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      Major change to Brazilian GP as £22million project completed ahead of crucial Sao Paulo spectacle

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      BRAZIL’s Formula One race track has undergone a major change ahead of Sunday’s race.The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo has been a staple of the F1 calendar since 1990 – with the exception of 2020’s cancelled race due to Covid-19.Brazil’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix has undergone a major change following a £22m investmentCredit: GettyThe entire Interlagos race track has been resurfacedCredit: AFPAnd this weekend it will once again play host to thousands of fans from around the world who turn out for the motorsport bonanza.Organisers have confirmed the circuit has undergone a huge change for the grand prix weekend.A stunning £22million (R$163.6million) investment from Sao Paulo City Hall has seen the track completely resurfaced, with a host of other changes also revealed.Mayor Ricardo Nunes said: “This place has become a machine, a machine for generating jobs, a machine for generating income, for economic movement, and a machine for taking the name of the city of São Paulo to the world.READ MORE IN F1″We went from having a deficit facility to now having a facility that generates jobs, generates income and generates revenue for the city.”The last change to the surface of the track came 10 years ago.Other changes to the venue have seen work enter the final phase of a pit lane auxiliary access track to the pits as, ruled by motorsport governing body the FIA.This adds to the renovation and maintenance of existing facilities including the pit lane, paddock area, operation control centre, press area, support building and grandstand.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA review of safety devices including tyre barriers, metal guardrails, fences, and non-slip paint in escape areas has also happened.Additional “comprehensive maintenance” has been carried out on permanent facilities, including electrical and hydraulic installations, floors, ceilings, frames and gas and compressed air systems.Five mysteries behind Ayrton Senna’s deadly F1 smash – including black box conspiracyThe major investment is allowing the racetrack to add a new access and a new hospitality centre, with the old one being demolished to make way for a 12,240 square feet three-floor megastructure at the back of the paddock that can hold up to 6,000 people.One part of the project still in the works is a 360-metre-long underground access track set to be completed by April 2025 to facilitate the transit of large structures, trucks and public inside the circuit without the need to cross the circuit.The 2023 race is estimated to have generated around £220million (R$1.64 billion) for the economy, with 77 per cent of visitors coming from outside of the capital and 12.2 per cent coming from tourism.Another stunning plan for the weekend’s race is a touching tribute to be paid by to three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his death at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.According to BAND, Lewis Hamilton will be given the honour of driving the Brazilian’s 1990 McLaren MP4/5B car, with which Senna won his second F1 title.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The seven-time world champion will take the Honda-powered car around the circuit at around 8pm UK time on Saturday, following the conclusion of official F1 activities on track for the day.Organisers have also opened a “Senna forever” event for the weekend, where Samba F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi is set to take part alongside Hamilton.The Brit, who idolises Senna, was given honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022 and has won three times around the Interlagos track.Senna’s death came just one day after Ronald Ratzenberger, who hit an exposed concrete wall in an impact of 500g force.The biggest crash ever survived was by IndyCar driver Kenny Brack in 2003, when his car came to a dramatic halt from 220mph with a 214g impact force.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis season’s F1 driver championship may go down to the wire after Lando Norris closed the gap to reigning champion Max Verstappen to 47 points after the Red Bull driver received a 20-second penalty in Mexico.There are four feature races to go plus two sprint events, including one taking place this weekend in Brazil.Organisers are also hosting a tribute for Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his deathCredit: Getty Images – GettyLewis Hamilton will reportedly drive his 1990 McLaren car after official F1 events are concluded on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Beloved race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge MotoGP event

