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      ‘It’s madness’ – Red Bull advisor demands rule change hours before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix

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      RED BULL advisor Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be SCRAPPED hours before 2025 campaign kicks off.The new campaign gets underway in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, with practice starting on Friday.Helmut Marko has furiously demanded that a mid-season rule change be scrappedCredit: GettyFlexible wings are always a point of contention during an F1 seasonCredit: RexMarko is incensed over the governing body’s plan to introduce stricter stress tests for F1 car front wings in the MIDDLE of the season.Aerodynamic regulations have always been a battleground where teams push the boundaries of what is legal and find creative ways to squeeze more performance out of their cars. One such area of innovation has been flexible wings – parts that remain rigid enough to pass static FIA tests, but bend during high-speed racing.Teams argue that the flexibility reduces drag on straights, improving top speed, while maintaining high downforce in corners.READ MORE ON F1The FIA have introduced stricter front wing regulations to come into force at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, in answer to the technical debate. Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Marko raged: “It’s madness.”Either the new rule applies from the start of the season or not at all.”It’s insane. It’s virtually impossible to do a comprehensive inspection of the bend. The teams have much more manpower than the FIA.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Now everyone except the smaller teams have built a wing that bends. “It’s crazy that they can throw them away in the middle of the season.”Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision But the Red Bull advisor did find one silver lining for his team as everybody on the grid will be affected by the change.He added: “No one else handles a shaky car as well as Max Verstappen.”Most teams have already built their 2024 cars with some degree of front wing flexibility within the previous FIA guidelines.The mid-season change will upset strategies as they will have already designed their cars to meet the existing rules.Meanwhile, this comes after Red Bull themselves complained about rear wings ahead of the start of the season.As a result, rear wing tests will be tightened immediately – starting in Melbourne on Sunday. And Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari faces a thorough FIA investigation, as does Lando Norris’ McLaren.Elsewhere, the minimum driver weight allowance has been increased from 80kg to 82kg and a driver cooling kit has been introduced.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe technical regulations remain the same, so most teams will have an evolution in car design from 2024.Meanwhile, everybody will have half an eye on 2026 when the cars and engines will change completely.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Ollie Bearman suffers worst possible start to F1 season as Lewis Hamilton struggles for Ferrari

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      OLLIE BEARMAN suffered a nightmare start to the season with a huge crash in the first practice while Lewis Hamilton struggled for Ferrari.The British 19-year-old, who was born in Chelmsford, was unhurt in the crash at Melbourne’s Albert Park track but failed to make it out for the second session. Ollie Bearman suffered a nightmare debut for Haas in AustraliaCredit: RexBearman took too much speed into Turn 10 with his Haas and went off trackCredit: AFPAfter driving over the gravel trap he then lost control and smashed into the wall, ending his Friday runningCredit: AFPThe force of the impact saw a wheel fly off his carCredit: @F1Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled for competitive pace with FerrariCredit: RexBearman lost control at Turn 10 and spun into the wall in what is his first full season in the sport having signed with Haas last summer. The car looked wrecked in the aftermath, with parts flying off and the right, front tyre hanging on by a thread, prompting a red flag.Charles Leclerc outshone his Ferrari team-mate Hamilton as he topped Friday’s final session. The McLarens were looking sharp once again, with Oscar Piastri finishing second and Lando Norris in third.READ MORE IN F1Norris led the first practice session while Hamilton struggled, placing 12th and grumbling about the handling issues on the car. When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked about Hamilton, he said: “We have something like 150 sessions over the year, so this is just the beginning of the story.”We just have to focus on it and forget about the world around us and work as a team. “But honestly, when he’s in the briefing room, he’s fully focused on the objective and he knows the job perfectly, and he has to build relationships with the team. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”That’s not a long process, but it’s a process we have to follow. We are on that path. “We shouldn’t expect too much from the first session – that’s not the target. Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar “We know we have a long way to go, and honestly, we did a good step compared to last year and I have a good feeling.”Hamilton later managed P5 in the second practice session, but was still over four-tenths slower than Leclerc.Meanwhile, world champion Max Verstappen only managed P5 and P7, with the second session seeing his Red Bull go slower than sister team drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Major changes to Australian Grand Prix circuit confirmed ahead of F1 opener after George Russell’s terrifying crash

