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      F1 race axed: FIA confirm scheduled event will not go ahead despite ‘widespread support’ amid workload fears

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      FORMULA 1 chiefs have axed the “rookie race” that had been set to take place in Abu Dhabi later this year.Bosses had planned to stage a sprint-style race in a bid to give the most talented up-and-coming drivers a stage on which to showcase their talents.Abu Dhabi had been set to stage the new eventCredit: GettyAbu Dhabi, which is set to host the final race of the F1 season on December 7, had been identified as the location.FIA chiefs claim that there is “widespread support” for such an event to take place in future.But plans for it to go ahead later this year have been scrapped, with the FIA confirming their decision in an official statement.It read: “While the concept received widespread support, it was determined that, due to timing and organisational constraints, the event would not take place in 2024, and discussions would continue to formulate a potential concept and plan for 2025.”READ MORE IN SPORTAccording to the BBC, a final decision was made at a meeting of the F1 Commission on Wednesday.Their report adds that it was determined that more time is required in order to fine tune how the event will run.It’s claimed that all parties, including the teams themselves, felt that the plan had been “rushed”.One such concern was the further work load it would place upon team members.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe event would have taken place after the final F1 race of the season, therefore extending what will already have been the longest campaign in the history of the sport.Formula 1 is currently in the middle of a four-week break following the Singapore Grand Prix, which took place on September 22.Max Verstappen threatens to quit F1 after being forced to do ‘community service’ in bizarre punishment for swearing The next race is set to be staged in Austin, Texas on October 20.This will then lead into a busy conclusion to the season, with remaining Grands Prix in Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Max Verstappen leads the driver standings, despite having not won a race since June.He is 52 points ahead of nearest challenger Lando Norris.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Major change to F1 from next season as bosses sign incredible ten-year deal worth $1BILLION

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      FORMULA ONE bosses have penned a $1BILLION deal that will see a major change to podium proceedings.F1 chiefs have put pen to paper on a £750m with French company LVHM – known in full as LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton SE.Forumla One has penned a £750m sponsorship deal with LVMH that could make a major change to podiums from 2025 onwardsCredit: RexThe sponsorship deal, which is the most lucrative in the sports’ history, was reportedly agreed after months of negotiations by F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali and members of the luxury goods company.LVMH, valued at over £375BILLION, are best known as the owners of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co and Givenchy.While they are also the owners of champagne brand Moet & Chandon, leading to reports that champagne could be returning to the F1 podiums for the first time since 2021.Drivers have been spraying Italian sparking wine to toast their successes for the past three years thanks to an association with Italian wine makers Ferrari Trentino.READ MORE ON F1But their new deal with LVHM, which is due to begin in 2025, is set to put Champagne back in the hands of race winners going forward.Of course, champagne will not be used in the Middle Eastern races – where alcohol is banned – with rose water expected to continue as its replacement.LVHM are also the owners of a number of other well known champagne brands including Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot and Champagne Mercier.The Mail report that the deal has been in the making for over a year.Most read in MotorsportChampagne could be returning to the hands of race winnersCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile it’s also claimed that teams are “delighted” by the news, with one team principal citing a potential growth in prize money.F1’s value continues to rise with the profile of the sport growing in recent years since the release of Netflix documentary Drive to Survive. Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’In a statement about the partnership with LVMH, Domenicali said: “Our sport is founded on the relentless pursuit of excellence, a value that also lies at the heart of LVMH, so I am delighted to announce this historic partnership will begin in 2025.”As Formula 1 continues its global growth, attracting new and more diverse audiences, the strength and breadth of LVMH makes it the perfect partner for us to work with as we look to continually enhance the experience of our fans and the heritage of our incredible sport. “This is a landmark partnership for both companies, and I would like to thank Bernard and Frédéric Arnault for their vision and commitment to bring this to life.”F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has opened up on the agreementCredit: Rex More

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      Christian Horner snaps back at Max Verstappen’s dad Jos in row over Red Bull’s high-profile exits

