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      ‘We had a fight in a local pub’ – Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes

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      LANDO NORRIS and Max Verstappen joked they had a “fight in a local pub” as the duo prepare for another fierce title battle.The pair locked horns from Miami in May last season, where Norris sealed a maiden win and brought the fight to Red Bull, until Las Vegas where Verstappen was crowned champion in November.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen joked they had a ‘fight in a local pub’The pair locked horns in Miami in May last seasonNorris and Verstappen were involved in a dramatic collision in AustriaRed Bull dominated the first five races which ultimately left Norris with a mountain to climb, although McLaren won their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.When Verstappen was asked about the pair’s relationship yesterday, he joked: “Yeah, it’s a terrible relationship,“We don’t get on any more. It’s taken it’s toll. Yeah. Big drama.”McLaren driver Norris, the early bookies’ favourite for the new season, added: “We had a fight the other day in a local pub.”READ MORE F1 NEWSVerstappen then laughed and replied: “We had to get escorted [out]. I always say, you should see the other guy… but he still looks good, so, whatever.”Think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles. I don’t think it’s just going to be us.”An inevitable first collision between Norris and Verstappen arrived in Austria in June which cost them both the lead in the Red Bull Ring, having gone wheel-to-wheel on several occasions.A battle erupted in Texas when Norris was controversially penalised for a late overtake on Verstappen when they were both off track and the Dutchman came out on top again.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorris even called Verstappen “dangerous” when the championship battle reached boiling point at the Mexico City Grand Prix.Verstappen was given two 10-second penalties for his driving against Norris for two incidents in the same lap but still managed to finish sixth.Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Norris then delivered a more serious answer, added: “I think there’s going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone.“But yeah, I know they’re going to be tough battles and I’m sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want or hopefully Max wants, but we’re racing drivers.”We get along. We’ve always said those kind of things. I know everyone tries to make their own points and say what’s correct and what’s not correct, but we respect each other a lot and we look forward to more racing on track.”Verstappen was then asked if he had any more to add, replying with a smirk: “No, that’s beautifully said.”Pre-season testing began in Bahrain this week, with the first race opener coming up in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      ‘It does feel different’ – Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes exit hits hard as George Russell gives insight into new season

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has admitted Mercedes does “feel different” following Lewis Hamilton’s exit.Hamilton, 40, left the F1 team for Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.Lewis Hamilton has started his career as a Ferrari driverCredit: APHe has shown off plenty of his new Ferrari clothingCredit: PAFormer Mercedes team-mate George Russell has opened up on Hamilton’s exitCredit: PAThe seven-time world champion will race for the iconic Italian team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.He had been with Mercedes for 12 years but was keen to impress his new bosses.He turned up in full Ferrari gear on the first day of official testing in Bahrain.Hamilton’s exit has appeared to hit Mercedes hard as one staff member had to peel his No44 off a generator at the Bahrain International Circuit.READ MORE IN F1The team is now in transition, with Russell being joined by teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli.Russell, 27, opened up on the difference in the team following Hamilton’s exit at the FIA drivers’ press conference.He said: “Naturally, it does feel different, of course.”Lewis is such a huge personality on and off the track.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I think everyone within the team is very much excited for this next chapter really.”As the team may look on fond memories, I also feel grateful to have that chance to be his team-mate for three years and learning so much from him but also going head-to-head with him directly for three years.”F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari Russell also insisted that Mercedes is now looking to the future and will not be lingering on the success of the past.He added: “It kind of feels like the end of a chapter but you’re looking forward to the next journey.”It’s very much for us and Mercedes. We’re looking forward and not backwards.”Russell and Co will start the season on March 16 in the Australian GP.Hamilton will be bidding to win a record eight world championships, while Max Verstappen will be aiming to win his fifth title in a row.The Brit has already shown what he is capable in his all-new SF-25.On day two of testing, he posted back-to-back fastest laps on the track.His fastest time was recorded at 1:29.379 after 45 laps.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also eclipsed Ferrari’s Q3 time from the Bahrain GP in the 2024 season.Hamilton also beat Russell’s best time by 0.399s after 71 laps.Timesheet after Day 2 morning sessionLewis Hamilton led the way on the morning session of Day 2 of testing…Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari 1:29.379, 45 lapsGeorge Russell – Mercedes +0.399, 71 lapsCarlos Sainz – Williams +0.711, 44 lapsPierre Gasly – Alpine +1.051, 40 lapsFernando Alonso – Aston Martin +1.321, 45 lapsYuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls +1.414, 46 lapsOscar Piastri – McLaren +1.442, 44 lapsLiam Lawson – Red Bull Racing +1.854, 28 lapsNico Hulkenberg – Kick Sauber +2.078, 56 lapsEsteban Ocon Haas – F1 Team +3.692, 69 laps More