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      FORMULA ONE’S season-opener in Australia has undergone some major changes since last season.The 2025 F1 calendar raises the curtain Down Under in Melbourne for the first time since 2019 ahead of a highly-anticipated season.The Australian Grand Prix has made major changes to the circuit after two huge crashes last yearCredit: AFPMercedes’ George Russell was left stranded in the middle of the track after his car flipped when hitting a kerbCredit: AFPAlex Albon was also put out of the race after hitting the wall and skidding back into the middle of the trackCredit: GettyRussell said the moves were positiveCredit: RexBig narratives include Lewis Hamilton making his debut for Ferrari while six rookies – including teen millionaire Ollie Bearman – also take to the grid.However, there have also been changes made to the circuit itself in Australia.The 2024 race was as dramatic as they come with Max Verstappen’s brakes catching on fire before Carlos Sainz swept home to win the race following surgery on his appendix.But George Russell and Alex Albon suffered huge crashes at the same part of the track, with Russell’s Mercedes flipping violently before coming to a halt on its side while Albon’s Williams slid into the middle of the track following a big shunt against the wall.READ MORE IN F1Both incidents forced a red flag, but measures have been taken for this year’s race to try and ensure the same incidents do not happen again.This year Albert Park chiefs have done major work to Turns 6 and 7, where the crashes happened.The first change has seen the barrier moved and angled differently to stop a car bouncing back into the track.Sections of the kerbing have been slightly flattened to reduce the risk of potential instability caused by the bumps.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsMeanwhile, adjustments have also been made to the gravel traps by bringing them closer to the kerbs.Russell said the changes were a positive following his terrifying crash last year.Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneHe told reporters: “Yeah, I know there’s been changes to the circuit through that corner. “There’s been a few big crashes there and obviously that was, yeah, it was a big one in itself. I’m fortunate I didn’t get collected. Afterwards I think the duty lies on the FIA, to be honest. “In this regard, I think the people around the circuit have done everything they can to make that corner slightly better if you were to have a crash so…  “You know, it’s part of racing, it’s the dangers that we involve ourselves with. “It’s when you push the limits and you’re going for everything, it sometimes bites. But I trust the team.”An FIA spokesperson also explained the changes made after taking on board proposed changes from the FIA Safety Department.They said: “The kerb at the exit of Turn 6 through entry and apex of Turn 7 has been replaced with a single specification of negative kerb.”This adjustment removes the transition from negative to positive kerb that was present in this area, which previously had been addressed by local modification (grinding) of the kerb to provide a smoother transition between kerb types. “The intent is to remove the possibility of this transition destabilising a car.”Additionally, the gravel trap now extends to the back of the kerb and the barrier on the left-hand side of Turn 7 has also been moved and re-profiled to mitigate the possibility of a car coming to rest in a position near the racing line following an impact with the energy absorbing barrier in this area.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe weather forecast for the Australian GP has sunny skies for practice and qualifying across Friday and Saturday.However, the race on Sunday has a more than 80 per cent chance of being struck by rain, which would really throw the cat amongst the pigeons considering the other variables already in play.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconCHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF More

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      Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has left fans stunned after showing off his acting skills.Ahead of Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix this Sunday, where Hamilton will become the 13th Briton to drive for Ferrari, the 40-year-old was able to fulfil “another dream”.Lewis Hamilton starred in an edited video from the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day OffHamilton starred as a valet who takes a Ferrari for a joyrideHamilton’s skills saw fans call on him to win an OscarHe was seen with a face of excitement as the Ferrari flew through the airHamilton was joined in the scene by Oscar-winner Edward NortonHamilton will make his F1 debut for Ferrari at this weekend’s Australian Grand PrixCredit: RexTaking to social media, Hamilton shared a video from what he describes as “one of my favourite movies since I was a kid,” Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.In line with his new employers, a scene with a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder was seen playing, before Hamilton was remarkably seen edited into the footage.The seven-time F1 world champion starred as a valet who takes the Ferrari for a joyride.Hamilton steals the scene when making his appearance wearing a jumpsuit before appearing stunned when he is asked if he speaks English, to which he replies: “What country do you think this is?”READ MORE IN F1When he is asked to take care of the car, he says: “Hey, no problem. Trust me.”He is then seen getting in the car and saying, “You fellas have nothing to worry about, I’m a professional,” before driving off.The next scene shows him driving around to pick up his friend, who is later shown to be Oscar winner Edward Norton.Hamilton and Norton are seen in the next scene flying through the air, with the former Mercedes and McLaren driver showing a wide-eyed enthusiasm while Norton appears more scared than anything.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe clip then cuts to black to show a quote from Hamilton highlighted in blue text reading: “For all the kids out there who dream the impossible.”The video then ends with Hamilton and Norton returning the car before giddily shuffling backwards, with the final words of the scene saying: “We got to do this again sometime.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Captioning the post, Hamilton said: “No better way to start the season than by fulfilling another dream.”Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has been one of my favourite movies since I was a kid. This is to pay homage to the iconic film and to celebrate my first season with Ferrari. “It definitely took a lot of cutting edge tech, production and planning to get right. Had to get the exact car too … it’s been a dream car since seeing the movie. “Shout out to the legendary @edwardnortonofficial for coming along for the ride 😂 This is the energy and excitement I’m bringing to the track this year. ANDIAMO !!”Brought to you by @dawnapollofilms & Large Eyes. Special thanks to Paramount Pictures and everyone who helped make this happen.”Dawn Apollo Films is a film and TV production company launched by Hamilton back in 2022, and is one of the teams behind the F1 movie coming out later this year starring Brad Pitt.Fans loved Hamilton’s role in the clip, and bemoaned the fact he had narrowly missed out on the date for Oscar season – doubtless because he would have swept the field.One fan said: “And the Oscar (not Piastri) goes to.”A second said: “We need to get this man in Fast and Furious.”A third added: “Ok this is amazing.”Another said: “The absolute best thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”A fifth said: “The best thing on the internet.”Hamilton has made no secret of his desire to eventually branch into acting when he retires from F1.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe currently has voice credits in the Pixar animated movie series Cars and Zoolander 2, while also starring in the popular video game, Fortnite and in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.Hamilton was also asked to star in Tom Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick, but could not find a way to make it align with his schedule, admitting the decision “broke his heart”.CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURFF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      F1 star Ollie Bearman, 19, looking to turn Australian GP debut into romantic holiday with girlfriend

