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    ‘Best radio exchange ever’ – Charles Leclerc leaves F1 fans in hysterics as Ferrari discover ‘water is wet’

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    FERRARI had a race weekend to forget during the Formula One season opener in Australia.However, a radio exchange between Charles Leclerc and his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, left fans in hysterics and did at least provide one lighter moment for the Italian team.Charles Leclerc had a stunning exchange with his race engineer during the Australia Grand PrixCredit: RexLeclerc asked if there was a leakage during the race, to which his engineer replied it ‘must be the water’Credit: GettyLeclerc snapped back ‘let’s add that to the words of wisdom’Credit: GettyChangeable conditions at the Albert Park circuit caused chaos as six cars crashed out of the race, including rookie Isack Hadjar on the FORMATION LAP before he was then consoled by Anthony Hamilton.But early on in the race, Leclerc was heard asking Bozzi about an issue he was having, sparking a stunning exchange.The Monegasque started by asking: “Is there a leakage?”Bozzi replied: “A leakage where?”READ MORE IN F1Leclerc explained: “I have the seat full of water, like full of water.”After a minor delay, Bozzi then responded: “Must be the water.”The 27-year-old then sarcastically replied: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”Fans were loving the hilarious exchange, with one saying on social media: “Following Ferrari is like watching an episode of The Office.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Charles Leclerc radio message for the history books.”Another said: “Leclerc’s comedy gold, F1’s new stand-up sensation!”Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseA fourth added: “Engineering breakthrough at Ferrari: Water is wet.”Leclerc’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton also had his own issues over the radio, lamenting engineer Riccardo Adami for giving him too much information.Ferrari also had a disastrous strategy late on during a rain shower.After leaving both Hamilton and Leclerc out on dry tyres, the Scuderia pair were both placed on the podium with Hamilton even briefly leading the race.However, the slippery conditions saw the team then pit both well after all their rivals had.This left them down in P9 and P10.Leclerc managed to get up to P8 after overtaking Hamilton and Pierre Gasly, while Hamilton finished P10 after overtaking Gasly but was overtaken by Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.X-RATED HAMILTONHamilton blasted an expletive down the radio following the strategy blunder before apologising.Speaking after the race, Leclerc said: “It was definitely a missed opportunity.“I mean, especially in those conditions, when it’s changing and you don’t have the pace, it’s there that you’ve got to score the points. – and we didn’t. “We were not fast enough at the beginning of the race when the race was kind of boring.“Once it mattered to make the right choice, we didn’t.”Hamilton, making his debut for the Scuderia, said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris despite him going off track, with Max Verstappen second and George Russell third.The drivers will have a week to regroup before the Chinese Grand Prix, which is also the first Sprint Race of the season. More

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      Meet the stunning F1 WAGs stealing the show in 2025 – from pro golfer to racing star & top model who dated Kardashian ex

