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    Carlos Sainz breaks little-known F1 rule straight after winning Australian GP as star brushes off race official

    CARLOS SAINZ broke a little-known F1 rule after winning the Australian Grand Prix.The Spanish driver took the chequered flag on his return to the track in Melbourne on Sunday.Carlos Sainz broke a little-known F1 rule after winning the Australian Grand PrixCredit: GettyAfter the race, Sainz celebrated by throwing his gloves into the paddock as he jumped into his Ferrari crew.He also appeared to brush off a race official attempting to direct him towards the weigh-in station.F1 rules require drivers to weigh in with their gear on before and after races to insure they do not breach the minimum weight threshold of 80kg.The rule is in place for safety and fairness reasons.READ MORE IN SPORTHowever, Sainz was not punished for throwing away his gloves.Martin Brundle noticed the rule breach on Sky Sports as he questioned whether it was within FIA regulations.Lead commentator David Croft said: “I’m not technically sure that is allowed but who cares.”Brundle added: “You’re not really supposed to go near your team unless (sic) somebody slips a spanner in your pocket or something, a bit of extra weight.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSainz claimed victory in Melbourne ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, with Lando Norris finishing third.His win is the first non-Red Bull victory of 2024 after Max Verstappen was forced to retire with a brake issue.The chase for glory: Inside the world of F1 reserve driversSainz returned to the grid after being forced out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with appendicitis.He had been replaced on the grid by 18-year-old Oliver Bearman whilst he underwent surgery. More

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    Fernando Alonso demoted to eighth place and slapped with 20-second penalty over ‘potentially dangerous’ driving

    FERNANDO ALONSO has been handed a 20-second penalty for “potentially dangerous” driving at the Australian Grand Prix.The Spaniard was charged over an incident moments before George Russell crashed out on the final lap.Fernando Alonso has been hit with a 20-second penalty for ‘potentially dangerous’ drivingCredit: RexAlonso was charged for an incident in the lead up to George Russell’s crashCredit: AFPAlonso drops from sixth to eighth as a result of the penalty, falling behind team-mate Lance Stroll and Yuki Tsunoda.Russell had been hunting him down on fresher tyres before losing control and crashing into the barriers.The crash occurred as Alonso approached the turn 6/7 complex on the final lap.Speaking after the race, Russell said: “I really don’t know what happened, to be honest.READ MORE IN SPORT”I was half a second behind Fernando on the entry of the corner and then suddenly, before the apex, I was right on his gearbox and lost the car, ran wide.”Alonso has also had three penalty points added to his licence alongside the 20-second penalty.The stewards report reads: “Did he (Alonso) choose to do something, with whatever intent, that was extraordinary, lifting, braking, downshifting and all the other elements of the manoeuvre over 100m earlier than previously? – yes by his own account of the incident he did.”And in the opinion of the stewards by doing these things, he drove in a manner that was at very least ‘potentially dangerous’ given the very high speed nature of that point of the track.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFerrari’s Carlos Sainz claimed victory in Melbourne in a one-two with team-mate Charles Leclerc.Lando Norris completed the podium by finishing third for McLaren.F1 stars arrive at Australian Grand Prix in style as Oscar Piastri rocks up in £400,000 outfitThe F1 season continues with the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on April 7. More

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    The worst start to a season I’ve ever had – Lewis Hamilton furious as final season at Mercedes starts disastrously

