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      Fans hail ‘miracle’ as sickening F2 crash totally destroys one car and leaves another on its side but drivers walk away

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      THIS is the horrifying moment a huge crash occurred during a Formula Two race.With all drivers on the grid at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the lights went out to signal the start of the race.Kush Maini’s car did not get off the line and Pepe Marti went into the back of himCredit: X @SkySportsF1Marti’s car slid across the track on its sideCredit: X @SkySportsF1Debris covered the trackCredit: GettyMaini’s car was taken away destroyedCredit: GettyBut disaster struck for Kush Maini as his car failed to start, leaving him stationary on the track.A couple of drivers were able to swerve the Invicta Racing driver – but Pepe Marti was unable to avoid a collision.He smashed into the back of Maini and destroyed the back of his car.Marti was sent flying, with his vehicle flipping onto its side and sliding across the tarmac.READ MORE IN F1Debris covered the track and Oliver Goethe was also unable to continue after he was knocked against the wall as he tried to avoid a dangerous pile up.Fellow driver Isack Hadjar was heard panicked on the team radio, saying: “Oh my God, that was really bad.”Thankfully, F2 confirmed all three drivers were OK.And Goethe was seen speaking to a marshal straight after he climbed out his car.Most read in MotorsportFans have hailed how all managed to escape without an injury as a “miracle”.Others commented: “Such a scary incident, so grateful everyone is okay.”Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?And another added: “Thank goodness for the halo and a good chassis.”Analysing the crash, Sky Sports commentators said: “It is worst case scenario.”It’s always the drivers towards the rear of the field, they are doing a higher when you get there. Your reaction time is ever reduced as you go back through the rows of the grid.”Those in front use their great reaction times to dart out of the way. You’re unsighted until so late.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Lando Norris suffers huge dent to F1 world championship dream after qualifying shocking 17th for Azerbaijan GP

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      LANDO NORRIS suffered a shock exit in Q1 to put a major dent in his title hopes in Azerbaijan.The 24-year-old had to settle for P17 after he was knocked out of the first qualifying session in Baku due to a yellow flag coming out before he could finish his lap.Lando Norris was booted out in Q1 for the Azerbaijan GPCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc will star on pole ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos SainzCredit: AFPThe Brit is 62 points behind leader Max Verstappen in the F1 drivers’ championship.Meanwhile, McLaren are only eight points away from Red Bull in the F1 constructors’ title race.Norris said: “The lap was easily good enough but it was a yellow flag so I had to back off.”On potentially making up positions, he added: “I don’t think it’s as easy as that.READ MORE ON F1″Honestly following is pretty much impossible around here and overtaking is a lot worse than what everyone thinks.”I hope I’m wrong and I hope there are plenty of chances but I’m not expecting so, there are a lot of cars behind.“It’s very low downforce which is pretty much impossible to overtake, I’m not expecting a lot from 17th.”But we will put in a good plan tonight and do our best.”Most read in MotorsportBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesCharles Leclerc secured pole position in his Ferrari, fresh off the back of his win two weeks ago in Monza.McLaren may be thinking twice about their decision to prioritise Norris in his title fight as his team-mate Oscar Piastri secured second.The most shocking Silverstone scandals from spying to cheating and X rated displays🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Verstappen slumped into just sixth place, behind his team-mate Sergio Perez who came in fourth.Carlos Sainz finished third while George Russel was fifth and Lewis Hamilton came in seventh.It was a chaotic qualifying in Baku, with a member of the Williams pit crew leaving a cooling fan attached to Alex Albon’s car in Q3.Max Verstappen in conversation with Christian HornerCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton works his way around the streets of BakuCredit: GettyWill Smith popped in to see the Ferrari teamCredit: EPA More

