The 38-year-old Mercedes driver -- who has been a strong advocate for equality throughout his career -- was asked about the controversial law referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" bill and other recent actions taken by Gov. Ron DeSantis when speaking with reporters on Thursday ... and he's pissed.

"It's not good at all," Hamilton said. "I stand by those within the community here. I hope they continue to stand firm and push back."

And if his words weren't enough, the 7-time champion said anyone who sees him compete this weekend will know exactly where he stands on the topic -- even seemingly comparing it to the human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.

"I’ll have the rainbow on my helmet. It’s no different to when we were in Saudi."

Of course, DeSantis recently expanded on the bill that would prohibit teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity during lessons among other issues ... which has also garnered backlash from former NBA superstar Dwyane Wade.

Hamilton stopped short of saying F1 should avoid events in Florida, saying it's not up for him to decide ... but added he has been keeping tabs on all things politics within the state -- and he's against what's going on.

"I did hear and have read about some of the decisions that have been made in government here and I do not agree with it and I do not support it. I really do continue to stand with the LGBTQ community and I’m wearing a rainbow flag on my helmet this weekend and I just really want to continue to support the community here and let them know I stand with them and I hope they continue to fight against it."

Hamilton's comments come months after the FIA initially said it would prohibit drivers from making political statements ... before the governing body loosened its stance.

Formula 1 star Lando Norris is going balls out for the Miami Grand Prix -- beach balls, that is -- thanks to his super-realistic design on his helmet for this weekend's big race!!

The McLaren driver just revealed the cool look for his noggin protector ahead of the three-day event ... posting a pic of him wearing it in the pool while holding an actual beach ball.

Aside from the sponsor logos, the design literally makes it look like an inflatable toy ... with Lando's name, number and the phrases "Miami 2023" and "Beach Ball" etched throughout.

Balls have become quite the trend for the 23-year-old when he visits Florida -- he wore a basketball-themed helmet for the first-ever Miami GP last season ... although it didn't help him get the win, as he ended up not finishing the race.

Norris is currently in ninth place with 10 points in the driver standings ... so he's gotta be hoping the race on Sunday is like a day at the beach!!

Charles Leclerc is a multi-millionaire, but you wouldn't be able to tell by the way he went into full rescue mode when he lost his AirPods this week ... 'cause he got on the ground, used some tweezers and brought them back to safety -- all while ironically wearing a $200k watch!!!

The Ferrari superstar documented the whole mishap on his Instagram page ... showing him sprawled out on the floor at the Zurich International Airport in Switzerland.

The whole thing looked like a game of Operation ... as the 25-year-old patiently tried to get both his earbud AND the case out of the tiniest crack in the floor -- and thankfully, it was a success!!

What's hilarious about it all -- Leclerc most certainly has the money ... so he could have just as easily gotten a new pair at a nearby gift shop.

Throughout the recovery, Charles was also wearing a super-expensive, rare Richard Mille RM 72-01 watch on his left wrist ... which comes with a $185k price tag, but good luck getting your hands on one of them at that price -- or at all.

Of course, Leclerc has a sponsorship with Richard Mille ... so he's got the hook-up.

Perhaps he needs an Apple brand deal next!!

The family of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher is furious with a German news outlet for publishing an artificial intelligence-generated interview with the seven-time world champ -- and now, they're threatening to take legal action over the whole ordeal.

A recent copy of the Die Aktuelle magazine featured a picture of a happy Schumacher ... promoting "the first interview" with the racing great following his tragic skiing accident in December 2013, which resulted in a serious brain injury.

The cover also featured the tagline, "It sounded deceptively real."

As it turns out, the cover story was entirely fake ... and it was later revealed in the article that Schumacher's quotes were made using AI -- which has led his family to kickstart a legal attack on the publication, according to Reuters.

54-year-old Schumacher hasn't spoken with the media since his accident ... and his family has elected to handle his recovery in private.

Michael's wife, Corinna, spoke about his condition in a documentary with Netflix in 2021 ... saying they do everything they can to make him feel comfortable at home.