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      AS the Formula 1 aces took to the grid this weekend, some fans were driven to distraction by the bevvy of beauties in the paddocks.The drivers’ glamorous wives and girlfriends  tried to keep their cool at the Australian Grand Prix as the mercury hit 32C and their partners burned rubber.At the Australian Grand Prix the F1 Wags stole the showCredit: GettyAnd with a host of rookies on the track alongside veterans Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, there were some unfamiliar faces on the sidelines, too.American Hannah St John, 21, was all smiles at Albert Park Circuit, in Melbourne, as she cheered on Red Bull Racing’s rising star Liam Lawson. She joined Scot Rebecca Donaldson, 28, the girlfriend of Carlos Sainz, who was making his Williams’ debut after four seasons at Ferrari.And the Wags also live life in the fast lane, with impressive careers of their own including as a professional golfer, model and racing driver.read more on formula oneHere, Thea Jacobs takes a look at the F1 stars’ stunning other halves, who are in pole position to steal the limelight from their men . . . Isabella Bernardini & Gabriel BortoletoYOUNG love is at the races this year, in the shape of Team Sauber’s newbie driver Gabriel, 20, and his girlfriend Isabella, who is just a year older.The couple are high school sweethearts, having got together when he was 16.Isabella Bernardini is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the NetherlandsCredit: GettyIsabella and Gabriel Bortoleto are high school sweetheartsCredit: AFPMeet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student Isabella is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the Netherlands.Most read in MotorsportThe couple aren’t afraid to show off their romance online, posing together for a cute New Year’s snap in which she perched on his knee, and sharing pictures of his Formula 2 races last year.Brazilian Isabella flew in to watch her beau make his F1 debut, and she looked stunning in a white mini-skirt and blouse combo.Sadly, Gabriel was not placed in his first race of the season – but he was surely a winner with Isabella.KELLY, 36, is in a relationship with Max , 27, the four-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.She is also racing royalty, as the daughter of three-time winner Nelson Piquet, 72.Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time winner Nelson PiquetCredit: GettyKelly is expecting her first child with Max VerstappenCredit: RexSince she started dating Red Bull racer Max in 2020, the Formula E social media manager has been a regular at the grand prix.But the heavily pregnant model missed out on this weekend’s race to attend an event at swanky restaurant Kaspia London, in Mayfair.It will be Kelly and Max’s first baby together. She also has a daughter with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat.Francisca Gomes & Pierre GaslyPORTUGUESE Francisca, 22, has been in a relationship with Alpine’s French driver Pierre Gasly since 2022.She posted a sweet black- and-white snap of the pair kissing after his first outing of the season and revealed they had relaxed with a plush Italian meal the night before.Francisca Gomes has built a career as a model and influencerCredit: GettyPierre Gasly has dubbed Francisca his ‘lucky charm’Credit: AFPBeing in the paddock isn’t a new experience for “Kika” either as her father is former F1 driver Goncalo Gomes, 49.And thanks to her mum being TV presenter Maria Cerqueira Gomes, Francisca isn’t easily fazed by the limelight.She has built a career as a model and influencer, which allows her to follow Pierre, 29, around the world for his races.Which is lucky for the driver as he dubbed her his “lucky charm.”Not too lucky though, as he only took 11th place on Sunday.Eliska Babickova & Andrea Kimi AntonelliELISKA and boyfriend Andrea, 18, clearly love life in the fast lane – as they’re both professional racing drivers.She is more likely to be seen trackside this year as Andrea has been promoted to the F1 circuit and snatched fourth place for Mercedes Down Under.Eliska Babickova was the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting classCredit: AlamyEliska and Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated a year together in OctoberCredit: AFPEliksa – the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting class – will understand the nerves and determination involved when it comes to racing.Outside the sport, she has a YouTube channel with her sisters, fellow drivers Petra and Tereza, where they document their lives.Eliska and Andrea celebrated a year together in October, and while he is off racing all over the world, she is finishing high school and plans to study economics at uni.Carmen Montero Mundt & George RussellAS fans of Netflix documentary Drive To Survive will know, George loves nothing more than showing off his stunning 26-year-old Spanish girlfriend Carmen.She appears to be a good omen too, as 27-year-old British Mercedes ace George took third place in the Aussie Grand Prix at the weekend.Carmen Montero Mundt recently returned to studies after a finance job in LondonCredit: InstagramCarmen