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER has snapped back at Jos Verstappen’s criticism of Red Bull’s high–profile departures.The Red Bull chief’s arch-nemesis and dad of Max Verstappen recently said he had warned the team about staff exits.Christian Horner says the departures are just a few people ‘out of 2000’Credit: GettyJos Verstappen delivered a fierce blast at Horner earlier in the yearCredit: GettyAt the start of the season Jos said that the team would “explode” if Horner remained in charge after news broke of his sexting scandal with a colleague.He was cleared by Red Bull and always denied the claims.Since then design guru Adrian Newey, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley and strategy chief Will Courtenay have all departed.Horner said: “Adrian has been on the brink of retiring for 10 years so we had to be prepared for that and I believe we’ve got strength and depth.READ MORE TOP STORIES“He’s chosen to continue and continue elsewhere. And of course, Jonathan, likewise, a long-term member, but they’re two more higher-profile names.“The reality is that’s just two people out of 2000 people that we have within the group.”Red Bull toasted the most dominant F1 season ever last year with a record 21 out of 22 races won.But they are currently on a eight-race winless streak, their worst run of form since 2020.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMcLaren have now overtaken Red Bull at the top of the constructors’ standings while Lando Norris trails Verstappen – who is winless in eight races – by 52 points with six races left.Horner is feeling the heat from the team’s mass exodus, and has also aimed a dig at Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.The Red Bull chief said his team had poached “over 200 staff” from Mercedes.He added: “We’ve recruited, I think, close to 250 people during the last 12 months, across the project, into powertrains, into the brand new engine shop that we’re building.“We don’t talk about the over 200 people we’ve bought from Mercedes.“There’s a lot of focus on the two people that are leaving, because they’re slightly more public facing.”Back in May, Horner also clapped back at McLaren chief Zak Brown who told the media he had seen a stream of CV’s from Red Bull landing on his desk after the news of Newey’s departure.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I don’t know how many people we or RB have employed from McLaren this year,“We have taken 220 people out of [Mercedes] HPP into Red Bull Powertrains. So, when we are talking about losing people, I would be a bit more worried about the 220 than maybe one or two CVs.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Michael Schumacher future daughter-in-law is one of very few with access to stricken legend’s secretive inner circle

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      THE future daughter-in-law of Formula One icon Michael Schumacher is among the few people allowed inside the families secretive inner circle. Mick Schumacher got engaged to long-term partner and Danish model Laila Hasanovic, 23, over the weekend with hopes growing that Michael may be able to attend the ceremony.Mick Schumacher with his fiance Laila HasanovicCredit: InstagramThe couple recently got engaged with Laila said to be already allowed inside the Schumacher inner circleCredit: GettyMichael Schumacher hasn’t been seen or heard from in over a decade since he was badly injured in a ski accident with MickCredit: EPAIt comes after Laila was reportedly given a vote of confidence by the Schumacher’s to see Michael, 55, earlier this year.Only a handful of people have been allowed to know the latest on the former Ferrari, Mercedes and Benetton legend since his tragic ski crash over a decade ago.Michael was left in a coma for 250 days and is believed to have needed around-the-clock care ever since.Very little has been made public on Michael’s health status since the accident with his loving wife Corinna choosing to keep his life private.read more in SchumacherBut Laila has proven herself as a trusted member of Corinna’s exclusive inner circle since becoming loved up with Mick over two years ago.The lovers regularly share cute photos to their millions of followers on social media with Laila announcing their engagement via her Instagram. The lingerie model comes from Copenhagen and has Bosnian roots.She was first seen by Schumacher’s side at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.Most read in MotorsportSince then the former Miss Denmark finalist and Mick have gone from strength to strength with her regularly being included in family events.The family are said to be “smitten” with the model, according to German newspaper Bild.I was banned from visiting Michael Schumacher – his family told me I would be sad if I saw him, says F1 rivalThey also say she is the only girlfriend of Mick’s who has ever seen Michael.Laila has even paid tribute to Michael on social media in the past with a touching tribute. In March she posted a series of photos to her 300,000 Instagram followers showing off her handbag and room.In one of the snaps her AirPod case can be seen with the iconic number 47 logo emblazoned on it.Fans of Michael quickly spotted the 47 which is still seen as synonymous with the driver as he drove under that number.THE INNER CIRCLESince 2013, Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.This includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Schumacher is said to have regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer at Ferrari.As well as his manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after the accident.The third member of the circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.The pair reportedly still watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted in the past that the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.Ex-Ferrari ace and Michael’s teammate Felipe Massa – regarded as “Michael’s younger brother” – has also been allowed to see his old pal occasionally.Laila is a model from Denmark with Bosnian rootsCredit: InstagramMichael with his wife Corinna who has controlled the inner circle since his horror accidentCredit: Getty Images – GettyCorinna has also been forced to make the tough decision and cut certain people out of Michael’s life in recent years.Some of these people include ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello, former manager Will Weber and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.Weber once made sensational claims that “we have only heard lies” from the distraught family.It comes after Michael appeared for the first time among people outside of inner circle earlier this year.The seven-time F1 champion is said to have attended the marriage of his daughter Gina, 27, to Iain Bethke, in a private ceremony in Spain.The pair tied the knot in Majorca, at the family’s luxury villa, near the upmarket resort of Port d’Andratx.Schumacher’s attendance has never been confirmed by the family but reports claim he was at the event.All guests were told to leave their mobile phones at the door with no media allowed near to the villa.MICHAEL’S TRAGIC ACCIDENTThe retired seven-times world champion, and his then 14-year-old son Mick set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel in December 2013.The pair were skiing down the mountain when tragedy struck for Michael.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He was not travelling at excessive speed when the freak accident happened.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two.Michael was quickly airlifted to hospital where he underwent two life-saving operations.Doctors later said the headgear is the only reason he’s still alive.Michael was then placed in a medically induced coma to try to reduce the swelling and in the decade since the F1 superstar has never been seen in public and health updates have been very rare.Mick has found the years since incredibly tough, according to former driver Johnny Herbert.Herbert said: “Mick has said he could always talk to Michael about racing before the accident. That is one of the saddest things for any sportsman.”It would have been a very important part of his development at that time. But Mick never had that unfortunately. He just had that relationship up until the skiing accident.”READ MORE SUN STORIESStricken Schumacher has spent much of his time since at the £27million Majorcan villa.It is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide the perfect care.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Michael’s daughter Gina got married to Iain Bethke earlier this with the F1 legend rumoured to have attendedCredit: Babiradpicture/Shutterstock More

