More stories

  • in

    F1 star Fernando Alonso flogging ultra-rare £3.5million Ferrari Enzo after Monaco GP success

    FERNANDO ALONSO is looking to cash in following his impressive Monaco GP finish.That’s by flogging his ultra-rare Ferrari Enzo, which could be set to fetch £3.5million at auction.
    F1 ace Fernando Alonso is set to sell his rare Ferrari Enzo at an auction in MonacoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs0iZ8Cor2q/
    The Spaniard finished second in Sunday’s Monaco GP behind Max VerstappenCredit: Alamy
    Spanish F1 star Alonso, 41, is enjoying a fine season with Aston Martin.
    He finished second in Sunday’s Monaco race behind champion Max Verstappen.
    And Alonso is now up to third in the driver standings, 24 points ahead of old foe Lewis Hamilton.
    He is now hoping for homecoming success at this weekend’s Spanish GP.
    READ MORE IN F1
    But Alonso, romantically linked with pop star Taylor Swift last month, will also be turning his sights to a major pay day at an auction house.
    The veteran racer has an epic collection of luxury cars, including a McLaren P1 and a Maserati GranCabrio.
    However, Alonso is now looking to get rid of one at an upcoming auction in Monaco on June 8 – specifically his ultra-rare Ferrari Enzo.
    Only 399 of the cars were ever made, with Alonso managing to get his hands on a 2011 version.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    It has clocked up just 2,982 miles, has a top speed of 218mph and can go from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds.
    Alonso could pocket a tasty sum for it, with an older 2003 Ferrari Enzo – which also had more miles on the clock – recently selling for £3.5m in Paris.

    A statement from Monaco Car Auctions confirmed: “This Enzo gathers several major particularities.
    “In addition to being ‘Scocca n.1’ as mentioned in its Ferrari Classiche certification, there’s only 4,800km on the clock and it belongs until now to Fernando Alonso.” More

  • in

    Ben Hunt: Red Bull CAN be ‘Invincibulls’ and win EVERY race this term as Verstappen turns F1 season into procession

    CHRISTIAN HORNER says there is no way his Red Bull team can win every race this season — but I’m not too sure.After Max Verstappen’s dominant win in the rain-hit Monaco GP on Sunday, I asked him whether he felt it was achievable to win all the remaining 16 races having already wrapped up the first six.
    Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen could win every single F1 race this seasonCredit: Rex
    “You are trying to get me to do an Arsene Wenger here aren’t you?” he replied, with reference to the former Arsenal manager, who guided the Gunners through the 2003-2004 Premier League season without a single defeat.
    Wenger’s side, whose record was 49  games  unbeaten, are known as ‘The Invincibles’.
    But Horner is definitely in with a great chance to make his own, shall we call them, ‘Invincibulls’.
    His point is that in F1 racing there is “so much jeopardy” — pointing to the weather in Monaco and highlighting that the “competition is so strong”.
    Read More on F1
    But really, Red Bull and 25-year-old driver Verstappen were a class above everyone else involved last weekend.
    Verstappen mastered qualifying, and while the rain did make some drama, he had pulled out such a huge gap over Fernando Alonso, it was not what you could call close.
    Where I do agree with the Red Bull boss is that Monaco needs changing if it wants to retain its place on the F1 calendar.
    Yes, there is all the history and it clearly appealed to the TikTok generation of ‘influencers’ who were chauffeured and ferried into the Principality with their mobiles at the ready.
    Most read in Motorsport
    But the reality is, with F1 having dull races in Azerbaijan and Miami in the two GPs before this, they needed to have some exciting racing, but there wasn’t any until the rain — and that was only due to human error.
    Horner said: “The problem we have is the cars are so big now that all venues have to evolve a little.
    “I think it would be great if there was just one area where we could create a bit of space for an overtake.
    “I’m sure with the creativeness there is, and the amount of land they’re reclaiming [from the sea around Monaco], there’s got to be the opportunity to squeeze in a bigger braking zone.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Verstappen could emulate Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles’ recordCredit: PA:Press Association
    “Maybe they can extend the circuit? If there is an opportunity to add another kilometre and a hairpin, that would be phenomenal.
    “It is something maybe to contemplate when you think of the next 20 years of Monaco. You don’t want to see it left behind.”
    I guess the same can be said about his rivals.