    LEWIS HAMILTON retired from the Australian GP with an engine failure and declared the opening three races as his “worst start” to a season.The 39-year-old lasted just 15 laps before he pulled over when his power unit shut down.Lewis Hamilton claims he’s undergoing the worst start to a season he’s ever hadCredit: SplashHamilton retired from the Australian Grand Prix with an engine failureCredit: RexHis DNF comes after a seventh-place finish in Bahrain and he was a lowly ninth in Saudi Arabia.On Friday, he declared that Mercedes’ latest pig off the production line “messes with the mind” due to its poor performance.Hamilton has decided to ditch Mercedes and move to Ferrari as he believes the Italian team will present him with the best opportunity to win titles again.And while he wants to go out with a bang with Mercedes, his latest set-back means he is down in ninth place in the drivers’ championship.Read More on F1He said: “This is the worst start to a season I’ve ever had.”When asked if it has been worse than 2022 and 2023 where he went winless, not helped by two poorly-designed cars, Hamilton added: “Oh, yeah, for sure.”Surprisingly I feel pretty good. I think I’m trying to keep things in perspective, you know?”It could be so much worse, I’m really grateful and have really enjoyed my time in Australia.Most read in Motorsport”I’m still enjoying working with the team, of course I’d love to be fighting for wins and finishing races.”It’s never a great feeling when you come all this way and don’t even see half of the race, but what I know is that we will bounce back and will get there, we just have to chip away at it.Inside the top secret Mercedes facility that Lewis Hamilton uses before every F1 race and is adapted to every track “I think it’s tough on the spirit for everyone in the team, when so much work is going on throughout the winter for everybody, you come in excited, motivated and driven, and then you’re with the mindset that you’re going to be fighting for wins.”And then obviously that’s not the case. And then you’re like, ‘Okay, maybe second, third’.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”No, it’s not the case, and it cascades a bit further down. And you just go through the motions. It’s challenging.”But I continue to be inspired by the people I’ve worked with. They continue to put in the effort and show up and that’s the most important thing.”Meanwhile, Hamilton’s teammate George Russell crashed on the final lap after swerving to avoid Fernando Alonso.The accident left Russell’s car on the side in the middle of the track and him calling for the race to be stopped.Both drivers were hauled to see the stewards, who penalised Alonso for “potentially dangerous driving” by lifting off the throttle.The two-time world champion escaped with an incredibly lenient penalty of having 20 seconds added to his total time, dropping him just two places to eighth.George Russell accidentSpeaking before the stewards’ verdict, Russell said: “I’m not going to accuse him of anything until we see further.”I was right behind him for many, many laps. I was half a second behind him before the corner”Then, suddenly he slowed up dramatically and got back on the power. I wasn’t expecting it and he caught me by surprise.”Alonso later added that he felt the penalty was unfair.He said: “In the closing laps, George caught me quickly. I knew that he was coming, then he was in DRS range for five or six laps, so I was just doing qualifying laps to stay ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I wanted to maximise my exit speed from turn six to defend against him. That’s what any racing driver would do, and I didn’t feel it was dangerous.”It’s disappointing to get a penalty from the stewards for what was hard but fair racing. Still, I’m glad that George is okay. It was not nice to see his car in the middle of the track.” More

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    I’m a record-breaking F1 star but my parents nearly bought a carpet instead of my first-ever go-kart

