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      F1 axe fastest lap bonus point rule just weeks after Red Bull ‘cheating’ claims sparked controversy

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      FORMULA ONE is bringing in a new rule change – just weeks after claims of collusion amongst teams. The FIA has announced it will scrap the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap from next season. Daniel Ricciardo took the fastest lap bonus point in Singapore – despite being in 18th placeCredit: GettyLando Norris won the race, cutting the lead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (pictured) in the Driver’s ChampionshipCredit: ReutersIt follows controversy at the Singapore Grand Prix involving RB driver Daniel Ricciardo.McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was left baffled after Ricciardo posted the fastest lap at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22. Ricciardo, who drives for Red Bull’s junior RB team, pitted to go onto soft tyres when back in 18th place.He thundered around the circuit, denying a point to McLaren’s Lando Norris who would go on to win the race. READ MORE ON F1The bonus point is only awarded if a driver finishes inside the top 10, meaning Ricciardo’s own standing did not benefit from the move.Norris reduced Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 52 points thanks to his victory – but it would have been even tighter were it not for Ricciardo’s flying lap.Stella called for the issue to be “addressed,” but stopped short of accusing Red Bull of colluding with sister team RB. He said: “As soon as you invoke the sportsmanship, I think you need to approach this with a sense of responsibility that I want to have.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t know the facts, I just saw that Racing Bulls went for the fastest lap and they achieved it. I just find it a little peculiar.”The FIA has since announced the awarding of a bonus point for the fastest lap will be scrapped in 2025. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’But no official reasoning for the change has yet been given. A statement read: “Minor changes for 2024 and 2025 Sporting and Technical regulations were approved by the World Council, including the removal of the point awarded for setting the fastest lap.”The rule returned to the sport after a 60-year absence in 2019.Savage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT.Red Bull boss Christian Horner denied any collusion between the teams following last month’s race in Singapore. He said: “Daniel obviously wanted to finish the race on a high.”You’d have to ask VCARB about that.”RB chief Laurent Mekies later clarified the team’s own position, claiming Ricciardo was sent out for one last hurrah.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 35-year-old looks set to be replaced with reserve driver Liam Lawson in Austin. Mekies said: “Given this may have been Daniel’s last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savour it and go out with the fastest lap.”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

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      Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris: F1 star has James Bond car collection and dates Brazil beauty but rival to inherit £205m