    CHEEKY Christian Horner pinched Toto Wolff’s electric scooter as the two battled through the crowds in Monaco.
    While the Mercedes boss was stopped for selfies, Red Bull supremo Horner seized the chance to nick his ride.

    WHILE the Monaco GP was in danger of being a dullard, the Indy 500 was a thriller – even if it was a bit like banger racing.
    There were crashes after crashes bringing out the red flags – I was wondering if it would ever end.
    Eventually Josef Newgarden was crowned the winner and clinched the first prize worth around £2.5 million.

    ORGANISERS of the Isle of Man TT race have introduced a new safety management system for this year’s race.
    Six riders were killed last year and changes have been made including digital red flags screens, more fast-response vehicles and a redesigned Race Control building.
    Practice for this year’s race kicked off yesterday and there will also be an additional Riders’ Briefing midway through qualifying week.
    Read More on The Sun
    CELEBRITY chef Wolfgang Puck has devised a menu for Aston Martin’s VIP guests.
    Fittingly, the Austrian-American honed his skills at Monaco’s prestigious Hotel des Paris, which overlooks the circuit. More

  • in

    F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2023: UK start time, TV channel, live stream and full schedule ahead of HUGE race in Barcelona

    MAX Verstappen triumphed in the Monaco Grand Prix, continuing Red Bull’s perfect F1 campaign.The Dutchman now has a whopping 39-point lead in the driver standings over his teammate Sergio Perez in second.
    Max Verstappen celebrates victory at the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: GETTY
    Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso came second in Monaco finishing 27.9 seconds behind the champion.
    Verstappen eased to victory in last year’s F1 Spanish Grand Prix, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Perez in second.
    Lewis Hamilton holds a joint record with Michael Schumacher, both claiming six victories in the prestigious race in Spain.
    When is the Spanish Grand Prix 2023?

    The Spanish Grand Prix 2023 will take place on Sunday, June 4th.
    The Grand Prix will start at 2pm BST.
    Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is the track.

    READ MORE IN F1
    What channel is the Spanish Grand Prix 2023 on and can it be live streamed?

    The Spanish Grand Prix 2023 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
    Sky Sports customers can live stream the race via the NOW app.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from Barcelona.

    What is the schedule?
    Here is the full schedule for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend:
    Friday, June 2:

    Practice 1: 12:30 – 13:30 BST
    Practice 2: 16:00-17:00 BST

    Most read in Motorsport
    Saturday, June 3:

    Practice 3: 11:30 – 12:30 BST
    Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00 BST

    Sunday, June 4:

    Spanish Grand Prix: 2pm BST

    What are the current F1 driver standings:

    Max Verstappen – Red Bull: 144pts
    Sergio Perez – Red Bull: 105pts
    Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin: 93pts
    Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes: 60pts
    George Russell – Mercedes: 50pts
    Carlos Sainz – Ferarri: 48pts
    Charles Leclerc – Ferrari: 42pts
    Lance Stroll – Aston Martin: 27pts
    Esteban Ocon – Alpine Renault: 21pts
    Pierre Gasly – Alpine Renault: 14pts
    Lando Norris – Mclaren: 12pts
    Nico Hulkenberg – Haas: 6pts
    Oscar Piastri – Mclaren: 5pts
    Valtteri Bottas – Alfa Romeo: 4pts
    Zhou Guanyu – Alfa Romeo: 2pts
    Yuki Tsunoda – AlphaTauri: 2pts
    Kevin Magnussen – Haas: 2pts
    Alexander Albon – Williams: 1pts
    Nyck De Vries – AlphaTauri: 0pts
    Logan Sargeant – Williams: 0pts More

  • in

    Indy 500 star Kyle Kirkwood in horror crash as car FLIPS OVER and wheel flies towards crowd in terrifying scenes

    AMERICAN racer Kyle Kirkwood suffered a horror crash at Indy 500 as his car flipped upside down. Kirkwood collided with Felix Rosenqvist with 16 laps to go, causing worrying scenes at Speedway.
    Kyle Kirkwood suffered a horror crash at Indy 500 as his car flipped upside downCredit: Reuters
    Kyle Kirkwood slides across the barrierCredit: Reuters

