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      Terrifying moment race car bursts into flame after rival smashes into it in 125mph horror crash as stewards flee

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      THIS is the terrifying moment a race car bursts into flame after a 125mph horror crash.The shocking incident, in which all three drivers involved walked away okay, occurred during the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium on Saturday.Christian Hook and Nicolas Baert hit each other as they battled for positionThe incident left both cars stranded on the trackBut Christian Hook was unable to guide his car off the roadAnd Porsche driver Adrian D’Silva smashed into himThe shunt sent Hook’s car towards the wall and set the rear on fireThe car burst into flames but Hook miraculously walked away unharmedDuring the fourth hour of the race, Aston Martin driver Nicolas Baert and Ferrari’s Christian Hook made contact before they went to head up the Eau Rouge hill climb.The collision left both cars disabled, but while Baert was able to navigate his car on to grass by the side of the road, Hook was unable to do the same and was left stranded in the middle of the track.Race officials waved yellow flags to warn drivers about the stricken Ferrari in the middle of the track.Many drivers did not slow down but just about managed to dodge Hook.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTHowever, possibly due to being unsighted by the cars ahead, Porsche driver Adrian D’Silva was unable to dodge the car and triggered a violent smash up at more than 125mph.The collision saw Hook’s car shoot off to towards the wall to the left before smashing into it and bursting into flames at the rear, which left stewards fleeing from the crash site.Fortunately, medical staff confirmed all three-drivers involved in the crashes were okay.The flames were quickly extinguished before Hook was extracted by the medical team.Most read in MotorsportD’Silva was able to exit his car unaided despite the entire front-right corner now missing.The debris from the incident saw race control bring the field under a safety car and drive down the pit lane while it was picked up, which took 20 minutes to complete.Sky Sports legend Martin Brundle’s marriage in crisis as he spends time apart from wife after they hit ‘rocky patch’All three cars involved retired from the race.Hook’s team-mate David Perel took to social media to update fans, saying: “Our car, #333, was involved in a massive crash. Luckily my team-mate is ok. “Incredible that he got out the car unhurt. Sad to be out of the race so early but man am I relieved Hook is fine. That was big.”D’Silva’s Earl Bomber Motorsport team announced: “Unfortunately it’s an early retirement for us in the 24 Hours of Spa.” The Australian racing outfit added: “Adrian is okay after an incident around the 4-hour mark.”The race will end at around 3:30pm UK time.Formula One will visit the Spa track at the end of July, with the race taking place on July 28.Hook’s team-mate said it was ‘incredible’ he emerged unhurtThe terrifying crash happened at a speed of more than 125pmh More

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      Sky Sports legend Martin Brundle’s marriage in crisis as he spends time apart from wife after they hit ‘rocky patch’

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      TELLY’S Grand Prix star Martin Brundle has been hit by a marriage crisis.The Sky Sports F1 pundit and former racing driver, 65, is spending time apart from his wife of almost 40 years.Martin Brundle and wife Liz’s marriage is in crisisCredit: GettyMartin Brundle is a former F1 driver, and has an estimated wealth of £83.6mCredit: GettyPundit Martin Brundle and college sweetheart Liz, who have been married for nearly 40 yearsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe news comes after he made public comments on the Christian Horner sexting scandal, saying “mud sticks” and it was “a damaging story” for the Red Bull team chief.Brundle married college sweetheart Liz in the 1980s and they live together in a mansion in a Norfolk village, near his home town of King’s Lynn.A source said yesterday: “Martin and Liz are going through a rocky patch. He’s been away a lot recently and she’s not seen much of him. Things aren’t going well for them.”Speaking from her home, Liz told The Sun on Sunday: “We are spending some time apart but we are married and together.”READ MORE ON F1This weekend, Brundle was working at the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg.He met Liz while they were students in King’s Lynn. They have two children, Alex, 33, and Charlie, 36.Alex followed in his father’s footsteps and has a racing career. He has completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans race — which his dad won in 1990. Charlie works for McLaren Automotive.Most read in MotorsportEx-McLaren ace Brundle continues to be a household name thanks to his pre-race grid walk interviews.He has become a master of pushing his way to the front over the years, securing chats with the likes of David Beckham, Ed Sheeran, Will Smith, Michael Douglas, Kylie Minogue and Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson.In February, during Red Bull’s probe into team boss Horner’s behaviour, Brundle said: “Christian Horner has been pivotal to Red Bull’s success. ‘I’m in charge round here’ – F1 reporter Martin Brundle brushes off security to get to Mbappe for live TV interview“I know absolutely nothing about the current situation. I’m as confused as anybody else in Formula One.”But following Red Bull dismissing the complaint against Horner with a short statement, Brundle added: “I think the problem of making no comment whatsoever on what may or may not have happened is that mud sticks.“It’s a global story. I think it’s been a damaging story for Christian and Red Bull and all of Formula One.”Martin Brundle interviews Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson on the gridCredit: GettyRed Bull team boss Horner and wife Geri HalliwellCredit: The Mega AgencyHorner was supported by his wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.Brundle was considered one of the best F1 drivers to have never won a Grand Prix, securing numerous podium finishes in inferior cars.He was the World Sportscar Championship winner in 1988 and won the 24 Hours of Daytona challenge the same year. He has commentated for ITV, BBC and Sky Sports.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrundle won the Royal Television Society award for best sports pundit in 1998, 1999, 2005 and 2006 and has amassed an estimated £83.6million.This week, The Sun revealed how the telly commentator is set to make an appearance in Brad Pitt’s new racing film Apex. Brundle’s agent was approached for comment. More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad reignites Christian Horner feud as he makes shock ‘sabotage’ claims against Red Bull F1 chief

