More stories

  • in

    What is F1 Sprint Shootout?

    FORMULA 1 will introduce a new Sprint weekend format beginning at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.The Sprint Shootout will replace the second practice session that would normally take place on Saturday morning.
    Red Bull Racing’s driver Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ driver George Russell at the 2022 Brazil Grand Prix.Credit: GETTY
    Meaning there will be just a single practice session over the course of the weekend going forward.
    Friday afternoon will now be the stand-alone qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix grid on Sunday.
    The Saturday sprint formally impacted the grid for the GP, however, that will be no more in the new format.
    Points will be awarded to the top eight racers, no change to the awarding of points from 2022.
    READ MORE IN F1
    What is Sprint Shootout?
    The Shootout will be a new shorter session than the traditional qualifying.
    SQ1 is set to run for 12 minutes, SQ2 for 10 minutes and SQ3 for 8 minutes.
    The five slowest drivers will be eliminated in Q1 and then five more in Q2.
    The top-ten shootout is in Q3, and the fastest driver claims pole position.
    Most read in Motorsport
    Sprint Shootout will dictate the order for the shortened 100km race that will follow on the Saturday.
    It will replace the previous FP2 that is usually seen on Saturday mornings.
    New tyres are mandatory for each separate phase, with mediums for SQ1 and SQ3 and softs for SQ3.
    The new format was voted in by the F1 Commission and World Motor Sport Council on Tuesday and will be used first at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
    What is the new Sprint weekend format?
    Friday

    Practice 1
    Grand Prix Qualifying

    Sprint Saturday (Top-eight receive points and the finish order will not impact the Grand Prix grid)

    Sprint Shootout
    F1 Sprint

    Sunday

    Grand Prix

    How many points are on offer on Sprint Saturday?

    P1 – Eight points
    P2 – Seven points
    P3 – Six points
    P4 – Five points
    P5 – Four points
    P6 – Three points
    P7 – Two points
    P8 – One point

    When are the remaining Sprint events?

    Azerbaijan Grand Prix (April 29)
    Australian Grand Prix (July 1)
    Belgian Grand Prix (July 29)
    Qatar Grand Prix (October 7)
    US Grand Prix (October 21)
    Sao Paulo Grand Prix (November 4) More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton shows off shredded abs in gym as Mercedes star gears up for Azerbaijan GP

    LEWIS HAMILTON is working hard in the gym as the Formula One calendar prepares to return after a four-week break.The 38-year-old showed off his ripped abs before getting back behind the wheel of his Mercedes this weekend.
    Lewis Hamilton is hard at work in the gym ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand PrixCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    The 38-year-old posted a picture of himself pumping weights in the gymCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    Hamilton was also seen relaxing in the bathCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    The F1 season is set to return in Baku after a four-week breakCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    Hamilton started the campaign with two fifth-place finishes before securing P2 last time out in AustraliaCredit: Instagram / @lewishamilton
    Hamilton will return to action for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, with practice set to get underway on Friday.
    And ahead of the race, the Brit F1 legend posted a selection of snaps to his 32.4million Instagram followers.
    In the pictures, Hamilton pumped iron in the gym and worked out in preparation for the race.
    He was also seen relaxing in a bath ahead of the weekend’s action.
    READ MORE IN F1
    Hamilton captioned his post with a motivational message for his followers.
    The seven-time F1 world champion wrote: “What does it mean to be motivated? For me it means choosing to push myself to be better in all things. In our work, in creativity, in life overall.
    “Motivation means taking care of ourselves, training both mind and body, and working toward progress no matter how small it may seem. I’m no stranger to tough days.
    “When they come, it feels impossible to push on. That negativity isn’t real, it’s all in the mind and I know you have it in you to overcome it.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Hamilton began the campaign with back-to-back fifth-place finishes, but was P2 behind Max Verstappen last time out at the Australian GP.
    And Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said to “trust the process” as the team bid to make ground on a dominant Red Bull car.
    Starting from this weekend in Baku, F1 chiefs have agreed to a shake up of the season’s sprint races.
    The shorter race has been replaced with sprint qualifying – known as ‘the sprint shootout’, which will take place before the 100km sprint race.
    Qualifying to determine the grid for Sunday’s main race will take place on Friday, with one practice session scrapped.