    A wheel flew off of Kirkwood’s car over the fence as his car flipped, sliding down the wall and onto the middle of the track – all while on his roof.
    The medical crew were quick out to get the Andretti Autosport racer out of his car.
    Thankfully, both drivers were responsive and seemingly okay following the scary coming together.
    And fans were quick to wish both well following replays of the crash.
    READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWS
    One said: “Glad that Kyle Kirkwood appears to be okay. Pleased that no one in the crowd was hurt by that flying tyre as well.”
    Another added: “Whoa!! Prayers up that Kyle Kirkwood is ok!”
    One tweeted: “Thank God Kyle Kirkwood got out of that car. What a wild ride.
    “I hope everyone in the crowd is OK. Terrifying to see a tire fly over the fence.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    Another wrote: “That was scary! I hope Kyle Kirkwood is going to be okay!”
    Following the huge crash, both Rosenqvist and Kirkwood were checked out at the infield care centre.
    Thankfully, Rosenqvist was able to walk away from the incident.
    Kirkwood waved to the crowd as he was stretchered away from the remains of his car.
    American racer Kyle KirkwoodCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Maria Sharapova, Orlando Bloom, Neymar and Kylie Minogue among celebrity royalty at star-studded Monaco GP

    NEYMAR, Maria Sharapova and Kylie Minogue were among the celebrities at a star-studded Monaco Grand Prix.A number of famous faces flocked to the iconic race to watch Max Verstappen pick up his fourth win of the season.
    From L-R, David Harbour, Christian Horner, Archie Madekwe, Orlando Bloom, Neymar, Maria Sharapova and Kylie Minogue pose for a photoCredit: Getty
    Spiderman star Tom Holland looked stylish in sunglasses and a green shirtCredit: Getty
    PSG ace Neymar did not have too far to travelCredit: Getty
    Kylie Minogue visited Red BullCredit: Getty
    Maria Sharapova and Orlando Bloom pose alongside Stefano DomenicaliCredit: Getty
    Football icon Neymar did not had to travel too far from his home in Paris, and he is one of several sporting stars in attendance.
    Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova paid a visit to the paddock and posed for a photo with actor Orlando Bloom and F1 Group CEO Stefano Domenicali.
    The ex-tennis star awarded Verstappen his prize for finishing in pole position on Saturday and looked a little unrecognisable with her brunette hair colour.
    Conor McGregor showed off his dance moves as he was escorted past fans by security.
    READ MORE IN F1
    While legendary singer Kylie Minogue checked out the Red Bull team and posed for a photo with staff members ahead of lights out.
    And cricket icon Chris Gayle oozed cool in a hat and sunglasses.
    Meanwhile Fifa chief Gianni Infantino was spotted chatting with FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem, and Neymar’s PSG team-mate Marco Verratti smiled for the camera alongside his partner Jessica Aidi.
    There was plenty of acting talent in the paddock too with Tom Holland seen with Red Bull chief Christian Horner before he waved the chequered flag.
    Most read in Motorsport
    Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones were in attendanceCredit: Rex
    Gianni Infantino and FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem have a chatCredit: Getty
    Chris Gayle looked classy in sunnies and a hatCredit: Getty
    Model Alessandra Ambrosio soaked up the Monaco sunCredit: Getty
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    He also posed for a photo with the Red Bull team and Neymar – some of whom struck a Spiderman pose given Holland’s Marvel connection.
    The pair were included in a star-studded photo alongside Minogue, Bloom, Sharapova, Horner, actor Archie Madekwe and David Harbour of Stranger Things fame.
    Chefs Tom Kerridge and Paul Ainsworth also posed for a snap with singer Beverley Knight while model Alessandra Ambrosio looked glam in the Monaco sun.
    World Cup 1998 winner Youri Djorkaeff also watched Verstappen pick up his second victory at Monaco, as did Hollywood royalty Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
    Marco Verratti and his partner Jessica Aidi also enjoyed the raceCredit: AP
    Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke to Martin BrundleCredit: Sky Sports More

  • in

    Max Verstappen strolls to Monaco GP win to continue F1 dominance as rain causes chaos and helps Hamilton finish fourth

