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      Abbi Pulling on course to be first woman driver in F1 for 50 years and recalls bizarre first meeting with Lewis Hamilton

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      ABBI PULLING is the 21-year-old racing sensation who could one day become the first woman to drive in F1 since 1976.What you see is what you get with the Lincolnshire-born driver, who is keeping it real in what she calls F1’s “billionaire boy’s club”.Pulling was crowned the 2024 F1 Academy championCredit: RexPulling has caught the attention of big brands like makeup company Charlotte TilburyCredit: Instagram @abbipullingPulling is now rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Zinedine ZidaneCredit: GettyPulling won nine race victories out of 14 and a championship-winning margin of 121 pointsCredit: GettyAbbi Pulling was born in the village of Gosberton in LincolnshireCredit: Instagram @abbipullingPulling grew up watching her dad competing in motorcycle endurance events around the UK, but to his relief she opted for four wheels instead of two. She has always been a huge fan of MOTOGP icon Valentino Rossi who is one of the greatest riders in history and a nine-time world champion. Like Rossi, who has competed in rallies and started racing go-karts, Pulling has never been interested in the glitz and glamour of motorsport. She told SunSport: “I’ve watched him throughout my whole life since I was a baby with my dad and I just think his mantra of enjoying the sport is really important.read more in F1″You drive your best when you’re having fun. He plays up to the fans and has done it all from dirt bikes, MOTOGP, a go kart, rallies – he has an appreciation for motorsport. “I’ve taken that and if I could I’d just love to try it all!”Italy’s Lella Lombardi was the last woman to compete in an F1 race, in 1976.Pulling is following in her footsteps, as the first woman to win a race in British F4 at Brands Hatch last May. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe is also reigning champ of F1 Academy, an all-female Formula 4 level single-seater racing championship, funded by the F1 Group.Her prize is now a fully funded 2025 seat in the British-based GB3 Championship, a step below Formula 3.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Pulling says the Academy saved her career, having prematurely ended her 2021 British F4 campaign as she couldn’t afford to continue. When asked about when she thinks F1 will see a woman on the grid, she said: “I don’t think it’s something you can put a number on, I don’t think we should.”We should let it happen and whoever gets there if it’s not me, make sure it isn’t for a box-ticking exercise it’s because they deserve it.”Allow a woman to have the space to keep performing. The media will take over so she needs the right people around her so that doesn’t get in the way.”I’d like to think it will be me but I’ve still got ways to go. “I’m focused on this year and have done a good enough job to get racing in 2026. I’ve got to take it year by year.”Pulling has credited Haas driver Esteban Ocon and Lewis Hamilton for their being allies of the F1 Academy.Women F1 driversOnly five female drivers have ever competed in a F1 Grand Prix.The first was Italian Maria Teresa de Filippis, who drove in five races and finished in tenth place in the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix.Lella Lombardi, pictured, is the only woman who scored points in Formula 1, competing in F1 from 1974 to 1976.Lombardi participated in 17 races and started 12. Her best result came in the 1975 Spanish GP, where she finished sixth.In 1976, British driver Divina Galica tried but failed to qualify for the British GP.South African Desiré Wilson also tried and failed to qualify for the British GP four years later.The last woman to have driven in F1 was Giovanna Amati wo was signed to Brahbham in 1992.She failed to qualify for three races and was replaced by Damon Hill.Seven-time world champion Hamilton was often seen showing support on the Academy grid last season, albeit mostly for Pulling’s competitor Doriane Pin, with both of them at Mercedes at the time.Pulling recalls a bizarre first encounter with Hamilton at the Texas Grand Prix in October 2023.She said: “The first time I met Lewis really plays in my head, I’m like why did I do that?”It was after COTA and he congratulated me and I finished second. “It was the first time he came to F1 academy and I was adamant someone else had jumped their start. “I basically said to him ‘mate she definitely jumped the start’. I shook his hand and everything but didn’t really acknowledge that I was meeting him.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was like ‘we need to put in an appeal for this jump start.’ It’s actually embarrassing, I wish I made a better first impression.”But he knows all the emotions, he is someone I have a lot of respect for.”Abbi Pulling with SunSport’s Isabelle BarkerPulling follows a strict strength and conditioning programmeCredit: Instagram @abbipullingPulling pictured with her F1 Academy trophyCredit: Instagram @abbipulling More