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      ‘Wow’ – Lewis Hamilton laughs at bizarre claim from F1 rival Max Verstappen as he says ‘I don’t really know what to say’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON must have heard almost everything in F1.But even the seven-time world champ couldn’t contain himself when told of Max Verstappen’s verdict on the upcoming final third of the season.Lewis Hamilton appeared surprised by the comments of Max Verstappen, who is well clear of McLaren’s Lando Norris in the title raceCredit: GettyHamilton’s reaction to Verstappen’s verdict was clear to seeCredit: GettyRed Bull ace Verstappen has won the last three titles and leads this year’s Championship by 62 points from McLaren’s Lando Norris.But RB have spluttered in recent races amid performance issues.And McLaren have been closing the gap – leaving them just eight points behind Red Bull in the duel for the Constructors’ crown.However, Mercedes’ British star Hamilton was amused and bemused by Verstappen’s assessment ahead of Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.READ MORE TOP STORIESLast time out, at the Italian GP two weeks ago, Norris was third and his team-mate Oscar Piastri second – behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.In contrast, Verstappen was sixth, with fellow RB driver Sergio Perez a further two spots below him.The Dutchman, 26, responded at the time by claiming Red Bull’s title hopes were now “unrealistic”.And far from now backing down in Baku, he said: “If we perform like Monza, it’s not realistic. Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So we definitely need to be better than what we have been delivering lately, we know that. “If we can find a better balance with the car, then actually we’ll be more competitive. But if more competitive is enough, I don’t know.”The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramThose comments were put to Hamilton, who is out of contention in sixth place before he switches to Ferrari for next year.And the 39-year-old was clearly reeling after hearing his old foe’s judgement.At first he said: “He said it’s unrealistic for him to get one of the two titles? Wow.” Hamilton then burst into laughter and added: “I mean, that’s his opinion, that’s obviously what he’s feeling in that moment, but he’s pretty far ahead! “I don’t really know what to say about it.”Verstappen, however, could yet have plenty to say after Sunday’s race – and for positive reasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s because, despite his downbeat appraisal, he also let slip that Red Bull have discovered why their car has encountered problems.So if the team can fix those issues, their double title challenge could be “Baku on track” this weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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      Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?

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      LANDO NORRIS kept up his driving skills by driving a unique McLaren P1.The British driver will be hoping to close the gap to Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend.Lando Norris completed a unique stunt lap with McLarenCredit: The Mega AgencyNorris was seen driving a McLaren P1 around SilverstoneBut there was a shocking twist to the car’s makeupThe British driver was actually driving a to-scale McLaren P1 made of LEGOCredit: The Mega AgencyIn the meantime, Norris got back behind the wheel at Silverstone as he took out a McLaren P1 supercar, which can sell for around £800,000.However, the vehicle the 24-year-old drove out with had some strikingly different mechanics to a usual P1.The main difference being… it was made out of LEGO.Lego Technic recently launched a model of the McLaren P1 at a 1:8 scale as part of their sponsorship agreement with the car manufacturer.READ MORE IN F1But they have now outdone themselves after creating a to-scale version of the car.Indeed, only the electric battery, the tyres, seatbelt, steering wheel, and brakes are made of real parts, with the rest of the car being made with Lego bricks.Constructed in Czechia, the full-scale car features 342,000 Lego parts pulled from 393 different LEGO Technic elements.It weighs in at a staggering 1220kg overall – some 270kg lighter than the real-life P1 – and took 23 people 8,344 hours, or 347 days and 16 hours, of development.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTasks in the process included creating fully functional steering and integrated suspension to put into the car to make it driveable, while according to Planet F1, the exterior was made with extra rigidity in mind.In a video shared to McLaren’s YouTube channel, Norris was taken aback when first saw the car, admitting: ” Oh God, I’m nervous now.”F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? However, the two-time F1 race winner managed to complete a successful lap around the Silverstone circuit, with the battery able to take the car up to speeds of almost 40mph.Norris was pleasantly surprised by the car’s handling, saying: “It actually drives pretty good.”It felt like a car, the steering I thought was pretty good. Copse, I did it flat, the old wing mirrors flapped a little bit – I thought I should stay off the kerbs here! It’s mint.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁Lubor Zelinka, The LEGO Group’s Design Manager Specialist said: “It’s quite an accomplishment, I’m so proud that me and part of our team can be here – and it feels great. It’s just a beautiful sight.”We had great collaboration [with McLaren] throughout the whole thing, we had the full 3D digital package for the car, unprecedented access to their engineering team, some time on their computer actually simulating our assumptions and ideas about a drivetrain on the virtual Silverstone track.“Overall, they were a great partner, down to actually gifting us a set of wheels and tyres and other parts from the real P1 to accomplish this.”The car features 342,000 Lego partsCredit: The Mega AgencyNorris was surprisingly happy with the steeringCredit: The Mega AgencyOnly a handful of items of the car including the tyres were not made of LegoCredit: The Mega AgencyThe project took a team of 23 people more than 8,000 hours to developCredit: The Mega AgencySavage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT. More