    FORMULA ONE’S newest sensation could be doing something very different if his parents had bought a new carpet instead of a go-kart.The 18-year-old Oliver Bearman produced a brilliant performance to finish seventh in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last weekend.Oliver Bearman made history with his exploits for Ferrari in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyHe might never have got that moment if his parents bought a carpet instead of a go-kartCredit: SplashBearman’s abilities were evident from a young age as Ferrari snapped him up to their academyCredit: AlamyHis parents opted to buy him a go-kart in 2011 over getting a new carpetCredit: AlamyRecord-breaking Bearman’s moment in the spotlight came after he got the call to be a replacement for Carlos Sainz in Saudi as the star underwent surgery for appendicitis.The Ferrari prodigy became the youngest Brit to ever race in F1 and is the third youngest driver ever.Bearman managed to place in front of compatriots Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris as well as Nico Hulkenberg – who he was involved in an awkward moment with afterwards.Bearman’s passion for motors came from his father, David, who had raced at club level and quickly became a “nerd” and able to identify every make and model of car on the road at a young age.READ MORE ON F1The boy racer’s dad told The Times: “I’d have been able to name every single car on the road.“I was a bit of a nerd with that. At home, I had a bunch of model cars. A lot of kids have their thing, mine was model cars.“I had a Bentley, a Ferrari, a jeep. I had my own little world there. Once I’d got my first kart, I just couldn’t wait to go racing.”However, things could have turned out very differently had David and mum Terri opted for a new carpet instead of getting their lad a go-kart at Christmas in 2011.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHis father explained: “We had some old lino that I absolutely hated.“We were either getting the carpet for Christmas or the go-kart.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi Arabia“We scraped together the £1,500 for the go-kart and knew it was worth it the first time he jumped in; he just had a beaming smile all over his face.”The long hours of travelling and racing at weekends for the Bearmans paid off when he joined Ferrari’s driver academy at the age of 16 and quit school against his mother’s wishes and moved to Modena — close to Ferrari’s headquarters in northern Italy.In 2023, he came sixth in the Formula Two championship.Bearman has since been tipped as a future star after he was snapped up as part of Ferrari’s young driver scheme.His road to the top began in 2021 as he won the F4 series in both Italy and Germany and then, after moving up to F3, the teen sensation finished in third and was promoted to F2 in 2023 with Prema Racing.He featured in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi practice sessions with Haas during the 2023 season before his big moment last weekend.Sainz is expected to return to his seat for the Australian Grand Prix later this month but Bearman remains on standby in case he is needed to fill in again.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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    George Russell has MASSIVE crash at Australian Grand Prix after Alonso duel as race chiefs set to launch investigation

    GEORGE RUSSELL walked away from a huge crash in the Australian Grand Prix unscathed after a dangerous duel with Fernando Alonso.The Mercedes star was sent skidding through the gravel and crashed into the barrier in the final lap of the Melbourne race as he chased down the F1 legend.George Russell crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix in the final lapCredit: AFPThe Brit skidded through the gravel after a high-speed duel with Fernando AlonsoCredit: AFPThe Mercedes star ended up crashing into the barrierCredit: GETTYRussell, thankfully, walked away from the crash without any injuriesCredit: AFPRussell’s car – which left a slew of debris on the track – was left on its side at turns six and seven.F1 fans feared for Russell after the crash but the Brit quickly allayed those concerns in his immediate communication with his team.”I am OK,” he told his Mercedes team via his radio.The crash resulted in the remainder of the race being completed with a safety car.The FIA are set to launch an investigation into the crash due to the suggestion that Alonso could have break-tested the Brit.And Russell believes it was “clear” the Spaniard braked 100 metres before the dangerous turn.He said of the incident: “I mean, my take is I’ve gone off and that’s on me.“But, I was half a second behind Fernando 100 metres before the corner and suddenly he came towards me extremely quick.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRace chiefs are set to launch an investigation into the crashCredit: AFP“I was right on his gearbox. I don’t know if he’s got a problem or not.“We’re off to the stewards so that’s a bit bizarre in a circumstance like this.The chase for glory: Inside the world of F1 reserve drivers“I got nothing more to say right now, I need to see everything. I’m just disappointed to end the race like that.”He added: “Well, it’s clear that he brakes 100 metres before the corner and then went back on the throttle again and took the corner normally.“We’ve already seen the data of that so I’m not going to accuse him of anything until we’ve seen further.”But, you know, I was right behind him for many, many laps, I was half a second behind him approaching the corner and then suddenly, he slowed up very dramatically and got back from the power.“I wasn’t expecting that and caught me by surprise. “So that part’s on me, but it’s interesting that we’ve been called to the stewards so intrigued to see what is said.”Russell and Alonso weren’t the only drivers enveloped in drama in the race Down Under. Defending champion Max Verstappen saw his bid to equal his record of ten consecutive wins go up in smoke when his rear break CAUGHT FIRE in the third lap and forced him to retire.Carlos Sainz won the Australian Grand PrixCredit: GETTYHis retirement paved the way for returning Ferrari star Carlos Sainz to win the race. The Spaniard said: “It was a really good race. I felt really good out there.”Of course a bit stiff and especially physically it wasn’t the easiest. “But I was lucky I was more or less on my own and I could manage my pace, my tyres, manage everything, and it wasn’t the toughest race of all.”But very happy, very proud of the team, and happy to be in a one-two with Charles [Leclerc]. “It shows that hard work pays off and life sometimes is crazy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What happened at the beginning of the year, then the podium in Bahrain, then the appendix, the comeback, the win…it’s a rollercoaster. “But I loved it and I’m extremely happy. will recommend all the drivers to take [their appendix] out this winter!” More

