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    Lewis Hamilton to get new team-mate for a day at Bahrain Grand Prix due to little known F1 rule

    LEWIS HAMILTON will drive with a new team-mate at the Bahrain Grand Prix, it has been revealed.Ferrari are one of six teams who are using the next Formula One race to fulfil a little-known rule.Lewis Hamilton will have a new team-mate during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekendCredit: RexDino Beganovic will drive in FP1 for Ferrari in Bahrain alongside HamiltonCredit: AlamyMax Verstappen will also not run the session after winning the Japanese GPCredit: RexHe is being replaced by F2 star Ayuma IwasaCredit: RexInstead of Charles Leclerc, 40-year-old Hamilton will instead partner 21-year-old Swedish driver Dino Beganovic for Free Practice One.Likewise, Red Bull will also bring a new driver to their lineup for the Friday session.Fresh off of his win at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen will give way to Japanese F2 star Ayumu Iwasa for the session.It means Yuki Tsunoda, who had a tough first race with Red Bull after swapping with Liam Lawson, will have his third team-mate of the season – even though this is only for one session.READ MORE IN F1Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas and Williams have also announced they will be running a rookie driver, with George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman and Carlos Sainz respectively all stepping down.Russell is giving up his seat for Danish youngster Frederik Vesti, while former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is replacing Alonso. Bearman, only a rookie this season himself, is giving up his seat to Ryo Hirakawa and Sainz will cede his seat to British racer Luke Browning.The sweeping changes come as part of a requirement for all F1 teams to run rookies – drivers with fewer than two Grand Prix to their name – at least twice in each of their cars in practice sessions this season.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTeams have had to run a rookie in at least once in each of their cars in FP1 since 2022, with this season seeing the requirement doubled.Alpine already completed one of these mandatory runs last weekend when Ryo Hirakawa ran in place of Jack Doohan – a contributing factor to Doohan’s 185mph crash in FP2.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire The reason for Bahrain being such a popular choice for rookie running is due to the known quantities of it.Teams already have lots of data from the track after pre-season testing was completed at the Sakhir circuit.The Middle East race also represents the first race weekend of the season where UK fans will not have to be out of bed early on Sunday morning.Instead, the Bahrain race will take place at 4pm UK time, with qualifying on Saturday running from 5pm.McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the World Drivers Championship from Verstappen by a single point after the Dutchman’s imperious win at last weekend’s Japan GP.Bahrain GP FP1 rookiesRookies participating in FP1 in Bahrain this weekend:Dino Beganovic, Ferrari – for Charles LeclercAyuma Iwasa, Red Bull – for Max VerstappenFrederik Vesti, Mercedes – for George RussellFelipe Drugovich, Aston Martin – for Fernando AlonsoRyo Hirakawa, Haas – for Ollie BearmanLuke Browning, Williams – for Carlos Sainz More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s F1 replacement handed keys to £165k Mercedes – but he’s BANNED from driving it for three years