    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

  • in

    How Fernando Alonso became ultimate Formula One playboy as supermodel-loving star fuels rumours of Taylor Swift romance

    FERNANDO Alonso lives life in the fast lane – on and off the track.The Formula One ace, 41, is back to his best this season racing for Aston Martin, and his love life must be keeping him busy when he’s not chasing podium finishes.
    Fernando Alonso is one of F1’s biggest starsCredit: Instagram
    The star has been a legend of the sport for two decades and has raised eyebrows with his cheeky antics. Pictured, with model Michelle Marsh at Silverstone in 2005Credit: EPA
    Fans were sent into a frenzy last week when Spanish magazines began linking Alonso to newly-single pop star Taylor Swift.
    The two-time world champion fuelled the flames last night when he posted a video of himself winking as he listened to one of the 33-year-old’s hit songs, Karma.
    It came just weeks after Alonso announced his split from long-term partner Andrea Schlager, explaining in a statement: “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.”
    Here, we steer a path through the flamboyant star’s long relationship history, from supermodels to a romance with one of his Formula One rival’s pals.
    Read More in F1
    The rockstar wife
    Alonso and Raquel Del Rosario married secretly in 2006Credit: Reuters
    The singer performed in the Spanish rock band El Sueno de MorfeoCredit: Eyevine
    Alonso and singer Raquel Del Rosario – who was lead singer for Spanish rock band El Sueno de Morfeo – met in 2005 after she performed at a concert to mark his first F1 title.
    He told her on-stage in front of thousands of adoring fans that he was “single and romantic” – and it clearly did the trick.
    Spending their time living first in Oxford and then Switzerland, they married secretly in 2006 but only confirmed it publically two years later.
    In 2011, however, the couple confirmed their break-up in a jointed statement, saying: “This has been a very thought about and mutual decision.
    Most read in Motorsport
    “We are separating from marriage, but never as friends, and there is still a very strong affection and mutual admiration to ensure the happiness of the other.”