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    Max Verstappen forced to retire from Australian Grand Prix after car CATCHES FIRE as Carlos Sainz races to victory

    CARLOS SAINZ recovered from appendicitis to win the Australian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen retired with a brake failure.The Spanish driver was forced to miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and was replaced by British driver Oliver Bearman in Jeddah.Max Verstappen started the Aussie Grand Prix on poleCredit: GETTYBut the defending champion was forced to retire in the third roundCredit: RexVerstappen’s rear break caught fireHis Red Bull was enveloped by smokeCredit: APHowever, despite undergoing surgery just 16 days ago, Sainz was in position to capitalise on a rare retirement from the reigning world champion.Sainz, 29, scored his third win of the season and boosts his chances of earning a seat on the grid in 2025 after Ferrari decided to replace him with Lewis Hamilton, who was forced out of the race with an engine issue.Sainz, who later pointed out he is ‘still jobless for next year’ said: “It was a really good race. I felt really good out there.”Of course a bit stiff and especially physically it wasn’t the easiest but I was lucky I was more or less on my own and I could manage my pace, my tyres, manage everything, and it wasn’t the toughest race of all.READ MORE IN F1″But very happy, very proud of the team, and happy to be in a one-two with Charles [Leclerc]. “It shows that hard work pays off and life sometimes is crazy.”What happened at the beginning of the year, then the podium in Bahrain, then the appendix, the comeback, the win…it’s a rollercoaster. “But I loved it and I’m extremely happy.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarlos Sainz celebrates winning the Australian Grand PrixCredit: Getty”I will recommend all the drivers to take [their appendix] out this winter!”Verstappen had started on pole but was passed by Sainz on the second lap as the Dutchman was unable to pull away in his usual manner.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsAnd on the third lap, Verstappen was in trouble with smoke coming from his rear right brake.His bid for a record 10th straight win ended when he was forced to retire.He said: “What we can see so far from the data is that as soon as the lights went off the right-rear brake just stuck on.”It just caused the damage and it kept on increasing so it was also basically driving with the handbrake on.”That’s why the car felt really weird to drive in some corners, just very snappy, while the laps to the grid the car was really spot on and I was happy with what we were doing.”But if a brake is stuck on it doesn’t help.”Verstappen’s DNF allowed Norris to take the final spot on the podium ahead of his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri.Norris said: “It was a very good day for us. I’m very happy and proud of the team because P3 and P4 is a lot of points in the championship. So that’s the first thing.”We missed out on [second place to] Charles, I think our pace was a little bit better.”But Ferrari and Carlos did a very good job, so hats off to them, they’ve been fast all weekend.Mercedes’ George Russell had a huge crash on the final lap after making contact with Fernando AlonsoCredit: AFPLewis Hamilton was forced to retire on lap 17 after his engine shut downCredit: Reuters”I felt good, I could manage the tyres very well today, it was a good step. “Probably wasn’t expecting to be on the podium so I’m very happy.”However, it was a miserable race for Mercedes as both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell retired.Hamilton retired on lap 17 when he pulled over when his engine shut down and was left in no uncertain terms as to the poor start he has made to the season.He said: “I mean, this is the worst start to season I’ve ever had. “Surprisingly, I feel pretty good. I’m trying to keep things in perspective, you know, this like, could be so much worse.”I’m really grateful. I’ve really enjoyed my time here in Australia, I’m still enjoying working with a team. “Of course, I’d love to be fighting for wins and actually finishing races.”It’s never a great feeling when you come all this way, and you don’t see even half of the race, but what I know is that we will bounce back, we will eventually get there, we just have to continue to chip away.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Russell had a big crash on the final lap when he made contact with Fernando Alonso.The clash is now the subject of an FIA investigation with suspicions that Alonso had brake-tested the Brit. More

