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    ‘It does feel different’ – Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit hits hard as George Russell gives insight into new season

    GEORGE RUSSELL has admitted Mercedes does “feel different” following Lewis Hamilton’s exit.Hamilton, 40, left the F1 team for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.Lewis Hamilton has started his career as a Ferrari driverCredit: APHe has shown off plenty of his new Ferrari clothingCredit: PAFormer Mercedes team-mate George Russell has opened up on Hamilton’s exitCredit: PAThe seven-time world champion will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.He had been with Mercedes for 12 years but was keen to impress his new bosses.He turned up in full Ferrari gear on the first day of official testing in Bahrain.Hamilton’s exit has appeared to hit Mercedes hard as one staff member had to peel his No44 off a generator at the Bahrain International Circuit.READ MORE IN F1The team is now in transition, with Russell being joined by teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli.Russell, 27, opened up on the difference in the team following Hamilton’s exit at the FIA drivers’ press conference.He said: “Naturally, it does feel different, of course.”Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think everyone within the team is very much excited for this next chapter really.”As the team may look on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have that chance to be his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him but also going head-to-head with him directly for three years.”F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari Russell also insisted that Mercedes is now looking to the future and will not be lingering on the success of the past.He added: “It kind of feels like the end of a chapter but you’re looking forward to the next journey.”It’s very much for us and Mercedes. We’re looking forward and not backwards.”Russell and Co will start the season on March 16 in the Australian GP.Hamilton will be bidding to win a record eight world championships, while Max Verstappen will be aiming to win his fifth title in a row.The Brit has already shown what he is capable in his all-new SF-25.On day two of testing, he posted back-to-back fastest laps on the track.His fastest time was recorded at 1:29.379 after 45 laps.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also eclipsed Ferrari’s Q3 time from the Bahrain GP in the 2024 season.Hamilton also beat Russell’s best time by 0.399s after 71 laps.Timesheet after Day 2 morning sessionLewis Hamilton led the way on the morning session of Day 2 of testing…Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari 1:29.379, 45 lapsGeorge Russell – Mercedes +0.399, 71 lapsCarlos Sainz – Williams +0.711, 44 lapsPierre Gasly – Alpine +1.051, 40 lapsFernando Alonso – Aston Martin +1.321, 45 lapsYuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls +1.414, 46 lapsOscar Piastri – McLaren +1.442, 44 lapsLiam Lawson – Red Bull Racing +1.854, 28 lapsNico Hulkenberg – Kick Sauber +2.078, 56 lapsEsteban Ocon Haas – F1 Team +3.692, 69 laps More

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    Which teams have the most favourable fixtures until the March international break?