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      TEEN Brit Oliver Bearman has vowed to be a smash hit in Formula One after breaking into the sport’s  top 20.The 19-year-old from Essex lines up for Haas at Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix here in Melbourne  after a breakthrough F1 season that saw him impress in three races as a late stand-in.Oliver Bearman is looking to turn his Australian GP debut into a romantic holiday with his girlfriendCredit: RexThe rookie will be turning out for Haas this weekendCredit: INSTAGRAM @olliebearmanBearman can’t wait for some fun in the sun Down UnderCredit: INSTAGRAM @olliebearmanBearman’s big break came in March last year when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was rushed to hospital for appendicitis  surgery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.He stepped into the breach and finished seventh, overshadowing both seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and fellow Brit Lando Norris.Bearman continued to impress for Haas in Azerbaijan and Brazil — and after winning a full-time seat for 2025 he is determined to enjoy every minute.He said: “I’ve thought about this a lot but a lot of people are reminding me that I’m very fortunate to be in the position I’m in.READ MORE IN F1“There’s 20 of us in the world. It’s not a given that we stay here, so I don’t take it for granted. It’s really important to remember why I’m here — it’s a passion for the sport.“We are all here in this paddock because we love motorsport. I really want to make the most of it and smile.”Bearman, who started his career in karting in 2013, has racing in his blood with his  grandfather, dad and uncle all competing in motorsport.Now he is on a mission to build on last season’s success and make a real impact.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe added:  “I’ve been really lucky to have my experiences last year.“All of those last-minute races I had eyes on me because that was the story of the weekend, so I felt pressure.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant“I know how to deal with that now and have experience. Luckily,  there’s five other rookies on the grid with me so hopefully that will make it a bit easier for me.”Australia was always likely to be his big F 1 debut as a senior driver so he has been gearing up for  the trip Down Under.He revealed: “My whole family will be coming. It was meant to be my first race but, of course, it wasn’t in the end!  However, it’s still a special moment for everyone involved.“I am really excited to be in Australia. They have amazing brunches by the beach in Melbourne.“I know a few places, my girlfriend is coming and I really want to take her to some of those — I have my little  itinerary planned!“She’s staying until Tuesday, we have a few days to enjoy it after the race and that’s the benefit of the job, travelling to these amazing places.”For the first time since 2010, six rookies are on the grid with Bearman joined by Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson.Arguably the most pressure is on Antonelli, 18, who has massive boots to fill after replacing Hamilton at Mercedes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is also the son of former racing driver Marco and was named after former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.Brazil’s Sauber star Bortoleto, 20, has  back-to-back F 3 and F 2 titles under his belt and is one  of just four drivers to accomplish that, along with Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Oscar Piastri. More

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      Sky Sports F1 in huge shake up for 2025 as Damon Hill AXED after being ‘pushed’ and world champ and female star come in