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      Major sporting event returning to UK for first time in six years as fans vow to buy tickets ‘as soon as they come out’

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      A MAJOR sporting event is set to return to the UK for the first time in six years – and fans are over the moon.Iconic track Silverstone will host the penultimate race of the 2025 European Le Mans Series.The European Le Mans Series will return to Silverstone next yearCredit: GettyIt is the first time in six years the race will be held in the UKCredit: GettyThere will be six races in six countries in the 2025 editionCredit: GettyIt replaces the event previously held in Mugello, and will take place on September 14 before the season finale the following month.A four-hour race will be held – the same duration as the other five races in the calendar – Barcelona, Le Castellet, Imola, Spa-Francorchamps and Portimao.Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said: “Once again the European Le Mans Series calendar features a selection of circuit, each with a variety of challenges to test both the car and the driver.“The ACO is extremely pleased to see the ELMS returning to the UK for the first time since 2019, giving the British fans a taste of Le Mans at home at Silverstone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The ELMS has firmly established itself as the leading European endurance series. With grids of over 40 cars, featuring a great mix of Le Mans Prototypes and GTs, and some of the top drivers and teams from around the world. “It looks like the 2025 season is going to deliver even more.”Fans are delighted by the change, which sees the European Le Mans Series return to the UK for the first time since 2019.One reacted saying: “100 per cent will be there, getting tickets as soon as they come out.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Really excited for this!!!”And a third wrote: “A fantastic day for UK sportscar racing fans today and hopefully maybe the WEC will return to Silverstone in the UK in the very near future also too!👏”Lewis Hamilton storms out of interview after Japanese Grand Prix as F1 legend slams journalist’s question More

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      Hopes for Michael Schumacher as he ‘could attend son Mick’s wedding’ amid rumours he appeared at daughter Gina’s