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lando Norris are going head-to-head in the F1 Drivers’ World Championship.This weekend, the motorheads face off against each other at the United States Grand Prix.Max Verstappen is the current F1 world championLando Norris is the pretender to Verstappen’s throne and his biggest challengerYoung pretender Norris, 24, trails the current world champion by 52 points with just six rounds remaining.The Bristol-born driver can’t afford any slips as he aims to close the gap at the top.Away from the track, the pair live glam lives you would expect from two of the world’s best boy racers.Verstappen, worth a reported £165million, has splashed his cash on a £5million car collection and boasts a stunning partner in Brazilian beauty, Kelly Piquet.Read more F1 newsWhile playboy Norris, the heir to a £205million fortune, enjoys a jet-set life and has dated a string of the world’s most beautiful women.SunSport compares the champ and the challenger’s lifestyles.Money, money, moneyOne thing the two aren’t short of is money.Since making his debut in F1 in 2015, Verstappen has established himself as the highest paid driver on the circuit.Most read in MotorsportIn 2022, he signed a five-year deal with Red Bull, described as one of the most lucrative in the history of the sport.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing According to reports his contract is worth £45million a year, and is likely to increase if his winning streak continues.Max also benefits from endorsement deals from brands like G-Star RAW, Red Bull and EA Sports.The Dutch driver also has his own MV merchandise company, selling caps, clothing and accessories.Back in 2022, Norris inked a longterm deal with McLaren that will keep him with the team till 2026.It is believed to be worth around £15million-per-year, which puts him behind Verstappen by some way.However, he was born into wealth as the second child of businessman Adam Norris, who boasts a £205million fortune.He grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset with his older brother Oliver and younger sisters Flo and Cisca, and went to nearby Millfield public school, where boarding fees cost more than £40,000 a year.Verstappen is F1’s highest paid driver on £45m-per-yearNorris is also paid handsomely – earning around £15m-per-yearNorris stands to inherit some of his father’s £210m fortuneVerstappen is heavily sponsored by the likes of Red Bull and EA SportsFast carsF1 drivers are renowned for their incredible car collections.And Max Verstappen’s garage would leave some with envy.After becoming the youngest ever racer to score a podium finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, aged just 18, Max splashed out on a Porsche 911 GTS R3 worth around £190,000.His car collection has been heavily inspired by James Bond – he owns a 007-type Aston Martin DB11, a follow-up to the DB10, driven in the movie Spectre that cost around £200,000.Alongside a 2018 Vantage and a DBS Superleggerais, Verstappen also reportedly bought an Aston Martin Valkyrie that carries a price tag of £2.2million.Astonishingly, various reports say that Norris doesn’t own a car.As is one of the perks of the job, McLaren has loaned him several over the years.Speaking to Scott Mills and Chris Stark on their BBC Sounds podcast, however, he confessed he is not materialistic.Lando said: “I don’t own many things. I’ve not really treated myself.”Verstappen is believed to own a Aston Martin Valkyrie worth a whopping £2.2mA Porsche 911 GTS worth around £190k sits in Verstappen’s garage
      read more sport featuresLadies’ menNotoriously, F1 drivers are linked to the world’s most beautiful women.Verstappen is in a longterm romance with Brazilian model Kelly Piquet.They began dating in 2020, and have been inseparable since – reportedly living in Monte Carlo together.She is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, who won three world titles in the 1980s with Brabham.Kelly was previously in a romance with former Russian F1 star Daniil Kvyat, who she shares a daughter with.Kelly Piquet is the longterm partner of Max VersappenBrazilian beauty Kelly is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetNorris recently split with Portuguese supermodel Margarida CorceiroBefore Margarida, Norris dated another Portuguese stunner called Luisinha OliveiraNorris is currently single, after splitting with Portuguese supermodel Margarida Corceiro.The break-up came months after he joked he had “many girlfriends” during a lie detector test for a Sky Sports segment.A source told The Sun: “”Lando and Margarida had a fun time together and hung out a lot. But it wasn’t working out so they cooled off. He’s free and single and just wants to focus on his sport.”Before Margarida, he dated another Portuguese beauty Luisinha Oliveira.However, she suffered death threats, forcing Lando to say: “Whether it’s about my personal life, me and my girlfriend, especially the amount of hate pages dedicated to Luisa now, it is pretty horrific.”They are on Instagram and Twitter, they are the main ones.”Jet setAccording to reports, Verstappen lives in a £13million apartment overlooking the Mediterranean sea.Norris also moved to Monaco, admittedly for financial reasons, where many of his F1 rivals call home.Verstappen shared glimpses of his home during the coronavirus pandemic, which he and Kelly also share with their two Bengal cats, Jimmy and Sass.In his spare time he likes to take the water on a Red Bull-branded jet ski, said to be worth around £16,000.For all his travels around the world, Max is said to have bought a Falcon-900EX private jet from Sir Richard Branson, worth £12million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.Norris also loves to fly privately, sometimes bringing along his DJ decks – his favourite pastime – along for the ride.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis need for speed is also fuelled by watersports like water-skiing.While both boast similarities in their lives, only one can be the next world champion. So, who will it be?Verstappen lives in a £13m Monaco home overlooking the Mediterranean seaVerstappen, pictured with dad Jos, also owns a private jet worth £12mNorris is a keen DJ and takes his decks with him when he flies privatelyLike Verstappen, Norris is keen on watersports and likes to water ski More

