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      F1 legend Nigel Mansell reveals why Lewis Hamilton can win eighth world title with Ferrari

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      FORMULA ONE legend Nigel Mansell is confident Ferrari’s “magical” team will help Lewis Hamilton to an EIGHTH world title.Britain’s 1992 F 1 world champion is a huge fan of the Stevenage racer, who will end his glittering 12-season stay at Mercedes to join the Italian team next year.Nigel Mansell has revealed why Lewis Hamilton can land a record eighth world title with FerrariCredit: GettyHamilton is leaving Mercedes to join the Scuderia at the start of next seasonCredit: GettyHamilton has signed a two-season mega-bucks deal with the Scuderia and Mansell, 71, is delighted he will now experience the Ferrari magic — just like he did in 1989 and 1990.Mansell said: “Lewis has done some incredible things throughout his career.“And it is absolutely fantastic he is going to drive for Ferrari which, for me, is the most romantic team in the whole of Formula One.“The fans will embrace him and I am sure he will be able to win for them and be a great team-mate for Charles Leclerc.READ MORE IN F1“Lewis has all the attributes to get another world title.“He will have a renaissance in the car because he’s super quick and Ferrari will do a good job for him.”Mansell won his only world title with Williams but ‘Our Nige’ insists he has special memories of driving for Ferrari for two seasons before leaving following a bust-up with team-mate Alain Prost.Mansell said: “It means a lot to me having driven for them.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s close to magical and I do feel fulfilled that I didn’t miss out driving for one of the greatest makes of car in the history of the world.“There isn’t a person in the world who doesn’t love a Ferrari.” Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GPHamilton, 39, has won a record 105 grand prix and hopes Ferrari can reignite his career which has stalled in recent seasons as Max Verstappen and Red Bull have dominated Mercedes.His last driver’s title was in 2020, equalling the record of seven set by Ferrari superstar Michael Schumacher in 2004.His move to the Scuderia marks Hamilton as the 13th British driver who will don a scarlet red race suit, and he will be aiming to be the first Brit in 60 years to win the F1 title for Ferrari.Mansell, who now lives in the US, was company founder Enzo’s Ferrari’s last personal signing shortly before he died in 1988.And the man christened ‘The People’s Champion’ by his British followers was also adored by Italian fans.They dubbed him Il Leone — The Lion — for his aggressive driving style which earned him 31 race wins, 32 poles and 482 points during his career.And Mansell celebrated his Ferrari debut in 1989 by roaring to an unexpected victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix.That feat endeared him to everyone in the Italian camp — even though he failed to land them the title he craved.Mansell added: “You have one chance to win your first race for your new team and goodness knows how that car kept going but I won in Rio and that cemented a very, very special relationship.“I feel, as much as I missed out on a number of things in Formula One, I didn’t miss out driving for Ferrari.“OK, I didn’t win the championship for them but I won races for them and had the experience.“The difference is working with the Italians, the Tifosi fans — even the reporters all wear their hearts on their sleeves.“They are so excited. It’s one of those Marmite situations: You love ’em or you hate ’em and I was very fortunate.“I just loved the whole experience and it was reciprocal. They supported me and loved me and I think they still do today.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s wonderful and Lewis will find a different level of feeling comfortable and being supported.“I think he will just embrace it and go from strength to strength.”Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      Sergio Perez opens up on overwhelming SMELL at Las Vegas Grand Prix that ‘all the F1 drivers will talk about’

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      FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez has complained of a “very noticeable” SMELL in Las Vegas ahead of the Grand Prix.The Red Bull driver is in Sin City ahead of the Vegas GP on Sunday.Sergio Perez has opened up on the smell that has been wreaking havoc at the Las Vegas GPPerez claimed he was tired of the weed smell around the Vegas circuitPerez revealed that all F1 drivers will talk about the strong scent of WEED in the Nevada desert.Speaking after his second free practice session, Perez said: “What is very noticeable around the circuit is the smell of marijuana throughout the night.”I’m a bit tired of it already — the amount is incredible. It’s something all the drivers will definitely talk about.”Unlike the UK, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use in the state of Nevada.READ MORE ON F1Fans attending the race are banned from bringing drugs to the 3.8-mile circuit, but it seems that’s not been enough to clear the air.Fellow driver Franco Colapinto took note of the scent as well.The Williams ace joked: Yes, there was a smell of weed.”If they dope the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive, I swear – when we all test positive, there will be a mess.