    KIMI ANTONELLI enjoyed a record-breaking Formula One Japanese Grand Prix after being given the keys for a stunning new car.However, he is not allowed to drive it on home soil for THREE years thanks to a new law which came into effect last December.Kimi Antonelli picked up the keys to his stunning new Mercedes before the Japanese GPThe Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S is worth £165,000Credit: GettyBut Italian road laws mean he is banned from driving itCredit: GettyAntonelli, 18, is quietly having an impressive debut season with Mercedes after scoring points in each of his first three races with the Silver Arrows since replacing Lewis Hamilton.Before his sixth-place finish at Suzuka last Sunday, the Italian was given the keys to a striking dark blue Mercedes AMG GT 63 S, worth £165,000.He was seen posing alongside the motor – which can go from 0 to 62mph in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 199mph – in pictures released by Gazzetta dello Sport.But Antonelli, who passed his driving test in January, will not be able to drive it back home due to strict Italian road laws.READ MORE IN F1Italian law prevents new drivers from operating internal combustion cars with a power limit over 75kW during their first three years on the road, with his new drive having a limit of up to 600kW.Despite this, Antonelli does not have to wait long to get back behind the wheel and find the thrill of speed with the Bahrain Grand Prix coming up next weekend.At 18 years and 224 days, Antonelli’s ten-lap stint leading the Japanese GP saw him become the youngest race leader in F1 history, overtaking Max Verstappen by four days.After pitting onto hard tyres the Mercedes driver later clocked the fastest lap to also beat Verstappen’s title for the youngest driver to achieve a fastest lap.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking after the race, won by Verstappen ahead of McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, he said: “I am much happier, it was much better than China, and we showed some good pace and consistency, but the first 15 laps were a bit of a struggle, but once I got in free air, the pace improved.”Qualifying was a big click because I was more able to feel the car and push it, and today was another step forward.F1 suspended after fire at Japanese Grand Prix as three red flags cause chaos during practice “I am really looking forward to exploring even more in the next few weekends, because now I have the feeling that I can play with the car, which is something I couldn’t really do in the previous weekends because I was definitely tense whilst driving. “I’m getting more experience with the tyres and the car itself, so I am able to feel it more. “The plan was different, it was to stop earlier, but as the pace was improving lap-by-lap, we decided to stay out because we had not threat from behind and just tried something different. “I’m not going to lie, at one point on the mediums, it started drizzling and I was hoping for some rain, but it didn’t come. But at the same time, I cannot complain because it was a good experience.”Antonelli has so far collected P4, P8 and P6 finishes in F1 feature races, placing him fifth in the World Drivers Championship standings with 30 points, 15 behind team-mate George Russell and 10 more than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.He is one of six rookies on the grid this season, including Isack Hadjar, who left Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics after describing an injury he had in a “sensitive area” and Ollie Bearman. More

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    Former Premier League star-turned-manager wears PINK TUXEDO on touchline as he’s compared to Simpsons character

    FORMER Premier League midfielder Segundo Castillo has combined coaching with the catwalk… by sporting a PINK TUXEDO during a game.The ex-Ecuador international star loan spells with Everton and Wolves between 2008 and 2010.Segundo Castillo explained why we wears such spectacular outfitsCredit: ReutersThe ex-midfielder likes to make his Barcelona SC players ‘smile’Castillo’s tuxedo couldn’t quite inspire his team to victoryCredit: AFPCastillo, nicknamed Sir Second Castle, now manages home-country club Barcelona SC.And the 42-year-old went the extra mile to produce a smile for their Copa Libertadores clash with Argentina’s River Plate in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.Castillo stunned onlookers by wearing a flamboyant pink dinner jacket as he saw his side earn a commendable 0-0 draw.The fashion-loving former footballer has previously donned black and white tuxes for Barcelona games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his latest sartorial statement drew plenty of derision online – including memes of Marge Simpson, a character from animated TV show The Simpsons, wearing a pink dress.Castillo said: “When I come out of my dressing-room and my players see me like this, it makes them smile and makes them feel more free for a moment.”The players can tell they are being well looked-after.  “There is a good atmosphere between them and the coaching staff.”Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton and Wolves loanee produced a smile as dazzling as his attireCredit: ReutersCastillo believes his outfit helps his players look on the bright sideCredit: GettyCastillo made nine Prem appearances for Everton, and scored a UEFA Cup goal against Standard Liege.The anchorman went on to play eight times for Wolves, this time on loan from Red Star Belgrade.Glamorous Ecuador fan in just bikini and fishnet stockings goes viral as fans ditch Euro 2024 for Copa AmericaHe later played for six clubs in South America, including Barcelona SC, plus Saudi team Al-Hilal.Castillo retired as a player in 2020, taking the permanent Barcelona boss job last year following two spells as interim chief. More

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    New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal