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      Red Bull banned from using controversial device in major boost to Lando Norris’ F1 World Championship hopes

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      LANDO NORRIS believes he has been dealt a possible boost in his bid to beat Max Verstappen to world championship glory after Red Bull were ordered to make changes to their car.Rival teams claimed Red Bull have gained an advantage by running a contentious device which allowed them to adjust the setup of the car between qualifying and the race – something which is not prohibited in the sport’s rules.Max Verstappen could see his title chances take a hitCredit: ReutersThe changes could boost Lando Norris’ title hopesCredit: AFPA senior team representative at Red Bull said: “Yes it (the device) exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.”In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”Speaking ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix, McLaren’s Norris was asked if the FIA’s move to intervene will hand the title advantage his way.He replied: “If it has been helping them, and they have been utilising it in a way that people think they have, then maybe it will shift in our direction.READ MORE F1 NEWS”But they wouldn’t have got several poles and wins because of such a device.”I don’t think it will really change anything, but then when you look at the gaps in qualifying, and when the gap has been just hundredths of a second, then you might say this has helped.”It is good that the FIA are doing such a thing. There is a difference between black and white stuff like this, and a difference between Formula One and pushing the boundaries and innovating.”That is what we have done a very good job on, but been sure not to go any further than that.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris’ McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri said: “From what I heard, and I have been told, something like this is not pushing the boundaries, it is clearly breaking them.”Norris’ emphatic win at the last round in Singapore a month ago means he trails Verstappen by 52 points with 180 still to play for over the remaining six rounds.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ Norris has taken 26 points out of Verstappen in the last four races.And there will be an additional eight points up for grabs in Austin with a sprint race on Saturday.He said: “After Singapore I wanted to keep going.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁”We were in a good rhythm, and we have been for quite a while, but everyone needs a break, including my team.”It is nice to reboot and put our heads down again.”I have been happy with how things have gone and I am confident if we keep our heads down and keep pushing we can do it, we can close the gap, but it is not going to be easy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I need more than me first, and Max to finish second, but I cannot change that.”I need to focus on myself and leave the rest to everyone else.”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

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      F1 organisers confirm change to track after Max Verstappen complained as title race set to come down to the wire

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      ORGANISERS of the US Grand Prix have confirmed a major change has been made for this year’s Formula One race.After a three-week break, F1 returns with the title battle well and truly on between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.US Grand Prix organisers have confirmed they have completed a major change to the trackCredit: APThey said it came in light of a complaint made by Max Verstappen last yearCredit: GettyIt comes with Verstappen and Lando Norris fighting for the titleCredit: GettyThe rivals are separated by just 52 points with six grand prix weekends to go.However, as the Drivers’ Championship heads into crunch time, track chiefs at this weekend’s race of Circuit of the Americas in Texas, have confirmed the course has been fully resurfaced with new asphalt.It follows a complaint Verstappen made last year.The Austin track has always been a bumpy ride for drivers, however, last year’s edition proved particularly problematic.READ MORE IN F1Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified following the race when they were found to have excessive wear on the planks underneath their cars.Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso was forced to retire mid-event after smashing up his car floor.Verstappen, 27, won both the sprint and feature race at COTA last year on route to his third F1 title, but was very vocal about the problems he and his fellow drivers endured during the race.The flying Dutchman said at the time: “It needs to be redone because at the moment it feels like it’s better suited to a rally car. I’m jumping and bouncing around.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In an F1 car probably you don’t even see it as much because, of course, we are glued to the ground because of the downforce, but the bumps and jumps that we have in some places, this is way too much. “I don’t think it’s F1 level. I love this track. Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks”Honestly, the layout is amazing but we definitely need new tarmac and it needs to be a lot smoother for the coming years, because we already asking for this for I think quite a few years, and it’s not really been done.”Fast forward to this weekend, and race promoter Bobby Epstein has revealed the Red Bull driver’s complaint was a factor in finally getting the much-needed work done.He said: “It was mainly to get rid of the bumps. Some of that track was 12 years old, so it was time. “I know Max gave it a pretty poor review last year, so I hope we hear something positive. I’m certain we’re going to hear, ‘This is like a totally new track. It’s fantastic’.”As well as a resurfaced track, some of the verges have been narrowed and replaced with turf in an effort to reduce track limit violations.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Like last year, Verstappen is in the drivers seat to win the title.However, this time he is at a disadvantage due to the fact that Norris, 24, has a quicker car and has hit a strong run of form that has seen the Brit win two of the last four races.That being said, Norris needs to outscore Verstappen by almost nine points (8.67) every weekend to complete the greatest comeback in the sport’s history.COTA will kick off a second series of three sprint and feature race double headers to finish the season.A standard one-race weekend in Mexico will follow a week later before Brazil sees the penultimate sprint and feature race weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis will give way to another two-week break before F1 returns in Las Vegas.Vegas will then be followed by the final sprint weekend of the season in Qatar, before the season finale plays out in Abu Dhabi on December 8.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. 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 Ocon More