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      When does Formula E Season 11 start? FULL calendar with 17 races taking place across 11 locations

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      THE 11th season of Formula E will get underway at the end of the year.It comes after a record-breaking campaign for the all-electric championship, which saw a huge surge in its global fanbase.The new Gen3 Evo race car will debut in Season 11Credit: Formula EIn 2023/24, Formula E had a 23% increase in its supporters worldwide, with an average of 374m for the season.Six races from the 10th season outperformed the most viewed S9 – that totalled 31m audiencePascal Wehrlein was the victor last term, topping the drivers’ championship standings with 198 points. The 29-year-old German was victorious in Mexico, Italy and Great Britain during S10.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTSeason 11 is set to be another thriller with a blend of permanent and built circuits offering an exciting challenge for the drivers.An electrifying new-look Formula E car, known as Gen3 Evo, will be in use for the next two seasons, debuting in S11.The Gen3 Evo will boast “acceleration 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car, and 36% faster than the current Gen3”.There is so much to look forward to ahead of the new Formula E season – and SunSport has all the information you need before S11 kicks off.Most read in MotorsportWhen does Formula E Season 11 start?Pre-season testing for Formula E Season 11 will take place over four days from Monday, November 4, to Thursday, November 7, in Valencia, Spain.This will be the first time teams will take to the track with their new Gen3 Evo race cars.Following pre-season testing, Season 11 will kick off in Sao Paulo on Saturday, December 7.Formula E Season 11 calendarHere is the provisional calendar for Season 11:R1 – Sao Paulo – Saturday, December 7R2 – Mexico City – Saturday, January 11R3 – Jeddah – Friday, February 14R4 – Jeddah – Saturday, February 15R5 – TBC – Saturday, March 8R6 – Miami – Saturday, April 12R7 – Monaco – Saturday, May 3R8 – Monaco – Sunday, May 4R9 – Tokyo – Saturday, May 17R10 – Tokyo – Sunday, May 18R11 – Shanghai – Saturday, May 31R12 – Shanghai – Sunday, June 1R13 – Jakarta – Saturday, June 21R14 – Berlin – Saturday, July 12R15 – Berlin – Sunday, July 13R16 – London – Saturday, July 26R17 – London – Sunday, July 27What’s been said?Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said: “For Season 11 we’re taking electric racing to the next level and doing things never been done before in motorsport. “Our world-leading GEN3 EVO will debut in front of hundreds of millions of fans around the globe, while adding two brand new locations and combinations of double-headers to grow our sport further.”The new and improved calendar offers a perfect blend of circuits for drivers to push their upgraded cars to the limit, while staying true to our street racing DNA and the on-track action it produces.” Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said: “We’re thrilled to offer a calendar with some fresh new highlights while building on our legacy locations. “Returning to Miami gives us a home in one of the US’s most iconic and sports-mad cities, while securing a double-header in Monaco is a dream come true.”We can’t wait to build on the success of Tokyo and deliver a double-header, while returning to Jakarta and entertaining our huge Indonesian fanbase too. “With 17 races across the season and our most advanced race car debuting on track, we’re offering our fans cutting-edge sport we could only have hoped for when founding the championship just over 10 years ago.”Marek Nawarecki, Director, FIA Circuit Sport Department, said: “The 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar features a range of circuits that will truly showcase the qualities of the brand new GEN3 EVO car, set to be introduced next season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m glad that Formula E capitalizes on the success of the Tokyo and Shanghai races whilst also returning to some of its iconic venues and retaining a good amount of street circuits, which is in its core DNA.”I’m also hopeful that this new season will again play host to some fascinating action on track.” More