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER and Jos Verstappen reignited their bitter feud yesterday.Red Bull’s boss and the dad of Max Verstappen, 26, were at war again over Jos claiming Horner sabotaged his plans to drive in this weekend’s Legends Parade.Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s row with Jos Verstappen shows no sign of endingCredit: GettyLivid Jos slammed “childish” Horner saying he is “completely done” with him as he attended his first race since Monaco over a month ago.Horner claimed he did NOT block the plans, with Jos due to drive the RB8 in a show lap of several historic cars at the Red Bull ring tomorrow.The duo first locked horns in a fiery season opener in Bahrain after a female colleague of Horner made a complaint against him of inappropriate behaviour.But 50-year-old Horner, who denied the accusations, was cleared of the allegations after a private independent investigation.READ MORE F1 NEWSIn Bahrain, Jos said the team would “explode” if he remained in charge and could be “torn apart”. And it seems yesterday’s drama was the last straw.He said: “Over the past few days I have heard from several quarters that Horner has done everything he can to make sure I don’t drive.“And to make sure that nothing would be filmed. I think, ‘say it to my face’. This way it doesn’t have to be for me, I find it very disappointing.“How childish can you be? There was going to be filming, also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here.“I would have been allowed to drive in the end but I backed out. I find this so childish of Horner but I think it says something about him.”The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThe woman who made accusations about Horner’s behaviour was suspended and is set to appeal against Red Bull’s decision to dismiss her complaint.In March, Horner said it was “time to draw a line under” the controversy.Yesterday, he said: “The Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side. I’m sure the Legends will be in action later.“The relationship with Max has always been very strong. He’s a key part of our team. He’s our driver, he’s the one that is important to have a strong relationship with.“I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past. Whatever Jos’ issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”Tensions have been bubbling since Thursday after Verstappen confirmed for the first time with a “yes” that he would be driving for Red Bull next year.Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028, has been linked with Mercedes given Lewis Hamilton sealed a shock move to Ferrari next year.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 After Verstappen’s comments, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “I don’t think he clearly said yes.”Horner fired back at Wolff yesterday and said: “I thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference. He’s always been absolutely consistent in that with the team.“With Toto I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction. If he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available!”And Horner took further aim at Mercedes and Hamilton by saying: “The driver who has created all the movement in the market [Hamilton] had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulation, and chose to leave Mercedes.”Verstappen blocked out the noise to take pole in the sprint qualifying at the Austrian GP.READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner added: “Despite the distractions, we’ve won 70 per cent of races, including two sprints and seven poles and lead both world championships.“I can’t control relationships with drivers’ fathers. But my focus is on our drivers and team.”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 TBCMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBCWilliams: Alex Albon and TBCSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: TBC x2RB: TBC x2Haas: TBC x2 More

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      Lewis Hamilton squirms awkwardly as George Russell makes ‘Spanish girlfriends’ joke at his expense in F1 fan zone