and George Russell have been together since 2020Credit: AFPThe couple, who have been together since 2020, live in Monaco.Carmen recently returned to studies after a finance job in London, but her life is worlds away from her childhood in Spain.She said: “I always wanted to work in finance. “My family struggled financially during the global crisis, and that determined what I wanted to do from a very young age.”Hannah St John & Liam LawsonHER rookie boyfriend Liam may have endured a nightmare start to his Red Bull career, but Hannah looked like a seasoned Wag as she cheered him on from the sidelines.Wearing this black halter-neck dress to the race, she later changed into a striped blue two-piece to console the 23-year-old Kiwi driver after he swerved into the wall and crashed out in Melbourne.Hannah St John graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical SciencesCredit: Avalon.redHannah was there to support Liam Lawson as he began his Red Bull careerCredit: APHannah, 23, graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She also works as a model and influencer, with 40,000 followers and partnerships including Bvlgari.The beauty flew to New Zealand last year to meet Liam’s family and followed him around the world in his last season as a Formula 2 driver.She was also there to support him last year when he replaced Daniel   Ricciardo for the last six races of the F1 season.Alexandra Saint Mleux & Charles LeclercSHE has only been dating Ferrari ace Charles since 2023, but that hasn’t stopped Alexandra winning over legions of fans and becoming the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social media.The Italian influencer – who has a degree in Art History and a social media account dedicated to her favourite pieces of work – is often seen trackside cheering on her boyfriend, who placed eighth yesterday.Alexandra Saint Mleux is the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social mediaCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has been dating Alexandra since 2023Credit: GettyShe has also started carving out a career as a model, and last month appeared in adverts for Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand.Alexandra, who has more than 1.6million followers on Instagram, often posts snaps of her pet dachshund, holidays and outfits, leading Tatler to brand her the “most stylish woman in F1” – quite the accolade.Rebecca Donaldson & Carlos SainzSCOTTISH beauty Rebecca did a few laps of the showbiz circuit before she shacked up with Williams driver Carlos in 2023.Now an established model, she started out in pageants and appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TV, and was linked to Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick.Rebecca Donaldson appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TVCredit: RexCarlos Sainz started dating Rebecca in 2023Credit: EPAThese days she is often spotted cheering on 30-year-old Carlos, who she has dated since 2023, and was seen gracing the paddock this weekend in a body-hugging grey dress.During her catwalk career, 28-year-old Rebecca has been a cover girl for Vogue and Marie Claire, and in October 2020 she launched her own activewear range, Muse.Sara Pagliaroli & Lance StrollVICTORIA’S Secret Angel model Sara and 26-year-old Aston Martin race ace Lance made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of 007 blockbuster No Time To Die.And with her bombshell good looks, the gorgeous 29-year-old Italian could pass for a Bond Girl herself.Sara Pagliaroli started modelling at 17Credit: InstagramLance Stroll and Sara made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of No Time To DieCredit: AFPSara started modelling at 17 and has worked with brands including Replay Jeans and Adria Beachwear.In 2020 she launched her own jewellery brand called Blue Lemon Jewels, and she is currently the face of clothing brand Yamamay.Lily Muni He & Alexander AlbonLILY, 25, might be known to some as the girlfriend of F1 driver Alexander, 28, but she is a sports star in her own right.The stunning brunette is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of five and currently takes part in the US-based LPGA Tour.Lily Muni He is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of fiveCredit: GettyAlexander Albon and Lily had their first date on a golf course in 2019Credit: AFPLily wasn’t there to cheer on ­Alexander as he took fifth place in Oz, but she showed her ­support on Instagram.It was F1 that brought the pair together as they began their relationship after she watched Netflix series Drive To Survive. They had their first date on a golf course in 2019.While Lily travels the globe playing golf, she does find time to cheer on Alexander during races – such as at Silverstone in 2023, when she was spotted in the paddock.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander repays the favour and has been seen ­supporting her on the green, posting about it on his own social media.These two are well on their way to taking pole ­position as a true sporting power ­couple.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Norris wins chaotic opening race as Hamilton suffers Ferrari disaster – latest