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      SKY SPORTS have made a big change to their presenting team with Damon Hill AXED ahead of the new season.The 2025 campaign gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.Damon Hill will not return to Sky Sports for the 2025 F1 seasonCredit: GettyJamie Chadwick will be part of the new-look teamCredit: GettyJacques Villeneuve will return after making two appearances in 2024Credit: GettyBut a familiar face in Hill will be missing after he stepped away from Sky Sports, claiming he was “pushed back” by the broadcaster.Replacing the former F1 champion will be Jamie Chadwick.She is a three-time W Series champion and will compete in the European Le Mans Series this year.Another move sees Jacques Villeneuve returning for more appearances.READ MORE IN F1Villeneuve, 53, claimed his F1 title the year after Hill in 1997 and has provided analysis for Sky Sports on his home race – the Canadian Grand Prix – in the past.He made two appearances last season and revealed he would be keen to come back for more.When asked about returning, Villeneuve said: “I had an absolute blast. It was so fun, it was a big group but a really good group. “Of course, I would be happy to do more.”Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHill had a very different view of his role at Sky Sports, having been a pundit for the broadcaster since 2012.He said: “I think I felt like the end was coming anyway, because I was kind of pushed back all last year.”I was doing the less attractive races. And they’ve got younger, fresher names. “They’ve got Jenson [Button], they’ve got Nico [Rosberg]. And that’s fair enough – I completely get it. “They’re closer to the front line than I am. And it’s TV. There’s got to be a bit of eye-candy factor to it.” More

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      Michael Schumacher’s close friend claims F1 legend should be STRIPPED of seventh world title and won’t acknowledge it

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER should have a world title taken away, claims his friend Roger Benoit.The F1 legend won the world championship a record seven times between 1994 and 2004.Michael Schumacher should have a world title taken away, says Roger BenoitCredit: APDamon Hill could have won the 1994 title if not for a crash with SchumacherCredit: GettyBenoit believes Schumacher won his first title thanks to a foulCredit: AlamyBut Benoit believes his first triumph should be stripped away from him due to the controversial manner of the win.Schumacher led the championship ahead of Damon Hill going into the final race in Australia, where the pair infamously crashed.The German is often blamed for his role in the clash, which saw him hit into Hill before his car flipped over.Both were forced to retire from the race which meant Schumacher won the title by just a point, and Benoit believes the title was settled unfairly.READ MORE IN F1He told Blink: “As a six-time world champion, he definitely belongs in the top five.”Of course, I know that he was world champion seven times. “But the 1994 title should actually be taken away from him because he only won it because of his foul on Damon Hill.”Hill, 64, won one world title in 1996 but is still disappointed by the way the 1994 championship was decided.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBenoit added: “It has become a blemish really on his incredible career.“What happened in Adelaide was a bit disappointing, the way it ended. Disappointed in him, let’s say. That’s the way he went about things.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating update“You look at someone like Roger Federer, who’s had an outstanding career, and there’s not a blemish on it.“A total sportsman the whole way through.“Why would you not want that for your legacy?“And some people just can’t help themselves. They’re just very, very ruthless in competition. And that’s how Michael went about things.“It’s one I think he knew was perhaps regrettable.” More

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      My family sold their house to fund my F1 career and still don’t own one now, admits Max Verstappen’s new team-mate

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S new team-mate Liam Lawson has revealed his family are still without a home after selling their place to fund his Formula One dream.Lawson, 23, will race for Red Bull next season after replacing Sergio Perez as world champion Verstappen’s partner.Liam Lawson has revealed his family sold their home to fund his F1 dreamCredit: GettyThe ace will be racing alongside Max Verstappen for Red Bull this seasonCredit: AFPThe New Zealander has come up through the ranks and will get his big break when teams start preparing for the new campaign.But Lawson admits he has only got to where he is thanks to an amazing sacrifice from his parents.The youngster has revealed his family SOLD their home while he was making his bones as a karting driver.The funds were used to help Lawson reach his potential, eventually leading to his big break with Red Bull.READ MORE IN F1And Lawson is desperate to make his parents proud after admitting they still don’t have a family home to call their own.He told GQ: “They still don’t own a house because of me.“I think I complained to my dad for more than a year about my kart. I’d tell him that the engine sucked but he just secretly thought that I sucked.“Eventually he got sick of me whining and bought two good engines, and we put them on for the first time at this big race.Most read in MotorsportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets“And when we went out, we qualified first. We started racing at the front all the time. That was the definitive moment, when karting became serious.“It was always serious to me. But for my dad, everything changed that one weekend.”Red Bull announce 22-year-old will be Max Verstappen’s new team-mate hours after Sergio Perez exit Lawson has also revealed the moment that F1 legend Fernando Alonso “yelled” at him during their first-ever meeting.Reliving the bizarre encounter, he added: “It’s funny because I’ve met a lot of guys I looked up to as a kid.“When you’re younger, they’re your heroes. Now, they’re my competitors.“I mean, the first time I met Alonso, he yelled at me. Maybe he was having a bad day.” More