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs expected, cannabis is a prohibited substance for F1 drivers as part of the FIA Anti-Doping Regulations from the sport’s governing body.While fans attending the Grand Prix will be following suit, Jade – a cannabis dispensary – is situated a few miles from the racetrack.Monaco Grand Prix hit by RED FLAG after horrific first-lap crash tears Sergio Perez’s F1 car in halfThe shop even specifically markets itself to F1, with a statement on their website reading: “For the Las Vegas Formula 1 event attendees, the experience can be elevated with cannabis.”Rival chains last year also capitalised on F1’s arrival by offering discounted weed to locals affected by road closures and heavy noise.On track, Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton seemed to be unperturbed by Vegas’ scent as he topped both Friday’s practice sessions.The Vegas GP debuted last year, with Max Verstappen winning the inaugural race.Reigning three-time champ Verstappen can wrap up a fourth successive title with another victory on a track he won last year.The conditions for practice have carried a bad smellVegas is the third last race of the 2024 season🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Christian Horner praises ‘unbelievable & fantastic’ wife Geri Halliwell for weathering ‘perfect storm’ sexting scandal

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      RED Bull boss Christian Horner has spoken out about his “sexting” scandal that rocked the Formula One world to praise his wife Geri Halliwell.The motor-racing chief, 50, credited his former Spice Girls wife for protecting him during the controversy that rocked their marriage.Christian Horner has spoken about the ‘sexting’ scandal that rocked his marriage with Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyHorner praised his wife for supporting him through the investigationsCredit: ReutersThe couple have been married since 2015Credit: AFPHorner was cleared of misconduct towards a female colleague, an allegation he always denied, by an internal probe in February.He was accused by a Red Bull F1 employee of sending suggestive messages, in texts that were leaked.A KC cleared Horner for a second time in August after the unnamed accuser launched an appeal following the internal probe.In his most recent public remarks on the scandal, Horner told the Daily Mail that his wife had supported him throughout.Read more on Christian HornerHe said: “My wife has been unbelievable, fantastic. Your partner is always the one you share your difficulties with.“She has been absolutely outstanding and hugely supportive.”A source told The Sun in August the drama had meant “weeks of hell” for the family and added: “Geri is very relieved.”“It has been a horrible process but she has loyally and staunchly stood by Christian throughout the entire ordeal.”Most read in MotorsportHorner was reportedly under pressure at the time of the scandal by the father of his championship-winning driver Max Verstappen, The Sun previously reported.Jos Verstappen had supposedly started a feud with the team boss when in March he reportedly said Horner was: “playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.”Red Bull boss Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell can finally put sexting claims behind them after the allegations were thrown out by a second judgeDespite the controversy at the time, Halliwell unexpectedly appeared hand-in-hand with her husband at the F1 opening race in Bahrain in March.In his recent interview, Horner continued to praise his singer wife and explained how she helped him overcome the scandal.He added: “She saw through a lot of things from having an outside perspective and it is good to have that weight and measure. It is hugely important.”The couple, who have been married since 2015, have a child together and two children from previous relationships.The Red Bull boss also claimed his team’s success had opened him up to a scandal like this.He said: “What happened at the start of the year felt like a perfect storm.“In life, it is a great lesson that the more success you have, the more of a target you become.”Horner’s team could win their eighth driver’s championship as the 2024 F1 season has just three races left.READ MORE SUN STORIESMax Verstappen currently leads the driver’s standings with a 62-point gap to McLaren’s Lando Norris.The Red Bull driver could win the Championship this weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix if he beats Norris head-to-head.Horner and Halliwell after the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 26, 2023Credit: GettyHorner and Halliwell kiss before the Bahrain Grand Prix in March 2023, where the couple put on a united front during the scandalCredit: PA2MMFBBW Christian and Geri Horner at the Cocklebarrow Point to Point, to see their horse Quickly Now Please in action, who finished second in the MaidenCredit: Alamy More