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      GEORGE RUSSELL joked that Lewis Hamilton has “Spanish girlfriends” during a fan event at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.The Mercedes pair appeared on stage in front of fans in Barcelona.George Russell made a quip at Lewis Hamilton’s expense on stageCredit: XHamilton, 39, is set to leave Mercedes at the end of the yearCredit: RexRussell, 26, has been dating Carmen Montero Mundt since 2020Credit: GettyDuring the conversation with their host, Russell admitted that he enjoys Spanish food.The Brit, 26, then claimed that this is largely down to his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundit, who he has been dating since 2020.When this was pointed out, Hamilton, 39, said: “I don’t have a Spanish girlfriend so I don’t really know a lot of Spanish foods.”Russell then left him stunned by joking: “You don’t have a Spanish girlfriend, you have Spanish girlfriends.”READ MORE F1 NEWSWhen the delighted crowd cheered, Hamilton wore a stunned smile before shrugging and saying: “Okay.”Hamilton then swiftly moved as Russell laughed, continuing: “I don’t know a lot of… couscous?”The crowd then laughed awkwardly as it was suggested to Hamilton: “Paella?”Fans then chuckled more, with some even jeering, as the seven-time world champion responded: “I don’t… what is that?”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHamilton went on to claim that he may not have heard of it as it contains meat, and he is a vegan.But his host then vowed to pass on a vegan recipe.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramHaving quipped on stage last weekend, Hamilton and Russell are set to compete on the track for different teams next year.Russell will be Mercedes’ main man, while Hamilton will join up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.The Mercedes has again struggled to compete for wins and podiums this season.Russell is currently seventh in the driver’s standings on 81 points, with Hamilton a place back on 70.Last weekend the veteran secured his first podium of the season, coming third in Barcelona only behind Lando Norris and race winner Max Verstappen.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Mercedes hire private investigators to identify source of mystery emails claiming team are ‘SABOTAGING’ Lewis Hamilton

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      MERCEDES have reportedly hired private investigators to detect the source of anonymous messages that claimed Lewis Hamilton is being ‘sabotaged’.The 39-year-old is leaving the Silver Arrows at the end of the season after having confirmed he’d sign a two-year deal with F1 rivals Ferrari.Mercedes have hired private investigators to identify source of emails claiming team are sabotaging Lewis HamiltonCredit: RexIn a statement released today, meanwhile, Northamptonshire Police said no crime has been committed.But Mercedes have outsourced the matter to a firm that specialises in these kinds of private investigations, according to The Mail.A spokesperson told The Mail: “It is being dealt with externally.”This development comes after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated last week that he would ‘go full force’ over the accusations.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe messages and email were sent to members of the Formula One community and Mercedes staff.And the email purported to be from a Mercedes team member.It was titled: ‘A potential death warrant for Lewis,’ and argued that the seven-time world champion was being endangered by being given cold tyres.This allegation was then repeated in the phone messages.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe correspondence claimed that a ‘scorned’ Wolff was favouring his other driver George Russell after Hamilton announced his decision to switch to Ferrari.Ahead of last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished third, a place ahead of Russell, Wolff admitted he was unhappy with the allegations.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himWolf said: “It is not from a member of the team. But it is upsetting, particularly when someone is talking about death.”I don’t know what some of the conspiracy theorists, lunatics, think out there.”A police spokesman said: ‘Northamptonshire Police received a report on June 12 regarding an email that had been circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 team.”No criminal offences were found to have been committed. However, advice was given regarding any further emails the team may receive.”A Mercedes spokesman told The Mail that the team believe the email was sent by a random Hamilton fan.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      World rally champion Sebastien Ogier airlifted to hospital after horror crash with elderly couple

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      FORMER World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier has been rushed to hospital after a horror crash.The Frenchman was airlifted away for “medical checks” following a road accident in Poland today.Sebastian Ogier has been airlifted to hospitalCredit: GettyOgier was in a white Toyota that crashed into a Ford down a rural roadCredit: APHis co-driver Vincent Landais was taken to hospital by ambulance.They were in a Toyota that crashed into a Ford car in the rural town of Wlosty.The other vehicle was carrying a 69-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman. A narrow, one-lane dirt road is the site of the crash.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT The street was not closed for traffic and not being used for rally road tests.An ambulance helicopter landed in a field nearby and whisked both drivers away to hospital.The police and fire brigade were also reportedly at the scene.Ogier, 40, was in the area for the Rally Poland event, which starts in two days.Most read in MotorsportHe is widely regarded as one of the best rally drivers of all-time.Ogier has won the world title on eight occasions and was crowned champion six years in a row from 2013 to 2018.He now races on the World Rally Tour part-time.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Schumacher family ‘tormented by father-son blackmail duo who threatened to publish info about stricken star on dark web’

