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      Formula E announce never-before-seen feature ahead of new season with cars FASTER than current F1 cars

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      FORMULA E will conduct an all-female test for the first time ever “to improve diversity and equality across motorsport”.Female drivers, who currently do not race in Formula E, will test the new ‘Gen3 Evo’ electric car – which is 30 per cent FASTER than current F1 CARS.The ‘Gen3 Evo’ is an upgrade on last season’s Electric Gen3Britain’s most successful female driver Jamie Chadwick will likely be given an opportunity to drive in the testThe racing series will field 22 female drivers in an afternoon session at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in November near Valencia, Spain.The brand new ‘Gen3 Evo’ net zero race cars are capable of 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds.The same typical range for modern day F1 cars is between 2.1 to 2.7 seconds.The ‘Gen3 Evo’, which can reach speeds of 200mph, is set to be used across the upcoming 11th season.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt will also be the most efficient formula car, with an electric motor providing more than 90 per cent efficiency, compared to the 40 per cent typical of F1 vehicles.There are currently no female drivers in a Formula E race seat.Each of the current teams in the Formula E Championship will be required to field at least one female driver for the half-day test. Three women have competed in a Formula E race before, but that all came in the inaugural 2014 season.Most read in MotorsportWhat is the difference between Formula One and Formula E?The F1 car relies on an internal combustion engine.While Formula E cars are battery-powered and relies on electricity and regenerative braking.F1 races mostly on race tracks, while Formula E prefers street circuits. F1 cars can reach up to 360 km/h (or more) and Formula E cars up to about 280 km/h.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis included experienced British sports car driver Katherine Legge, Swiss Simona de Silvestro and Italian Michela Cerruti.Meanwhile, the last woman to race in F1 was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’Formula E will also hold the first-ever dedicated test session exclusively for women racing drivers in the ABB FIA World Championship.The full line-up of women drivers participating in the test will be announced in the coming weeks.But several squads already have links to female drivers.This includes three-time W Series champion and Indy NXT driver Jamie Chadwick, who races with Andretti and tested one of the American team’s IndyCars earlier this week.Chadwick presented with Sky Sports at the Singapore Grand Prix last weekAlice Powell will likely be offered the chance to take part in testing tooThe 26-year-old Brit was also given the opportunity by Formula E to drive the Gen3 Evo car last season in Portland between official sessions.The test aims to provide the women not only with a destination but also a pathway to develop their careers.Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said: “We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport.”If we’re going to truly give women equality, opportunity and visibility in our series conditions for all need to be the same.”To aid their development and test themselves against those already on the starting grid.”We have to make a start somewhere.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the car represented another “significant leap forward in electric racing” technology.The Formula E season begins in Sao Paulo on December 7, where Pascal Wehrlein will begin his defence of the title he won with Porsche.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Christian Horner lifts lid on bitter feud within Red Bull F1 team after legend brutally sacked mid-season

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER has lifted the lid on more bitter infighting at Red Bull this season and the axing of Daniel Ricciardo.Formula One legend Ricciardo was brutally cut by sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand Prix, with his seat being handed to 22-year-old Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.Christian Horner has revealed how Red Bull bosses argued about Daniel Ricciardo’s position earlier in the seasonCredit: RexRicciardo was sacked from Red Bull’s sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand PrixCredit: EPABut Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted Ricciardo out in JuneCredit: GettyThe 35-year-old claimed the fastest lap in his swansong, but broke down in tears in an interview following the race.However, Red Bull boss Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted the Australian out of the car in JUNE.Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Horner said: “He [Ricciardo] started the season roughly, and then Miami was a weekend of two halves.”The Friday and Saturday morning was fantastic, and it looked like the Daniel of old defending against the Ferraris and outdriving the car. But then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday were disastrous.READ MORE IN F1″So even around Barcelona, Helmut wanted him out of the car, and there was already a lot of pressure on him there.“By the time we got to Montreal, it was actually dear old Jacques Villeneuve who got him properly wound up by giving him a hard time.”And it definitely fired him up, because the way he drove the car that weekend, he grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and put together a very strong race weekend.“So I did say [to Ricciardo]: give Jacques a call every time every Grand Prix, for the rest of the year, because whatever he said, it definitely worked.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe debate over his position may have explained the handwritten message Ricciardo put on his helmet at the Spanish GP, with the words “Not without a fight”.Ricciardo’s lack of consistent form didn’t do enough to convince team bosses to swap him and Sergio Perez – who himself was struggling for pace for much of the season – in the main team.Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feudHorner, 50, added: “I’ve done my very best to buy him as much time in the car to allow him to deliver. Otherwise he would have been out of the car after Barcelona.“All the drivers are under pressure to deliver, but the reason that Daniel was in that car was to get himself back into a position to ultimately be there to pick up the pieces if Checo didn’t deliver.”The problem was they both had issues with form at varying times. Checo started the season very well, very strongly, and Daniel was struggling. “And then, obviously, as Checo lost form, Daniel found a bit of form. But it was never compelling enough to say, ‘OK, we should switch the two drivers’.”F1 fan favourite Ricciardo said he had “loved this sport” his whole life, thanking all those who had been a part of the journey that saw him win eight races.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconLewis Hamilton led other drivers in paying tribute to him, with the seven-time world champion saying: “It’s been a honour to compete with you over the years.”You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it.”There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”The ultimate fate of Ricciardo is the tip of the iceberg in terms of Red Bull infighting this season, with Horner, Marko and Max Verstappen’s father and former F1 driver, Jos, not seeing eye-to-eye.The feud appears to have cooled down since the start of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe civil war even led to reigning world champion Verstappen declaring he would quit the team if Marko was sacked following rumours he might be suspended.The next F1 race is not until the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 20.Ricciardo had a handwritten message of ‘Not without a fight’ on his helmet at the Spanish GP🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Sexting scandal Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s salary doubled to £7MILLION last year making him F1’s best paid boss