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      LEWIS HAMILTON suffered a nightmare Ferrari debut as six drivers crashed out of a chaotic Australian Grand Prix.Hamilton, 40, made the switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia official over the off-season and made his debut for the Italian team as he chases a record-breaking eighth world championship.The race start was DELAYED after rookie Isack Hadjar crashed out during the formation lap before bursting into tears as he was consoled by Hamilton’s dad.Fellow rookie Jack Doohan then crashed out on the first lap after a huge spin before last year’s race winner, Carlos Sainz, crashed under the safety car.Lando Norris took the chequered flag ahead of Max Verstappen after going off the track in a thrilling season opener, but Ferrari suffered a strategy disaster to leave Hamilton down in P10.Podium places: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, George Russell. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… ‘Pretty disappointed’, says Piastri“It’s obviously pretty disappointed at the moment. I feel like for every lap bar one I drove an incredibly strong race and don’t have anything to show for it. I don’t have anyone to blame but myself, a bit unfortunate to get stuck like I did but I put myself there.“For me, the big positive is the other 56 laps of the race, I felt I had really strong pace in all conditions and that is what I will try and take from this weekend.“Given I was trying to reverse for a minute, we made the right decisions. There was much more on the table than ninth today, so it is a shame to not have that result.”Oscar PiastriOscar Piastri and his girlfriend Lily Zneimer arriving in the paddock at the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi last yearCopy linkCopiedUp next … ChinaThe 2025 Chinese Grand Prix takes place over 56 laps of the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday, March 23.Copy linkCopiedMcLaren the team to beatThe McLaren’s speed, based on this weekend, will make them the team to beat this season.Copy linkCopiedHow the race started (2)Norris then held his lead from Verstappen on the restart with the three front-runners opening a gap on Russell in fourth, with Hamilton remaining eighth. Piastri too was enjoying better pace as the track dried by lap 17 and when Verstappen went in too hot into turn 11, struggling with his tyres, the Australian shot past to reclaim second.Norris however was in control out in front, happy with his tyres and conditions and over two seconds up on his teammate and a full 20 up on Russell in fourth by lap 24.Lando Norris leads the pack shortly after the start of the raceCopy linkCopiedHow the race started (1)When the lights went out Norris covered off a quick-starting Verstappen to hold the lead but Piastri fell to the Dutchman though turn two in a sharp opening that was swiftly neutralised after the Australian Jack Doohan crashed out at turn five, causing the safety car to be deployed.Doohan was not the last to exit early as Carlos Sainz followed suit shortly afterwards, spinning out under the safety car with a mechanical problem and going backwards into the barriers.Copy linkCopied’He kept his cool’Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was impressed by Antonelli’s drive from P16 to P5 – and now P4 – on a treacherous Albert Park circuit, one that even caught out the likes of last year’s Australian GP winner Carlos Sainz, who crashed his Williams behind the Safety Car.“I mean, even very good drivers span or hit the wall, and it’s easier to not finish than to finish,” Wolff stated.“He kept his cool and yeah, it was just very impressive to see. And it shows that he has a good future, as long as the trajectory keeps being like it is.”Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, at the Australian Grand Prix on SundayCopy linkCopiedTwo firsts – and a fifth – for NorrisThis was the first time Lando Norris has won in Australia – and the first time he has won the season-opening race.It is also his fifth career victory. His team too will enjoy the winning feeling in Melbourne, after a long absence from the top step. The last time McLaren took the flag here was with Jenson Button in 2012.Lando Norris celebrates after winning the Australian Grand Prix 2025 at Albert Park, MelbourneNorris in action at the (very wet) Australian Grand PrixCopy linkCopied’We missed out’, says Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton, who started the race in eighth, also got overtaken by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the last lap, to cap off a torrid final 15 laps.“It was very tricky,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 afterwards.“It went a lot worse than I thought it would go, the car was really hard to drive today. I’m grateful I kept it out of the wall, that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.“A lot to take [in], different power unit in the wet, different driving and setup on the steering wheel. And the guidance of how much more rain was coming… we missed out.”Lewis Hamilton enters the paddock on Sunday dressed in a red Willy Chavarria track suitCopy linkCopiedIn pictures Here are some of the best images from the Australian Grand Prix.McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrates with his trophyLewis Hamilton signs autographs on the Melbourne WalkThird-placed Mercedes’ British driver George Russell attends a press conferenceCopy linkCopiedAntonelli’s penalty reversedAndrea Kimi Antonelli, pictured below, has been promoted to P4, and Alex Albon back down to P5, after the Italian driver’s penalty was reversed.He was initially on course to finish P4 in a rain-impacted Australian GP, a solid drive in his debut Grand Prix, though had to make do for P5 after the stewards issued a five-second time penalty in the closing stages for an unsafe release.It was an incident which Wolff pointed out was not televised, and the outcome left the Mercedes boss unimpressed.Copy linkCopiedRecap of Constructors StandingsMcLaren – 27ptsMercedes – 25ptsRed Bull – 18ptsWilliams – 12ptsAston Martin – 8ptsSauber – 6ptsFerrari – 5ptsCopy linkCopiedThird-youngest EVERMore Kimi Antonelli facts. He became the third-youngest driver to start an F1 Grand Prix behind Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll at 18 years, six months and 19 days. Copy linkCopiedKimi thing The weekend seemed to get off to a rough start for debutante Andrea Kimi Antonelli when he underwhelmed in a Q1 exit. However, he came storming back when it mattered, as he collected a top-five finish in the Albert Park race on his debut. Though, only a namesake and nothing more, the fightback is eerily similar to Kimi Räikkönen, who went from P13 to P6 in his debut. Copy linkCopiedDriver of the dayFollowing a mega drive from Lando Norris, the McLaren takes home the fan-voted Driver of the day award. Copy linkCopiedHamilton on race It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.Lewis HamiltonCopy linkCopiedLeclerc’s ‘words of wisdom’Lewis Hamilton was not the only Ferrari driver upset with their engineer today as Charles Leclerc seemingly wasn’t too impressed with some analysis they offered him on the radio.Leclerc: “Is there a leakage?” Engineer: “A leakage of what?” Leclerc: “I have a full seat of water, like, full of water!” Engineer: “Must be the water.” Leclerc: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”Copy linkCopiedConstructors standings after race oneThere is a long way to go this season, but McLaren can be thankful they have a competitive race car to help Norris keep Verstappen at bay.Meanwhile, Mercedes profited from a mistake-free race to score a P3 and P5.McLaren – 27ptsMercedes – 25ptsRed Bull – 18ptsWilliams – 12ptsAston Martin – 8ptsSauber – 6ptsFerrari – 5ptsCopy linkCopiedHamilton post-race radioAfter his disappointing Ferrari debut, Hamilton said:Yeah it wasnt great but we keep pushing..Lewis HamiltonCopy linkCopiedNorris on radioLando Norris on radio after the race:Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.Lando NorrisCopy linkCopiedRace reportRead our full F1 race report here to remind yourself of all the chaotic events of this morning’s race.Who needs coffee when you have races like that…Copy linkCopiedAlbon scores P4 for WilliamsA great race for Williams and Albon who manages to finish P4 with a quiet but crucially mistake-free race.Copy linkCopiedHamilton rues Ferrari strategy blunderHamilton was left to rue a huge strategy blunder from his team as he finished down in P10.The Brit had sensationally lead the race very briefly before he was forced to pit on to Intermediate tyres.Copy linkCopiedNORRIS WINSNorris takes the chequered flag in Australia just ahead of Verstappen.Martin Brundle on Sky Sports calls it “one of the all-time great Norris races”, and it is hard to think of many better performances from the Brit.Copy linkCopiedNorris v Verstappen one-lap shootoutHalf a second separates Norris and Verstappen now as they cross the line for the final lap.Copy linkCopiedPiastri back in the pointsAfter his horror mistake earlier, Piastri has managed to get his car back into the points which will be vital in the constructor’s championship.Meanwhile, Verstappen is now within a second of Norris going into the final two laps and has DRS.Copy linkCopied More