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      F1 star Nico Hulkenberg suffers freak injury in bizarre garage incident as his Bahrain testing is cut short

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      NICO HULKENBERG suffered a freak eye injury during day one of Formula 1 testing in Bahrain yesterday.The German, 37, had been on track for four hours before requiring medical treatment for his eye.Nico Hulkenberg was on track in Bahrain yesterdayCredit: GettyHulkenberg had completed 55 laps as he looked to get to grips with his new car.Towards the end of his session, however, a “speck of dust or sand” got stuck in his eye.According to the Sky Germany, the unfortunate incident occurred as mechanics performed grinding work on Hulkenberg’s Sauber in the garage.Following his session, the F1 veteran had been expected to attend a press conference.READ MORE IN F1He was a no-show, however, with it later emerging that he had been with doctors at the time.Thankfully, Hulkenberg’s issue was not deemed to be serious.And today he has been back on track for day two of testing.Earlier this morning he was able to complete more laps in his new Sauber C45.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHulkenberg joined Sauber ahead of this season following two years with Haas.He and new team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto replaced Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneVeteran Hulkenberg made his F1 debut in 2010.He has since driven for Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin and Haas.Last season he finished 11th in the driver standings, collecting 41 points.Yesterday’s testing was Lewis Hamilton’s first opportunity to get a feel for his new Ferrari.The session was interrupted by a power cut at around 5pm, which lasted for more than an hour.On the incident, Mercedes star George Russell told Sky Sports: “I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here.”I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realised there was no floodlights around.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”The new season is set to get underway in Australia on March 16. More

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      Mercedes make awkward Lewis Hamilton blunder at F1 testing as staff spotted hurriedly fixing error

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      MERCEDES made an awkward Lewis Hamilton gaffe on the first day of F1 testing.The F1 legend departed the Siver Arrows in December to join Ferrari but his ghost remains at the factory.Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari colours for the first time in testingCredit: RexIt appears some in the team are still getting used to a Mercedes without Hamilton – for the first time in 12 years.In testing at the Bahrain International Circuit a Mercedes staff member had to peel Hamilton’s iconic No44 off a generator.It is a symbolic image which shows Mercedes are very much in transition, with George Russell joined by 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli in testing.Fans reacted to the image with one saying: “This is an amazing picture. So symbolic.”READ MORE ON HAMILTONAnother added: “End of an era.”A third wrote: “Oh my gosh, they hadn’t taken it out yet…”Hamilton, 40, did not have the best start to life at Ferrari as a power cut hit the circuit.The cause of the fault is unknown as the circuit’s lighting system was also extinguished.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe race director red-flagged the session immediately afterwards and the FIA confirmed the action was taken in response to the blackout.The failure struck shortly after 5pm local time and continued for more than an hour.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing The session was scheduled to end at 7pm, with sunset due to fall at 5:40pm.The season kicks off in Australia on March 16, when Hamilton launches his bid for a record eighth world championship. More

