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    Raging Christian Horner told brings picture evidence against ‘very harsh’ Max Verstappen F1 penalty at Saudi Arabia GP

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    CHRISTIAN HORNER presented fresh evidence disputing the “very harsh” penalty given to Max Verstappen at the Formula One Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.Verstappen finished the race in second behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, but was only overtaken after being handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Raging Christian Horner showed a printed picture to media claiming Max Verstappen was wrong to be punished by race stewardsCredit: RexVerstappen was handed a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantageCredit: GettyHe came second to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Saudi ArabiaCredit: RexThe incident occurred off of the race start at Turn 1 as Piastri made it to the first corner apex quicker than Verstappen.The Red Bull star then abandoned his attempt at making the second turn in the chicane, instead driving over the track limits to not lose any time.Piastri, 24, was over the team radio asserting he was ahead at the corner and that Verstappen needed to give the position back, while the Dutchman said he had been left with nowhere to go.Verstappen, 27, was then handed a penalty by race stewards which he responded to by saying “f***ing lovely” down the team radio, before serving it during his mandatory pit stop.READ MORE IN F1That advantage ended up being the difference as Piastri won his third race win of the season, making him the first Australian to lead the World Drivers Championship since Mark Webber in 2010.But in the media room after the race, fuming Red Bull team principal Christian Horner went around waving a picture of the Turn 1 incident as supposed evidence that the penalty was wrong.F1 reporter Chris Medland said a rival team principal not from McLaren told Horner: “Let it go, he was never making that corner.”Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Horner said: “We have that discussion before the race with the directors. We have the notion of let them race but I’m not sure where Max is supposed to go.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFuming Verstappen stormed out of his post-race interview with David Coulthard and was quiet in the cooldown room before the podium.He later went full Jose Mourinho as he raged on the penalty: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull future”The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth. For me it’s better. “I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time. We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.”On whether he would appeal the decision, the four-time world champion said it was “not in my interest” and was only looking to go home.After the race the FIA released a statement explaining their decision, revealing Verstappen had actually escaped a punishment of double the severity.It said: “Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex. Based on the Driver’s Standards Guidelines, it was therefore Car 81’s corner and hewas entitled to be given room.”Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not given back. He stayed in front of Car 81 and sought to build on the advantage.”Ordinarily, the baseline penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is 10 seconds.”However, given that this was lap one and turn one incident, we considered that to be a mitigating circumstance and imposed a 5 second time penalty instead.”Read More on The SunSaudi Arabia brought a close to the first triple-header of the F1 season, with a week break now before the Miami Grand Prix on May 4.Piastri leads the World Drivers Championship ahead of team-mate Lando Norris, who recovered from a crash in qualifying to finish fourth, by 10 points and Verstappen by 12 points.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      ‘People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN feels the FIA is gagging him as the four-time world champion says “people cannot handle the truth”.The Dutch Red Bull driver was left frustrated after being slapped with a five-second penalty for illegally going off the track in a battle with Oscar Piastri on the first lap.Max VErstappen hit out at his penalty during the Saudi GPCredit: GettyHe also confronted FIA President Mohammed ben SulayemCredit: GettyThis cost Verstappen, who finished in second, and he slammed the punishment as “f***ing lovely” on his team radio and walked off after a blunt post-race interview.When asked about the penalty he said: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.“The world we live in, you can’t share your opinion fully, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth.“For me it’s better. I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time.READ MORE ON F1“We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming.“Everyone is super sensitive about everything.“Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway, that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.When asked if his anger was directed at the FIA’s swearing rules, he said: “I know I cannot swear in here but at the same time you can also not be critical.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Or any kind of form that might harm or danger, let me get the sheet out…“There’s a lot of lines, that’s why it’s better not to talk about it or you can get yourself in trouble and I don’t think anyone wants that.”Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureOscar Piastri won the Saudi GPCredit: GettyVerstappen suggested that he could be hit with a fine if he were to speak out of line.And he wouldn’t have been the first driver to have to pay up for an unusual reason.Carlos Sainz was hit with a £17,000 bill for breaching pre-race procedure despite suffering a medical issue at the Japanese Grand Prix.The punishment came after he was seconds late to the national anthem due to an upset stomach.He has then risked a £34,500 fine for his X-rated outburst following the original sanction.McLaren’s Piastri powered home to win the Saudi GP and go top of the Drivers’ Championship.After claiming victory, Piastri said: “I’m looking for a couch, it was a pretty tough race.”I’m very happy to have obviously won, I made the difference at the start and made my case into Turn One, and that was enough.”It was really tricky to follow out there, I couldn’t really stay with Max Verstappen at the end of the first stint and I just chewed up my tyres.”The clean air was nice after the pit stop, it was a clean race and we did the parts we needed to right.”We still needed a bit more, Max [Verstappen] was a bit too close for our liking but a great race and a great weekend.”There is now a two-week break before the next F1 race.Read More on The SunRace six will come on May 4 in Miami as the first of three races in the United States this season.It is also the second Sprint Race of the season, following on from China.Drivers standings after Saudi Arabia GPHere’s how we look after five races of the season…P1) Piastri – 99P2) Norris – 89P3) Verstappen – 87P4) Russell – 73P5) Leclerc – 47P6) Antonelli – 38P7) Hamilton – 31P8) Albon – 20P9) Ocon – 14P10) Stroll – 10 More