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      TWO men accused of a blackmail plot against Michael Schumacher’s family threatened to publish information about the stricken star on the dark web, say prosecutors. German cops claim the father and son pair planned to extort millions from the Schumacher family by tormenting them with secret files on the Formula One ace.A father and son duo have been arrested over a blackmail plot against iconic Formula One driver Michael Schumacher and his familyCredit: AlamyMichael’s wife Corinna has been targeted by blackmailers in the past looking to extort millions from the stricken familyCredit: AFPGerman cops claim the father and son pair planned to extort millions from the Schumacher familyCredit: NetflixMichael with his son Mick and daughter Gina-MariaCredit: NetflixThe two suspects from Wuppertal, Germany were caught on Wednesday 19, June after being tracked down in a supermarket car park.The blackmail suspects – a 53-year-old father and his 30-year-old son – attempted to torment Michael’s family through the chilling extortion plot, according to the Wuppertal public prosecutor’s office.Family employees close to wife Corinna Schumacher were said to have been approached by the pair who claimed to have found a file of secrets on the F1 driver.Michael, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.read more in Schumacher According to the Wuppertal office, the men said the family wouldn’t want the files to become public due to what they contained.To keep the information private the father-son duo demanded they were sent millions to keep the information off the dark web.The suspects were even alleged to have sent some of the files to the family as proof, the prosecutors said on Monday.Cops were able to track down the extortionists through “technical measures”, report Focus.Most read in MotorsportBoth men were swiftly detained as it was revealed they are both already on probation for a prior offence.They are now in custody and are waiting to be taken into court.Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’Michael Schumacher’s inner circle is headed up by wife Corinna who has been targeted by fiends in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children.The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.After being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.At the hearing, judge Eberhard Hausch said: “To put it gently, putting your own account number there is not very smart.” In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.German publication Die Aktuelle claimed to have secured a “world exclusive” with the severely injured Ferrari great last April despite Michael not being seen publicly since his 2013 skiing accident.In a two-page spread, promoted with a picture of Schumacher, it claimed the seven-time F1 champ had said “My life has totally changed”.The sickening bot even spoke about the racing hero’s physical condition, family and future recovery prospects.Another legal battle in 2016 was waged after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.The court case led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk.Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend” and offered around to news outlets for a whopping £1million.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman prosecutors called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.
      The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
      Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
      At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
      But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
      After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
      Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
      Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
      In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.
      Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
      Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.

      Michael hasn’t been seen or heard from since his skiing accident in 2013Credit: AlamyThe Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legendSchumacher is said to have a tight-knit of family and friends who know about his condition and are all sworn to secrecyCredit: Getty Images – GettyMichael Schumacher is regarded as one of the best F1 drivers to ever compete after a stellar careerCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Shocking moment car explodes at 306mph during NHRA Funny Car race leaving driver John Force in hospital

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      RACING driver John Force has been hospitalized following a terrifying 306mph fireball crash.The 75-year-old was rushed from the track following the incident at an NHRA event in Virginia on Sunday.Drag racer John Force has walked away from a terrifying 306 mph crashCredit: X @ @JohnForce_FCForce’s engine exploded during an NHRA Funny Car race on SundayCredit: TSN sportsDrag race legend Force was behind the wheel of a PEAK Chevy Camaro as he took on Terry Haddock in a high-speed run.Force won the race after clocking an eye-watering 306.62 mph at Virginia Motorsports Park.As he crossed the line the engine on his Chevy exploded, per The Daily Mail.The force sent Force’s car spinning across the track in a ball of flame, coming to rest by a concrete barrier. Miraculously, the veteran driver walk away from the car under his own steam.”Force was alert and was examined onside by the NHRA Medical Team before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation,” an NHRA statement read.”He’s one tough son of a b***h, I know that. He’ll be back,” Force’s teammate Austin Prock told TSN Sports.”It’s just tough to see somebody go through that. I hope he’s all right. Most read in Motorsport”Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I know he’ll be back.””Wow.. incredible he survived that and at 75. Lifting him up in my prayers,” wrote one stunned fan on X after seeing the footage. Meet Natalie Decker Lemke, the stunning Nascar star breaking down barriers whose motto is ‘this Barbie has Arthritis'”I absolutely love John Force and his great family race team!” said another. “It’s time, hang up your helmet. You’ve won everything. This should be it,” said a third. Force began his drag racing career in 1978 and is a 16-time NHRA champion.He has clocked a career-best speed of 337.16 mph and is the only driver in NHRA history to have won more than 10 championships in his division.Three weeks ago in New Hampshire, Force raced to his record 157th NHRA victory and second of the season.My dad’s going to be alright. Courtney ForceBack in 2007, the veteran racer suffered a broken ankle and dislocated wrist after being airlifted from a crash during the Fall Nationals in Ennis, Texas.Force has three children who also compete in the race, with his daughter Courtney alongside him as he was taken to hospital on Sunday.”My dad’s going to be all right,” she told Competition Plus, via Nine News. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was in the ambulance with him, holding his hand. “He’s one of the toughest people I know. He’ll bounce back like he always does.” More