Schumacher was as dominant as it gets during his 18-year run in F1 -- he is tied with Lewis Hamilton for the most championships after spending the majority of his career with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton just got his first win of 2023 -- the Formula 1 superstar was just granted a medical exemption to wear his nose ring ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The FIA -- F1's governing body -- announced a crackdown on jewelry last year ... forbidding drivers from wearing accessories during races. Any violation of the rule would result in fines and eventual suspension.

But the new rule resulted in complications for Hamilton, who claimed he was experiencing blood blisters from having to take his nose stud out for every race.

The FIA announced Friday it received a report from Mercedes' team doctor asking for a medical exemption to allow Hamilton to compete with his nose ring in -- which was granted.

"The Stewards consulted the FIA Medical Delegate, who viewed the medical report, examined the driver and concurred with the opinion therein," the decision read.

"We have determined to take no further action as there are concerns about disfigurement with frequent attempts at removal of the device."

Of course, Hamilton has been outspoken against the rule to begin with ... and gave a middle finger to the FIA by wearing a ton of jewelry during his press conference at the Miami Grand Prix last May.

Lewis Hamilton isn't phased by a new rule in Formula 1 requiring drivers to get permission before making political statements during race weekends ... saying, he "won't be silenced."

“Nothing will stop me from speaking on the things that I feel that I’m passionate about and issues there are,” the seven-time F1 champion said Wednesday.

The FIA, Formula 1's governing body, implemented a rule in December prohibiting drivers from making political, religious, or personal statements without permission.

The idea is statements political in nature can be divisive (after all, much of the world is split when it comes to politics), and F1 doesn't want fans alienated. It's like the old Michael Jordan quote ... "Republicans buy sneakers, too."

Hamilton, one of the most vocal superstars in the sport, said he wasn't surprised when he learned of the FIA's new rule, and he doesn't plan to abide by it ... "I’m still going to be speaking on my end."

“I feel the sport does have a responsibility, still always, to speak out as a means to create awareness on important topics, particularly as we are traveling to all these different places, so nothing changes,” Lewis says.

Hamilton's had a contentious relationship with FIA ... he found himself in a battle with them last season after they (attempted to) crackdown on drivers wearing jewelry during races.

The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 driver said that he's aware he would be penalized if he violates the FIA's new rule ... but contends he won't allow that to deter him from speaking out on issues.

Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton is opening up on the racism and bullying he faced as a kid ... saying his classmates called him the N-word during "the most traumatizing and most difficult part of my life."

The 7-time world champion made a rare podcast appearance with "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" this week ... where he spoke about the impact his childhood experiences had on his life.

"I was already being bullied at the age of six," Hamilton said. "I think at the time of that particular school, I was probably one of three kids of color and just bigger and stronger bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time."

"I was always the last picked, you know, when you're standing at the playground, and you're in the line of when they're picking teams for football, I was always the last one chosen, or not even chosen, even if I was better than somebody else."

38-year-old Hamilton -- who is mixed-race -- said the way his peers treated him made him question his identity and sense of belonging ... claiming people even threw bananas at him and used the N-word "just so relaxed."

"People calling you half cast and, you know, just really not knowing where you fit in," he added.

"That, for me, was difficult. When you then go into like history class and everything you learn in history, there are no pictures of people of color in the history that they were teaching us.”

FYI, Lewis' father, Anthony Hamilton, is Black and of Grenadian descent, and his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, is White British, hailing from Birmingham in England.

Hamilton, a prominent advocate against racism and champion of diversity in motorsport, suppressed the traumas he was experiencing ... but said racing helped him channel his emotions properly.

"I didn't want my dad to think I was not strong," he said. "And so, I would, if I had tears, I would hold them back. If I had emotions, it would be in a quiet place."

"It wasn't really 'til I started racing that I was able to channel this emotion that I had into my driving," Hamilton said. "And, it's like when I put this helmet on, Superman was my favorite. I loved how he fought for the people, and I loved how he did the right things."

"And, he was a really inspiring character for me. But again, no superhero was of color, so, you know, but you can still aspire to be someone that's if they don't look like you, you know?"