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      ‘You fired me’ – Martin Brundle in awkward reunion with former boss at Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

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      MARTIN BRUNDLE endured an awkward reunion with an old boss at the Saudi Grand Prix.The Sky Sports reporter bumped into Alpine’s Flavio Briatore before the start of the race.Martin Brundle has an awkward encounter with Flavio Briatore on the gridCredit: xBrundle (L) was a Benetton Ford team-mate of Michael Schumacher in 1992Credit: GettyHe was axed from the team by Briatore before the 1993 seasonCredit: GettyBrundle used to race for the Italian businessman at the Benetton team for the 1992 F1 season.He was the team-mate of F1 legend Michael Schumacher but was sacked in 1993.His axing came after coming sixth in the standings that year, with Briatore keen to replace him.He sacked Brundle and replaced him with Riccardo Patrese for the 1993 season.READ MORE ON F1And the former driver was quick to remind the Alpine executive advisor of their awkward past.He said to the Italian: “Martin Brundle, you fired me once.”Fans loved watching the moment as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Man I love the grid walk.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second commented: “Classic Brundle / Classic Flavio.”A third wrote: “Amazing Martin Brundle, can’t teach that.”‘Never seen Martin Brundle more confused in my life’ – Bonkers moment F1 icon interviews UNICORN live on Sky Sports_1Oscar Piastri won the Saudi GPCredit: ReutersHe hailed the win as a ‘great weekend’Credit: GettyMax Verstappen had to settle for second after being hit with a five-second penaltyCredit: GettyMcLaren’s Oscar Piastri powered home to win the Saudi GP and go top of the Drivers’ Championship.Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing car had to settle for second while Charles Leclerc finished in his Ferrari in third place.After claiming victory, Piastri said: “I’m looking for a couch, it was a pretty tough race.”I’m very happy to have obviously won, I made the difference at the start and made my case into Turn One, and that was enough.”It was really tricky to follow out there, I couldn’t really stay with Max Verstappen at the end of the first stint and I just chewed up my tyres.”The clean air was nice after the pit stop, it was a clean race and we did the parts we needed to right.”We still needed a bit more, Max [Verstappen] was a bit too close for our liking but a great race and a great weekend.”Read More on The SunVerstappen was hit with a five-second penalty during the race in Jeddah for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.On the punishment, the four-time world champion told Sky Sports: “To be honest, I think any words towards that are just a waste of time for everyone.”Drivers standings after Saudi Arabia GPHere’s how we look after five races of the season…P1) Piastri – 99P2) Norris – 89P3) Verstappen – 87P4) Russell – 73P5) Leclerc – 47P6) Antonelli – 38P7) Hamilton – 31P8) Albon – 20P9) Ocon – 14P10) Stroll – 10 More

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      F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Oscar Piastri WINS as Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly CRASH out – updates