    NOT even a sudden downpour could stop Max Verstappen’s Monaco masterclass.The Dutchman was simply sublime in the dry during Saturday’s qualifying as he snatched pole right at the death to deny Fernando Alonso.
    Max Verstappen breezed to yet another race win in 2023Credit: Getty
    Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon completed the podiumCredit: Getty
    Lewis Hamilton had a drama-free ride around Monte Carlo despite the rainCredit: AFP
    And he played it beautifully here on Sunday as he excelled in the dry and kept his nerve in the wet – albeit coming extremely close to barriers on numerous occasions.
    Verstappen now has won four of the opening six races and has amassed a whopping 39-point over his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez.
    It looked all so straightforward until a shower two-thirds into this race threatened to turn it on its head, but the world champion weathered the storm.
    Verstappen, who overtook Sebastian Vettel on to a record 39 race wins for Red Bull, said: “It was a difficult one. The rain was coming and we didn’t know what was going on with the tyres.
    READ MORE ON F1
    “It started to rain lap by lap a bit more and it was incredibly slippery. You don’t want to push too hard and you don’t want to lose too much time.
    “I hit the barriers a few times, but that’s Monaco. It is super-nice to win it in this way, in the weather and stay super-calm and bring it home.”
    Verstappen made a clean start and managed to remain ahead of Alonso, who came close to hitting the barriers at turn one.
    But his Red Bull team-mate Perez was not having so much fortune, starting dead last.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    The Mexican, who won this race last year to earn a new contract with the team, was caught up in a tangle with fellow backmarkers Nico Hulkenberg, Guanyu Zhou and Lance Stroll.
    Perez was forced to make a pitstop on lap one, dropping him further behind while Hulkenberg was hit with a five-second penalty for causing the mess.
    Carlos Sainz was next to make a mistake as he clattered into the back of Esteban Ocon while running in fourth place.
    The Spaniard locked up and lost part of his front wing after going to the Alpine driver.
    Out in front Verstappen was soon catching the backmarkers as he threaded his way through the congested streets like an on-the-clock food delivery driver.
    He was soon lapping his team-mate, who despite his best efforts was still languishing near the back.
    And so we settled in for the usual procession that sadly this once-thrilling spectacle can become.
    While Saturday’s qualifying session will remain the best of the season – as Verstappen and Alonso traded places with such mesmeric driving – Sunday’s race day has become somewhat tiresome and reliant upon some freak weather or an accident.
    First, the rain clouds moved away as they teased to help shuffle the order, but they did return to the Principality with a vengeance on Lap 52 of 78.
    The rain livened things up as drivers and teams panicked. Verstappen was noticeably agitated over the team’s radio.
    Verstappen was well clear and finished 27 seconds ahead of AlonsoCredit: AP
    Tom Holland and Neymar headed to the race as VIP guests of Red BullCredit: Getty
    Maria Sharapova and Orlando Bloom were also in Monte CarloCredit: Getty
    As he tiptoed his way around the wet track on slicks, incredibly Aston Martin called in Alonso and Stroll for new tyres at the end of lap 54 – but they bizarrely opted for new slicks.
    It was a terrible move and resulted in both drivers being forced to make another pit stop a lap later for intermediate tyres to cope with the standing water.
    It was the opposite for Mercedes, who played it smart and put both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on intermediates.
    Meanwhile, Verstappen was still on slicks and was forced to reduce his lap time after coming so close to striking the wall at Portier.
    It made it even more incredible that Aston had bungled their strategy as the Dutchman was a sitting duck – but only had Alonso been on the correct tyre.
    The rain continued to make things tricky while Verstappen eventually made it back to the pits for intermediate tyres.
    Sainz spun, Russell clattered into Perez, earning him a five-second penalty – and Stroll crashed out of the race.
    Read More on The Sun
    But Verstappen held his nerve and while Aston’s tyre mistake made it easier, he was able to come home in first place 27 seconds clear of Alonso.
    Ocon made it home in third and Hamilton managed to move up to fourth place ahead of Russell after Ferrari’s tyre strategy dropped Charles Leclerc to sixth.
    Verstappen could enjoy the stunning setting in the principality with his massive leadCredit: Getty
    The Dutchman led the drivers off from pole position ahead of Fernando AlonsoCredit: Getty
    Kevin Magnussen struggled to cope with the downpourCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Fans say ‘protect Martin Brundle at all costs’ after F1 presenter’s embarrassing gaffe while speaking to ex-Chelsea star