    FEBRUARY is almost at an end which means the March international break is coming into view.Dream Team will pause for World Cup qualifiers at the end of March but managers have three Gameweeks to navigate before then and they should take note of which teams have the most favourable fixtures in this time.Target additional European fixtures in MarchCredit: Dream TeamThe first thing to note is that Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton, Southampton, Brentford and Leicester have just two fixtures each across the next three Gameweeks – a light workload.The Eagles’ two games are relatively favourable – Millwall and Ipswich – but backers of Daniel Munoz (£5.1m), Eberechi Eze (£4.5m) and friends should be wary of their blank in Gameweek 28.Now let’s take a closer look at the teams with three fixtures to fulfil until the international break.MANCHESTER CITY: Plymouth (h), Nottingham Forest (a), Brighton (h) NEWCASTLE: Brighton (h), West Ham (a), Liverpool (n)NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Ipswich (h), Manchester City (a), Ipswich (h)BOURNEMOUTH: Wolves (h), Tottenham (a), Brentford (h)WOLVES: Bournemouth (a), Everton (h), Southampton (a) FULHAM: Manchester United (a), Brighton (a), Tottenham (h)BRIGHTON: Newcastle (a), Fulham (h), Manchester City (a)IPSWICH: Nottingham Forest (a), Crystal Palace (h), Nottingham Forest (a)In previous seasons, Pep Guardiola’s side have nearly always been on the right side of any fixture imbalances but their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid means the likes of Erling Haaland (£8.1m), Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m) and Phil Foden (£6.3m) won’t have as many point-scoring opportunities as usual.This will never be more apparent than in Gameweek 27 when six English clubs will have a European round of 16 second leg as an additional midweek fixture while Man City’s stars twiddle their thumbs.Man City will not be involved in the Champions League round of 16Credit: GettyA quick glance at those match-ups suggests there could be more points to come from in-form players such as Chris Wood (£4.2m), Alexander Isak (£6m) and Matheus Cunha (£5.2m) but gaffers shouldn’t accommodate too many players with just three games in the diary from now until the end of Gameweek 28.The focus should be on individuals with a busy schedule, which brings us neatly onto the clubs with FOUR fixtures…Most read in FootballLIVERPOOL: PSG (a), Southampton (h), PSG (h), Newcastle (n)ARSENAL: PSV (a), Manchester United (a), PSV (h), Chelsea (h)ASTON VILLA: Cardiff (h), Club Brugge (a), Brentford (a), Club Brugge (h)TOTTENHAM: AZ Alkmaar (a), Bournemouth (h), AZ Alkmaar (h), Fulham (a)CHELSEA: Copenhagen (a), Leicester (h), Copenhagen (h), Arsenal (a)The Reds’ double header at Anfield in Gameweek 27 against Saints and PSG looks particularly appealing – Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) could go stratospheric – and it will be interesting to see what Cole Palmer (£5.8m) can achieve in the Conference League now he’s been added to Chelsea’s squad for the knockout stage.Gaffers keen on Morgan Rogers (£3.8m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and other Villa assets should bear in mind that Unai Emery’s troops will blank in Gameweek 28 – their four games are crammed into Gameweeks 26 and 27.Rogers and Watkins have two double headers then a blank across the next three GameweeksCredit: GettySpurs remain 13th in the Premier League but several of their players have excelled in Dream Team this season.Son Heung-min (£4.8m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m), Pedro Porro (£4.8m), James Maddison (£4.3m) and Brennan Johnson (£3.5m) are all among the elite group of 26 assets on 200+ points at this stage of the campaign.An emphatic performance over two legs against Eredivisie opposition in the Europa League last 16 would be very useful indeed.Last but by no means least, it’s Manchester United, the only team with FIVE fixtures across the next three Gameweeks.MANCHESTER UNITED: Fulham (h), Real Sociedad (a), Arsenal (h), Real Sociedad (h), Leicester (a)This quirk in the schedule would usually encourage Dream Team managers to stock up on Red Devils but such a strategy feels counterintuitive given the unconvincing nature of their performances.By far and away Man United’s top performer in Dream TeamCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes (£6.2m) is the blindingly obvious exception.The Portuguese playmaker is a one-man army who has amassed 271 points to date, a tally only bettered by Salah and Haaland.READ MORE SUN STORIESFernandes’ form combined with his fixtures essentially makes him a must-have lock for March.Among available players, Alejandro Garnacho (£3.1m), Noussair Mazraoui (£3.1m) and Diogo Dalot (£2.7m) are Man United’s next best performers in terms of total points but many gaffers will be understandably hesitant to put their trust in any Old Trafford resident other than Fernandes. More

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    Referee forced to abandon match after being bitten on TESTICLE by player’s child

    REFEREE Stefan Kahler abandoned a match before it had kicked off… after a child bit his TESTICLE.The German official was due to take charge of Sunday’s clash between FC Taxi II and Rot-Weiss Mulheim III.The referee called off the game due to the pain he was inCredit: GettyBut he was at the centre of a bizarre off-the-ball incident as he checked players’ registrations on the pitch.Kahler said in his report that he had been attacked by one of the FC Taxi players’ children.The lower-league fixture in Duisburg, Germany was called off with the ref left in agonising pain.He wrote: “While I was checking the FC Taxi players’ ID, a small child was doing warm-up exercises alongside the players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He came closer and closer to me, then suddenly – to my complete surprise – gave me a sharp bite in my left testicle.”I did not start the game, because of the pain I was in and the situation.”It was the child of one of the FC Taxi players who was to blame.”FC Taxi had previously shown bite of a different kind, climbing to third in the regional Kreisliga C table.Most read in FootballThe division is the equivalent of the eighth tier in Germany.The clash between FC Taxi II and Rot-Weiss Mulheim III will be rescheduled for later in the season. Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers More

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    F1 star Nico Hulkenberg suffers freak injury in bizarre garage incident as his Bahrain testing is cut short

    NICO HULKENBERG suffered a freak eye injury during day one of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain yesterday.The German, 37, had been on track for four hours before requiring medical treatment for his eye.Nico Hulkenberg was on track in Bahrain yesterdayCredit: GettyHulkenberg had completed 55 laps as he looked to get to grips with his new car.Towards the end of his session, however, a “speck of dust or sand” got stuck in his eye.According to the Sky Germany, the unfortunate incident occurred as mechanics performed grinding work on Hulkenberg’s Sauber in the garage.Following his session, the F1 veteran had been expected to attend a press conference.READ MORE IN F1He was a no-show, however, with it later emerging that he had been with doctors at the time.Thankfully, Hulkenberg’s issue was not deemed to be serious.And today he has been back on track for day two of testing.Earlier this morning he was able to complete more laps in his new Sauber C45.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHulkenberg joined Sauber ahead of this season following two years with Haas.He and new team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto replaced Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneVeteran Hulkenberg made his F1 debut in 2010.He has since driven for Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin and Haas.Last season he finished 11th in the driver standings, collecting 41 points.Yesterday’s testing was Lewis Hamilton’s first opportunity to get a feel for his new Ferrari.The session was interrupted by a power cut at around 5pm, which lasted for more than an hour.On the incident, Mercedes star George Russell told Sky Sports: “I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here.”I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realised there was no floodlights around.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”The new season is set to get underway in Australia on March 16. More