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      ‘I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crash

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      FANS fell in love with Lewis Hamilton’s dad Anthony after spotting his classy gesture during the Australia Grand Prix.The Formula One season opener was hit by chaos as six cars crashed out in the changeable conditions.Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar crashed out of the formation lap of the Australian Grand PrixCredit: ReutersBut Anthony Hamilton was there to comfort the tearful 20-year-old after the incidentCredit: X @SkySportsF1Fans said they were going to cry at the heartfelt gestureCredit: X @SkySportsF1Hadjar blasted his own ’embarrassing’ error but said he appreciated the gestureCredit: GettyThis included Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who after impressing with P11 in qualifying ended up crashing out on the formation lap.The 20-year-old was visibly distraught after the crash and burst into tears trackside.But when he made it back to the paddock Anthony Hamilton was there to console him. Hamilton Snr could be seen giving the youngster, two years younger than Lewis was when he made his debut, a hug as they then carried on walking.READ MORE IN F1Spotting the interaction on social media, one fan said: “No way… Honestly I’m about to cry… sorry for him..Anthony Hamilton speaking to Hadjar.”A second said: “Papa Hamilton comforting Hadjar, I’m going to cry.”A third added: “Man that made me cry… Mr. Anthony Hamilton, what a kind soul you have.”Another said: “Seeing Isack cry while Anthony Hamilton comforts him is making me wanna bawl my eyes out.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHadjar is known to be a huge fan of Hamilton, and revealed he appreciated the gesture. He revealed the words of wisdom Hamilton delivered to him, saying: “Just keep your head high. I think he knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one, he knows how tough it feels.”He came to comfort me, I think it was a really nice gesture from him. But nevertheless it feels really hard and I feel really sorry for the team.”Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixHamilton Snr was reported as saying: “When I saw what happened to Isack my heart fell. I went to him and treated him like a father.”Despite the brilliant gesture, Hadjar was bitterly disappointed with his own performance, blasting the mistake as “embarrassing”.“I just lost the rear-end of the car, these cars in these conditions, they snap so fast, and it’s unsavable, couldn’t get the grip back.“I knew it was going to be tricky, on the laps to the grid I knew it’d be tricky. I’m sorry for the team right now, my close ones watching the race… it’s just embarrassing.”The chaotic race Down Under was eventually won by Lando Norris, whose drive was described as one of his “all-time greats” by Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle.Norris had lost the lead after going off track but managed to salvage his race to edge out Max Verstappen.Meanwhile, Ferrari suffered a disaster as they pitted their two drivers late on and dropped from a double podium to P8 and P10.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton was particularly critical of the move, swearing on the radio after saying the team had “missed a big opportunity”.The stars will go again in a week at the Chinese Grand Prix. More