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      OSCAR PIASTRI powered home to win the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix and top the Drivers’ Championship.Max Verstappen secured second after his penalty, while Charles Leclerc held off Lando Norris to claim Ferrari’s first Sunday podium of the season.The race started in shocking circumstances, with Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly crashing out.Start time: 6pm BSTTV channel: Sky Sports F1TV/Stream: NOW/Sky Sports appCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from usThank you for tuning in for SunSport’s coverage of the F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.You can keep up with all the major news from the world of motorsport by clicking here, or if you want to check out what’s happening in the rest of the crazy world of sport, click here.Copy linkCopied’I’m not happy’ – Hamilton reacts to P7 finish”P7 is not the end of the world but there’s tons of time that I’m just not extracting. “It’s not good enough but I am working really really hard at it. “I just got to keep on taking a deep breath. “I know that the fans aren’t happy, I’m sure the team aren’t happy, I know the bosses aren’t happy, and I’m not happy with my results either. “But all I can continue to do is try to continue to believe in myself, stay positive, and keep working at it. “And that’s what I’m trying to do.”Copy linkCopiedHorner tension in presser over Verstappen penaltyChristian Horner showed up to his media session with a screenshot of Verstappen’s attempt to stick around the outside of Piastri at Turn 1.As reported by Thomas Maher, Horner is arguing he felt the penalty applied was a little harsh.Fellow reporter Chris Medland has shared a photo of the Horner evidence, which he believes shows how Verstappen was ahead of Piastri.He adds how a rival team boss not from McLaren told Horner to “let it go, he was never making that corner”.Comes after the FIA released their statement explaining the reason for the applied penalty.Copy linkCopied’It’s better not to talk about it’ – Verstappen reveals penalty fears for voicing opinion on Piastri incidentMAX VERSTAPPEN feels he is being gagged by the FIA as the four-time world champion says “people cannot handle the truth”.The Dutch Red Bull driver was left frustrated after being slapped with a five-second penalty for illegally going off the track in a battle with Oscar Piastri on the first-lap.This cost Verstappen, who finished in second, and he slammed the punishment as “f***ing lovely” on his team radio and walked off after a blunt post-race interview.When asked about the penalty he said: “I can’t share my opinion otherwise I might get penalised so better not to speak about it.“The world we live in you can’t share your opinion fully apparently or people can’t handle the full truth.“For me it’s better. I don’t need to say too much, it also saves my time. We already have to do too much, it’s how everything is becoming.“Everyone is super sensitive about everything. Of course what we have currently we cannot be critical anyway that’s fine, less talking is even better for me.When asked if his anger was directed at the FIA’s swearing rules, he said: “I know I cannot swear in here but at the same time you can also not be critical,“Or any kind of form that might harm or danger, let me get the sheet out…“There’s a lot of lines, that’s why it’s better not to talk about it or you can get yourself in trouble and I don’t think anyone wants that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWhat’s next?We now have a two-week break before the next F1 race.Race six will come on May 4 in Miami as the first of three races in the United States this season.It is also the second Sprint Race of the season, following on from China.Lando Norris won that race last year, and will be hoping he can repeat that this year to help him close the gap in the Drivers’ Standings.After Miami, there is another gap before the triple-header of Imola, Monaco and Spain.Copy linkCopiedBREAKING: FIA release statement on Verstappen penaltyThe FIA have released their statement and explained the reason for the ten-second penalty handed to Verstappen.The penalty was reduced from the normal baseline of 10 seconds to half of that because of the “mitigating circumstance” of it being a Lap 1, Turn 1 incident.The statement said: “The Stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry and in-car video evidence and determined that car 81 had its front axle at least alongside the mirror of Car 1 prior to and at the apex of corner 1 when trying to overtake Car 1 on the inside. “In fact, Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex. Based on the Driver’s Standards Guidelines, it was therefore Car 81’s corner and hewas entitled to be given room.”Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not given back. He stayed in front of Car 81 and sought to build on the advantage.”Ordinarily, the baseline penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is 10 seconds.”However, given that this was lap one and turn one incident, we considered that to be a mitigating circumstance and imposed a 5 second time penalty instead.”Copy linkCopied‘You fired me’ – Martin Brundle in awkward reunion with former boss at Saudi Arabian Grand PrixMartin Brundle endured an awkward reunion with an old boss at the Saudi Grand Prix.The Sky Sports reporter bumped into Alpine’s Flavio Briatore before the start of the race.Brundle used to race for the Italian businessman at the Benetton team for the 1992 F1 season.He was the team-mate of F1 legend Michael Schumacher but was sacked in 1993.And the former driver was quick to remind the Alpine executive advisor of their awkward past.Copy linkCopied’Just a racing incident’ – Tsunoda on Gasly collisionTsunoda told the official F1 channel: “I don’t know what I should have done. I was behind Sainz, I was fully in control in terms of speed.”I was not like nearly crashing into Carlos in front. So it’s hard to justify which is wrong or better.”In contrast to Gasly, the Red Bull driver said his rival did not leave him enough space, but considered the collision “just a racing incident.”He added: “I don’t think I could have done better than that, to be honest.”I tried my best to avoid him as much as I can, but also in that kind of space, it’s really hard to avoid. I don’t know what can I do other than that, to be honest.