    The banker
    Alonso moved on with former Miss Switzerland runner-up Xenia TchoumitchevaCredit: BackGrid
    After his split from Raquel, Alonso quickly moved on with former Miss Switzerland runner-up Xenia Tchoumitcheva.
    The talented Russian model, who has a degree in economics, has had an even more colourful career than her ex.
    After bagging an internship at JP Morgan, she was offered roles at Merrill Lynch and Duet Group, but decided to swap the stock market for the pop charts – releasing a rap single.
    A JP Morgan worker told the Mail that Xenia ‘brightened up the office’ when she worked there, but sadly it wasn’t to be. Neither was her romance with Alonso, which ended in late 2011.
    The model
    His next relationship was with Russian model Dasha KapustinaCredit: Alpha Press
    The following year, Alonso found another Russian model, stepping out at the German Grand Prix with Dasha Kapustina.
    The besotted pair were snapped on a holiday in Majorca as they relaxed on board a private yacht and were frequently seen together around the paddock.
    In 2013, Alonso whisked Dasha off to Las Vegas ahead of the British Grand Prix, taking selfies along the strip and even enjoying a David Copperfield show.
    After two years together, though, their romance quietly fizzled out.
    The journalist
    Alonso was engaged to Lara Alvarez but the relationship didn’t lastCredit: Reuters
    Alonso quickly fell head over heels after meeting journalist Lara Alvarez in December 2014.
    The star popped the question to his fellow Spaniard, who was previously linked to Real Madrid footballer Sergio Ramos.
    But by 2016, the 16-month relationship had come to a sad end, as pictures emerged of Lara stepping out without her silver ring.
    A source told a Barcelona-based newspaper that there was no bad blood between them, citing “the distance and demands of their jobs” as the reason behind the split.
    The rival romance
    Viki Odintcova was linked with Alonso in 2016Credit: INSTAGRAM
    She previously told how she ignored Cristiano Ronaldo’s DMsCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Alonso’s next flame, Viki Odintcova, has no shortage of admirers in the sports world – even claiming she ignored Instagram DMs from Cristiano Ronaldo.
    She said: “That happened… He (Ronaldo) even wrote to me. It was a long time ago. He wrote, ‘Hi, how are you?’
    “I deleted the message and didn’t reply.”
    The Russian model was rumoured to be dating Alonso in April 2016, but he would have risked the ire of her “most famous” pal.
    Viki previously told Russian TV: “The most famous person in my phonebook is Lewis Hamilton. The last time he messaged me was November 15, to congratulate me on my birthday.
    “I go to his races occasionally, the last time was in Sochi (at the Russian Grand Prix). We’ve been friends for three years. When I met him, I could barely speak English, I could only understand it.”
    The lingerie star
    Linda Morselli stuck by Alonso after his horror car accident in 2021Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Italian lingerie model Linda Morselli has a truly racy relationship history, having previously dated MotoGP rider and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi.
    After being snapped supporting Alonso at races in 2016, the pair confirmed their relationship with an Instagram post the following year.
    Linda – who was once crowned Miss Elegance at the Miss Italy beauty pageant – was there for her partner in 2021 when he was hit by a car on a roundabout while cycling in Switzerland.
    Alonso, who was training on a £5,500 road racer ahead of his return to F1 after a two-year absence, was rushed to a nearby hospital for X-rays and underwent surgery on his jaw.
    After half a decade together, the couple went their separate ways last year.
    The newest ex
    Alonso and Andrea Schlager announced they had broken up earlier this monthCredit: Instagram
    He met the journalist while she was working in the paddockCredit: Instagram / @andrea.m.schlager
    Alonso’s latest relationship was with Andrea Schlager, a sports commentator known for her work in F1 and MotoGP.
    The pair first met in the paddock while she was working as a sports presenter for ServusTV, dropping a series of cryptic clues on social media before going official.
    Just hours after Alonso secured a podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month, he released an Instagram statement announcing their break-up.
    In a statement, he wrote: “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended. 
    “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
    “As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
    “We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea.”
    Alonso’s cheeky video this week sent Taylor Swift fans into meltdown, with one TikTok user commenting: “Oh my god Taylor X Fernando confirmed????”

    If the superstar is spotted in the paddock at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend, they will truly go into overdrive. More

  • in

    Fernando Alonso fuels Taylor Swift dating rumours as F1 legend posts hilarious TikTok video

    FERNANDO ALONSO has fuelled rumours that he is dating Taylor Swift after a recent online post.The F1 legend shared a hilarious video on TikTok of him scrolling on his phone while sitting down.
    Fernando Alonso shared a cheeky video to TikTok of himself listening to Taylor SwiftCredit: TIKTOK – @fernandoalonso
    He then did a wink at the cameraCredit: TIKTOK – @fernandoalonso
    The F1 driver has been linked with the American singerCredit: Getty
    In the clip, the Aston Martin driver looks up and gives the camera a cheeky wink and smile.
    During the song Karma by Taylor Swift, 33, is playing in the background.
    Alonso, 41, commented on the video “Feeling 33”, which is thought to be a reference to the singer’s song “22”.
    The caption for the post says “Race week era”, along with a winky emoji in another reference to Swift’s current Eras tour.
    READ MORE ON MOTORSPORT
    The Spaniard was first linked with romantic ties to Swift after an post on the DeuxMoi Instagram account last week that quoted an anonymous email.
    It read: “A couple of Spanish magazines have been posting about TS [Swift] and Spanish F1 driver Fernando Alonso.
    “According to them, the couple has been seeing each other for a week now. Nothing serious tho since they are both recently single.”
    However, the account did list the post in a section titled “for entertainment purposes only” and joined it with the disclaimer that “some of the emails posted are complete BS”.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    But this did not stop fans from getting excited by Alonso’s response.
    One TikTok user commented: “Oh my god Taylor X Fernando confirmed????”
    A second wrote: “Fernando please confirm or deny, was mastermind (A song by Swift) written about you.”
    A third said: “Never did we think in our Wildest Dreams this would happen.”