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      FLOODING in the Valencia region of Spain has left the season finale of MotoGP in jeopardy.The final round of the major motorcycle race is due to take place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo on November 17.The Valencia Circuit Ricardo Tormo has been hit by the severe flooding in SpainCredit: XFootage showed the entrance to the track as completely impassable with debris littered across itCredit: XHuge cracks in the road had also been shownCredit: XIt could have major repercussions for the MotoGP season finaleCredit: AlamyHowever, devastating flash floods in the south-east of the country have caused extensive damage to the race track and surrounding area.Footage captured on social media showed the main entrance to the race track – opened in 1999 – swept away and impassable with cracks and sinkholes in the road with detritus littered across it.The Race have reported that the circuit’s external car parks have been flooded.The surrounding villages of Cheste and Chiva near the circuit have been hit hard by the floods, with water in some areas said to have risen to three metres.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTAt least 62 people are confirmed to have been tragically killed by the extreme weather conditions, with many more still missing.Ricardo Gabaldon, the mayor of Utiel, a town in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE: “Yesterday was the worst day of my life.”We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to three metres.”MotoGP organisers Dorna are unlikely to want to place local authorities under more unnecessary pressure given the toll relief efforts are taking.Most read in MotorsportThe major sporting event would be expected to bring around 100,000 people into the area.Earlier this season, extensive flooding in Kazakhstan saw what should have been the inaugural race at the Sokol circuit delayed before being cancelled.Inside abandoned F1 track that was £300m ‘spectacular flop’ with just four races held and rubbish left rotting in bins Should Valencia follow suit, it leaves Dorna with a headache on finding a substitute venue on just two weeks notice.This consequence of this could see this weekend’s penultimate race of the season at the Malaysia Grand Prix be the season decider.Just 17 points separate Prima’s championship leader Jorge Martin from Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia.There is a chance European circuits such as ex-Formula One circuit Portimao, Portugal or Jerez in south-west Spain could be emergency hosts.However, this has its own major logistical hurdles for both organisers and the teams and would need to happen at a reduced capacity.MotoGP is not the only motorsport event hit by floods, with Formula E’s pre-season testing due to take place next week now under threat.A statement from Formula E said: “Our thoughts go out to those directly affected by the extreme weather conditions in Spain.”We are working closely with the local authorities and representatives of the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia ahead of the scheduled FIA Formula E official test next week.”We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates in due course.”Football in the region has also been postponed, with first round Copa del Rey matches between Parla Escuela-Fair Play and Valencia and Pontevedra CF and Levante postponed.The Valencia circuit was also hit last year when a man was rushed to hospital following an explosion in a team garage before Formula E testing.F1 was hit by floods at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in May 2023, with the Imola race being cancelled because it was not safe to hold the event due to emergency services dealing with floods at the time.Earlier this year, it was announced that F1 owners Liberty Media were set to complete a £3.6billion purchase of MotoGP from Dorna at the end of 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESDorna have owned the sport since 1992, and will retain a 14 per cent share once the deal has concluded. But a Belgian MEP asked the European Commission to investigate the deal over fears it would create a monopoly in motorsport.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      The six major rules drivers need to comply with to get F1 Super Licence or be banned from competing in races

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      FORMULA ONE drivers may all have their own flair and temperament on the track.However, from seven-time world champions like Lewis Hamilton to rookies such as Franco Colapinto, every driver in the motorsport has one thing in common: an FIA Super Licence.F1 stars like Lewis Hamilton need an FIA F1 Super Licence to competeCredit: GettyAcross the vast and incredibly diverse world of motorsport, all sorts of licences are issued for different events.However, for F1, the FIA – the governing body of global motorsport – demands a full top-level Super Licence.Drivers must strictly adhere to the rules of the licence or face a race ban, as was the case with F1 star Kevin Magnussen earlier this season.Below we go through the rules and fundamental requirements that tie every F1 driver and F1 aspirant together, as detailed in the International Sporting Code:READ MORE IN F1Must be at least 18 years oldThe first requirement for the Super Licence is a simple one, be at least 18 at the time of their first race.That being said, exceptions to this rule have been granted for those aged at least 17.The reason for this exception is explained as follows in the Appendix L, Article 5 of the Sporting Code: “At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Free Practice Only Super Licenceat the age of 17 years old.”Max Verstappen is the only case of this exemption being made, with his appearance at the age of 17 years and 166 days old at the Australian Grand Prix in 2015 making him the youngest driver in F1 history.