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      Drive to Survive and F1 legend now runs swanky B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks

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      AN EX-FORMULA ONE team boss and Drive to Survive fan favourite has lifted the lid on his stunning side hustle.Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner is used to the rock and roll lifestyle of F1, but has opted to switch to the slow lane by opening a luxury bed and breakfast.Former Haas F1 boss Gunether Steiner has lifted the lid on a stunning side hustleCredit: GettySteiner owns the luxury Villa Steiner in his hometown in northern ItalyCredit: BOOKING.COMThe bed and breakfast has five suites named after F1 tracksCredit: BOOKING.COMThe cheapest suite costs £120 a night, while the most expensive is £250Credit: BOOKING.COMSteiner has been running it since April last yearCredit: BOOKING.COMThe B&B sits within six miles of three ski liftsCredit: BOOKING.COMThe 59-year-old is the proud owner of Villa Steiner, located in Merano, in northern Italy where Steiner was born and lives.The B&B has suite five rooms suitably named after iconic F1 tracks – Monte Carlo (Monaco), Suzuka (Japan), Melbourne (Australia), Singapore and Silverstone (UK).The per night cost of staying in one of the rooms ranges from £100 to £209.Visitors to Villa Steiner – located in the town centre – will be able to experience the enchanting Passer river, as well the extensively renovated art nouveau style it has been decorated with.READ MORE IN F1It sits just 200 yards from the Giardino degli Animali, 600 yards from the Princes’ Castle and within 200 yards of a host of highly-rated restaurants.The villa also sits 1.4 miles from The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, five miles from Felixer Wasserfall and has three ski lifts within six miles, while the Bolzano airport also sits 20 miles away.Speaking to GP Blog, Steiner said: “It’s a town I was born in and grew up in. It’s a very nice town. “It’s in the historic centre. It’s personal to have a house there. It’s too big for me to live in, so I live just beside it.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Steiner’s busy schedule means he is not able to fill the role of host.He explained: “It’s going well. We just started last year in April. So yes, if you go on holiday there, you need to go there. F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “You need to put it in [the story so] that people go there. Go to Guenther’s f***ing B&B.”He also joked that fans didn’t not need to worry about him cooking and serving them eggs in the morning.The Villa has received good ratings from previous holidaymakers.The Silverstone and Monto Carlo suite’s have a 9/10 rating on Booking.com, while the whole place has full marks on Google reviews.Steiner left Haas in January after eight seasons leading the team, with their best season seeing them finish fifth in the constructors championship.Steiner’s explicit rants and jokey personality made him an instant fan favourite on Netflix show Drive To Survive.Under new team principal Ayao Komatsu, Haas sit in seventh in the constructors championship with 31 points – 24 scored by Nico Hulkenberg, six by Kevin Magnussen and one by teen Ollie Bearman.It has been renovated in a golden art nouveau styleCredit: BOOKING.COMThe Silverstone suite has received five star reviewsCredit: BOOKING.COMSteiner said the B&B business was ‘going well’Credit: BOOKING.COM🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      The greatest comeback in F1 history is on – Max Verstappen is on the ropes but Lando Norris needs perfect last six races

