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      Verstappen ordered to stop playing video games as Red Bull chief says it’s ‘no wonder’ he was slammed for Hungarian GP

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been told to end his late-night video game sessions after struggling at the Hungarian Grand Prix.The three-time world champion, 26 was up until the early hours on race day and ultimately finished fifth.Max Verstappen takes virtual racing very seriouslyCredit: GettyThe Dutchman is on a poor run of formCredit: APHe has not won since Barcelona three GPs ago – his worst run since 2021.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko told Speedweek: “It didn’t take long for criticism of Max to arise this weekend. “It’s no wonder, given that he spends half the night playing sim racing. “We have agreed that he won’t do simulations so late any more.”READ MORE IN F1Verstappen, who crashed into Lewis Hamilton in Hungry, still leads the drivers’ standings with 265 points but Brit Lando Norris is closing the gap after moving to 189.The Dutchman will be hit with a 10-place grid penalty at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix after exceeding his engine allowance.Verstappen blasted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over the radio in Hungary.He said: “No mate, don’t give me that s*** now.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”You guys gave me this s*** strategy, OK? I’m trying to rescue what’s left.”Nico Rosberg questioned his rival’s professionalism after news of his gaming session broke.Verstappen walks in on Hamilton napping in press conference and listening to Bob Marley”They can all f*** off,” was Vertappen’s blunt response to his critics.Virtual racing is becoming a huge business with high-tech set-ups trying to emulate the feeling of driving a real car.Verstappen’s Team Redline co-drivers make a decent living with six-figure sums on offer in the top events.Defending his involvement, he said: “I think I’m professional enough that I know what can and can’t be done.”If you don’t go to bed and you don’t sleep, it won’t be good for your race on Sunday. “But I think with so many years of experience I do know what to do.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Watch moment furious Fernando Alonso throws jacket to ground in anger after major blunder at Hungarian GP

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      FERNANDO ALONSO lost his cool at the Hungarian Grand Prix over a major blunder made by the FIA.The veteran racer threw his jacket and hat on the ground in fury as he remonstrated with a race official.Fernando Alonso lost his cool at the FIA during the Hungarian GPCredit: RexHe threw his jacket and hat to the ground in a fit of rageCredit: XAlonso was left fuming over an incident in qualifying and later slammed the race organisers.His complaint was over the FIA issuing a red flag after Sergio Perez crashed at turn six – which was the second red flag of the session.Alonso, 42, was carrying out a hot lap at the time so was called to a halt, much to his frustration.The Spaniard still achieved seventh place on the grid but bemoaned the “mistakes” made by the FIA.READ MORE ON F1He said: “The truth is that the FIA sometimes gets it right and sometimes they make gross mistakes, today they had made one. “They put out the red flag when I was in the last corner, which is surprising. There was an accident at turn eight [five]. Normally they always wait for the cars to complete the lap. It’s the ‘spoken norm’.“When entering the pit lane, Lance and I were put into parc ferme. They closed the pit lane. “They put us into parc ferme, we got out of the car, then they told us that Q3 was starting again.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“We went back to the car, they tightened our seatbelts, and we went to the garage. I had no more tires, so I didn’t go out anymore.”Alonso’s race did not go to plan either as he fell back several places to finish 11th.Watch Max Verstappen get slammed as ‘CHILDISH’ by his own team on radio after smashing into F1 rival Lewis Hamilton🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Abandoned British racetrack looks unrecognisable in eerie pictures after it is reclaimed by nature