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHolder of an International Grade A competition licenceThe second requirement is that drivers have an International Grade A competition licence.The Grade A licence is earned through competition in lower grade competitions such as F2, F3, karting, or Rally cars.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? This system was introduced in 2021 and came into force from 2022.The then-FIA Safety Director, Adam Baker, said: “This represents one of the biggest changes to the FIA International Driver Licence structure for a decade, and is the culmination of more than two years of hard work between the sporting departments within the FIA, the FIA Sport Commissions and a working group of National Sporting Authorities.”Pass an FIA theory testThe third point in the code is as follows: “The driver mustsuccessfully complete a question session regarding the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations.”For any later requests, the team must certify they have held a briefing with the driver about the most important points in the International Sporting Code.Completed at least 80% of each of two full seasons of any of the Championships reported in Supplement 1 of the regulationsA driver cannot hope to stand in F1 without a strong foundation of experience in the junior single-seater categories.That is why at the first time of application, drivers must have completed at least 80 per cent of two full seasons of Championship specified in Supplement 1 of the regulations.These series include, but are not limited to, F2, F3, IndyCar, Formula E, FIA WEC/Hypercar, DTM, Nascar and F1 Academy.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. Accumulated at least 40 licence pointsHowever, it is not simply enough to race in the lower levels.Drivers must accumulate a total of 40 licence points over the previous three seasons of racing.Different series yield different award values. For example, winning the championship in both IndyCar or F2 gives a driver the full 40 points they would need to be eligible to enter F1.Beyond this, F2 is the most rewarding series for licence points, with a driver even finishing in 10th able to acquire three licence points.However, drivers such as Oliver Bearman have been allowed to compete in F1 without a full F2 season under their belt due to performing well in series below such as F3, with the aggregate over the last three seasons coming into play.The requirements are slightly reduced for returning F1 drivers like previously seen with Fernando Alonso, with the licence points required put down to 30.Drivers coming back must have completed at least 300km in a representative F1 car “consistently at racing speeds” over no more than two days and completed not more than 180 days prior to the application.Renewing F1 stars are also considered for a renewal “at the sole determination of the FIA to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars”.Not accumulating 12 penalty pointsA 12-month probation period comes into play after a driver is issued a licence, with the FIA able to take away the licence at any time if standards are not being met.Once drivers have a licence, they must then stay within the rules and avoid earning 12 penalty points on their licence.Magnussen failed to do this earlier in the season and was subsequently banned from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.The Dane was the first to fall foul of this penalty point ban rule, but that saw his penalty points reduced to zero.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe move to the penalty system was introduced in 2014 with an eye on targeting repeat offenders who cause crashes. Causing a collision is worth three penalty points against the Super Licence.Following the Mexico Grand Prix, Alonso sits on eight points along with none due to expire until the end of March 2025, while Verstappen’s double penalty incident with Lando Norris saw him net two points and move up to six penalty points.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Popular F1 driver facing axe BEFORE the end of the season as team chief says ‘difficult decisions have to be made’