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      IT is do or die for Lando Norris as Formula One heads into the final six races.The biggest comeback in the sport’s history is on, and it will take something exceptional to pull it off – but it is not beyond the realms of possibility.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are in a battle for the F1 titleCredit: APNorris won the Singapore Grand Prix last time outVerstappen has gone eight races without a winThe Sprint weekend at Austin’s sweeping Circuit of the Americas marks the first of the final races to the end of the season in Abu Dhabi on December 8. SunSport has chewed the fat on the Verstappen-Norris title fight and what it will take for the McLaren driver to emerge victorious.How things stand Red Bull driver Verstappen holds a 52-point lead over Norris in the Drivers’ Championship.The tables have massively turned, given Verstappen held a season-high lead of 84 points up until the British Grand Prix in July 7.READ MORE F1In-form Norris has outscored him in all but one of the six races that have taken place since.The margin of 52 points is the exact equivalent of winning two races with the fastest lap bonus point (25+1) on a non-Sprint race weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁How many points are left to play for?There is a maximum of 180 points up for grabs across the final six race weekends of the season.That is 156 points in the remaining six grands prix, 25 for a win plus one for the fastest lap.Most read in MotorsportIn addition, there are three sprint races remaining where one driver could bag a maximum of 24 points.The winners of the sprint races in USA, Brazil and Qatar will be awarded eight points for victory. Emotional Lando Norris hugs F1 legend after Sky Sports presenter soaks McLaren star with water to ‘help out’How does Norris need to outscore Verstappen?Norris must outscore Verstappen by an average of almost nine points (8.67 points to be precise) at each grand prix weekend until the end of the season.That is the points difference between first and third places (10 points) in a grand prix.Norris cannot be crowned champion if he wins every race and Verstappen comes in second. That could have still been on the cards had Norris clung onto the bonus point at the most recent grand prix in Singapore for fastest lap.But Daniel Ricciardo controversially snatched it away on fresh tyres with one lap to go. When could the title be won?The absolute earliest the title could theoretically be won by Verstappen is the Sao Paulo GP weekend on November 1-3.But the Red Bull driver would have to outscore Norris by at least a whopping 34 points over the next triple-header. Who’s got the quicker car?The MCL8 is the fastest car on the grid and introduced a flexible wing with a “mini DRS” effectThere’s no doubt about it being McLaren, who have won four of the last six races, two for Norris and two for Oscar Piastri. This season’s McLaren MCL38 has been the most consistent performer on different types of circuit. READ MORE SUN STORIESWhereas Max Verstappen recently in Singapore said that Red Bull’s RB20 was “f***ed”. The team are pinning their hopes on a significant upgrade planned on the RB20 for Austin this weekend. F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s prediction I 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

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      Lando Norris won’t win F1 title due to ‘mental weaknesses’ as Helmut Marko slams Brit’s pre-race ‘rituals’