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      Enrico Cardile decision made as Ferrari chief blocked from starting new Aston Martin job

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      FORMER Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile has been blocked from immediately starting his new role with Aston Martin following a court case in Italy.Cardile left his role at Ferrari last July to join Aston Martin as their new chief technical officer, sparking a legal dispute over when the 49-year-old could begin his new job.Enrico Cardile will be blocked from starting his role with Aston Martin until July 18Credit: GettyFerrari have now won their court case regarding Cardile’s gardening leave, meaning he can’t begin his new job until July 18.A statement released by Ferrari explained that a judge in Modena made the ruling “a few weeks ago”.It read: “With reference to the recent news regarding the timing of Enrico Cardile’s arrival at Aston Martin.”Ferrari clarifies that a few weeks ago the Court of Modena, upholding the requests of the Company, ordered Enrico Cardile to immediately cease any form of collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team until next July 18th.READ MORE F1 NEWS”In this urgent procedural phase, the Court of Modena found that our former employee was already violating the non-compete commitment with Ferrari.”Whose purpose was precisely to prevent other F1 teams from gaining an unjustified competitive advantage by hiring Cardile earlier than allowed, causing irreparable harm to Ferrari.”Aston Martin released a statement of their own, writing: “This is a matter between Enrico and Ferrari and their legal representatives in Italy, and the parties continue to be engaged in the process.”As such we won’t be making any further comment. We will make an announcement in due course.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ruling means that Cardile will now be unable to join Aston Martin’s team until long into the development of the team’s 2026 car.Aston Martin are undergoing a huge restructure ahead of Formula One’s new chassis and engine regulations for 2026.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia The British team have already announced the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey, as they look to improve on consecutive fifth place finishes in the Constructor’s Championship.Newey, who previously worked with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, began work as the managing technical partner on Monday.Aston Martin will also be powered by Honda works engines for the first time in 2026, having previously used Mercedes since 2022.Adrian Newey has joined Aston MartinCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-F1 track which hosts 125,000 fans left under METRE of water after torrential rain as home straight turns into a river

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      A FORMER Formula 1 track has been left under a metre of water following torrential rain.The 125,000-capacity Circuito de Jerez has hosted seven F1 races since opening in 1985.Video footage has shown the track underwaterCredit: @firstlapf1The water is said to be at least a metre deep in some placesCredit: @firstlapf1It was even the scene of Jacques Villeneuve’s famous championship triumph in 1997.In footage taken from the track’s “UFO” gantry, the final straight can be seen completely underwater.The video also shows the pit lane entirely flooded.Jerez, situated around 50 miles south of Seville, has been struck by “intense” rainfall in recent days.READ MORE IN SPORTLocal media reports claim that the Circuito de Jerez has even been left without electricity.While there has not been a Formula 1 Grand Prix at the track since Villeneuve’s triumph, it has been used for private testing.Last month, Red Bull star Liam Lawson was in Jerez as he prepares for his debut season with his new team.It is also the regular host of MotoGP’s Spanish Grand Prix, with this year’s edition scheduled to take place there between April 25-27.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe circuit has hosted seven Formula 1 Grands PrixCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton attended a Mercedes car launch in Jerez in 2013Credit: PA:Press AssociationEvent officials are believed to be confident that the weekend will not be disrupted by this week’s flooding.The track is still scheduled to host the Spanish Superbike Championship on March 22-23.Major warning for Irish tourists in Spain as floods ravage holiday hot spotSpain has been struck by several cases of severe flooding in recent months.In October, horrific floods saw more 220 people lose their lives in Valencia.The final round of the 2024 MotoGP season had been due to take place in the Spanish city, only to be moved to Barcelona amid the damage.Following the devastation in Valencia, Malaga subsequently evacuated thousands of people amid a red flooding alert. More