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      FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez is at risk of losing his spot on the grid after a disastrous home Grand Prix.The 34-year-old was out to end his six-month podium drought in Mexico but came 17th.Sergio Perez is in danger of losing his spot on the gridCredit: RexThe driver came closer to crashing into his possible replacementCredit: GettyPerez’s Red Bull car struggled with braking problems, with reports suggesting that his poor year could see him axed in the final four races of the season.Asked about Checo’s future, team principal Christian Horner said: “Look, it’s a performance based business. There comes a point in time that difficult decisions have to be made.”His comments come after chief Helmut Marko added: “The hoped for upturn that we all expected has unfortunately not materialised.”Perez may have a contract, but F1 is a meritocracy. If the performance is not right, even contracts are useless.”READ MORE F1 NEWSMax Verstappen could soon have a new team-mate, with Liam Lawson rumoured to be in the running.The New Zealander has impressed for RB in recent weeks, who are the team owned by Red Bull.Lawson came to blows with Perez in Mexico after a controversial overtake saw them go wheel-to-wheel.Perez raged about him post-race, saying: “I think the way he has come to F1, I don’t think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you come to F1, you’re obviously very, very hungry and so on, but you have to be as well respectful off track and on track. “I don’t think he’s showing the right attitude to show a good case for himself.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”I think he’s a great driver and I hope for him that he can step back and learn from it.“In his two first Grands Prix, he has had too many incidents. I think there will be a point where it can cost him too much.” More

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      Lando Norris back in title contention as Sainz wins F1 Mexican Grand Prix after 20-SECOND Max Verstappen penalty

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was slapped with a whopping 20-second penalty after a ferocious battle with title rival Lando Norris.The huge punishment from stewards at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix came on the weekend Norris, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and others urged the FIA to tighten rules on Verstappen’s “unfair” driving style.Carlos Sainz hails his dominant win in MexicoCredit: ReutersLando Norris finished second, four places and ten points clear of Max VerstappenCredit: GettySainz completed another excellent win for FerrariCredit: AFPNorris drove a superb race to finish in second place, sandwiched between the two Ferraris — race-winner Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in third.It means the McLaren driver collected 18 points to Verstappen’s eight.And Norris said: “I didn’t want to expect such a thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver but I was ready to expect something like this.“It was not clean driving in my opinion but I avoided it and it was a good race. A lot of it was trying to stay in the race and avoid crashes.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Congratulations to Carlos, he drove a great race. I tried my best. We were the quickest team, we’ll focus on ourselves.” This GP could prove crucial in the title race, with 47 points now separating the duo with four races remaining.In total there are 120 points up for grabs — 25 for a win and one for the fastest lap, plus 16 for the two remaining sprint races. It is still a huge stretch for Norris.Dutchman Verstappen had clearly taken no notice of the complaints about his driving and  tussled with Norris for ­second place on lap ten. Most read in MotorsportHOW IT FINISHED IN MEXICOTHIS is how it concluded on Sunday.1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)2. Lando Norris (McLaren)3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)5. George Russell (Mercedes)6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)12. Franco Colapinto (Williams)13. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)14. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)15. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)16. Liam Lawson (RB)17. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Did Not Finish: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams), Yuki Tsunoda (RB)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris went for an overtake around the outside of turn four but Verstappen nudged him wide and the McLaren was forced to cut the corner.And when 24-year-old Norris tried to let him through at turn eight, both him and Verstappen went off track, allowing Leclerc to leave them for dust.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track Seething Norris slammed Verstappen on the team radio and said: “I was ahead the whole way through the corner — this guy is dangerous.“I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute.”Stewards  hit world champion Verstappen with the hefty ten-second penalty for “forcing another driver off the track”.When told about the penalty, Verstappen said: “Ten? That’s quite impressive.”Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied on the radio: “There was a lot of whinging. A lot.”Verstappen was then hit with ANOTHER ten-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage for the incident with his nearest challenger.In Mexico, F1’s governing body decided to revise its racing guidelines following uproar over Norris’ controversial five- second penalty for an overtake on  Verstappen in Texas a week ago.The FIA gave no details as to what would change, but there was a discussion over the tactics Verstappen used to keep his position and whether he should have been punished.Sainz took the flag for an impressive success in MexicoCredit: ReutersIt seems they were keen to get their message across loud and clear during yesterday’s race.  