“We kind of knew, each other, I mean, if you try to go outside from there, other than if he goes half of the car, at least on the white line, it would [have been a] collision. So it was a shame.”Copy linkCopied’I left him room’ – Gasly on Lap 1 crash with TsunodaPierre Gasly has broken his silence after crashing out of the race on Lap 1.The duo tangled at the start with Tsunoda clipping the rear left tyre of Gasly as they went through a tight turn.Gasly was instantly out of the race and prompted a safety car, while Tsunoda limped back to the pits before he too was forced to retire.But the Alpine driver believes he gave his Red Bull rival, also his former team-mate enough room.He said: “I think I had a good run in Turn 4, managed to get good braking and get ahead of him. “I was aware he was on the inside so I left as much space as I could on the exit of the corner.“I had already two wheels off the track, I had to keep my inside wheels obviously inside the white line to make the move past. “But unfortunately there was this touch and it just sent my car spinning.”Copy linkCopiedPodium in picturesHere’s a look at the podium sitters today, including race winner Piastri.Credit: EPACredit: AFPCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedTense cooldown roomThere was tension in the cooldown room after the controversial penalty handed to Verstappen, which ultimately decided the race.Watch below.Copy linkCopied’I didn’t feel comfortable’ – Hamilton on Ferrari resultTold Sky Sports: “There wasn’t one second [I felt comfortable].”The car is capable of being P3. “Charles did a great job today.”Copy linkCopiedPiastri cheeky social media messagePiastri had a cheeky social media message after asking for a couch following his race win in Saudi Arabia.Credit: @oscarpiastri/InstagramCredit: @oscarpiastri/Instagram
      Copy linkCopiedSaudi Arabia Driver of the dayMax Verstappen has been voted as the Driver of the Day by F1 fans.Copy linkCopied’My only interest is going home’ – Verstappen on penaltyVerstappen told Sky Sports: “To be honest, I think any words towards that is just a waste of time for everyone.”We talked about it a lot and last year and this year are a different kind of rules, so that’s also a problem.”This is not my problem to be honest, I think the positive is we had decent pace in the race, I was much happier on the medium [tyre] as well.”I did not expect the pace in the car but it did show that the changes we’ve made in the car from Friday to Saturday definitely helped a lot on the tyre wear as well.””What rules have changed? Let’s get the paperwork, it’s all written down.”Will we appeal? It’s not in my interest. My only interest is going home.”Copy linkCopiedChristian Horner on Verstappen penaltyTold Sky Sports: “We that discussion before the race with the directors.”We have the notion of let them race but I’m not sure where Max is supposed to go.”On a positive note we showed good pace.”Max was trying to get the gap but it wasn’t to be.”We’re only 12 points off the championship and taken some points off Lando.”Arguably without that penalty we would have won today as well.”Copy linkCopiedFIA time penaltyEx-Red Bull driver Liam Lawson was hit with a ten-second time penalty during the race after leaving the track and gaining an advantage.Copy linkCopiedSarcastic radio from LeclercDuring the race, Charles Leclerc had a tongue-in-cheek response to his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi.Copy linkCopiedConstructors’ standings after five racesHere’s how the Constructors Championship standings look after five races.McLaren – 188 pointsMercedes – 111Red Bull – 89Ferrari – 78Williams – 25Haas – 20Aston Martin – 20Racing Bulls – 8Alpine – 6Sauber – 6Copy linkCopied’It’s the execution’ – Chadwick on Norris car claimsSky Sports F1 pundit and former W Series champion Jamie Chadwick has rubbished claims that Norris and McLaren do not have an advantage over their rivals.She said: “The pace is not the problem, but it’s the execution.”Copy linkCopied’He looks like a veteran’ – Andrea Stella on Piastri and NorrisMcLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, on Piastri’s race win: “Oscar looks like a veteran, but it is just his 51st race in F1.”On Norris’ recovery: “We really wanted to recover after yesterday’s qualifying, and [Norris] did that really well. “Very good points for Lando, as he said on his in-lap, he needs to polish a little bit his Saturdays and then he will be alright.”Copy linkCopiedNorris on narrow podium missTold Sky Sports: “I’m pretty hot (laugh). Yeah I gave it my all.”Charles drove a good race.”I’m pleased on the whole but I make life tough for myself.”It would have been much easier to be up the front.”I need to have better Saturdays.”They [Ferrari and Red Bull are just as quick.”We show a bit more in practice then have nothing left in qualifying.”We’re probably quicker on average but not enough.”We suffer a lot in DRS compared to other teams, we’re not as quick on the straight, which makes today tricky.”Oscar did a great job and showed what the car can do.”Copy linkCopiedZak Brown on McLaren winSpeaking to Sky Sports, Brown said: “Mega result.”Team did a huge job to get Lando’s car back to racing standard after his race win.”Lando was great, Oscar was flawless….”Would have been a bit better if they [Red Bull] swapped earlier. “Looking forward to party with the team.”We thought a podium for Lando was on but we were wrong by 1.2 seconds…”[Penalty for Verstappen] Definetly deserved. It was appropriate.”Copy linkCopiedThumbs up between Williams driversA massive weekend for Williams as they score double points with Sainz helping Albon to keep Hadjar at bay.They also managed double points in China this season.Copy linkCopiedDrivers standings after Saudi Arabia GPHere’s how we look after five races of the season.P1) Piastri – 99P2) Norris – 89P3) Verstappen – 87P4) Russell – 73P5) Leclerc – 47P6) Antonelli – 38P7) Hamilton – 31P8) Albon – 20P9) Ocon – 14P10) Stroll – 10Copy linkCopied More