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      Motocross rider, 17, killed in horror mid-race smash as devastated dad says ‘he lost his life doing what he loved best’

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      A TEENAGE motocross rider has been killed in a freak crash during a race.George Edwards, 17, was competing at the Mildenhall MX track, in Suffolk, when he came off his bike.George Edwards, 17, was killed in a motocross crashCredit: FacebookHis dad said George died ‘doing what he loved best’Credit: FacebookGeorge on his motocross bikeCredit: FacebookAir ambulance medics rushed to the scene but they were unable to save him and the young competitor was later pronounced dead.Tributes to George, from Basildon, Essex, were led by his devastated father, Russell Edwards.Posting on Facebook, Mr Edwards told friends: “This post comes with such sadness and heartbreak.”I can’t believe I’m even having to write this…but I lost my son George today at Mildenhall track.Read More Sport”No words can explain what I’m going through at the moment! I’m absolutely broken.”George was doing what he loved best, motocross riding, but sadly today that took his life.”Mr Edwards added: “Life just won’t be the same without you son.”To everyone reading this I appreciate your condolences but if I could just have some space/time to come to terms with such a massive loss.”Most read in MotorsportKeen angler George had come second in the last race he completed before he was killed.Police are treating the smash on Sunday as a tragic accident. It has been passed to the local council to investigate.Close pal Bill Cox led tributes to the young rider, posting online he would “hold onto” him “for the rest of his life.”He posted: “George you was a brother to me the times we had were never dull.”There was always happy laughter and brother I will never forget those times.”We have hundreds of photos and videos together, some make me p*** myself and some make me ball my eyes out.”But I’m happy to have those with me. This is not a goodbye this is a see you later. Love you kid.”Hundreds of pals gathered at Luncies Park in Basildon to release balloons and fireworks in memory of George, who was due to turn 18 next month.In a statement posted online Mildenhall MX confirmed the death, citing it as the third in living memory – and the second in three years.Organisers wrote: “It is with a heavy heart I feel I need to post on our Facebook page as no doubt people talk and word gets round quickly.”Today we had a fatality. We feel absolutely devastated as this kind of incident is very rare at Mildenhall Moto cross track .”Stuart Nunn encountered one back in the day (the first day he opened) and I had a fatality in April 2021.”For a track who plays host to thousands of riders every year we are one of the safest tracks in the country operating four days a week.”We have already been seen by the authority’s that we are as safe as possibly can be.”It does not make it any easier and this accident was something we could not prevent.”The race boss said he “worked hard” with medics to try and save George – but were unable to stop him slipping away.The post continued: “It is something that we know can happen and hope it never does.”As you can imagine we are all deeply affected by this and my team stepped up.”I will be dealing with all the formalities which are necessary but tough.”I never have tried as I did so to avoid a post like this and would appreciate people not ringing with questions.”The track closed as a mark of respect for two days.Sadie King from George’s motocross club, said: “Our thoughts are with the family & friends of George, who sadly lost his life at Mildenhall last weekend.”George rode with SMX many times & recently came 2nd overall in the Tony Ford 2stroke Challenge. Rest in peace young man.”Mid Sussex Motocross Club said: “As a club we would like say how saddened we was to hear the awful news of the tragic accident that happened at Mildenhall Mx yesterday.”We would like to send out our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the rider that sadly lost his life.”Our thoughts are with you all and the people that was there that offered their help and assistance at such an awful time.”We are all more than aware of the risks involved in our great sport but pray that these incidents don’t ever happen. Ride in peace George.”The Kickstart MX track, near George’s home, said: “Can’t believe this has happened today.”It is with great sadness to hear that one of the lads, George Edwards, a member at our track lost his life at Mildenhall Mx today.”He was a great lad always helping us at our track with his dad Russell Edwards. “He will be greatly missed by us all at our club our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family at such a hard time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEast Anglia Air Ambulance and Suffolk Police both confirmed they attended the scene.A spokesman for Mildenhall Motocross declined to comment. More