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals how close he came to QUITTING Mercedes before the end of the F1 season after Brazil GP fiasco

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      LEWIS HAMILTON was ready to quit Mercedes with three races of the season still to go.Britain’s seven-time world champ endured the lowest couple of days of his glittering Formula 1 career in Brazil a fortnight ago.Lewis Hamilton is preparing for the Las Vegas GP after his Brazil woeCredit: EPAThe Brit was fed up after coming tenth at the Sao Paulo GPCredit: GettyHamilton made a cryptic comment to mechanics on his radio in BrazilCredit: RexHe slammed his car as “the worst it’s ever been” after what he described as a “disaster of a weekend”.Hamilton finished tenth in the rain-lashed Sao Paulo Grand Prix having crossed the line 11th in the Interlagos sprint race 24 hours earlier.The 39-year-old — who joins Ferrari next season — then uttered a cryptic remark to his mechanics over the team radio.He said: “If this is the last time I get to perform it was a shame it wasn’t great but I’m grateful for you.”READ MORE TOP STORIESHamilton later remarked he “could happily go and take a holiday”.Mercedes tried to play down the driver’s comments.But ahead of Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, Hamilton revealed he was genuinely ready to quit Toto Wolff’s Brackley-based team early as his 12-year Mercedes career threatened to burn out with a whimper.He said: “In the moment that’s how I felt, like I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend. That’s only natural.Most read in MotorsportHamilton will be scooting off to Ferrari next seasonCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s frustrating when you have a season like this, which I’m pretty sure I won’t have again, or at least I’ll work towards not having again.“It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment, but I’m here.Ultimate F1 team principal’s rich list including Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff“I’m standing strong and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races.”Hamilton finished 50 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen in Brazil — even though Red Bull’s triple world champ started behind him on the grid — and 27sec adrift of team-mate George Russell, who crossed the line in fourth.Despite ending a 2½-year winless streak at the British Grand Prix in July, Hamilton is ­seventh in the world championship, 203 points behind Verstappen.While he sits a place and two points back from Russell.Hamilton was asked about Mercedes boss Wolff saying he “liked” that the Brit chose to leave the team as it may have stopped him from possibly having to get rid of him at a later date.Wolff also spoke of Hamilton ­having a “shelf life” in ­Mercedes’ all-access book Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane.When Hamilton was asked if he felt he had a point to prove, the racer who has won six of his seven world crowns at Mercedes, replied: “No. Just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong. I’ve been training well, I feel great.Hamilton endured terrible conditions at Sao PauloCredit: Rex“Honestly, I feel in the best place I’ve been all year mentally and considering how bad the last race was, that says enough.“I’ve been around this game for a long time.“There have been so many  things said about me, so many ­micro-aggressions.“Not from my boss, because he’s been supportive all these years and we’ve achieved a lot together, but in general and through it all, nothing can take me down.“I’m still here, still fighting and I’m going to continue to push.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve got a team I genuinely still love and even though I am leaving I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races.“If they provide a car that wants to stay on track then, hopefully, we’ll have a better result.” More

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      Inside Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance, from the ‘magical night’ they met to a PDA at US Grand Prix