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    Lewis Hamilton joins celeb dating app Raya after splitting from Brazilian model Juliana Nalu

    LEWIS HAMILTON has joined celeb dating app Raya after splitting from Brazilian model Juliana Nalu.The seven-times F1 champ, 39, who competes in today’s Australian Grand Prix, set his profile to “visiting Melbourne from Monaco” while he’s in Oz.Lewis Hamilton and supermodel Juliana Nalu are no longer datingCredit: Twitter/@fastpitstopJuliana Nalu dated Kanye West before being linked romantically to HamiltonCredit: InstagramLewis, who previously dated Shakira and Nicole Scherzinger, also set his profile song to Drake’s Search & Rescue and his occupation as “travel”.He and Juliana were spotted partying in Brazil for a pre-New Year’s Eve bash.Hamilton became an honorary citizen of Brazil in November last year.Rio de Janeiro-born Juliana previously dated Kanye West for two months before splitting in December 2022.READ MORE LEWIS HAMILTONLast year she made an appearance at the Miami Grand Prix paddock in where Hamilton was competing.Hamilton starts 11th on the grid at the Australian Grand Prix, behind Brit teammate George Russell once again.He said: “George is doing a better job with our car, three qualifyings in a row that he’s out-qualified me. He just seems to get on a lot better than I do.”Inside the top secret Mercedes facility that Lewis Hamilton uses before every F1 race and is adapted to every track Following his split from Juliana, Hamilton updated his profile on celeb dating app RayaCredit: InstagramThe F1 superstar is in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Grand PrixCredit: Getty More

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    Ollie Bearman, 18, suffers horror return to F2 as Ferrari reserve hit with two penalty points on F1 superlicence

    OLLIE BEARMAN suffered a nightmare return to Formula 2 as he was slapped with a points penalty. The Ferrari reserve driver was promoted to the F1 earlier in March to deputise for Carlos Sainz. Ollie Bearman was docked points after the F2 sprint race in AustraliaCredit: GettyThe 18-year-old Essex star performed superbly, crossing the line in seventh to secure six points on his debut. However, he headed back to racing for Prema in F2 this weekend with Sainz recovered from appendicitis surgery. Bearman put in an impressive drive in the Australian sprint race, rising from starting 16th to cross the line in eighth. However, after the race, the teenager was docked with a brutal ten-second penalty.READ MORE ON SPORTThat is because Bearman forced rival Joshua Durksen off the track at turn four, sending the Paraguayan-German driver into the gravel. And that saw the Brit plummet down to 14th, wiping out Bearman’s first F2 point of the season as he remains on zero – alongside three other of the 22 drivers – as he eyes a seat in F1 for 2025. He was also hit with two penalty points on his super licence. Sprint race winner and Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar was also slapped with bad news after the chequered flag. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHadjar finished first but dropped to sixth after being judged to have caused a crash at the start. There was more drama at Albert Park on Saturday as former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Dokic needed medical treatment from a paramedic.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi ArabiaThe ex-tennis star was watching the F1 Grand Prix qualifying when Fernando Alonso went into the gravel.That sent debris flying into the crowd and catching Dokic in the eye in a freak injury. Max Verstappen secured pole for Sunday’s race with Sainz joining him on the front row.Lewis Hamilton struggled, though, and will begin from 11th on the grid.Bearman crossed the line in eighth but was knocked down to 14thCredit: AlamyJelena Dokic needed medical assistance after debris flew into her eyeCredit: Instagram / @dokic_jelena More