There was chaos from the start as Yuki Tsunoda made contact with Alex Albon and spun into the wall —  a wheel coming off his RB car.Smoke plumed out of the car but luckily the Japanese driver quickly said “I’m OK” on the team radio. Amid the drama, home hero Sergio Perez had risen from 13th to fifth, but stewards were investigating the Red Bull driver for a false start as he looked well beyond his pit box.Verstappen fired into the lead at turn one ahead of Sainz, who veered off track and across the grass but gave the place back to the Dutchman.On lap nine, Sainz and Verstappen ­tussled for the lead as the Spaniard wriggled inside thanks to DRS.The claws were out from there as old foes Verstappen and Norris reignited their on-track battle — which led to the Red Bull driver’s two penalties.The Dutchman sailed into the pit lane on lap 27 and served his 20-second ­penalty before returning in 15th place.Yuki Tsunoda, as well as Alex Albon, crashed out on the first lapCredit: ReutersRed Bull’s Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz storm off as Tsunoda crashesCredit: ReutersThe pack shuffled out by lap 38, with Sainz still in the lead followed by Leclerc, Norris, Russell and ­Hamilton.There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Leclerc nearly careered into the barrier on lap 63 but saved himself just in time. Norris snuck through while the Ferrari went wide to leave him eight ­seconds behind leader Sainz.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris then chipped away at the gap until the very end but Sainz sailed over the line 4.7 seconds ahead.Hamilton finished fourth after a near wheel-to-wheel battle with teammate Russell, who had to settle for fifth.Racing Bull’s Japanese ace Tsunoda was soon out of the raceCredit: Sky Sports F1 More

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      F1 driver tells Martin Brundle ‘I’m very sorry for what happened’ after awkward moment left legend red faced on live TV

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      MARTIN BRUNDLE has received an apology after being left red faced live on TV before the United States Grand Prix.The Sky Sports presenter spoke to celebrities and F1 stars before last weekend’s race in Austin, Texas.Franco Colapinto has apologised to Martin Brundle after their awkward grid walk exchangeCredit: GettyBrundle was snubbed by Colapinto ahead of last weekend’s United States Grand PrixCredit: GettyHowever, one driver snubbed the chance to speak to Brundle in an awkward exchange during his grid walk.Brundle had approached Franco Colapinto for a chat, only for the Argentine driver to walk right past him.Introducing himself, the F1 icon said: “Hello, my name’s Martin Brundle, Sky. We haven’t met. Quick chat?”Colapinto appeared to barely notice him, though, with Brundle instead forced to pull over Gordon Ramsey for a chat.READ MORE F1 NEWSAfter making his way to the commentary booth, he added: “He looked at me like I was trying to mug him or something.”I think he thought I was trying to steal his umbrella, to be honest. I’ll go and say hello to him.”The pair were able to catch up ahead of Sunday’s Mexican Grand Prix, though, as they both apologised for the incident.Brundle told Colapinto: “What happened in Austin, it was my fault. I should have come to you before and introduced myself.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Williams star also took responsibility as he explained: “It’s a pleasure to be talking to you.”I’m very sorry for what happened. Before the race starts, I’m never used to speaking.Watch moment Martin Brundle divides fans with F1 grid walk that gave ‘second hand embarrassment just watching it'”Actually, before the race starts in F2, we are still sitting in the car and then suddenly here in F1, you go 30 minutes, we jump out of the car, everyone wants to interview you, and I am in a bubble still.”It’s only my fourth race, and it’s tricky. But I am sorry for that.”Colapinto has made four starts since his debut at the Italian Grand Prix last month.The 21-year-old already has five points to his name after finishing eighth and 10th in Azerbaijan and the USA, respectively.He starts Sunday’s race in Mexico City in 16th place on the grid.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Watch hilarious moment Charles Leclerc’s mechanic takes very dramatic pit lane tumble during Mexican GP qualifying