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      F1 engineer’s girlfriend’s sex toy confiscated at airport before Saudi GP as women subjected to ‘uncomfortable’ searches

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      WOMEN travelling to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have had their vibrators confiscated at the airport.Under Islamic law, sex toys are deemed “pornographic materials” and are banned in the Middle Eastern country.Women travelling the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix haver had their vibrators confiscatedCredit: GettyOne F1 engineer’s girlfriend in the paddock was stopped and searched at the airport in Jeddah and had her vibrator taken off her, having not known they were banned in the country.Meanwhile another female employee in the paddock was buzzing to get to the F1 but also had her “massage wand” investigated by security after touching down in Jeddah.The unnamed employee, 27, said: “I went through passport control and got my luggage but was stopped by security who said my bag needed extra searching.“They put it through the scanner and told me my ‘massage wand’ and Lipton ice tea drinks in my suitcase needed searching.READ MORE IN F1“This was in a public space with other tourists and passengers from my plane also getting extra searches!“First off a male security guard came over asking to look at the ‘massage wand’ but I told him I wanted a female employee to look at it instead.“She checked the ice teas for alcohol and then once again asked to look at the ‘massage wand’.“I asked if we could please do this in a private space as I didn’t want my pink vibrator on show for all of the world to see!Most read in Motorsport“She put it in a more discreet bag and it was taken off to a side room for more investigating while I was told to sit and wait.“I waited nervously because I thought they might interrogate me for prostitution or sex trafficking.Glam F1 hopeful Bianca Bustamente shows exhausting exercise routine before getting in car “Low and behold a man searched it in the side room which I was quite uncomfortable about.“Then the original female security employee came out and said I was free to go and that I could actually KEEP the vibrator.“Her words were ‘some massage wands aren’t allowed here but this one is ok, have a fun trip!'” More

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      ‘F***ing dangerous’ – Lewis Hamilton SLAMMED by F1 rival after incident at Saudi GP with Ferrari star investigated