    Swift split from her boyfriend Joe Alwyn earlier this month at a similar time that Alonso announced that he had separated from girlfriend, Andrea Schlager.
    The former couple met in the F1 sports paddock.
    Alonso said in a statement: “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended.
    “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
    She is currently on tour after splitting from long-term boyfriend Joe AlwynCredit: The Mega Agency
    Alonso announced his split from Andrea Schlager earlier this monthCredit: INSTAGRAM More

  • in

    F1 set to vote through new rule changes for Azerbaijan GP with new qualifying time and slimmed down sprint races

    FORMULA ONE bosses are expected to vote to revamp the weekend format —  and cut mind-numbing practice sessions.Team leaders, F1 and FIA chiefs will meet in Geneva on Tuesday morning where the proposed format is likely to be rubber-stamped.
    Big changes are set to be introduced for the Azerbaijan GPCredit: Reuters
    For the meantime, it would apply to the six sprint-race weekends this season and come into play this week at the first one, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
    And it will see the race make-up change as follows . . .

    Friday morning would be FP1 as usual. A 60-minute  session will now be the ONLY practice of the weekend and after it cars are placed in parc ferme,  meaning no more major changes can be made to them.
    Friday afternoon would now be qualifying for Sunday’s GP.
    READ MORE F1 NEWS
    The session will be cut into the regular Q1, Q2 and Q3 segments, with the five slowest drivers eliminated in Q1 and then five more in Q2.
    The top-ten shootout is in Q3 and the fastest driver  claims pole position.

     Saturdays are  a stripped-down sprint event, separate from the rest of the GP.
    And  Saturday morning will be qualifying for the short sprint,  rather than a practice session. While it follows the usual Q1, Q2 and Q3 format like regular qualifying, the sessions are shorter, with eight minutes allocated for Q3.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    That means drivers would only get one or two attempts at setting their best times.

    Saturday afternoon will  be a shorter 100km race, where points are awarded to cars  in the top eight.
    The first-place driver receives eight points — and  the number then decreases for each spot.

    Nothing changes for Sunday, which is reserved for the GP.  There will be 51 laps in Baku with usual rules applied.
    F1 has been accused of ­meddling  in the DNA of the sport but I like the proposals.
    Practice sessions have become dull and meaningless, while  this revised format means there are now four things to fight for over the weekend    — two qualifying  sessions and two races.
    It might take a while to get your head around it, however more action can only be a good thing.
    For the time being, this is just for the races in Baku, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Austin and Sao Paulo.
    But if it goes well, I would not be surprised to see this become the regular format for all race weekends in 2024. More

  • in

    Terrifying moment race steward is ‘seconds from tragedy’ as rally car flies through air past him after breaking up fight