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      MAX Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance knows no bounds.As recently as the US Grand Prix, they packed on the PDA as the world champion finished on the podium and edged closer to winning another title.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet pack on the PDA on a race dayCredit: RexDutch champion Verstappen and Piquet have been together for four yearsCredit: InstagramVerstappen celebrates becoming world champion with Piquet in 2021Credit: GettyVerstappen can now secure his fourth consecutive championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend by bettering rival Lando Norris.Sure to be cheering the Dutchman on from the Red Bull paddock is Brazilian Wag, Kelly.The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 drivers.Love blossomed in 2020 and they soon moved in together in a £13million Monaco mansion overlooking the Med.Read more F1 newsSunSport looks at their relationship, from that ‘magical moment’ when they first laid eyes on each other.Magic momentIn 2016 Verstappen had dinner with Kelly’s brother, Nelson Jr.The pretty brunette joined them for the occasion in Monaco, which she spoke about to Vogue Netherlands.He was 19 at the time, while she was 28.Most read in Motorsport”Max was friends with my brother Nelson and we all went out for dinner in Monaco one night,” she said in an interview with the fashion magazine in 2022.Inside Max Verstappen’s incredible love for his cats who are named after his favourite Monaco nightclubs”That was six years ago, in 2016. But there was already something magical that evening.”She added: “Our connection started then. And I’ll leave it at that for now.”However, instead of Max – Kelly began dating Russian driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017.They had a daughter together called Penelope, but split just two years after getting together.In 2020, Kelly and Max reconnected and became Instagram official on 2021.Max shared a photo of the pair together on social media on New Year’s Day.”Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in many ways,” he captioned the cute snap.”Wishing you all success, love and happiness just as I found mine.”Piquet and Verstappen went Instagram official in 2021 with his New Year’s snapCredit: InstagramPiquet has a daughter called Penelope from a previous relationshipCredit: InstagramGlam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/Kelly’s thoughtsFor her part, Kelly has been very open about her relationship with Max.In that same interview with Vogue Netherlands she spoke about their nine-year age difference. “I think we have a very healthy relationship, easygoing, we have a lot of understanding and support for each other,” she said.”You would think the age difference could be a challenge, but so far things are going really well.”I also really appreciate how he treats Penelope. It’s so sweet to see.”He always asks for her, always visits her to say hello when he leaves, and gets her love back. So cute!”As well as bonding over her daughter, Kelly has grown up around motor racing.Her father is Nelson Piquet, a three-time F1 champion from Brazil.While Verstappen’s dad Jos was an F1 racer from 1994 to 2003.Beauty Piquet has been open about her relationship with VerstappenCredit: instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen’s and Piquet’s fathers were in motorsportCredit: GettyJos Verstappen competed in F1 from 1994 to 2003Credit: GettyThree time world champion Nelson Piquet poses with his daughterCredit: GettyHow they liveFor all the snippets they share on Instagram, in the whole Verstappen and Kelly keep their personal life fairly private.Declarations of love appear on Valentine’s Day, and most recently, when they celebrated four years together.After their intimate kiss in Texas at the US Grand Prix in October, Kelly took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary as she posted a bikini picture next to Verstappen, who also soaked up the sun.She captioned the photo: “4 years and countless happy moments.”The photo appeared to be taken from the balcony of their £13million Monaco home.He has shared glimpses of his chic pad, which he and Kelly also share with their Bengal cats.In his spare time he likes to take to 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 private jet from Sir Richard Branson, worth £12million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.Max has made sure the Falcon-900EX is customised to his expensive taste – it has a matt finish and has Max’s logo of a lion on the tail fin, paying homage to the national animal of the Netherlands.Piquet and Verstappen live a glam life in MonacoCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The hot couple reside in a £13million home in MonacoCredit: instagram/kellypiquetPiquet is one of the most desirable F1 WagsCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetread more sport featuresKelly often joins him when he flies privately.What the future holdsAs it stands, there is no wedding on the horizon just yet.Previously, Verstappen has said “time will tell” if he and Piquet are to get married, and he hinted he wasn’t ready yet.But as a stepdad, Verstappen has excelled and has spoken of the possibility of having children with Piquet.He told Brazilian journalist Mariana Becker: “At the end of the day, it’s not something you decide. Sometimes it needs to happen.”Piquet plays the role of supportive Wag – championing Verstappen when she canCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetThere are no wedding plans on the horizon for Piquet and Verstappen as of yetCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen and Piquet have hinted that they wanted to have kids togetherCredit: RexHe added: “I don’t know if there’s any God or not, who decides when it’s time to have a baby. But it would be great to have a child.