    FANS called for Martin Brundle to be “protected at all costs” after his latest hilarious blunder on the F1 grid walk.The Sky Sports F1 pundit did his famous stroll ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, stopping to speak to some famous celebrities along the way.
    Martin Brundle mistook Thibaut Courtois’ nationality at the Monaco Grand PrixCredit: Sky Sports
    But towards the end of his latest venture, he spoke to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
    However, he mixed up his nationality and asked how he was looking forward to watching Spanish ‘compatriots’ Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz in Monte Carlo.
    But Courtois has 101 caps for… Belgium.
    A hesitating Brundle said: “Thibaut, Martin Brundle, Sky F1, good to see you.
    READ MORE ON F1
    “As a Spaniard, you’ve got Fernando Alonso and the lovely Carlos Sainz.”
    However, the Champions League winner handled it well.
    Courtois replied: “Yes indeed. In Spain, we are rooting a lot for this 33rd victory of Fernando.
    “He has a good starting position today so let’s see what can happen.”
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Brundle then wrapped up and said: “Thank you very much.”
    But as he walked away, he added: “And of course, he’s Belgian not Spanish but anyway.”
    Fans watching on at home were loving the gaffe, though.
    One said: “Did Martin Brundle just call Thibaut Courtois a Spaniard? Please protect Brundle at all costs.”
    Another wrote: “Martin Brundle calling Thibaut Courtois Spanish perfectly sums up his grid walk.”
    A third added: “Martin Brundle mistakes Thibaut Courtois as being Spanish. Courtois is so polite he just goes along with it. Lovely stuff.”
    And a final user commented: “Martin Brundle calling Thibaut Courtois Spanish – this guy’s grid walks never fail to disappoint.”
    Earlier on, Brundle had chatted with Kylie Minogue, Orlando Bloom and Tom Kerridge.
    Read More on The Sun
    However, he got into an x-rated altercation with a Red Bull crew member, who told him he could not let Brundle walk past otherwise he would get into “f***ing s***” – forcing the host to apologise.
    That all came a day after fans joked he “pulled an 89-year-old” when he got chatting to a veteran photographer before qualifying.
    Brundle earlier got into a row with a Red Bull crew memberCredit: Sky Sports More

  • in

    Sky Sports’ F1 pundit Martin Brundle forced to apologise after Red Bull staff’s X-rated blast on live TV

    SKY SPORTS’ Martin Brundle was forced to apologise after a Red Bull crew member’s X-rated blast live on TV.The popular F1 pundit – who ‘pulled an 89-year-old’ yesterday – was doing his famous grid walk ahead of this afternoon’s Monaco Grand Prix.
    Martin Brundle was stopped in his tracks by a Red Bull crew memberCredit: Sky Sports
    A Sky producer told him they were live on airCredit: Sky Sports
    After already speaking to Kylie Minogue and then Orlando Bloom, Brundle tried to walk forwards.
    But the Red Bull staff blocked his path and stood in his way, ushering him away and shaking his head.

    The bloke, standing right in front of Neymar, Maria Sharapova and his boss Christian Horner, said: “No, no. I’m going to get in f***ing s***, dude.”
    A panicking Sky producer can then be heard repeating: “We’re live,” before putting his finger to his lips to signal for the crew member to be quiet and stop swearing.
    READ MORE ON F1
    Brundle then bundles past him and adds: “Yeah, sorry for the language there everybody,” before interviewing Horner.
    Incredibly, that was not the end of the drama for Brundle.
    Later on, he spoke to singer Beverley Knight and chef Tom Kerridge.
    But he then approached Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for a chat.
    Most read in Motorsport
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    A hesitating Brundle said: “Thibaut, Martin Brundle, Sky F1, good to see to you.
    “As a Spaniard, you’ve got Fernando Alonso and the lovely Carlos Sainz.”
    Except, the ex-Chelsea stopper is actually Belgian – not Spanish.
    However, the 101-cap star and Champions League winner handled it well.
    Courtois replied: “Yes indeed. In Spain, we are rooting a lot for this 33rd victory of Fernando.
    “He has a good starting position today so let’s see what can happen.”
    Brundle then wrapped up and said: “Thank you very much.”
    But as he walked away, he added: “And of course, he’s Belgian not Spanish but anyway.”
    The Red Bull staff member dropped two swear words live on airCredit: Sky Sports
    Brundle apologised and managed to speak to Christian HornerCredit: Sky Sports More