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      SEXTING scandal F1 chief Christian Horner’s salary doubled last year to £7million — making him the sport’s best-paid team boss.His pay has risen from £3.4million, latest accounts for Red Bull show.Christian Horner, 50, was cleared of wrongdoing and remains married to Geri, 52, with whom he shares a son, Monty, sevenCredit: GettyHorner at a race with current F1 champion Max VerstappenCredit: ReutersHe now earns the equivalent of £135,000 a week.In February, Red Bull confirmed that Horner — husband of Spice Girl Geri — faced an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.She accused him of making suggestive remarks, with a string of embarrassing texts also leaked online.Horner, 50, was cleared of wrongdoing and remains married to Geri, 52, with whom he shares a son, Monty, seven.READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERThe unidentified employee launched an appeal against the decision but that too was thrown out in August.A source told The Sun that the drama had meant “weeks of hell” for the family, and added: “Geri was very relieved.“It has been a horrible process but she has loyally and staunchly stood by Christian throughout the entire ordeal.”Earlier this month Christian, Ginger Spice Geri, and Monty put on a display of unity as they were pictured at the Goodwood Revival festival.Most read in MotorsportOn the track Horner, who featured in the Netflix documentary Formula 1: Drive to Survive, has endured a difficult year with Red Bull.The team has lost a number of senior figures and Horner’s relationship with the father of star driver Max Verstappen has become strained.Horner was also accused by rival and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff of “stirring s***” by suggesting that he would try to sign British driver George Russell.The team has lost a number of senior figures and Horner’s relationship with the father of star driver Max Verstappen has become strainedCredit: Getty More

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      Brit sensation Oliver Bearman caught up in F1 love triangle as girlfriend appears to rekindle romance with Williams star

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      BRITISH driving sensation Oliver Bearman is reportedly caught up in an F1 love triangle.The 19-year-old reserve driver is rumoured to have broken up with girlfriend Estelle Oglivy, with the aspiring model getting back with another up and coming F1 star ex.Oliver Bearman could have found himself caught up in an F1 love triangleCredit: AlamyThe rising star appears to have broken up with girlfriend Estelle OglivyCredit: Instagram/silly_lettuceThe pair has been dating for a whileCredit: InstagramBearman, who made a sensational F1 debut earlier this year for Ferrari, was previously dating Oglivy – a 22-year-old law graduate who has over 130,000 followers on Instagram.But the pair seem to have called quits on their relationship, despite Ogliviy heading out to support Bearman during his one and only F1 appearance back in March in Saudi Arabia.According to @F1GossipOfficial, a gossip social media account that follows the latest off-track news from F1, the pair have unfollowed each other on Instagram.Oglivy has also unfollowed F1 team Haas, who Bearman has secured a full-time seat with from 2025.READ MORE IN F1The social media activity has sparked rumours of a split.And another online decision from Oglivy, who is of French and British heritage, is leading people to believe she has returned to date ex-boyfriend Franco Colapinto.Colapinto, 21, is currently competing in F1 for Williams where he replaced Logan Sargeant after the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix.The Argentine driver was previously rumoured to be dating Oglivy before she went public with Bearman.Most read in MotorsportOglivy has sparked rumours of a return to an ex-boyfriendCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceThe law graduate has re-followed Williams driver Franco ColapintoCredit: GettyOglivy had shown her support for Bearman in the pastCredit: Instagram / @silly_lettuceCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd since the apparent breakup from Brit sensation Bearman, Oglivy has re-followed ex Colapinto – sparking rumours of the pair rekindling their relationship.It’s not crystal clear exactly what is happening between the trio with social media leads the main source of information for the love triangle.But if the Instagram and TikTok activity is to be believed then there could be some extra motivation for the two young drivers the next time the lights go out on the track.Who is Ferrari’s new star Oliver Bearman More