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKelly, herself, has spoken about having a baby with Max too.Watch this space because their family might just grow soon. More

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      Inside Valtteri Bottas’ wild three weeks after being dumped by F1 team from back garden Ironman to mad side quests

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS has not blown his engine out over the news he would not be racing in Formula One next season.It was announced days after the Brazil Grand Prix that the Finn would not retain his seat with Sauber for 2025, with it instead going to 20-year-old F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto.Valtteri Bottas has had wild three weeks since his F1 exit was announcedAfter getting a ‘What’s next?’ tattoo on his leg Bottas was seen sharing a coffee with Sir Mark CavendishCredit: InstagramBottas was seen gravel riding to kick off a series of stunning eventsCredit: InstagramThis was followed by Bottas playing Ultimate Frisbee with Australia’s national teamCredit: InstagramNext up was a more low-key Sunday night Pool gameCredit: InstagramBottas swapped warm weather for hiking before finding some ‘fresh bear poo’Credit: InstagramBottas’ latest wild excursion saw him cycling in the infamous Death ValleyCredit: InstagramAnd days after the news, Bottas shared a video of him doing a staggering Ironman triathlon challenge in his own back garden.However, it proved to be the tip of the iceberg for the 35-year-old as it gave way to a mad three-week break involving some crazy side quests.Bottas documented his break on his Instagram page with a suitably titled series called “What’s next?”Following the Ironman challenge, Bottas was seen grimacing in pain while getting a tattoo on his left thigh of the text “What’s next?”READ MORE IN F1After getting his tattoo, Bottas was seen in a video sharing a coffee with Tour de France winner Sir Mark Cavendish as both asked one another “What’s next?”The next video in the series saw Bottas kitted out in cycling gear as he went “gravel riding in the wild west”, accompanied by Valkirias de Cine’s Wild West song in the background.This was followed by a stunning switch to a sandy beach setting where Bottas then revealed he would be playing ultimate frisbee with Australia’s national team.The video showed Bottas in action jumping and diving about as he tried to catch the frisbee.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUp next was a more low-key event by the former Mercedes driver’s standards, as he was seen in a cowboy hat drinking a beer before saying he was participating in a Sunday night pool tournament.Another 180-degree twist to the series saw Bottas now wearing a thick coat as he got ready to go hiking.F1 star Valtteri Bottas completes Ironman triathlon in his own back garden just days after being axed by SauberWhile on the hike, Bottas came across a fresh batch of bear poo, before he ended the video by bursting into a run.The latest video in the series saw Bottas back in cycling gear.But rather than cold weather or gravel riding, Bottas was now cycling in Death Valley.Located in eastern California in the Mojave Desert, it is thought to be the hottest place in the world in the summer with the record temperature reaching a scorching 57°C.Bottas has since arrived in the Las Vegas F1 paddock with his tattoo on show for all to see.He has also been seen wearing a cyan-coloured top with black text on it reading “What’s next?”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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconIn terms of what’s next for his motorsport career, reports suggest Bottas is being considered as a Mercedes reserve driver for next season.Speaking about his F1 exit, Bottas said: “Life goes on. There’s lots of exciting things ahead. And yeah, I’m fine with it.“It’s a tricky sport. You know, I think I got into a bit of an unlucky situation, in terms of hanging on to the last seat on the grid. And when that doesn’t happen, then obviously you’re out for now.“The closer we’re getting to that date, I did definitely figure out that there was other drivers as candidates as well. And of course, you start to hear rumours. “So then in the end, I still thought it’s maybe 50-50 chance. And yeah, I got the call on the Monday. But yeah, at least I know now. I just need to figure out what’s next…”The way my active F1 driving career ended for now, it wasn’t the best way that you can’t really decide yourself.