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      ‘Just leave me to it’ – Lewis Hamilton in X-rated blast at engineer after Ferrari gaffe blows Australian GP chances

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      FUMING Lewis Hamilton swore down his team radio after a Ferrari strategy blunder blew his chances of Australian Grand Prix glory.Hamilton had scored P8 in qualifying on his debut for the Scuderia.Lewis Hamilton swore down the radio after Ferrari’s colossal strategy blunder during a rain showerCredit: GettyHamilton had been leading the race before he had to come in to change to wet tyresCredit: Getty More

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      ‘All-time greats’ – Lando Norris pips Max Verstappen in epic Australian GP after SIX drivers KO’d and Hamilton blunder

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      LANDO NORRIS won a thrilling season opener in Melbourne after SIX drivers were KO’d and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton gamble went horribly wrong.The McLaren driver held onto the lead by the skin of his teeth as Max Verstappen pulled it out the bag to finish a whisker behind him in second. Lando Norris won a chaotic Australian Grand PrixCredit: GettyNorris celebrated the win with his mumCredit: AFPNorris celebrates following his thrilling winCredit: EPANorris finished just ahead of VerstappenCredit: EPAThe wet conditions saw six cars crash outCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton had a Ferrari debut to forget as he finished P10Credit: AFPHamilton was fuming with his race engineerCredit: GettyThe other McLaren, Oscar Piastri, suffered a nightmare ending having been hot on team-mate Norris’ heels throughout before spinning off the track and onto the grass with 11 laps to go. It meant Verstappen overtook him and Piastri finished in ninth after starting the race in second after a front row lock-out for reigning Constructors’ champs McLaren.After the Piastri chaos, Lewis Hamilton was leading the race on his debut for Ferrari as the Italian team gambled by not pitting him and his team-mate Charles Leclerc.  But it did not pay off as Verstappen pitted and hunted them down on fresh tyres, forcing them into the pits for a changeover. READ MORE IN F1The fuming seven-time world champion gave his race engineer Riccardo Adami a tongue lashing, swearing on his radio after Ferrari dropped down the positions and he finished in ninth while Leclerc settled for eighth. At one point Adami was trying to give Hamilton information about DRS but he says on his team radio: “Leave it guys, leave it. I’m learning the car as I go mate, just leave me to it with the DRS. It’s not an issue.”Earlier on in the race, Hamilton asked: “Tell me where I’m slow I’m having a hard time.”British Mercedes driver George Russell made it onto the podium in third and Alex Albon came in fourth in his Williams. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTo rub salt in the wounds for Hamilton, Lance Stroll also finished ahead of him in sixth for Aston Martin. SIX drivers did not finish the drama-filled race, including Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson. ‘Shock to the system’ – Lewis Hamilton makes surprise admission about progress in Ferrari car ahead of wet Australian GPRB rookie Hadjar crashed on the formation lap before he even started and was left crying with his head in his hands before Lewis Hamilton’s dad comforted him. “Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.”Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.”Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle called it one of Norris’ “all-time great” drives.After his disappointing debut, Hamilton said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.” More