    JUDE BELLINGHAM was seen having a heated discussion with Carlo Ancelotti in what could prove to be revealing footage from Real Madrid’s 3-0 loss at Arsenal.The European champions were stunned by two Declan Rice free kicks and a Mikel Merino goal.Bellingham threw his hand up in their air after being lectured by AncelottiThe England star then appeared to shake his head at the instructions he receivedAnd Bellingham seemed to be shocked as he headed over to the touchline with Eduardo Camavinga to receive tactical instructions from manager Ancelotti.The England star first threw his hand up in the air, though it was not clear whether this was a gesture of frustration or he was simply pointing towards Camavinga.And then later on he shook his head before tossing his water bottle aside.Marca claim that the incident happened in the first half when the score was still 0-0.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir report adds that Ancelotti was instructing the players on how to regain control of the midfield and dampen Arsenal’s energy to press with.But Bellingham would go on to have a relatively anonymous game in the 3-0 defeat.Meanwhile things went worse for Camavinga who was sent off after receiving a second booking for kicking the ball away in the 93rd minute.And another Spanish outlet, Relevo, claim Carlo Ancelotti has been “mortally wounded” by the result.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt suggests that unless the Italian can spur his side to a miracle comeback at the Bernabeu next week, they are likely to replace him with Xabi Alonso.Ancelotti has previously been heavily linked with the Brazil job, but spurned the advances of the Selecao last summer to stay in the Spanish capital.Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goal More

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    Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri set for mammoth pay rise as Gunners open talks over new contract

    ETHAN NWANERI has been lined up for a huge pay rise after Arsenal opened talks over a new contract for the teen sensation.Nwaneri is enjoying an explosive breakthrough season after stepping in following injuries to the Gunners’ main attackers.Ethan Nwaneri is set to be rewarded for becoming a virtual regularCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s faith in Nwaneri has reaped big dividendsCredit: GettyThe England Under-21 star’s current deal runs until the end of next season.But the BBC say Arsenal have “initiated contact” with the 18-year-old’s representatives on extending his stay.New sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as manager Mikel Arteta, is keen to tie down the Gunners’ hottest prospects.And with the possible exception of left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri is surely at the top of that list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s understood no official contract offer has yet been made to Nwaneri.But there are unlikely to be any obstacles to the academy product agreeing a long-term deal and landing a huge wage increase.Formal negotiations with the Londoners’ representatives are expected to start in the next few weeks.Nwaneri signed his first professional deal – until 2026 – when he was still a Gunners’ youth player.Most read in FootballThat means his next contract is certain to be far bigger.Nwaneri has amassed 31 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory And during his 21 Premier League games in 2024-25, he’s notched three goals and two assists.However, he remained on the bench in Tuesday night’s sizzling 3-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.Instead, the same-aged Lewis-Skelly was a stand-out performer, although Declan Rice was Arsenal’s clear star man, scoring twice with stunning free-kicks.Nonetheless, Nwaneri has played more often this campaign than possibly even he would have hoped.Admittedly he’s profited from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus getting crocked, plus the injuries of wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both now fit again.Saka is tipped for talks on extending his contract beyond 2027.The Gunners also want first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to agree new deals More

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    Can Marco Asensio play for Aston Villa in the Champions League against parent club PSG?

    ASTON VILLA will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals TONIGHT – pitting Marco Asensio against his parent club.After joining Aston Villa on loan from PSG in January, Asensio – a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid – has been in sensational form.Marco Asensio has starred for Villa – who face his parent club PSG TONIGHTCredit: PAThe Spanish international has EIGHT goals and an assist in just 15 matches.Along with the loan signing of Marcus Rashford, Asensio has helped Unai Emery’s side become one of the most in-form teams in Europe.Villa have lost just ONCE in 12 matches since Asensio’s debut on February 9.They head into this game as underdogs, however, with PSG losing just once since November.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUECan Marco Asensio play for Aston Villa in the Champions League against parent club PSG?Asensio has already played for PSG in this season’s competition.That has lead to questions about if he will be able to play against his parent club – with Premier League rules usually prohibiting such instances.However, Uefa rules are different to those in the Premier League.That means Asensio WILL be available for selection against PSG.Most read in FootballIn contrast, Marcus Rashford will not be able to play against Manchester United in May, and Axel Disasi, another loan signing, was not allowed to play against Chelsea in February.A notable example in the past of players eligibility against current sides was Thibaut Courtois, who was on loan at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. Atletico reaching the final after defeating Jose Mourinho’s team, Uefa decided that Chelsea could not block Courtois from playing against themThe governing body stated “clubs are not allowed to exert “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match.” Emery, who led the French team from 2016 to 2018 before departing at the end of his contract, will benefit from Asensio’s availability to play against PSG in the quarterfinals.After joining PSG in the summer of 2023, Asensio could not reach the promise of his Real Madrid career, and he left the squad under Enrique before joining Villa. More