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁“I feel like still I have lots to give for the sport and I still love it. I love the racing against the best drivers in the world, in the best cars in the world. That’s what I love.“So I’m just trying to figure out now what is the next move. So yeah, I don’t really have that much more. I’m taking it day by day. There’s some interesting stuff on the table and then we’ll see.”However, he did not seem overly keen on the idea of switching to another motorsport, but said he was always up for a new challenge, as he did with the Ironman.He added: “For me, at the moment, I feel like jumping into a new category comes quite quick.”You know, we’re almost in December. So yeah, I think that would be more realistic that if I didn’t find a seat in F1 during ‘25 or for ‘26, then probably would be from ‘26.“But it’s all these things that I need to kind of try and plan. But the picture is starting to form in my head what is the ideal situation. I’ve raced all my life, you know, since I was six, five, six years old and I still love it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’ll be always driving something. I just sometimes like to challenge myself. I just decided on the evening before that tomorrow I want to be an Ironman. “And I just did it in a small pool and indoor bike and treadmill. I’d actually never done a marathon before, so now that’s done as well. So, yeah, things sometimes just happen.”Bottas has turned ‘What’s next?’ into his catchphraseCredit: GettyBottas has his ‘What’s next?’ tattoo on full displayCredit: Getty More

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      Fears for Martin Brundle’s future on Sky Sports as pundit tips iconic reporter to follow F1 legend out the door

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      MARTIN BRUNDLE could be the next pundit dropped from Sky Sports F1 after Damon Hill’s exit.That is the view of Johnny Herbert, who himself was dropped by the broadcaster in 2022.Martin Brundle could be the next iconic star shown the door at Sky Sports, according to Johnny HerbertCredit: AlamyHerbert suggested Damon Hill was dropped because of criticism of Max VerstappenCredit: GettyHill had criticised Verstappen for ‘dangerous’ tacticsCredit: GettyThree-time Formula One race winner Herbert, 60, joined at the same time as 1996 world champion Damon Hill.However, it was announced last week that Hill would be departing Sky Sports F1 at the end of the season.Brundle was among those to pay a touching tribute to the 64-year-old, writing on social media: “Damon I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of both racing against you and commentating on you in F1, working alongside you on SkyF1, and decades of friendship. “It’s been a blast, with much more to come.”READ MORE IN F1But Herbert reckons it may soon be the likes of 65-year-old Brundle or even commentator David Croft who are next shown the exit door.Although he also believes that Hill’s criticism of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was also a factor in the decision.Speaking to FlashscoreUSA.com, Herbert said: “I don’t know whether it was [Hill’s] decision or Sky’s, to be honest.”Was it an enjoyment factor? Potentially. I know he got criticism for the Max scenarios and maybe he felt, ‘You know what, I don’t need that.’Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”There is change going on. If he was pushed, then you wonder what could happen to Martin Brundle and David Croft.”Before the Brazil GP, Hill had accused Verstappen of “using dangerous tactics” to race and using fear and intimidation by using his car as a weapon.Watch Rowan Atkinson ‘do Martin Brundle impression to Martin Brundle’ without Sky Sports F1 reporter having a clueReferring to Verstappen’s double run in with Lando Norris at the Mexico Grand Prix, Hill had said: “The second move was just daft and Dick Dastardly stuff.”He accelerated to the apex and drove Lando off the track and Lando didn’t have much option. That was silly driving.”Hill then doubled-down on his thoughts on Sky Sports before Brazil, adding: “Yes, I do. I think that he [Verstappen] is using fear and intimidation.”I think he also has explained a little bit more about his tactics, which has been that he regards it as a gamble. “Sometimes it may pay off and sometimes he may get the better of the stewards, they might not apply a penalty. “But he’s also using it as a way of compromising the title contender in Lando Norris.”So, there’s some logic, there’s some method, to his angriness, if you want to call it that, on the track.”He, as he says, he knows what he’s doing, but is it right and is it fair? And I think there’s also rules…. to ensure fairness, and we shouldn’t be condoning driving cars off the track.”Herbert claims Hill was left “unhappy” with the backlash he received for voicing his views on Verstappen.He added: “He was very unhappy at the crazy level of abuse he got over his Max comments.”Maybe all that negativity made him decide.”Announcing his exit, Hill said: “It’s been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1 but all good things come to an end.”I will miss the most impressive bunch of professionals it has ever been my pleasure to have worked with. Looking forward to new challenges.