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      HOPES are growing for Michael Schumacher as it’s speculated he could attend his son’s wedding following rumours he appeared at his daughter’s nuptials.The seven-time F1 champion is said to have attended the marriage of his daughter Gina, 27, to Iain Bethke, in a private ceremony.Michael Schumacher, seen here in July 2006, reportedly attended his daughter Gina’s weddingCredit: GettyGina and Iain went public with their relationship in 2017Credit: Babiradpicture/ShutterstockGina with her then boyfriend Iain BethkeThe pair tied the knot in Majorca, at the family’s luxury villa, near the upmarket resort of Port d’Andratx.Schumacher’s attendance has not been confirmed by his family.Stricken Schumacher has reportedly spent much of his time at the £27million villa, which is believed to have been adapted allowing a team of doctors and nurses to provide round-the-clock care.The F1 star, now 55, suffered life-changing injuries after a serious skiing accident in Grenbole in December 2013.Read More on SchumacherHe spent months in a medically induced coma and eventually returned to his home at Lake Geneva in Switzerland in September 2014.He has since been cared for by his wife Corinna and a team of medical experts.In September 2020 it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.Spanish press said he had been moved from his Swiss home to the exclusive property, which is located on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the south-west of Majorca.Most read in MotorsportHis family has opted not to give any details on his condition.Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’Reports in the Spanish press though have claimed Schumacher attended his daughter’s private ceremony.Majorcan news outlet Ultima Hora said the service lasted around half an hour.It’s said to have been followed by a banquet and party, including a performance by a country music band.Among the guest list was Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.Guests were instructed to leave their mobile phones at the door.No media were given permission to attend.Gina did take to social media to post a picture of the newlyweds once the ceremony was over.Along with the photo, she wrote: “Forever yes to you, yes forever.”MICK NOW ENGAGEDNow, speculation has started that Schumacher could be set to attend the wedding celebrations of his son Mick Schumacher after he got engaged at the weekend to his long-term girlfriend Laila Hasanovic.The lingerie model shared a photo of a ring on her finger on her Instagram account, writing: “Then it’s game over.”Schumacher Jr though has yet to post about the engagement on his social media sites.Father and son were skiing together in the French Alps when Michael suffered his horror crash.However it was only in March 2017 that Mick talked openly about his dad’s influence and referred to his father as an “idol” and “role model”.Updates on the racing legend’s health have been few and far between.Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday with touching messages when he turned 55.Gina wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”The post was accompanied by a picture of her and her brother as kids with the F1 star.Mick, now 25, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also an F1 driver, told Bild at the end of last year: “Nothing is like before.”He added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.“Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.”His wife Corinna offered a rare insight on her husband’s state in a Netflix documentary in 2021.She said “I miss Michael every day.“But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.”Mick Schumacher has now got engaged to his girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: RexSchumacher suffered a tragic skiing accidentCredit: AFP More

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      Formula E announce never-before-seen feature ahead of new season with cars FASTER than current F1 cars

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      FORMULA E will conduct an all-female test for the first time ever “to improve diversity and equality across motorsport”.Female drivers, who currently do not race in Formula E, will test the new ‘Gen3 Evo’ electric car – which is 30 per cent FASTER than current F1 CARS.The ‘Gen3 Evo’ is an upgrade on last season’s Electric Gen3Britain’s most successful female driver Jamie Chadwick will likely be given an opportunity to drive in the testThe racing series will field 22 female drivers in an afternoon session at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in November near Valencia, Spain.The brand new ‘Gen3 Evo’ net zero race cars are capable of 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds.The same typical range for modern day F1 cars is between 2.1 to 2.7 seconds.The ‘Gen3 Evo’, which can reach speeds of 200mph, is set to be used across the upcoming 11th season.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt will also be the most efficient formula car, with an electric motor providing more than 90 per cent efficiency, compared to the 40 per cent typical of F1 vehicles.There are currently no female drivers in a Formula E race seat.Each of the current teams in the Formula E Championship will be required to field at least one female driver for the half-day test. Three women have competed in a Formula E race before, but that all came in the inaugural 2014 season.Most read in MotorsportWhat is the difference between Formula One and Formula E?The F1 car relies on an internal combustion engine.While Formula E cars are battery-powered and relies on electricity and regenerative braking.F1 races mostly on race tracks, while Formula E prefers street circuits. F1 cars can reach up to 360 km/h (or more) and Formula E cars up to about 280 km/h.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis included experienced British sports car driver Katherine Legge, Swiss Simona de Silvestro and Italian Michela Cerruti.Meanwhile, the last woman to race in F1 was Italy’s Lella Lombardi in 1976.Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’Formula E will also hold the first-ever dedicated test session exclusively for women racing drivers in the ABB FIA World Championship.The full line-up of women drivers participating in the test will be announced in the coming weeks.But several squads already have links to female drivers.This includes three-time W Series champion and Indy NXT driver Jamie Chadwick, who races with Andretti and tested one of the American team’s IndyCars earlier this week.Chadwick presented with Sky Sports at the Singapore Grand Prix last weekAlice Powell will likely be offered the chance to take part in testing tooThe 26-year-old Brit was also given the opportunity by Formula E to drive the Gen3 Evo car last season in Portland between official sessions.The test aims to provide the women not only with a destination but also a pathway to develop their careers.Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said: “We know there isn’t a simple solution for greater diversity in motorsport.”If we’re going to truly give women equality, opportunity and visibility in our series conditions for all need to be the same.”To aid their development and test themselves against those already on the starting grid.”We have to make a start somewhere.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the car represented another “significant leap forward in electric racing” technology.The Formula E season begins in Sao Paulo on December 7, where Pascal Wehrlein will begin his defence of the title he won with Porsche.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Christian Horner lifts lid on bitter feud within Red Bull F1 team after legend brutally sacked mid-season