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      CHARLES LECLERC’S mechanic took a very dramatic pit lane tumble during qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix.The Ferrari driver was out on the track on Saturday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.Charles Leclerc’s mechanic took a dramatic fall during Mexican Grand Prix qualifyingThe Ferrari team member was able to get back to his feet in the pit laneHowever, one of his mechanics suffered an embarrassing moment as Leclerc headed out onto the pit lane.Before he emerged from the paddock, the mechanic was caught on camera running backwards.They lost their footing, though, falling and rolling over before springing back to their feet.Fortunately, the Ferrari team member was ok as they gave a thumbs up to their concerned colleages.READ MORE F1 NEWSA snap later shared on social media also showed the mechanic in good spirits despite the fall.As for Leclerc, he went on to qualify fourth fastest for Sunday’s race.The 27-year-old is sandwiched between Brits Lando Norris and George Russell on the grid.Elsewhere, Carlos Sainz toasted his first pole-position of the season to rain on Norris and Max Verstappen’s parade.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRed Bull’s Verstappen came in second while Norris was a whisker behind in third as the title-race continues to heat up.The rear gunners of the two title-rivals, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri, suffered a nightmare qualifying with them both booted out in the first session.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track The mechanic fell after running backwards out of the paddock in Mexico CityRed Bull’s Perez was eliminated in Q1 for the fifth time this season while Piastri was axed after a stinker of a lap which only took him up to p13 but was lost anyway due to a track limits breach.There was a red flag in Q2 as Yuki Tsunoda rammed his car into the wall, taking himself and his RB team-mate Liam Lawson out of qualifying in the process.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      George Russell taken to medical centre and says ‘I don’t know what happened’ after Mexico crash leaves Mercedes a wreck

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      GEORGE RUSSELL was taken to the medical centre after a big crash during free practice ahead of Formula One’s Mexico Grand Prix.Russell, 26, had started his weekend on fire by going quickest with a 1:17.998 in Friday’s first practice session.George Russell was involved in a heavy crash at the F1 Mexico Grand PrixCredit: RexRussell endured a nasty snap of the car at Turn 9 of the circuitCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He took too much kerb before his Mercedes starting spinningCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1Russell was unable to catch the carCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He then hit the wallCredit: X formerly Twitter / @F1He was taken to the medical centre afterwardsCredit: GettyRussell’s car sustained heavy damage in the crashCredit: RexHowever, things went off course for the Brit in FP2 as he lost control of his Mercedes car when riding over the kerb at Turn 9.Russell’s car went for a spin across the track before it eventually came to a halt by hitting the Tecpro barrier, resulting in heavy damage to the right side of the car mainly on the sidepod and rear wing.Fortunately, he was able to get out of the car unaided but was seen clutching his midriff with the collision clearly leaving an impact.But the crash still required the presence of the medical car before he was taken to the medical centre for precautionary checks.READ MORE IN F1A Mercedes spokesperson said Russell was “physically OK but it was a significant impact”.Race stewards red flagged the session to repair the wall, before racing resumed following a 24-minute delay.Mercedes later released a statement confirming Russell had been released from the medical centre and was back with the team.Speaking to reporters afterwards, Russell said: “Yeah, I’m okay. Definitely feel a bit winded after that one but I honestly don’t really know what happened.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The car just started bouncing on the ground and before I had a chance to catch it it was already spinning.”So yeah, a lot of work for the guys tonight again. It seems like it’s one thing after another at the moment.Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu answers Quickfire Questions ahead of Mexican Grand Prix and shares love of Rey Mysterio”It’s frustrating as FP1 we were really strong, really fast trying to take that same line and cutting the corner and for whatever reason on this occasion in FP2 the thing just started going on me.”Russell similarly crashed out during qualifying in the United States Grand Prix.On the importance of Saturday’s final practice session before qualifying, he added: “I mean FP2 because it was the Pirelli tyre test it wasn’t hugely valuable in terms of what you would learn going into the race weekend.”So obviously missed out on laps so FP3 is going to be important. I just we can get the car fixed.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The final practice session of the F1 Mexico Grand Prix weekend starts at 6.30pm UK time, with qualifying getting underway at 10pm.The race is then 8pm on Sunday.Max Verstappen leads the driver championship standings by 57 points after controversially being bumped up to P3 after a penalty was applied to title rival Lando Norris.McLaren lodged an appeal against the penalty after it had been deemed that Norris had left the track and gained an advantage to overtake Verstappen, but it was rejected.READ MORE SUN STORIESCharles Leclerc won last week’s race, his third of the season to draw level with Norris on three each.Meanwhile, Verstappen has seven wins to his name, but is winless since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth.  More