    RALLY CROATIA was nearly plunged into further tragedy when a brawl spilled out onto the road over the weekend.A fight between two men broke out on a bank next to the track, with onlookers stunned as stewards tried to regain order.
    A fight broke out by the side of the trackCredit: https://twitter.com/harismrkonjan1/status/1650175479175946240?s=20
    A Toyota whizzed past as breakneck speedCredit: https://twitter.com/harismrkonjan1/status/1650175479175946240?s=20
    As one steward attempted to break it up, another frantically blew a whistle in a bid to get people away from the road.
    Just moments before the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid roared past at breakneck speed, stewards succeeded in getting people away from the Zagreb road.
    A clip of the incident subsequently circulated on social media, with one user describing them as “horror scenes”.
    They then added: “Seconds from tragedy. Unbelievable.”
    READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT
    Another tweeted: “Holly s*** that was close!”
    The incident occurred just ten days after driver Craig Breen tragically died aged just 33 while testing his car ahead of the Croatia Rally.
    The Irish racer collided with a pole between Stari Golubovac and Lobora in the tragic incident.
    Tributes for Breen poured in from the likes of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    He said: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident.
    “Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.”
    The World Rally Championship added: “The WRC family is shocked and saddened to learn of Craig Breen’s passing.
    “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Craig at this incredibly sad time.”
    Craig Breen tragically passed away aged 33Credit: Rex More

  • in

    Meet Lewis Hamilton’s best friend Miles Chamley-Watson, who partied at Coachella with the F1 Ace and is an Olympic hero

    EVERY man needs a wingman.For Lewis Hamilton, that guy is fencing star Miles Chamley-Watson.
    Best friends Lewis Hamilton Miles Chamley-Watson cut fine figures at the Met GalaCredit: Getty
    Hamilton and Chamley-Watson were recently spotted at the Coachella festivalCredit: Instagram
    The 33-year-old was born in London, but competed in the Olympics for the USA, where he has mostly lived.
    Recently, the racing driver and his best buddy, a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, were spotted in the dessert enjoying the festivities of the Coachella music festival.
    A trendy pair, they are also regulars at the Met Gala in New York, where they rub shoulders with other celebrities and fashionistas from around the globe.
    But while we know so much about Hamilton, Chamley-Watson remains somewhat more of a mystery.
    Read more Lewis Hamilton news
    SunSport looks into the seven-time F1 champion’s friendship with the renowned fencer, as well as tell you a little bit about who he is.
    Sporting prowess
    Chamley-Watson has scored plenty of success in the world of fencing.
    Born in London, he moved to the US when he was eight and took up the sport he would later make his name in at the Knox School just a year later.
    It shaped his formative years, earning him a scholarship to Pennsylvania State University.
    Most read in Motorsport
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    By the time of his senior year in 2011, Miles would earn himself top spot on the United States’ Olympic Fencing team as a foil fencer.
    He competed in the 2012 Games, but was defeated in the second round by Egyptian Alaaeldin Abouelkassem, who would go on to win a silver medal in the individual event.
    A year later, Chamley-Watson won the World Championship – becoming the first American to achieve such a feat.
    Four years later in Rio de Janeiro, Chamley-Watson would walk away with a bronze medal in the team event for the USA.
    Chamley-Watson celebrates at Rio 2016Credit: AFP
    The fencing star won bronze at the 2016 GamesCredit: Getty
    Sponsors for Chamley-Watson include Mumm’s Champagne
    Blessed with good looks, and standing at a mountainous 6ft4in, he has also become the poster boy for his sport – earning sponsorships with Nike, modelling for Coach, Richard Mille watches, and Mumm’s champagne.
    His aim was to bring fencing to the mainstream – inspiring kids who were once like him, restless, bullied and misunderstood.
    Back in 2021, he told Robb Report: “I want to show kids what they can do.
    “I’m even working on new outfits and a scoring system with flashing lights to get fencing on primetime TV.”
    Birthday beats
    Hamilton and Chamley-Watson’s paths crossed at the Met Gala in 2016 and immediately hit it off.
    They have been regulars together ever since, cutting fine figures on the red carpet of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute.
    The two have been seen jogging on the beach together at Byron Bay, before last month’s Australian Grand Prix.
    They are also happy to share a cryotherapy chamber treatment in unison, where participants can be exposed to temperatures as low as -200°C.
    Back in January, Miles spelled out his love for Hamilton in a gushing birthday message.
    Sharing a suited and booted picture from their 2021 Met Gala appearance, he wrote: “My brother. Happy Birthday. This is gonna be an incredible year for you I know it. Love man’s to the moon and back. Everyone go wish my bestie the best of birthdays! Man’s is also aging backwards.”
    Last week, Justin Bieber was allowed to join in on their bromance in Indio valley, as they partied at Coachella.
    Hamilton and Chamley-Watson are often joined at the hip
    Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton and Chamley-Watson jogged together at Byron BayCredit: Instagram / @fencer
    Chamley-Watson has been seen in the paddock at F1 races cheering his pal on
    He’s a catch
    Despite appearing to live the free and single life, the US tabloids have linked Chamley-Watson with American actress Madelaine Petsch in the past.
    The beautiful redhead, 28, is best known for starring in teen drama Riverdale as Cheryl Blossom.
    They were spotted together in Los Angeles in 2021, but kept their romance private.
    They do not share photos on social media together – adding to the mystery of their relationship furthermore – but they still follow one another on Instagram.
    It is unknown if they continue to date one another today.
    Madelaine Petsch and Chamley-Watson were once linked to one another
    Stunning Petsch stars in US teen drama Riverdale
    Not giving up on his dream
    For now, Chamley-Watson is focused on fencing, appearing at the 2024 Olympics and helping kids from all backgrounds compete in fencing.
    He told fashion website Highsnobiety: “I have an Olympic gold to win and 2024 is around the corner.
    “For my sport, I think most of my foundation, which is going to promote fencing. We’re gonna take care of four to eight kids a year and pay for their training.
    “Also, we’re gonna put on a couple competitions live next, actually, this year as well as next season on Facebook, NBC and Redbull TV.
    “So, think big. Fencing is never gonna be the same after I’m done with it. Exposure-wise, my goal is to get a million kids fencing. Also, just like bringing an audience to fencing.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I don’t want the same kids fencing, I want to mix where kids come from.
    “Rough backgrounds with kids who have privilege. I think that’s the way people grow and connect.”
    Chamley-Watson is going for gold at the 2024 Olympics More