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    Arsenal become centurions despite falling away in title race as Mikel Arteta’s men set all-time top flight record

    ARSENAL broke an English top-flight record thanks to their draw against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners were held 0-0 at the City Ground last night as they slipped a huge 13 points behind Liverpool in the title race.Arsenal have become the first club to stay in the English top flight for a centuryCredit: RexIt was the second damaging result for them in five days after their hopes of winning the league were wrecked by a 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday.Arsenal will have another shot at the title next season after their place in the 2025/26 Premier League was confirmed.Their draw with Forest and Ipswich’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United means it is now mathematically impossible for Mikel Arteta’s side to go down.As they have avoided relegation, next term will be Arsenal’s 100 consecutive in the top-flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are the first club be in the highest league of the English football pyramid for a century.Everton are the nearest to Arsenal, having been in the top tier for 71 years.Liverpool are also currently chasing down the record with 64 years in the First Division and Prem. Everton still hold the record for most seasons of all-time at the top as this is their 122nd campaign in the top-flight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal trail Aston Villa and Liverpool on that list as the Gunners have completed 108 seasons overall in the best division. Ahead of the draw to Forest, Arteta said his side will never give up in the title fight.Embarrassed Kate Abdo covers face on live TV as she says Arsenal legend was her celebrity crush But after the game, he admitted his side are blunt in attack amid injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.Arteta said: “We showed unquestionable character, how much we wanted it and tried. “We dominated the game. We tried in many different ways. “We persisted but lacked that spark, that final pass to unlock a well-organised team. We have to generate more shots on target.”Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays… More

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    ‘Stick that in the documentary’ – Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham mercilessly trolled by Peterborough stars after Cup heartache

    PETERBOROUGH stars trolled Wrexham’s Hollywood owners after their EFL Trophy penalty shootout win over Ryan Reynolds’ side.The Posh booked their place in the final at Wembley with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Wrexham at the Stok Racecourse.Peterborough beat Wrexham 4-2 on pens to reach the EFL Trophy finalSuper-sub Bradley Ihionvien wasted little time in mocking Wrexham through his now-deleted post-match celebrationsPosh team-mates danced around to the tune of American boyband NSYNC’s 2000 hit ‘Bye Bye Bye’Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee had their penalties saved to ensure Peterborough sealed a trip to WembleyWrexham were 2-0 up after 38 minutes following Mo Faal’s looping strike and George Dobson’s first goal for the Welsh club.But Peterborough gave themselves hope when Malik Mothersille fired home the rebound after having his penalty saved by Arthur Okonkwo in the 72nd minute.Wrexham fans were cheering ‘Que Sera’ before substitute Bradley Ihionvien scored from close range, after a long ball, in the first minute of added time to send the tie to a shootout.Ihionvien, Ryan de Havilland, Harley Mills and captain Hector Kyprianou all scored from the spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile keeper Jed Steer saved efforts from veterans Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee to ensure Peterborough play Birmingham at Wembley.And Ihionvien wasted little time in mocking Wrexham through his now-deleted post-match celebrations.The 21-year-old forward sung to the tune of American boyband NSYNC’s 2000 hit ‘Bye Bye Bye’.He and a team-mate were dancing along to the pop anthem before Ihionvien sang along: “Bye bye bye, bye Wrexham, bye Wrexham, sorry not sorry. Bye Wrexham, sorry not sorry. Have fun, watch us in Wembley!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe added insult to injury by posting a sticker of Deadpool, the Marvel character played by Wrexham owner Reynolds, to his Instagram story.And fans loved the merciless trolling, with one Birmingham City fan writing on X: “LOL! Stick that in your f***ing documentary”.Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advertDarren Ferguson couldn’t believe the pandemonium when Peterborough equalisedReynolds and co-owner actor Rob McElhenney documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is well into it’s third season.It follows the-behind-the scenes turmoil of bringing a club up the football ladder and the relationships within the local community.The TV series has been a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, largely thanks to Wrexham’s Hollywood owners.Wrexham missed on a chance to go toe-to-toe again with fellow League One heavyweights Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady.Birmingham beat Bradford City 2-1 in the first Vertu Trophy semi-final on Tuesday.Instead Peterborough, who are in the midst of a relegation battle at the other end of the table, will go into the match as underdogs again.Last year, they beat Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 in the final at Wembley. More