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      Watch sickening crash at Le Mans series as car smashed to pieces and driver, 63, lucky to be alive

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      SICKENING scenes played out in Italy with a driver lucky to survive after being involved in a high-speed crash around an ex-Formula One circuitClaudio Schiavoni miraculously escaped a fatal collision with the wall during the Four Hour Le Mans Series race at Mugello Circuit on Sunday.A horror crash in the European Le Mans Series left a driver lucky to escapeCredit: @EuropeanLMSClaudio Schiavoni was in action in his Proton Competition Porsche 911 GT3 RCredit: RexFollowing a safety car restart Schiavoni was leading a pack away down the back straightCredit: @EuropeanLMSBut his rear bumper was hit by Iron Dames driver Rahel FreyCredit: @EuropeanLMSThe Italian driver then went spinning into the wallCredit: @EuropeanLMSThe high-speed crash saw debris shoot all over the trackCredit: @EuropeanLMSSchiavoni’s Porsche rebounded back onto the race trackCredit: @EuropeanLMSBut rival drivers managed to take evasive measures to avoid himCredit: @EuropeanLMSEntering the third hour of the race, Schiavoni was leading a pack from Rahel Frey following a third safety car restart.However, Frey’s No. 85 Iron Dames Porsche got too close down the back straight and hit the rear bumper of Schiavoni’s No. 60 Proton Competition Porsche 911 GT3 R.The knock caused Schiavoni to spin out of control and veer off to the right before hitting a barrier.The Italian’s car then rebounded back onto the track, with speeding rivals somehow managing to dodge the 63-year-old as debris was shot across the road.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTSchiavoni’s Porsche was totalled and triggered a red flag to stop the race.Despite the high-speed crash, Schiavoni walked away from the wreckage under his own power.The race time was subsequently extended by 20 minutes to compensate for the stoppage.It was eventually won by Iron Lynx-Proton, who became the fifth different team from five races to win in the European Le Mans Series this season.Most read in MotorsportFrey’s Iron Dames team released a statement following the race.It read: “It was a very difficult race today. The frightening high-speed accident with car #60 was the last thing we wanted to happen. Lewis Hamilton left ‘looking like a sub teacher’ & George Russell ‘like Slim Shady’ as F1 pals do hilarious fashion swap”We’re really sorry that Claudio, Matteo and Julien had to retire early. P5 in the end, but the most important thing is that Claudio is safe. We hope to see better days in the near future.”The Mugello circuit played host to a one-off F1 race in 2020 when Covid wreaked havoc on the calendar outside of Europe and the Middle East.Lewis Hamilton claimed his 90th career win there, while it was also Ferrari’s 1000th Grand Prix event.Moto GP legend Valentino Rossi has also won seven times around the FIA Grade-1 track.F1 does not return until the US Grand Prix in Texas on October 20, with Lando Norris winning the most recent race in Singapore to close the gap on Championship leader Max Verstappen.Rahel Frey’s team released a statement following the incidentCredit: Rex🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Michael Schumacher family joy as daughter Gina, 27, marries boyfriend at Majorca villa where F1 icon started ‘new life’