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER has lifted the lid on more bitter infighting at Red Bull this season and the axing of Daniel Ricciardo.Formula One legend Ricciardo was brutally cut by sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand Prix, with his seat being handed to 22-year-old Liam Lawson for the remainder of the season.Christian Horner has revealed how Red Bull bosses argued about Daniel Ricciardo’s position earlier in the seasonCredit: RexRicciardo was sacked from Red Bull’s sister team VCARB following the Singapore Grand PrixCredit: EPABut Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted Ricciardo out in JuneCredit: GettyThe 35-year-old claimed the fastest lap in his swansong, but broke down in tears in an interview following the race.However, Red Bull boss Horner has now revealed how team advisor Helmut Marko wanted the Australian out of the car in JUNE.Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Horner said: “He [Ricciardo] started the season roughly, and then Miami was a weekend of two halves.”The Friday and Saturday morning was fantastic, and it looked like the Daniel of old defending against the Ferraris and outdriving the car. But then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday were disastrous.READ MORE IN F1″So even around Barcelona, Helmut wanted him out of the car, and there was already a lot of pressure on him there.“By the time we got to Montreal, it was actually dear old Jacques Villeneuve who got him properly wound up by giving him a hard time.”And it definitely fired him up, because the way he drove the car that weekend, he grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and put together a very strong race weekend.“So I did say [to Ricciardo]: give Jacques a call every time every Grand Prix, for the rest of the year, because whatever he said, it definitely worked.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe debate over his position may have explained the handwritten message Ricciardo put on his helmet at the Spanish GP, with the words “Not without a fight”.Ricciardo’s lack of consistent form didn’t do enough to convince team bosses to swap him and Sergio Perez – who himself was struggling for pace for much of the season – in the main team.Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feudHorner, 50, added: “I’ve done my very best to buy him as much time in the car to allow him to deliver. Otherwise he would have been out of the car after Barcelona.“All the drivers are under pressure to deliver, but the reason that Daniel was in that car was to get himself back into a position to ultimately be there to pick up the pieces if Checo didn’t deliver.”The problem was they both had issues with form at varying times. Checo started the season very well, very strongly, and Daniel was struggling. “And then, obviously, as Checo lost form, Daniel found a bit of form. But it was never compelling enough to say, ‘OK, we should switch the two drivers’.”F1 fan favourite Ricciardo said he had “loved this sport” his whole life, thanking all those who had been a part of the journey that saw him win eight races.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 OconLewis Hamilton led other drivers in paying tribute to him, with the seven-time world champion saying: “It’s been a honour to compete with you over the years.”You leave a legacy of always being yourself, which in this sport is never easy. You’ve taken it all with the biggest smile and I salute you for it.”There is so much more for you up ahead and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Always here for you, man.”The ultimate fate of Ricciardo is the tip of the iceberg in terms of Red Bull infighting this season, with Horner, Marko and Max Verstappen’s father and former F1 driver, Jos, not seeing eye-to-eye.The feud appears to have cooled down since the start of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe civil war even led to reigning world champion Verstappen declaring he would quit the team if Marko was sacked following rumours he might be suspended.The next F1 race is not until the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 20.Ricciardo had a handwritten message of ‘Not without a fight’ on his helmet at the Spanish GP🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More