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    ‘Bullied by haters’ – Albanian Laura Woods opens up on brutal abuse after starting in TV at 17 in emotional post

    THE ALBANIAN Laura Woods has opened up on the brutal abuse she received after starting her TV career.Eva Murati has been on screen since 2017 as she anchors the Champions League coverage for Vizion Plus and Tring TV.Eva Murati has hit out at her haters on social mediaCredit: TikTokShe is a Champions League show presenterCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe has anchored shows on Vizion Plus and Tring TVCredit: Instagram @tring_albaniaShe has been hailed as a the Albanian Laura WoodsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enEva, 29, has built up a huge fanbase with one million followers on Instagram.Despite her glamorous life, she has revealed she is the target of bullying over her looks.She recently posted a video on TikTok in which she hit out at her “haters”.In the clip, she filmed herself smiling at the camera in the TV studio.READ MORE ON SPORTShe wrote: “I started working on TV at 17 years old, got bullied by haters online and had to learn to validate myself.”Stopped seeking external approval and found strength in internal validation.”Now your words mean nothing to me.”Eva explained to one fan who questioned how she had been bullied.Most read in FootballShe posted: “Unfortunately, unlike male public figures, women are bullied for trivial things like the way they did their makeup, their hair, the outfit they chose.”And other things that have nothing to do with their professional work.”Albanian Laura Woods dubbed ‘most beautiful woman in the worldEva studied law at the University of TiranaCredit: Instagram / evamuratiShe has also worked as a model and actressCredit: INSTAGRAM @evamuratiShe often wows fans with her outfits on screenCredit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enShe started working in TV when she was 17Credit: https://www.instagram.com/evamurati/?hl=enEva received plenty of support from her followers on the social media platform as they flooded the comment section.One pined: “You are stunning, one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.”A second wrote: “You are a star.”A third commented: “You rock.”A fourth added: “Don’t listen to the haters. Be focused and happy. Regards and respect for everything you do.”Eva is more than just a presenter as she studied law at the University of Tirana.The fluent Italian speaker has also worked as a model and actress.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has modelled for the likes of lingerie brand Yamamay.Eva recently stunned fans with a striking pink outfit ahead after the Champions League round of 16 draw.Scroll down for a glimpse into Eva’s presenter life…Eva Murati presents Champions League action in AlbaniaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe 28-year-old is always joined by an all-star panelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva also works as a modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe Albanian star is a Juventus fan and recently met Fabio CannavaroCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva is a fans’ favourite on Champions League nightsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva recently presented coverage of PSG’s win over BarcelonaCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe also hosts magazine show Sports WeekCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe popular star also works as a lingerie modelCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe is building a huge fanbase across the globe thanks to her many talentsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiThe presenter has nearly one million Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiShe has been presenting Champions League action since 2017Credit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva has also tried her hand at actingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiWhile she would also like a go at singingCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiEva loves to share snaps from her holidaysCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiDuring her time off she can be found on the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM / @evamuratiUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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    Barcelona legend Gerard Pique proposes bizarre law change that would result in both teams getting ZERO points

    BARCELONA legend Gerard Pique has proposed a new rule change that he believes would make football more exciting.The 38-year-old previously suggested that the game needs a revamp in order to keep audiences entertained and engaged.Gerard Pique has suggested that teams should not receive any points for a goalless drawCredit: The Mega AgencyAnd one thing he believes should be cut out completely is goalless draws.Pique has suggested that neither team should get a point if they fail to score during a match.Speaking to former Spain team-mate Iker Casillas on the goalkeeper’s new podcast, he said: “It can’t be that you go to a football stadium, spend €100, €200 or €300 and the match ends 0-0.”Something needs to change. One proposal to consider would be that if the match ends 0-0, the teams would score zero points.Read More in Football”The match would open in the 70th minute.”Pique previously recommended that draws should be scrapped from the game entirely.He said: “Maybe there are no draws, why not? In baseball and basketball there are no draws. You go to a game and it ends with a draw and the feeling is, ‘Who won?'”Football is afraid of change. It has a huge history, it is very traditional, but change will happen, it has to happen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”A 90-minute game that can finish 0-0 is difficult to understand for the new generation.”In order to make football more entertaining and engaging for younger audiences, Pique created a new format called the Kings League.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou It’s a seven-a-side format with 40-minute games – none of which end in a draw.Instead, if the score is level at full-time the winner is decided with a penalty shootout whereby each taker goes one-on-one with the goalkeeper.The rules are completely different to the traditional football format, with cards drawn at the start of each match.Each team picks a card which could include double goal, sanction, penalty or star player to name a few.The cards can be activated between half-time and the 38th minute. More