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      ABANDONED track Arena Essex Raceway has been rediscovered after it was “reclaimed by nature” following years of neglect.The track began hosting races way back in 1978 and staged competitive action for 40 years.Arena Essex Raceway has been rediscovered after being abandonedCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe unused circuit is overgrown with shrubbery and the track is clearly worn awayCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe chequered flag on the track is still visible despite years of neglectCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe stand is still there… justCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe track was rediscovered by 23-year-old explorer Chloe UrbexCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexThe floodlights are still standing but have been consumed by shrubberyCredit: Jam Press/@ChloeUrbexEvery September it hosted the oldest National World Final Championship – which attracted between 35 and 174 cars.It also put on “Banger Racing” on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holiday Mondays between March and November, as well as speedway and Demolition derbies.Prior to closing in 2018, it is understood the Purfleet course, located close to the Lakeside Shopping Centre, was great for a family day out.But it closed six years ago following “bad weather, lack of support from fans and increased insurance costs” and was sold to housing developers for £80million.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTDemolition on the track began in 2020, before those housing plans were scrapped in July 2023 when the land was sold for a different development.But it has now been re-discovered after explorer Chloe Urbex, 23, stumbled upon the track.During recent years of abandonment, it has become overgrown with greenery and shrubbery.The white lines on the track are still visible but are being worn away, while the stand is also a shell of its former self.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis is how the Essex track looked 11 years ago before racing stoppedCredit: AlamyBanger racing took place every Sunday and on Bank Holiday MondaysCredit: AlamyThis is a picture of Banger Racing at the track way back in 1989Credit: AlamySpeedway races were being put on until shortly before the track closed in 2018Credit: AlamyIt was a brilliant place for a family day outCredit: AlamyThe floodlights remain along with the chequered flag finish line, but it is hard to recognise it as the same track from years ago.Explorer Chloe told What’s The Jam: “This track sits abandoned just off an active go kart site.Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ “It hasn’t been used for quite some time.”She shared photos of the overgrown Arena Essex Raceway on Facebook and received a number of responses from those who used to go there.One said: “Best track I’ve been on, this is where I learnt to drift, met so many people and the atmosphere was incredible!”Another added: “Such a bad shame for the banger lads and the drift lot over the last few years! I’m sure I speak for all that attended….. we want it back!”A third replied: “Spent all my childhood here. Shame it’s been forgotten.”And a fourth responded: “I actually miss this place! my favourite track and great people!”Fans sent in their tributes and memories from the trackCredit: Alamy More

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      Watch Max Verstappen get slammed as ‘CHILDISH’ by his own team on radio after smashing into F1 rival Lewis Hamilton

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN was slammed as “CHILDISH” by his own team after crashing into Lewis Hamilton.The Red Bull Racing star collided with the Brit during the 63rd lap of the Hungarian GP on Sunday.Max Verstappen crashed into Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian GPCredit: SplashVerstappen appeared to be called ‘childish’ on the team radioCredit: The Mega AgencyRed Bull principal Christian Horner has played down the argumentCredit: GettyVerstappen, 26, tried to overtake Hamilton on the inside on one corner but instead saw contact between the cars.The Red Bull car shot up into the air and was fortunately able to continue the race.The driver’s conversation with his team on the radio has been picked up.Verstappen’s team blasted him as a result as race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase labelled him as “childish.”READ MORE ON F1He said: “I am not even going to get into a radio fight with the other teams Max.”We will let the officials just do their thing.”Childish on the radio, just childish.”As a result of the collision, Verstappen had to settle for a 4th placed finish as Hamilton took the third podium spot.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter the race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed that the jibe was not being directed at Verstappen.He said: “I think that GP [Lambiase] at that point wasn’t actually referring to Max.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from Instagram”I think he was referring to others on the radio complaining about penalties.”So, I don’t think GP’s reference at that point was in reference to Max.”Others obviously goading for penalties because the stewards are listening to the radio as well.”They’ve been together for eight years.”There are things that we could have done better in the race today but it’s something we’ll talk about as a team.”Verstappen was critical of the team strategy throughout at the race, at one point calling it “s**t”.He was asked about what he. thinks of those who have criticised him and the driver gave a very blunt response.He said: “They can all f**k off.”McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won the Gran Prix after being let through by team-mate Lando Norris.It was a momentous moment for the Australian as it was his first-ever F1 victory.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Norris was less than happy about being asked to move aside as he took a couple of laps to obey the instruction.He also had a spikey moment with Hamilton in which some fans believe that the pair may have some “underlying problems”.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 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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      What did Max Verstappen say on the radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix?

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN finished fifth in a chaotic Hungarian GP – and the Red Bull racer wasn’t afraid to hide how his feelings on the radio.The serial Championship winner collided with British icon Lewis Hamilton on lap 63.Max Verstappen launched a foul-mouthed rantCredit: RexAnd then he had to witness bitter rivals McLaren earn a one-two finish.But what he said during the race was shocking to a lot of viewers.What did Max Verstappen say on the radio at the Hungarian Grand Prix?After seeing his rivals undercut him on pit strategy, Max Verstappen had some furious words for engineer Gianpietro Lambiase.Verstappen said: “It completely f—ed my race”Read more on Max VerstappenLater, when he believed Red Bull had mangled its strategy for the race, Verstappen snapped at Lambiase again saying, “No mate, don’t give me that s*** now. You guys gave me this s*** strategy, O.K.? I’m trying to rescue what’s left.”What was said after the Hungarian GP?Verstappen was asked whether he felt he needed to apologise for what was said on the radio.And the Belgian’s response was just as harsh.Max Verstappen said: I don’t think we need to apologise, I just think we need to do better.Most read in Motorsport “I don’t know why people think you cannot be vocal on a radio. This is a sport. If some people don’t like that then stay home.”He was then pressed for a reaction to external criticism suggesting that he had gone too far with his messages.Verstappen replied: “They can all **** off.”Who won the Hungarian GP?Oscar Piastri (McLaren) Lando Norris (McLaren)Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)Max Verstappen (Red Bull) More