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      ‘I promised Lewis I wouldn’t speak to Max’ – Wolff reveals sweet Hamilton vow in chat with wife in new Drive To Survive

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      TOTO WOLFF has appeared to hint Lewis Hamilton did not want Max Verstappen as a teammate at Mercedes. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton has switched from Mercedes to Ferrari for the new 2025 season. Toto Wolff has indicated Lewis Hamilton didn’t want Max Verstappen as a teammateCredit: PAThe fierce rivals have been battling it out for almost a decadeCredit: GettyToto and his wife Susie discuss Hamilton’s Mercedes’ replacement in the new Drive to Survive documentaryCredit: GettyHamilton’s shock move is the subject of a new episode in Netflix’s hugely popular documentary series Drive to Survive. The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.He announced he was leaving Mercedes after 13 years last February, stunning the world of F1.Hamilton has previously indicated he would “100 per cent” race in the same team as any other F1 driver, per Sky Sports.READ MORE ON F1But the new conversation between Wolff and his wife Susie appears to suggest the Brit was keen to avoid teaming up with rival Red Bull Verstappen. In the clip, Wolff and Susie are on the balcony of their home in Monaco. The pair are discussing who to replace Hamilton with – and whether George Russell is good enough to become Mercedes’ lead driver. Wolff said: “Carlos [Sainz] is somebody to look at. He’s had some really good performances.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Fernando [Alonso]? I mean, race pace, racecraft is still very good.”Susie pointed out Alonso, 43, would not constitute a “new era.”Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing She then asks her husband: “You don’t think Max is an option?”Toto replied: “I think he is. But, if you win all the races in a season, I think he is.”I haven’t spoken to him because I promised Lewis I wouldn’t talk to him.”But I will have the conversation now.”After failing to land Verstappen, Wolff changed his approach. Mercedes opted for youngster Kimi Antonelli to step into Hamilton’s shoes with Russell as lead driver.Antonelli has been part of the Mercedes junior team for five years and began karting at the age of just seven.Hamilton drove his new Ferrari car in Bahrain ahead of the F1 season opener in Melbourne next week. And he insists there is “no bad blood” between himself and Mercedes after the split.Speaking to TIME Magazine, Hamilton said: “There is no bad blood. “Absolutely not. We won so many championships.”They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more World Championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have no doubt.”Elsewhere on the new episode of Drive to Survive, Red Bull boss Christian Horner hit back in the wake of his sexting scandal. More

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      Footage of Christian Horner’s X-rated reaction to Redbull sexting scandal revealed in bombshell Drive To Survive trailer