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      F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darkness during Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S first day at Ferrari went up in smoke after a power cut hit the Bahrain International Circuit.The electrical connection failed in the teams’ garages and elsewhere in the paddock. F1 Testing abruptly halted as garages plunged into darknessCredit: GettyThe Aston Martin area plunged into darknessCredit: AFPThe torches were out in the Ferrari campCredit: ReutersThe Bahrain circuit’s lighting system was also extinguishedCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton was keen on making a good impression for his first day at the officeCredit: RexThe cause of the fault is unknown as the circuit’s lighting system was also extinguished.The race director red-flagged the session immediately afterwards and the FIA confirmed the action was taken in response to the blackout.The failure struck shortly after 5pm local time and has continued for more than an hour.The session was scheduled to end at 7pm, with sunset due to fall at 5:40pm.READ MORE F1 NEWSWith the teams’ facilities plunged into darkness, mechanics began working by torchlight.The torches were out in the Ferrari camp, with the Aston Martin area cast into the void.Every minute that passed was bad news for the teams because they want to do as many laps as possible.Hamilton was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the office.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut his debut Ferrari testing has been hit with a bizarre roadblock.The seven-time world champ was fifth quickest in this morning’s session – with a time of 1:31.834 in 70 laps – as he made his full Ferrari test debut at an F1 event. Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing Meanwhile, Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc set the fastest time of the day in his Ferrari, with 1.30.878 in 32 laps.George Russell was leaving the pits in his Mercedes when the track was suddenly went dark.Russell told Sky: “I came out of the pits and thought it was suddenly quite dark out here.”I came on the radio and said I needed to change my visor and I realised there was no floodlights around.”It would have been a bit hectic if this was an hour later when the sun has already set.”Earlier this morning, Hamilton was in bright and early as the second driver to arrive in the paddock, and to many’s surprise he was suited and booted in full Ferrari kit.Hamilton meant business and was so eager to get in the car that he nearly fell off the back of a golf buggy as he was dropped off at the Ferrari garage with Leclerc.The Brit’s iconic No44 has also made the switch and was seen on the side of the red Ferrari car instead of Mercedes’ black and green, where Hamilton spent the last 12 years.The number, which pays tribute to Hamilton’s karting days and his dad, has featured since he was eight as it was his dad’s car registration number.Day one of testing in Bahrain was Hamilton’s first chance to get a true feel of the SF-25 car, after the Brit and Leclerc took part in a shakedown last week at Ferrari’s home track at Fiorano.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would have been tough for him to get up to speed given the short and tight nature of the Italian circuit.Hamilton will just have 12 hours of running available to him ahead of the first race in Melbourne on March 16. More

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      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari as he instantly surprises new bosses at first official day of F1 testing

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was keen to make a good impression on his first day in the office.The stylish seven-time world champion is known for strolling into the paddock in a couture outfit that looked fresh off the runway.Lewis Hamilton turned up in full Ferrari gearCredit: AlamyHamilton, 40, drove his new carCredit: EPABut on the first day of official testing in Bahrain, Hamilton was in bright and early as the second driver to arrive in the paddock, and to many’s surprise he was suited and booted in full Ferrari kit.He was reunited with his trusted physiotherapist Angela Cullen who was buzzing around the paddock, having left her role as Hamilton’s performance coach in 2023 after seven years together.The 50-year-old from New Zealand was also on site early and was seen delivering breakfast for Hamilton on a tray, with the Brit still following a strict vegan diet.Hamilton meant business and was so eager to get in the car that he nearly fell off the back of a golf buggy as he was dropped off at the Ferrari garage with team-mate Charles Leclerc.READ MORE IN SPORTThe Brit’s iconic No44 has also made the switch and was seen on the side of the red Ferrari car instead of Mercedes’ black and green, where Hamilton spent the last 12 years.The number, which pays tribute to Hamilton’s karting days and his dad, has featured since he was eight as it was his dad’s car registration number.In a previous interview, he said: “I always start with the No44 because that’s the number that I had on my go-kart when I was eight years old.”It was my dad’s car registration number, F44, so each year, it’s just a new chance to rise to the challenge.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe seven-time world champion is preparing for his new challengeCredit: RexHamilton ended his full testing debut for Ferrari in fifth and he was one of the first to emerge from the pit-lane with what looked like spiky armour on the outside of his Ferrari.The equipment is called an ‘aero rake’ which is a metal frame fitted with multiple sensors that teams attach to different areas of the car.Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue They are usually behind the front wheels, near the sidepods, or at the rear and they are mounted temporarily during test runs to measure airflow characteristics around the car.Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz said: “I was interested to see that aero rake on Hamilton’s car on his first run, measuring what’s going on with the front wing.”It’s one of the technical talking points of the early part of the year.”Day one of testing in Bahrain was Hamilton’s first chance to get a true feel of the SF-25 car, after the Brit and Leclerc took part in a shakedown last week at Ferrari’s home track at Fiorano.It would have been tough for him to get up to speed given the short and tight nature of the Italian circuit.Hamilton will just have 12 hours of running available to him ahead of the first race in Melbourne on March 16.Most notably, he will have to get to grips with the Ferrari power unit having made the switch from Mercedes.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has only driven with Mercedes power throughout his career, including during his six years at McLaren.F1 commentator David Croft added: “There will be huge attention on Lewis, as there always is. Particularly as he makes his first few laps on Ferrari power. His entire career so far has been powered by Mercedes engines.” More