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      Rookie crashes on FORMATION LAP of Australian GP before bursting into tears and causing delay to start

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      THE FORMULA ONE season opener in Australia was hit by chaos before the race even started as rookie Isack Hadjar spun out on the formation lap.The 20-year-old, making his F1 debut for Racing Bulls this weekend, burst into tears after spinning out on his way to the grid as he struggled for grip.The F1 Australia Grand Prix saw its start delayed after Isack Hadjar crashed on the formation lapCredit: GettyRookie Hadjar’s crash caused a 15-minute delay to the start timeCredit: APHe burst into tears after the stunning crashCredit: GettyAnthony Hamilton was seen consoling the rookie back at the paddockCredit: X @SkySportsF1Hadjar ended up spinning and binning his car into the wall, seeing his raceday end before it had even begun after a strong qualifying session on Saturday which had seen him place P11.The French-Algerian racer was visibly distraught and burst into tears on his way back to the pitlane.Hadjar, who is known to be a Lewis Hamilton superfan, was consoled by the Ferrari driver’s dad following the unfortunate incident.Revealing what Anthony Hamilton said to him afterwards, he expained: “Just keep your head high. I think he knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one, he knows how tough it feels.READ MORE IN F1″He came to comfort me, I think it was a really nice gesture from him. But nevertheless it feels really hard and I feel really sorry for the team.”The crash caused a race start delay of 15 minutes after an aborted start.When the Albert Park race did eventually get underway, two more drivers crashed out early on.Alpine rookie and home star Jack Doohan spun out at Turn 6 before crashing heavily into the wall and bringing the safety car out.Most read in MotorsportLast year’s race winner, Carlos Sainz, then spun out under the safety car to see three cars out of the race before a full lap had been completed under green flag conditions.The tricky wet conditions meant a full racing lap was not completed until lap nine of the Grand Prix.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThere were early pitstops from three stars – Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon, as they changed to a new set of intermediate tyres.Max Verstappen enjoyed a strong start in the race as he overtook Oscar Piastri and brought himself right up on the heels of race leader Lando Norris, but was unable to make a move before Piastri took the position back.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseMeanwhile, Hamilton – making his debut for his new team – had a more low-key start by remaining P8.By the end of the race SIX drivers had not survived the gauntlet as the changeable and slippery conditions sparked chaos across the grid.Norris won by the skin of his teeth ahead of Verstappen while Hamilton was left to rue a huge strategy blunder from his team.The seven-time world champion had briefly led the race when Verstappen had to pit from the lead, but Norris – by now back on intermediates after going off track – took the lead back.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe subsequent pit stop for Ferrari left Hamilton down in P9 before he ended in P10, managing to overtake Pierre Gasly but losing positions to Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.And he was fuming with his new race engineer – launching an X-rated blast down the team radio after learning how they had blown their chance of a podium.F1 Australia results1. Lando Norris (McLaren)2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)4. George Russell (Mercedes)5. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)6. Alex Albon (Williams)7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)11. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)14. Jack Doohan (Alpine)15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)16. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)17. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)18. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)20. Oliver Bearman (Haas) More

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      F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari debut in epic opener at Albert Park – latest