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was labelled  “f***ing dangerous” by an F1 rival as controversy flared over tight corners at the Saudi GP.Race chiefs investigated the near miss in practice after Williams’ Alex Albon took evasive action to avoid hitting Ferrari’s seven-time world champ.Lewis Hamilton faced a stewards’ probe over the scary momentCredit: RexAlex Albon had to veer right to avoid hitting Hamilton’s red FerrariCredit: Sky Sports F1Albon was heard berating the 40-year-old legend on his team radio on the tricky track in Jeddah.Some of the circuit’s corners were called “so blind” by commentators.And the most frightening moment came on the approach to turn nine.Albon roared round the bend and suddenly saw Hamilton’s much-slower car in front of him on the inside.READ MORE IN F1The 29-year-old had to lurch his steering wheel to the right to avoid hitting the Brit.”F***ing dangerous” was just part of Albon’s instant assessment of the situation. Stewards looked at the incident but decided Hamilton should not be punished.And in a statement they implied Albon had also changed his verdict.Most read in MotorsportAlbon was suddenly confronted by Hamilton’s car in front of himCredit: Sky Sports F1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKStewards ruled Hamilton had got in his fellow racer’s way, but not created a hazard.The statement said: “As agreed with the teams, unless the impeding during free practice was such that it could be regarded as dangerous, there will be no penalty for such impeding.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari base’During the hearing, the driver of Car 23 (Albon) felt that he had the car under control at all times and while he was impeded, he did not consider the situation to be dangerous. “He had seen Car 44 (Hamilton) in front of him during the corner before.”He did not expect Car 44 to be in the position on track he was in and that shocked the driver of Car 23 as he approached Turn 17 and had to take evasive action.”While his immediate reaction when the incident occurred was to say that it was dangerous, having looked at it subsequently, he agreed that it was not. We accordingly took no further action.”Williams team principal James Vowles is worried more cars could be blocked in similar fashion over the weekend.But he accepted the issue caused by Hamilton was not “intentional”.Vowles told Sky Sports F1: “There’s certain portions of the track, it’s mainly between Turn 5 all the way to Turn 8, where you’re blind, you’re fully loaded on the car, and there’s not a lot you can do any more”You can lift off, that’s about as much as you can do. You certainly can’t brake. And that’s really what caused it. Read More on The Sun”It’s not intentional from Ferrari, but let’s try and be stronger on it because we don’t want an accident.”The saga came as Hamilton finished a disappointing second practice 13th.Albon was initially furious over the incidentCredit: Rex More

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      Max Verstappen could take YEAR-LONG break to look after new baby with glam Wag Kelly Piquet, claims F1 superstar

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could take a year out from Formula 1 to look after his new baby, which is due on May 6.The reigning world champion announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.Kelly Piquet is expecting a baby with Max Verstappen next monthCredit: GettyVerstappen is in practice for Sunday’s Saudi GPCredit: APThe Dutch driver is not set to miss a race given the due date of the baby is after the Miami Grand Prix, giving him a brief window before racing in Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.Verstappen’s future for next year, though, has been a constant point of speculation and Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last weekend by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great”.Meanwhile an unnamed F1 driver said he believes that Verstappen’s most likely route will be taking a year off.Next year feels like a lottery with which drivers and teams will be on top anyway, with drastic changes made for the 2026 regulations.READ MORE IN SPORTMercedes and Aston Martin have been touted as a possible destination for Verstappen.But Williams team boss James Vowles does not reckon the Dutchman would be a good fit for his former team Mercedes.Vowles joined Williams from Mercedes in 2023 after spending more than two decades as an engineer at the team.He also said Toto Wolff would be better off keeping his current driver line-up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Most read in MotorsportThe couple shared the pregnancy news on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @maxverstappen1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVowles said: “Can you add a tiny bit more performance? Yes, I think there is more performance to be added through Max.”I don’t think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do. [Verstappen’s performance in] Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping. Well done to him.Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max Verstappen”But he comes with a lot of downsides as well that you have to acknowledge.“What Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that’s on the way up.So I personally don’t think that’s the place for him.”Vowles also said a link up between Russell and Verstappen would not work.He is not here to try to be remembered forever. He wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants.Lando NorrisThe two were locked in a furious row at the end of last season with Russell calling Verstappen a “bully” and the Dutch driver labelling the Brit a “loser.”When Vowles was asked if a line-up involving the two would work, he said: “I don’t think so.”I think they’re two very different characters.”Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but there is an exit clause in his deal.He is currently third in the driver’s standings, five points behind Oscar Piastri and three below Lando Norris in first.Glam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 driversCredit: RexVerstappen has already had a taste of life as a father figure given he is a step-dad to Piquet’s daughter Penelope.When Norris was asked about his pal Verstappen taking a year out, he said: “I don’t know with Max, he is different to most I would say.“Max wants to come in and win and show he is the best then go home, that’s his attitude, which I respect and like.Read More on The Sun“You never know, he has said many times he wants to go do other racing in other categories and Max wants to enjoy his life.“He is not here to try to be remembered forever and all those things, he wants to come in and win and go home. Max can do whatever he wants, I respect him.”THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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      Red Bull in fresh disaster as Verstappen’s new team-mate Yuki Tsunoda smashes into wall with Saudi GP session suspended