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER hit back at his Formula One rivals by blasting “f*** all of them” in the wake of his sexting scandal.Red Bull boss Horner, 51, was the main story at the beginning of the 2024 season.Christian Horner hit out at his F1 rivals in the wake of his sexting scandal last yearCredit: GettyThe Red Bull team principal was cleared of wrongdoing after internal probes into his conductCredit: NETFLIXLeaked photos and messaging allegedly showed him sexting an unnamed colleague behind wife Geri Halliwell’s backCredit: NETFLIXThe team chief was initially internally investigated amid complaints to HR of alleged “coercive behaviour” towards an anonymous employee.Then the day after the allegations were thrown out and on the eve of the curtain-raising race in Bahrain, a dossier of texts and photographs were leaked to key figures and journalists in F1.That included grubby flirty messages of a sexual nature and pestering requests for images from an unnamed colleague. The bombshell leaks became the talk of the sport – with barristers heavily involved and Max Verstappen’s dad Jos pushing for his dismissal – as question marks hung over Horner’s future, both for his job as Red Bull chief and his marriage to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.READ MORE IN F1An appeal to the original findings was launched but the Red Bull probe again cleared their chief Horner of wrongdoing in August.At the time, he said he was “relieved” to put the scandal behind him.But in the new series of Netflix’s Drive To Survive, behind-the-scenes reaction to the saga makes for dramatic viewing as Horner slammed his fellow team principals who criticised him.The season covering the 2024 F1 campaign launches on March 7 – and Horner makes use of the cameras to give his verdict.Most read in MotorsportAccording to the Daily Mail, Horner says: “The higher you rise, the sharper the knives. “I’ve reached the top of my game and I never thought in a million years I’d have a challenge like this in my career.Christian Horner brutally booed at F1 75 launch event a year on from sext scandal”It was obvious that the end goal was for me to leave Red Bull.”It’s a crucial time of year, in a job that I do, you’re the front face of the organisation. “You can either hide away or you can get out there and face it.”Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called for greater transparency over the Red Bull investigation.His McLaren counterpart Zak Brown insisted it was crucial to “make sure that all the racing teams and the personnel and the drivers and everyone else involved in the sport are operating in a manner which we all live by”.But Horner snapped back at Brown and added: “Zak’s a p****. I’ll get through it.”You find out who your friends are, don’t you?”Horner and Halliwell arrived at the Bahrain Grand Prix last March hand in hand – determined to put on a united front.And when the racing finally got underway, Horner and Red Bull put the distractions aside to secure a 1-2 finish with Verstappen claiming the chequered flag ahead of Sergio Perez.And that was exactly what Horner wanted.He boasted: “That’s the best way to f*** them all. Shut the f*** up.”Horner received a CBE from King Charles in December despite the seedy allegations into his behaviour. But ahead of the new 2025 season getting underway, the principal – who has worked at Red Bull since 2005 – was booed at a launch event in London.READ MORE SUN STORIESTeams unveiled their liveries and various key individuals spoke on stage at the F1 75 live show at the O2 Arena.But when controversial Horner took the microphone, he was resoundly booed by many in the audience.Horner slammed McLaren boss Zak BrownCredit: NetflixBrown had demanded greater transparency over the Red Bull internal investigationsCredit: AP More

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      ‘It’s almost ready…’ – F1 chief confirms major grid change announcement is on the horizon to shake up the sport

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      FORMULA ONE chief Stefano Domenicali has claimed it is a “formality” an 11th team will be on the grid in 2026.The new F1 season gets underway next week with the Australian Grand Prix from Melbourne. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has given an update on Cadillac’s bid to be on the gridCredit: AFPThere could soon be an 11th team on the grid for 2026Credit: GettyFans are eager to see Lewis Hamilton make his debut for Ferrari following a shock switch from Mercedes.While defending champion Max Verstappen is targeting a record fifth-straight title. It was announced last year that F1 had signed an “agreement in principle” with Cadillac and parent company General Motors.F1 CEO Domenicali has now provided an update following numerous delays. READ MORE ON F1And it appears the US-based team will be lining up on the grid from next season. Domenicali said: “There is the formality that is related to the process that [is] almost ready. “Together with the FIA there has to be an update and whenever this will be ready, it should be not too long, there will be an update to formalise what basically has already happened. “So they will be ready to fight against or together with the other teams for next year.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCadillac will initially use Ferrari engines, with the team hoping to build their own power units in the future. In a statement last November, F1 confirmed they had kept a constant “dialogue” open with General Motors. Random bus enters F1 testing in Bahrain as Lewis Hamilton and Co are forced to abruptly stop It read: “Formula One has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the eleventh team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.”Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024.”Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time.”Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will provide further updates in due course.”General Motors remains the largest car-maker in the United States.The company was the biggest in the world until 2008 when it was overtaken by Japanese company Toyota. More

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      Everyone can see the F1 car but you have the skills of a top racing driver if you can spot the petrol cans in 12 seconds