  • in

    I’m a former F1 racer whose career ended after just one lap – it was nice to be a driver for the weekend

    ANDRE LOTTERER’S Formula One career lasted just one lap when his dream debut swiftly ended in a nightmare.The German was called up out of the blue in 2014 when Caterham decided to replace Kamui Kobayashi at the Belgian Grand Prix.
    Andre Lotterer’s F1 cameo lasted just a lapCredit: Getty
    He replaced Kamui Kobayashi in the CaterhamCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Lotterer thought his F1 career was never going to take off after becoming a test and reserve driver for Jaguar.
    But after winning three of the previous four Le Mans 24-hour titles, he was thrust onto the starting gird.
    Lotterer became the oldest F1 debutant in over 20 years, aged 32-years-old.
    However, his cameo did not go to plan despite finishing above team-mate Marcus Ericsson in qualifying.
    READ MORE IN F1
    Lotterer was forced to retire from the race, having completed only one lap due to a technical fault.
    He told the Daily Star: “I was happy. I did a good qualifying, was in front of my team-mate without testing anything, so it was good.
    “A fuse popped over the curb, so I only managed to last 1.9 laps. It was (frustrating), but it is like that sometimes.
    “I knew it was just going to be a one-off. They actually asked me to race in Monza the race after, then Abu Dhabi for the final, but I didn’t do it.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    “With my age and because I was racing with Audi at the time, being on the top of my game in endurance, it might sound weird, but I was not interested.
    “I knew there was no shot for me to go into a good team and I had no interest in being in a back-marker team just to be in F1.
    “It was nice to be an F1 driver for a weekend, but I was already established in endurance and knew I would not be able to be an F1 driver.”
    Lotterer has now moved to Formula E and he drives for Andretti. More