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      RED BULL suffered another disaster as Yuki Tsunoda smashed into the wall in practice, causing huge damage to the car.The red flag came out with five minutes to go as the Japanese driver clobbered into the wall on the exit of the final turn in Jeddah.Yuki Tsunoda smashed into a wall at the Saudi GPCredit: Sky Sports F1The new Red Bull driver walked away unhurt but there was considerable damage to the carCredit: Sky Sports F1Red Bull mechanics watched on in horror as the 24-year-old clipped the wall on the final cornerCredit: Sky Sports F1Tsunoda was unharmed in the incident but the car was looking worse for wear with debris flying all over the track.The 24-year-old managed seventh fastest before his smash, with McLaren’s Lando Norris recording the best time of P2.Tsunoda replaced Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s team-mate just two drives into the season.Lawson, 23, was dumped by Red Bull chiefs after failing to get to grips with the RB21 during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.READ MORE ON F1Tsunoda looked to be getting to grips with the car after finishing in the top 10 in Bahrain.But his latest smash comes after he claimed he could “beat” four-time world champion Verstappen.In the build-up to practice in Saudi Arabia, Tsunoda told RacingNews365: “Obviously I’m still learning, but also the pace has to come at the same time.”Those things are always important in qualifying and the race.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”As long as they are the two sessions I’m in a good position that Red Bull wants me to be, FP1 to FP3, I will use as learning sessions.”It’s my first time driving a completely different car – I only drove with VCARB for the last four years, so it’s the first time I drove a completely different team’s car.Iconic F1 Grand Prix at the Imola circuit has some challenging corners for drivers “I’m trying to use that, and I know that if I unlock that area, I would be able to probably beat [Verstappen].“I know myself that I can’t beat him straight away, so I’m just trying to build a good baseline and wait for the moment that I can be in the [best] shape.”Red Bull have suffered with pace problems compared to constructor leaders McLaren, Norris and Oscar Piastri – the winner in Bahrain last week – sit first and second in the Drivers’ Championship.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARAccording to BBC Sport, a clause written into Verstappen’s contract says Red Bull have to provide him with a winning car or else he is free to leave.Team advisor Helmut Marko has suggested there is currently “great concern” over Verstappen’s future with Red Bull owing to the performance issues they are facing.Marko, 81, told Sky Germany: “The concern is great. Read More on The Sun”Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.”We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.” More

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      ‘Increasingly difficult’ – Iconic F1 Grand Prix set to DISAPPEAR in major shake-up to race calendar

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      NEXT month’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix could be the final race at Imola. The iconic Italian circuit has hosted 30 Formula One races since 1980. This year’s Grand Prix at Imola could be the last at the iconic Italian circuitCredit: GettyImola returned to the schedule in 2020 after leaving in 2006Credit: AlamyCEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted Italy could lose one of its two Grands Prix as “interest grows” around the sport.Italy currently has two races on the F1 calendar, at Imola and Monza.But bosses are keen to take races to new audiences around the world. F1 signed a new deal with Monza last year which will keep it on the calendar until at least 2031.READ MORE ON F1Next month’s race at Imola is the last of its current contract – and Domenicali has suggested bosses are considering an alternative venue.Domenicali said: “Italy has always been and will be an important part of Formula 1.”It will be increasingly difficult to have two races in the same country because interest in F1 is growing.”It’s a situation we will have to deal with in the coming months.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It’s hard for this situation with Imola and Monza to continue together on the calendar for long.”Imola held its first world championship event in 1980 when it took over the running of the Italian Grand Prix for one year.Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureWhile it was known as the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994, legendary driver Ayrton Senna crashed and tragically passed away at the circuit. Every year, the Grand Prix offers F1 fans the chance to remember the legendary driver.Imola was used as an F1 venue until 2006, before returning again in 2020 as bosses sought European tracks during the Covid-19 pandemic.Max Verstappen took the chequered flag in 2024, beating McLaren’s Lando Norris into second.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARNorris has enjoyed a strong start to the new season and currently leads the Drivers Standings from team-mate Oscar Piastri.Before heading to Imola on May 18, the drivers will contend with the Saudi Arabia and Miami Grand Prixs. More