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      IndyCar driver launched into fence in huge multi-car crash as Toronto race red-flagged to clear debris-filled street

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      INDYCAR’s Toronto street race had to be red-flagged after a multi-car crash.On the 73rd of the 85-lap race, a spin coming out of turn one by Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward began a terrifying chain of events.The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto was red-flagged after a massive crashCredit: APSantino Ferrucci was unharmed after being launched into the catch fenceCredit: ESPN / Formula IndyThe crash involved six cars in totalCredit: ESPN / Formula IndyWith the track crowded coming out of the straightaway shortly after a yellow, O’Ward spun backward into the concrete barrier.Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericcson couldn’t react in time, colliding with the side of O’Ward.Next up was Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Pietro Fittipaldi who hit O’Ward’s front wing, followed shortly after by AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci.His No. 14 hit the front of O’Ward’s car, launching into the air off of the nose and straight into the catch barrier.Ferrucci would eventually settle on his roof, with one of the brakes going on to catch fire.Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel would also go on to crash into a stationary O’Ward, before Dayle Coyne Racing’s Toby Sowery collided with Siegel.The safety crew was quick to right Ferrucci’s car, with the 26-year-old remarkably able to exit the car under his own power.All of the drivers involved were later checked and released by medics.Most read in Motorsport”I never saw Pato,” Ferrucci subsequently told Peacock, later adding that he also didn’t see Fittipaldi hit O’Ward.”Nothing on the spotters. There were no yellows, no nothing so I didn’t know to check up,” he went on to say.The RB17 is British engineering at its brilliant best – a £6m ‘ultimate track car’ with all the good stuff F1 got rid ofO’Ward was also quick to point out IndyCar’s decision not to immediately wave a yellow after his initial incident.”I had rear locking, spun, and that was pretty much the end of that,” he explained. “I’m so surprised IndyCar didn’t call a yellow. You’re just calling for a massive shunt. “They had a solid five seconds to call yellow and tell everybody that was coming…I’m glad everyone else that was in it is fine.”Andretti Global’s Colton Herta would go on to win the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto from pole – his first win since 2022.I’m so surprised IndyCar didn’t call a yellow. You’re just calling for a massive shunt.Pato O’WardPeacockTeammate Kyle Kirkwood finished agonizingly close behind Herta in second, followed by Scott Dixon (who qualified 15th) of Chip Ganassi Racing in third.Championship leader and reigning champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing managed to claw his way back up the grid, having qualified 18th, to finish in fourth.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Palou’s teammate Marcus Armstrong finished fifth for his fourth top-five finish of the season.IndyCar will now take a break before their next race – Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in Illinois – which will be held on August 17.Colton Herta eventually won the race from poleCredit: AP More

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      Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’

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      FANS fear there’s an “underlying issue” between Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton after an uncomfortable exchange following the Hungarian GP.Norris had earlier defied team order before eventually letting McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri pass for his first ever F1 win.Some fans wondered if Lando Norris took Lewis Hamilton’s words the wrong wayHamilton gave fellow Brit Norris a dowsing on the podiumCredit: RexHamilton was third in his Mercedes, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and fifth-placed World Championship leader Max Verstappen.Norris’ performance tightened his grip on second spot in the title hunt.But some viewers reckon he showed, in an awkward encounter with Hamilton, he was still disgruntled at missing out on victory.The 24-year-old was told by the seven-time F1 king: “Phew! You guys are fast.”READ MORE TOP STORIESNorris replied: “You had a fast car 7 years ago.”Hamilton, 39, queried in turn: “Seven years ago? Long time. Were you here seven years ago?”Norris responded: “You had a quick car, and now it’s us.”A calm-sounding Hamilton appeared surprised by that comment and said: “I wasn’t complaining, I was complimenting your car.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne fan posted: “Lando appears to have an underlying issue with Lewis.”Other viewers suggested Norris “can’t take a compliment”.Model Margarida Corceiro shows off her curvesOne believed it was because he was “so mad about not winning”.Most read in MotorsportThat was a reference to Norris slowing down with three laps left to hand Piastri his maiden triumph.Hamilton, meanwhile, might actually have been happier with the outcome of the race despite coming a spot below his fellow Brit at the Hungaroring.The Stevenage star overcame a collision with Verstappen seven laps from home to notch the 200th podium finish of his 17-year F1 career. “Oscar’s done a lot for me in the past and helped me in many races” Lando Norris with an open and honest reflection of his Hungarian Grand Prix and swapping positions with Oscar Piastri 👇 pic.twitter.com/8SxVFvrBg8— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 21, 2024 More