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    Joey Barton LOSES part of libel case against Eni Aluko after accusing ex-England footballer of ‘playing race card’

    ENI Aluko has won the first part of her libel case against Joey Barton after he accused her of playing the “race card”.Ex-Man City star Barton was taken to court by the pundit following a string of posts he made on X in January.Joey Barton has lost part of a libel case against Eni AlukoCredit: APEni claimed two of the posts were defamatoryCredit: AlamyShe claimed the two posts were defamatory – including one where he targeted her family and background.Barton, 42, branded her a “race card player” and accused her of playing the “victim card”, adding: “Cry me a f***ing river”.He also claimed “everyone is laughing at you” and said she knew “next to nothing about men’s football”.Eni has now won part of her case at the High Court after a judge found Barton made defamatory remarks.Read more newsMr Justice Lavender had been asked to consider the “natural and ordinary meaning” of the posts.Eni, 38, welcomed the ruling, saying: “The posts were an unwarranted attack on my personal and professional identity, my integrity and my family life – in particular my late father.”Barton could still appeal the decision and defend his statements if the case proceeds to trial.His lawyer William McCormick KC previously described the claims as “strained, forced and unreasonable”.Most read in FootballIn a separate case, Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine, Eni and her colleague Lucy Ward.The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits to Fred and Rose West and branded Radio 2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.He is due to stand trial later this year at Liverpool Crown Court charged with 12 offences.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Eni bought the case against BartonCredit: PAHe denied the posts were inflammatoryCredit: Getty More

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    ‘No brainer’ – Man Utd fans demand club sign Liam Delap after discovering new release clause if Ipswich go down

    THE relegation release clause of Manchester United target Liam Delap has been revealed.Delap, 22, has impressed for Ipswich despite the club’s looming relegation from the Premier League.Liam Delap’s relegation release clause has been revealedCredit: GettyIt has been a breakout year for the former Manchester City star, scoring 12 goals and adding two assists in 33 Premier League games.His performances have sparked interest from a number of top clubs, including Man Utd and Chelsea.And SunSport understands Delap will be available for as little as £30million if Ipswich are relegated.The Tractor Boys signed the England Under-21 ace for £15m plus £5m in add-ons last summer.Any deal to sell Delap, the son of former Stoke star Rory Delap, will also see Man City earn 20 per cent through a sell-on clause in the deal which took him to Portman Road last summer. Man Utd are known to be admirers of him, alongside Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle.But the cash-strapped Red Devils will likely view this news as a huge bonus considering the estimated cost of other striker targets including Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitike or Victor Osimhen.SunSport reported earlier this week how Man Utd transfer chiefs had made Delap their number one transfer target for the summer window. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIpswich are thought to have slapped a £40m price tag on the striker, the same value as a Man City buy-back clause.However, with the club now looking likely to join Southampton in being relegated back to the Championship due to sitting 12 points off of safety, that fee will drop even lower.Why Ruben Amorim’s Man United system is brokenReacting to the news on social media, one excited fan begged United transfer chiefs to get a deal done, saying: “Delap for £30m is a no brainer.”A second said: “Would be an absolute bargain.”A third added: “Steal.”Another said: “Sign him up Idc.”SunSport analysed which striker Man Utd should try to sign last month.Delap was highlighted for his fit to the profile Ruben Amorim needs leading the line thanks to his quick and powerful runs in behind the opposition defensive line.However, there is a concern that United could face the same issues they have done with Rasmus Hojlund, who shares a similar profile to Delap, in that he is simply not ready to lead the line of a club like Man Utd where the pressure is huge. More