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      THOSE who can see the hidden jerry cans in this Formula 1 pit stop in just 12 seconds have lightning-fast reactions and an immense brain power.Only those with genius IQ can figure out this wheely hard optical illusion that is sure to test your puzzle-solving skills.You have 20/20 vision if you can spot all five jerry cans in the Formula 1 optical illusionCredit: GENTING CASINOThe Formula 1 pit stop looks normal at first glance, before you take a closer look and realise that there are in fact many pesky fuel containers hiding in plain sight.The bright blue and yellow car may serve as a distraction, but those with 20/20 vision will not be deceived by this optical illusion.Gaming experts at Genting Casino shared this tricky brainteaser to test viewers’ problem-solving skills.Have you spotted any of the cans yet? READ MORE OPTICAL ILLUSIONSIf not, keep reading and some clues will be provided to help you solve the puzzle in the short time limit.For the first hint, take into account that all the petrol cans are not the same colour.They may not even be the same shade of a certain colour.Still struggling? Most read in MotorsportIf so, it might be a good idea to get some more practice on optical illusions, not only so that you can crack this one but also because they have beneficial effects on the mind.How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me?Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions.Some benefits include:Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility.Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function.Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes.Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus.Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.Multiple studies suggest that practising solving puzzles boosts concentration, intelligence, and focus, especially when done under timed conditions.People who can successfully identify the minute details inside pictures possess high IQs and excellent observational skills.If you are nearly out of time – here is one more clue.Inspect closely items like the spare tyres on the floor, as well as all the edges of the photo.If you haven’t solved this tricky task within the time limit, why not test your skills on some more puzzles which are shown down below?The answers to this brain teaser can also be found just below.The hidden cans are circledCredit: GENTING CASINOFind the three odd pandas out here who aren’t wearing sunglassesCredit: Gergely DudásCan you spot the frog in under 12 seconds?Credit: jagran joshCan you spot the three faces hidden in the florists?The pandas without eye protection are circled in redCredit: Gergely DudásThe frog has been circled aboveCredit: jagran joshThe three faces are ringed in yellow More

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      ‘Sorry for working you so hard today’ – MotoGP rider apologises to Lionel Messi after spotting him in his pit crew

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      A MOTOGP star has apologised to Lionel Messi after spotting him in his pit crew.Moto3 rider Valentin Perrone, 17, was pictured in the pit with a mechanic who was focused on his job.Valentin Perrone joked that his mechanic has a striking likeness to Lionel MessiThe mechanic had a remarkable resemblance to the footballerCredit: ReutersThe mechanic had a striking resemblance to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.The likeness was picked up on by the Argentine racer as he posted on Instagram account.He shared a snap of the two of them and made a quip about the 2022 World Cup winner.The Red Bull KTM Tech3 joked: “Sorry Leo Messi for making you work so hard.”READ MORE ON SPORTThe picture has been shared on social media and fans can also see the resemblance between the mechanic and Messi.One posted: “Valentin Perrone’s mechanic looks more like Messi than Messi himself.”A second wrote: “God is identical.”A third commented: “He is so identical it is crazy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “Perrone has him working for Leo Messi.”Another added: “Messi is on Perrone’s bench.”BREAKING- MotoGP star rushed to hospital by air ambulance after terrifying crash with rival as 120mph collision is investigatedJose Antonio Rueda was the winner of the raceCredit: EPARace results – Top 10Here is a look at the top 10…Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo)Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), +7.276Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), +7.341Stefano Nepa (SIC58 Squadra Corse), +7.590Matteo Bertelle (LEVELUP-MTA), +10.242Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team), +11.644David Almansa (Leopard Racing), +12.068Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team), +13.138Joel Esteban (Red Bull KTM Tech3), +21.956Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse), +22.031Perrone retired from the race in Buri Ram, Thailand, which Jose Antonio Rueda eventually won at the Chang International Circuit.He was mostly unchallenged during the race as he rode into first place under the chequered flag 7.276s ahead of anyone else.Meanwhile, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is enjoying his twilight years in the MLS.Messi, 37, signed for Inter Miami in 2023 and has been one of the top performers in the league.He has scored 36 goals and assisted 20 more in just 42 appearances for the club.However, he was an absentee from Miami’s clash against the Houston Dynamo.This led to a bizarre moment as the Dynamo apologised to their fans who would miss out on the chance of seeing the star play against their team.Messi has been fined by the MLS after he violated a little-known rule along with Luis Suarez.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey were both hit with an undisclosed fine for their actions during a 2-2 draw with New York City FC on Saturday.The duo were punished after they grabbed the back of the neck of a coach and player during the evening action.Messi is enjoying his time at Inter MiamiCredit: Alamy More