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s daughter Gina has married her boyfriend at a villa in Majorca, where the F1 icon started a “new life”. Gina tied the knot with partner Iain Bethke on the sun-soaked Spanish island at the luxury abode Schumacher’s wife Corinna is understood to have bought in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.Gina with her boyfriend Iain BethkeGina and Iain went public with their relationship in 2017Credit: Babiradpicture/ShutterstockSchumacher, a seven-time F1 championCredit: AlamyGina is known as a horse enthusiastCredit: Harold Cunningham/Getty ImagesStricken Schumacher has reportedly spent much of his time at the £27million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care.The seven-time F1 champion suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps, and his family has kept his condition closely guarded ever since.But in a happy development for the Schumachers, Gina – wearing a white dress with Boho-style tattoo lace – posted a snap to her Instagram overnight, cuddling up to her new husband in a black pinstripe suit.She wrote: “Forever yes to you, yes to forever” followed by a heart emoji.Read more on SchumacherWell-wisher Stephen Moore Walker commented: “Congratulations Gina you look gorgeous, your great dad will be so proud of you.”Saffy Korpela added: “You two are beautiful. So much love and best wishes for a magical ride together.”The wedding ceremony at the Port d’Andratx villa lasted around half an hour, Majorcan press reported.It’s said to have been followed by a banquet and party, including a performance by a country music band.Most read in MotorsportAmong the guest list was Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.It’s unclear whether Michael attended either event.It was reported at the start of the year Gina, 27, and her 28-year-old boyfriend would get married during the summer at Villa Yasmin.A wedding planner from northern Germany had been hired to put the “finishing touches” on the celebration, German and Majorcan reports said.Horse enthusiasts Gina and Iain went official with their relationship nearly seven years ago. The reports about the wedding in January did not specify whether Michael would attend.He turned 55 in January just days after the tenth anniversary of his tragic ski accident on December 29.In September 2020 it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.Spanish press said he had been moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive property, which is located on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the south-west of Majorca.The revelation came after ex-Formula 1 team boss Flavio Briatore’s ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed: “Michael doesn’t speak, he communicates with his eyes.“Only three people can visit him and I know who they are.”Speaking on the Italian version of Big Brother, the brunette added: “They moved to Spain and his wife has set up a hospital in that house.”German tabloid Bild first linked the F1 legend to Florentino Perez’s Majorca mansion in July 2018, saying Corinna snapped it up for £27million so she could spend holidays there with family and friends.The house was bought by building magnate Perez in 2005 but he put it up for sale in 2017 after the death of his wife Mari Angeles Sandoval.The villa is part of a 15,000 square metre estate which boasts two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.SCHUMACHER URGED TO ‘KEEP FIGHTING’Updates on the racing legend’s health have been few and far between.Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday with touching messages when he turned 55.Gina wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”The post was accompanied by a picture of her and her brother as kids with the F1 star.Mick, now 25, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also an F1 driver, told Bild at the end of last year: “Nothing is like before.”He added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.“Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.”His wife Corinna offered a rare insight on her husband’s state in a Netflix documentary in 2021.She said “I miss Michael every day.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.“Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.”Michael Schumacher pictured with a baby Max Verstappen, right, and his daughter GinaMick Schumacher (right) has followed in his father’s footstepsCredit: AFPSchumacher suffered a tragic skiing accidentCredit: AFP More

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      Ex-F1 WAG Luisinha Oliveira wows in tie-dye bikini by the pool

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      FORMER F1 Wag Luisinha Oliveira is in pole position by the pool as she laps up the sun in a tie-dye bikini.The Portuguese model, 24, got her fans revved up in new beachwear for the Kitess Clothing label.Luisinha Oliveira is in pole position by the pool as she laps up the sun in a tie-dye bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyLuisinha got her fans revved up in new beachwear for the Kitess Clothing labelCredit: Instagram / @luisinhaoliveira99Brunette Luisinha used to date Brit racing driver Lando NorrisCredit: GettyBrunette Luisinha used to date Brit racing driver Lando Norris. The couple waved the chequered flag on their relationship in 2022.McLaren ace Lando, 24, is currently second in the F1 table behind three-time world champion Max Verstappen.Luisinha regularly shares sultry snaps with her 435,000 Instagram followers.Read More on SportHer feed is filled with glamorous snaps from her travels as well as pictures from her modelling shoots.Recent uploads have seen Luisinha enjoy trips to Rome, London and Venezuela.Away from her modelling career, she previously graduated from university with a degree in marketing.Luisinha became a regular at F1 races around the world during her relationship with Norris.Most read in MotorsportF1 star Lando Norris joins model Luisinha Oliveira while on holiday in Dubai Luisinha regularly shares sultry snaps with her 435,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99Luisinha strikes a pose in this revealing outfitCredit: Instagram More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals battle with depression due to pressure of F1 racing

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      F1 ACE Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racing.The seven-times world champ has had mental health difficulties since he was 13.Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression all his life due to pressure of racingCredit: ReutersHe said: “I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school — the bullying.“I had no one to talk to. I’d struggle initially to calm my mind.”The 39-year-old said he started waking at 5am to meditate in 2020 and has gone on silent retreats. He has a 10km run to clear his mind.read more on lewis hamiltonHe added “It’s a great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings — understanding what I want to do.”Asked if he saw a therapist, the Mercedes driver said: “I spoke to one woman years ago — but that wasn’t very helpful. I’d like to find someone today.” Lewis — sixth in the F1 standings — said he is single but wants a family “one day”.He told The Sunday Times: “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level I do it with that.Most read in Motorsport“One of my best friends has just had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is.“And my nieces and nephew are a handful.“There will be a time and a place for it and I can’t wait for that part.“But right now I have some work to do.” More