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      Sky Sports forced into major broadcast change with F1 legend to miss Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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      SKY SPORTS have been forced into a big change for the next Grand Prix in Azerbaijan because of a wedding.Commentator David Croft got married to Laura Bradley last week in France.David Croft is set to miss the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after getting marriedCredit: AlamyCroft and wife Laura got wed in France last weekCredit: instagram @bylauracroftThe pair got engaged on Christmas Day last year with fellow Sky Sports co-commentator Karun Chandhok in attendance at the wedding alongside former F1 world champion Damon Hill.Croft is now on his honeymoon so will miss the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on Sunday.He will replaced by Harry Benjamin, who also stood in for Croft when he missed the race at Imola and the Austrian Grand Prix.Back in February, Croft announced that he would be reducing his workload this season by missing three races.READ MORE IN F1He said: “It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger.“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!“But I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race.“I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAdrian Newey to Aston Martin a big coupBy Isabelle BarkerAston Martin have snapped up F1 guru Adrian Newey as managing technical director.He has signed a lucrative deal having earned a formidable reputation in F1.Newey is the most successful designer of the modern era with 12 drivers’ championships and 13 constructors’ titles to his name.Aston Martin chief Lawrence Stroll believes Newey is what is needed to turn his team into title contenders within a couple of years.That’s because Newey, an aerodynamicist by trade, has the Midas touch when it comes to F1 teams, delivering success almost everywhere he has gone.He made his mark when he was recruited by Williams in the early 1990s before they went on a run of utter dominance.Newey then switched to McLaren in 1998, delivering with a car once again with Mika Hakkinen going on to win the title, as did the team.History repeated itself at Red Bull when under Newey’s technical leadership they became truly competitive in 2009 as the RB5 proved the outright quickest car and delivered four titles from 2010-14.Newey delivered another title-capable car in 2021 with Verstappen and Red Bull dominating until this current season.In 2023 the Dutch driver and Red Bull produced the most dominant season in F1 history, with 19 wins for Verstappen and 21 for the team out of 22 grands prix.His replacement Benjamin provides F1 coverage for BBC Radio 5 Live.He also has experience covering Formula 2 and Formula 3 races.Lando Norris splits from model Margarida Corceiro after a year of dating More

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      Why isn’t David Croft commentating at the F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend?

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      FORMULA 1 is back this weekend with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – but legend David Croft won’t be in the commentary booth.Known as the voice of F1 on Sky Sports, Croft has been a mainstay of the channel’s commentary for over a decade.David Croft has been with Sky Sports since 2011Credit: HandoutBut this weekend, he will be missing from the Baku City Circuit.Why isn’t David Croft commentating?Back in February, Croft announced that he would be reducing his workload this season by missing three races.The Sky Sports icon has missed the Imola Grand Prix and the Austrian Gran Prix this season and will now be absent for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after he got married earlier this month.Croft will be on his honeymoon when F1 returns to the Baku City Circuit this weekend.Earlier this year, the commentator spoke to the Independent, he said: “It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger.“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!“But I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race.“I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”Most read in MotorsportIn Croft’s absence, Harry Benjamin, who works for BBC Radio 5 Live on their F1 coverage, has stepped in to commentate.Benjamin has also done commentary work on Formula 2 and Formula 3 races. More