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe F1 title looks set to be wrapped up by the Dutchman in Las Vegas as he only needs to better the score of McLaren’s Norris by three points to secure a fourth title in a row.Verstappen took almost complete control of the title race after a brilliant recovery drive around a wet Brazil circuit as he raced from P17 to finish first, while Norris only finished P6 after starting on pole.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      F1 sensation, 21, who is poised to be Max Verstappen’s team-mate now dating Wanda Icardi’s 32-year-old former love rival

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      FRANCO COLAPINTO has been seen on an apparent date with a former love rival of Wanda Nara, according to media in Argentina.The Formula One star, 21, has shot into the headlines after a stunning start to life in the motorsport.Rising F1 star Franco Colapinto is rumoured to be dating Argentine model China SuarezCredit: RexSuarez was seen leaving a restaurant with Colapinto at 2:30amCredit: https://www.instagram.com/sangrejaponesa/?hl=enWanda Nara accused her of being a home wrecker in 2021Credit: Instagram / @wanda_naraHis impressive start since replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams in August – with his first race then being the Italian Grand Prix on September 1 – has led to calls for him to be signed on the F1 grid in 2025.Williams have already confirmed a line-up of Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon next season, which has fueled suggestions he may be in line to take a seat with either Red Bull or sister team RB.The Argentine had a disappointing weekend during a tricky wet Brazil race.And ahead of returning to the paddock for the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend, Colapinto has been seen on a date with China Suarez.READ MORE IN F1The footage shared by LAM (América TV) appears to show the pair, who follow each other on Instagram, leaving the Los 33 restaurant in Madrid on Sunday.The producer of the account claims Suarez, 32, arrived at the location first before Colapinto followed.The report, translated by La Nacion, adds that they were booked into “a private room exclusively for them” and left at 2:28am after arriving from around 10pm.The footage is said to have been captured by journalist Magalí Sica.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTaking to her own social media, she said: “The situation began when we go out to party at a place in Salamanca, which is further away from Justice, which is where this restaurant is.”They were hugging and holding hands, although I didn’t get to record that part. They left through the front door as if nothing had happened.”Argentina Formula 1 star Franco Colapinto enjoys a moment with fans at Austin Grand PrixNeither of them have publicly addressed the rumours so far.Suarez is an Argentine model who has 6.5 million followers on Instagram, compared to Colapinto’s four million.In 2021 she was accused of being a homewrecker by Mauro Icardi’s former wife Nara.She broke her silence on the accusations by blaming the former Inter Milan ace for deceiving her by saying he was no longer with Nara.Suarez had said at the time: “What occurred is a situation I didn’t start, I didn’t encourage and I didn’t provoke.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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon”There’s a much bigger and deeper story behind what’s happening today which many woman are going to identify with.“I’ve got mixed up with men whose words I always believed, that they were separated or separating and there were no conflicts.”Claiming her inexperience had left her helpless in the face of “these men who had then stayed silent and allowed wolves to eat me”, she added in a thinly-veiled attack on Wanda: “It also seems it’s easier for a woman to attack me by way of venting her anger.“I pay the cost of sustaining the image of a happy family, not the man who was irrational and committed a mistake.“My constant silence to preserve my family ties has always been my priority but it went against me.READ MORE SUN STORIESA tumultuous 10-year relationship between Icardi and Nara, who also acted as his agent, was confirmed to be over in September with the pair having two children together. She reportedly filed for divorce in July.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More