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      LANDO NORRIS will not win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship because he has “mental weaknesses”, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.With six rounds of the season to go, McLaren star Norris sits 52 points behind reigning champion Max Verstappen.Lando Norris will not win the F1 championship, according to Helmut MarkoCredit: GettyNorris is 52 points behind leader Max Verstappen with six rounds to goCredit: RexBut Helmut Marko has said Norris’ pre-race rituals show ‘mental weaknesses’Credit: GettyThe Brit will be hoping to close the gap at this weekend’s US Grand Prix, having won two of the last four races.However, Red Bull advisor Marko has started the mind games in an effort to throw the 24-year-old off his game as the championship reaches crunch time.Speaking to Motor Sport Magazine, the 81-year-old backed Verstappen to win his fourth title this year.He said: “Verstappen [will win the championship].READ MORE IN F1″He is the best, he’s the fastest and, above all, he has the mental strength to theoretically fight for the world championship more than Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. “We know Norris has some mental weaknesses. “I’ve read about some of the rituals he needs to do to perform well on race day.”Back in 2022, Norris revealed one of these pre-race rituals.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe told Vanity Fair: “I always call my parents…”Still my mum wants to hear my voice before I go race.”Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing Despite putting their lives on the line and racing at break-neck speeds every race weekend, F1 stars are a superstitious bunch.Michael Schumacher famously got into his car from the left, always carried an amulet with the initials of his family members and had a preference to wear odd numbers after winning all seven of his titles with odd numbers.Lewis Hamilton also revealed that Schumacher used to pee in his racesuit before every race, a practice also followed by Nico Rosberg.Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel dressed his racesuit with small trinkets ranging from a metal pig to a one-cent coin and placing two shining pieces of lucky silver on his race boots.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The legendary Alberto Ascari had a range of quirks ranging from avoiding black cats, staying away from unlucky numbers and not allowing anyone else to handle the case that had his lucky blue helmet – cruelly ironic given that he was killed in a testing accident while wearing Eugenio Castellotti’s white helmet rather than his own.On the current grid, Sergio Perez personalises his car by carrying a picture of the late Pope John Paul II on the inside of his cockpit.Charles Leclerc likes to sit next to his car in his bubble, Pierre Gasly has an espresso and naps for 30 mins, while Fernando Alonso jumps in on the right side of his car before the race.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Alex Albon meticulously sticks to his pre-race routine, from eating 90 minutes before a race, changing into his gear 30 minutes before setting up a cubby for his equipment.And despite Marko’s comments about Norris’ pre-race rituals, Verstappen has his own rituals, where he plays video games the night before a race to help get him in the zone. More

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      F1 star looks unrecognisable as he ditches racing suit for lycra in shock career change

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      A FORMULA 1 star swapped his racing car for a bicycle to compete in the World Gravel Championships on Sunday.The F1 paddock is enjoying a four-week break before the United States Grand Prix on October 20.The Formula 1 star was unrecognisable in lycraCredit: Zuma PressHe completed the World Gravel Championships and placed 134thCredit: Zuma PressSo far, 18 of the 24 races have been completed this season, with the finale set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 8.But one driver, a 10-time race winner, is filling his free time with more competition.He may not have claimed victory since 2021, but he remains on the grid in his 12th season in F1.And while his place at current team KICK Sauber remains unclear for 2025, he is already pursuing a post-F1 career in the form of gravel racing.READ MORE IN SPORTThe driver in question is, of course, Valtteri Bottas.The Finnish racer looked unrecognisable in lycra as he successfully finished the World Gravel Championships in the men’s 35-39-year-old age category in Belgium.Prior to the start, he admitted he was “more nervous” for the cycling event than before an F1 race.Bottas completed it in a time of five hours and 40 minutes, placing 134th out of 233 entries. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSValtteri Bottas was incredibly nervous before the start of the brutal raceCredit: RexSpeaking on X, he said: ” Completed it! Gravel WC done ✔️.”It was hard as expected! With the huge amount of people attending, queuing up for the single track sections in the beginning, and having to fix a puncture 5km before the finish, I was well happy with my day on the bike otherwise 😊.F1 legend chokes up and breaks down in tears after Singapore Grand Prix and could be replaced before next race”Thank you for all the support on the course, it was unreal! And thank you for the best support leading up and during the event to everyone involved 🙏🏼.”I’ll definitely remember this day!”Both of Sauber’s drivers Bottas and Zhou Guanyu do not yet know whether they will be driving in F1 next year.Nico Hulkenberg is the only confirmed driver for Sauber in 2025.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More