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      THE Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari era begins in Melbourne as the greatest show in motorsport returns for another season.Hamilton, 40, made the switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia official over the off-season and will make his debut for the Italian team as he chases a record-breaking eighth world championship.However, the Brit has plenty to do in his first F1 race for Ferrari as he starts eighth on the grid, one behind new team-mate Charles Leclerc.Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen starts third on the grid behind Lando Norris and McLaren pal Oscar Piastri.Race time: 4am GMTTV channel: Sky Sports F1Live stream: NOW/Sky Sports appGrid: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Russell, Tsunoda, Albon, Leclerc, Hamilton, Gasly, Sainz, Hadjar, Alonso, Stroll, Doohan, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Ocon, Bearman.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… Norris delightedPace setter Lando Norris was in dream land with his pole, as you might expect.He said: “It’s the perfect way to start the year. Everyone at McLaren has done an amazing job to start with a one-two but it’s just qualifying, let’s see tomorrow, it’s going to be a tricky race but this is a good way to start.”The car is extremely quick and when you put it together it’s unbelievable but it’s difficult to put together.”Particularly after the first lap, when I went off and lost my lap, you’re in a tricky position – you need to risk it but not go too far because you can’t make a mistake. It’s a difficult balance. We know how quick Max and Red Bull are in the rain.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChucking it downAfter a scorching Saturday which saw temperatures of up to 37 degrees it is now chucking it down in Melbourne and the F2 race has already been axed because of the rain. Punters have not been put off though and are decked out in their rain ponchos, coats, hats and umbrellas in the stands. The official F1 forecast says conditions will start to improve and there will be a moderate chance of the odd shower during the race.It is also VERY windy too, with gusts of up to 60km, but drivers can definitely race in this weather. Copy linkCopied’A lot to dissect’ Lewis Hamilton finished eighth in qualifying and said he and the engineers had a lot of work to do to catch up to the front runners.He also revealed he doesn’t know the rain settings in his new car.Hamilton told Sky Sports: “We will just get ours heads down and start finding out why we are not on pace with the front runners.”Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. I’ve never driven this car in the rain, I don’t even know the rain settings but I’ve got to go and study that tonight and it will be a learning experience again.”Copy linkCopied2025 scheduleWith that change in schedule, here’s how the opening weeks of the season are looking,There are two races to start the season, then a break, before five races and another break. The calendar doesn’t head to Europe until May 18 – Imola – while plenty of British race fans will have July 6 at Silverstone circled.Copy linkCopiedAll the infoAlbert Park in Melbourne will host the first race of the F1 season.Last year, the Australian GP was the third race of the season but a tweak in the schedule has now seen it host the big opener.Verstappen won pole last year but brake failure saw him last just four laps before being forced to retire, with Carlos Sainz winning ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. The race starts at 4am GMT and will be shown on Sky Sports in the UK – their coverage is just about starting now. We recommend you follow our live coverage for all the thrills and spills from track side in Australia, of course.Credit: SplashCopy linkCopiedGrid in fullLando Norris was quickest in qualifying with McLaren the early pace setters as Oscar Piastri came second.Max Verstappen will start from the second row, in third.The full grid looks like this: Lando NorrisOscar 1PiastriMax VerstappenGeorge RussellYuki TsunodaAlex AlbonCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonPierre GaslyCarlos SainzIsack HadjarFernando AlonsoLance StrollJack DoohanGabriel BortoletoKimi AntonelliNico HulkenbergLiam Lawson Esteban OconOllie BearmanCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedHere we go!The new F1 season is finally here! After months of waiting – and major, MAJOR changes to the grid – we are back in Australia. Lewis Hamilton’s mega move to Ferrari dominated the headlines while the action was away and plenty of eyes will be on the seven-time champion at Albert Park.Hamilton didn’t enjoy the best qualifying session, however, and will start in eighth – one spot behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Kika Gomes sizzles in striped bikini as she supports boyfriend Pierre Gasly at Aussie Grand Prix

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      MODEL Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikini — as she and F1 driver boyfriend Pierre Gasly find their love is still in the fast lane.Portuguese Kika, 22, and Frenchman Gasly, 29, who drives for Alpine, were together at the Aussie Grand Prix.Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyKika, 22, and F1 driver Gasly, 29, were together at the Aussie Grand PrixCredit: GettyPierre qualified 9th for today’s race in Melbourne.Whatever the result, he’s already a winner.Kika has been dating F1 driver Pierre since last October.She grew up in the fast lane with racing driver dad Gonçalo and TV host mum Maria.Read more on Kika GomesKika, real name Francisca, has collaborated with several beachwear brands including Calzedonia and Natura Portugal.Her mum Maria is a top TV presenter and model, and dad Goncalo was a racing driver.Gasly, 27, drives for the Alpine team now co-owned by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce.He is considered as one of the sport’s biggest rising stars.Most read in MotorsportWatch Pierre Gasly’s F1 car burst into flames forcing Frenchman to leap out of fire ravaged Alpha Tauri More