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      ‘Never going to get out of the hole’ – Max Verstappen told ‘roles have reversed’ with Lewis Hamilton ahead of F1 season

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      FORMER F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya isn’t convinced Max Verstappen’s dominance will continue in 2025.Red Bull driver Verstappen, 27, is hoping to win a fifth consecutive Drivers Championship this season.Juan Pablo Montoya has given his bold prediction ahead of the new F1 seasonCredit: GettyMax Verstappen is chasing a fifth consecutive F1 title this seasonCredit: GettyMontoya believes Lewis Hamilton (pictured) will dominate for FerrariCredit: RexThe Dutchman’s was pushed hard by Lando Norris last season and will now renew his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, who has moved to Ferrari from Mercedes.The seven-time world champion, 40, has penned a two-year, £78million deal with the Italian giants. Both Ferrari and McLaren went toe-to-toe with Red Bull on the track last season.And Montoya – winner of seven F1 Grand Prix races – believes Verstappen will be “no problem” for Hamilton in 2025.READ MORE ON F1The Colombian said: “Verstappen is not going to be a problem for Lewis this year. “I would be surprised if Red Bull came out to fight like in recent years”.Red Bull finished third in last season’s Constructor Standings.Verstappen won nine races on his way to a slender title win over Norris – ten fewer than his all-conquering championship season in 2023.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMontoya continued: “You just start moving sideways or even backwards. “If you keep going based on wrong principles, you’re never going to get out of the hole. And that hole can be very deep, that’s the problem. Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue “Max doesn’t like to lose, and Max is a guy who would rather crash than let himself be beaten.”We saw it at the end of last year, when he did things that surprised people. We were wondering: ‘Why did he do that?’ “When he went up against Lewis [to end Hamilton’s dominance] and took no prisoners, everyone thought: ‘Oh, great. Finally someone is standing up to Hamilton.'”Now the positions are reversed.”Hamilton will make his first Grand Prix appearance for Ferrari next month. The 2025 F1 campaign kicks off in Melbourne, Australia on March 16 with Albert Park staging its first season-opener since 2019.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.But he admitted he’d been enjoying the Italian food a little too much over the offseason.The Stevenage native laughed: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.” More

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      ‘I won’t fit in the car anymore!’ – Lewis Hamilton admits to eating THREE pizzas a week at Ferrari and reveals fave dish

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      LEWIS Hamilton fears not being able to fit into his Ferrari now that he’s eating THREE pizzas a week.The Brit, 40, has opened up on his diet since joining Ferrari and his love for Italian food.Hamilton joked that he has concerns about fitting in his car for the 2025 seasonHamilton attended a F1 event in London with Charles Leclerc and Frederic Vasseur last weekHamilton is beginning a new chapter in his career by joining Ferrari, one of the most storied teams in F1.The move ended his 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he became a seven-time world champion, clinching most of his 103 race victories and amassing his 104 pole positions.Hamilton is set to debut with Ferrari during the official test drives in Bahrain this week.And the Brit has highlighted his excitement at the new chapter of his F1 career.READ MORE F1 NEWSHe said: “I have to watch my diet. But that will be difficult. “I have to be careful and I can’t eat pizza all year round. Otherwise I won’t fit in the car anymore.'”Oh God. I’ve eaten so many pizzas in the last few weeks. But funnily enough, I’ve lost weight. “Last week alone I had three pizzas. I love Italian food. Penne a la Arrabbiata is still my absolute favourite dish.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHamilton has a deep-rooted connection with Italy that dates back to his karting days. He first cut his teeth in motorsport at the age of 13, racing in Italy with his first mechanic, Luca del Fante.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia This included his time with the MBM team in the Open Italian Championship in 2000 and 2001 alongside Nico Rosberg, who later became his team-mate at Mercedes.Hamilton added: “I still remember going into town with Nico every evening to buy pizza and ice cream. We ate so much pizza.”Luca, my first mechanic, and his mother always made me an incredible lasagne. “I have never forgotten that lasagne to this day.”Ferrari’s hopes are pinned on Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc, who has confirmed his contract with Ferrari beyond 2024.The pair will look to end Ferrari’s long-standing title drought since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 crown.The driver market has been shaken by Hamilton’s move, leading to changes like Carlos Sainz’s departure from Ferrari to Williams. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More