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      Lando Norris raging after McLaren force him to give up Hungarian Grand Prix win as Max Verstappen hits Lewis Hamilton

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      LANDO NORRIS fought with his own McLaren team before eventually handing Oscar Piastri his first-ever Grand Prix win. The British 24-year-old defied his team orders until two laps to go to allow Piastri past him with fresher tyres despite being almost six-seconds clear in front. Oscar Piastri has won the Hungarian GPCredit: GettyIt was the Australian’s first ever F1 victoryCredit: GettyLando Norris allowed him to take first place in the 68th lapCredit: EPAMax Verstappen collided with Lewis HamiltonCredit: Sky SportsHe was told on the team radio: “Lando, he can’t catch you up. You’ve proved your point, and it really doesn’t matter,”The way to win a championship is not by yourself. You’re going to need Oscar, and you’re going to need the team.”There has now been seven different Grand Prix winners in 2024 and the last time there was this many winners in F1 was 2012Lewis Hamilton overcame a collision with Max Verstappen on lap 63 to bag a 200th podium finish after bagging third. READ MORE ON F1Verstappen, who finished in fifth behind Charles Leclerc, was livid throughout the race, battling with his old foe Hamilton wheel to wheel before clipping the Mercedes man’s tyre. The collision flipped the back of the Red Bull car up in the air before he careered off the track and now faces a post-race investigation. Norris was made to pay for suffering another poor start as his teammate Piastri nipped past him, to take the lead.Verstappen ran wide and re-joined the track in second, prompting an investigation and more handbags with his pal Norris.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe duo fired digs at each other over their team radio with Norris saying Verstappen had gained an advantage, while the Dutchman claimed he was forced off by the McLaren. The stewards investigated and Verstappen was advised by his team to let Norris through at the start of lap four. Watch moment distraught F1 star Lando Norris’ interview is interrupted by Hollywood stars filming ‘fake interviews’Livid Verstappen fumed on his team radio and said: “OK, so you can just drive people off the track then? “You can tell the FIA that’s how we’re going to race from now onwards. Just driving people off the road.”Hamilton did well to climb into fourth from fifth in the opening corners and briefly challenged Norris for third. Fans were licking their lips at a tussle between old foes Hamilton and Verstappen who went wheel to wheel with 25 laps to go. The Mercedes man’s tyres were wearing down and Verstappen attempted an overtake and passed him by Turn Two only to run wide and allow Hamilton back into third-place.  Verstappen let rip on the radio and Hamilton lived to fight another day as the old maestro somehow held off the Dutchman again before finally pitting on lap 41. Verstappen fumed again: “It’s quite impressive how we let ourselves get undercut and just completely **** my race.”He was even seen HITTING his steering wheel. Norris ignored calls from his McLaren team about pushing his tyres too hard and extended his lead over Piastri by more than four seconds on lap 58.It looked as though he had no intention of letting Piastri through despite persistent demands from his team. Verstappen and Hamilton were back at it again and on lap 63 the pair collided after the Dutchman went inside and locked up. Verstappen rejoined the track in fifth behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and grumbled in the team radio. But Red Bull hit back at their driver saying: “I’m not going to get in a radio fight. It’s childish on the team radio.”Norris continued defying orders from his team, soaring ahead of his teammate. McLaren said on the team radio “You proved your point Lando. The way to win the Championship is with your team and with Oscar, not by yourself.“It’s going to make this very awkward, please do it now.” There must have been a sigh of relief from the McLaren pit wall when Norris finally let Piastri past on the main straight. After the race was through, Norris showed his class as he congratulated Piastri on his first F1 win.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe did address the moment to the press as he gave a brief answer when quizzed.He said: “The team asked me to do it, and I did it, so yeah, that is it.”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 Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and TBCSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and TBCRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and TBC More