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    Stunning beer prices at Miami GP revealed as F1 fans face staggering cost for drinks, steak sandwiches and pizza

    FORMULA ONE fans at the Miami Grand Prix are facing a huge dent in their wallets after the prices of food and drink at the circuit were revealed.Miami is welcoming F1 fans from around the world for the fourth season in a row after its initial introduction on to the race calendar in 2021.The prices of food and drink at the Miami Grand Prix have been revealedCredit: ReutersFood prices at the event are extortionate including more than £22 for some pizzasCredit: Instagram / @kymillmanAlcoholic drinks can also cost anywhere from £9 for a beer to £98 for a bottle of bubblyCredit: Instagram / @kymillmanWhile the track which surrounds the Hard Rock Stadium – home of the Miami Dolphins – is not a favourite among drivers, fans are treated to the Coachella of F1.And like the UK festival, the price of refreshments and scran are quite the tough pill to swallow.F1 photographer, Kym Illman, revealed the remarkable price for goods at the circuit, which is the first of three visits to the United States for the motorsport in 2025.Taking to his social media page, Illman showed off the crazy price of a number of items including beer, bottled water, pizza and nachos BEFORE tax.READ MORE IN F1The video starts off with Illman outside of a food stand selling Italian cuisine.He reveals a pizza will cost fans between $16-$18 (£12-£14) and pasta will cost $25 (£19), reports from other outlets report other pizza stands hiking prices as high as $29 (£22) for a chicken pizza and $22 (£16.50) for a cheese pizza.If you fancy some fried calamari it would set you back a $23 (£17), while sushi costs between $6-$18 (£4.50-£13.50), tacos cost $18 and nachos cost $19 (£14.30).Meanwhile, a “budget option” turkey sandwich comes in at $18 while fans are charged $30 (£22) for a steak sandwich, $24 (£18) for a Chicken Royale with cheese or $14 (£10.50) for an Ultimate Game Day hot dog. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFries are an extra $6 (£4.50)Vendors are also squeezing fan budgets with drink prices. 10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerBeer prices work out at around $13 (£10) for a Heineken, while a local brand is marginally cheaper at $12 (£9).A more lavish Strawberry Daiquiri or Frozen Margarita will cost a cool $20 (£15).Meanwhile, a glass of Bubbly will cost $27 (£20) with a bottle coming out to $130 (£98).Bottled water is also far from wallet friendly at $6 a pop.These extraordinary prices are here to stay in F1 after it was announced on Friday that the track’s contract had been extended to 2041, making it the longest contracted circuit on the calendar.This season has seen Miami host a Sprint Race once again, with Lando Norris profiting from a Safety Car in a thrilling wet to dry race which saw three drivers crash out and four others hit with time penalties.Read More on The SunLewis Hamilton enjoyed a strong race after a brilliant strategy call to change to slick tyres which got him up to P3 before he suffered a disaster in qualifying later on.Max Verstappen scored pole position for Sunday’s race in the session a day after he announced the birth of his baby daughter, Lily, with Kelly Piquet.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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    VIP ‘black cards’, ‘rude’ celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

    AMERICANS like to go BIG – and the Miami GP, being held this weekend, is no exception.Since first hitting the calendars in 2022, it’s become an extravagant affair packed full of big-name celebs and influencers, with even the race itself becoming overshadowed by the glitz.Like Coachella, the Miami GP has become a celeb and influencer hotspotCredit: GettyA-listers like Kendell Jenner have been spotted swanning around the paddockCredit: APSand is imported to create an exclusive “beach club” areaCredit: APIt’s now one of the F1 season’s biggest showpieces, a crucial part of their strategy to boost its popularity in the States. Last year saw celebs like Kendell Jenner and LeBron James pay the race a visit, and even Donald Trump showed up in a surreal appearance that caused security a headache.And just like the music festival Coachella, it’s now full of internet-famous influencers who – many suspect – haven’t got a clue about F1 itself but spend their time snapping selfies and posing with drivers A record-breaking 275,000 fans turned up to watch McLaren’s Lando Norris clinch his first ever victory, and organisers are hoping this weekend’s race will be even bigger.Read More FeaturesThe Florida event has courted chaos ever since the inaugural race was held three years ago and it was decided to build the circuit at the city’s Hard Rock Stadium, home to local NFL team the Miami Dolphins.It nearly didn’t happen at all, after a handful of nearby residents filed a lawsuit over noise pollution complaints – though this was thrown out by a judge.A makeshift circuit was cobbled together – but it proved a dud, having to be resurfaced twice ahead of the race and seriously lacking grip. Many of the drivers lambasted it, with Sergio Perez labelling it “a joke” and Lando Norris accusing the designers of just “winging it”. Most read in MotorsportBut it would turn out that the track would be the least of the driver’s worries.Come 2023, the spectacle was even more intense, much to their dismay.Fernando Alonso goes public with stunning new girlfriend Andrea Schlager after whisking her to US for Miami GP Prior to the race, each driver was required to present themselves in a full-on WWE-style showcase, led out one-by-one past an honour guard of cheerleaders, announced by the rapper LL Cool J.Meanwhile, in the background, Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am conducted a black-tie-clad 30-piece orchestra. Little wonder then the drivers found the showbizzy spectacle “distracting”. “I don’t think there’s any other sport in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you’re out there in the sun, all the cameras on you and making a bit of a show of it,” said George Russell.“None of the drivers like it,” added Lando Norris.“We do so much publicity for the fans [but] as drivers we all just want to sit down and focus on what we need to focus on.”Influencer heavenToo bad for them, then, that the Miami GP has only gone from strength to strength and is a must-attend event for everyone from A-list actors to Z-list influencers. The 2024 Miami GP was won by Lando NorrisCredit: GettyModels and influencers shell out for pricey tickets to access to exclusive areasCredit: GettySecurity requirements made Trump’s visit quite the headache for organisersCredit: GettyEven political big hitters have gotten involved – including last year when none other than Donald Trump himself turned up.Ten days before his visit the secret service spent hours scrutinising and surveying the venue for threats. Everything was given the all clear – but then just hours before the race his security team ordered major shutdowns in areas of the paddock.“The Secret Service blocked off the walkway in the middle of the paddock for 20 minutes, and the teams were losing it because they were like, ‘I have to cross,’” recalled Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP.His bright orange tan lined up with the McLaren team’s colours, at least, and he even told Norris that he was the British star’s “lucky charm”.And given how much Miami has become a hotspot for OnlyFans stars, with the sunny Florida weather always providing a great excuse to strip down to the bare essentials, it’s no wonder the GP event has become a hit with online models.There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were hereTyler EppWhile Trump was swanning around one part of the paddock giving his congratulations to Norris for his win, OnlyFans actress Veronica Rajek took the chance to pay the McLaren team a visit.Motoring media even fell for a hoax back in August that claimed OnlyFans was set to become the new title sponsor of the Alpine F1 team.The sensationalised spectacle that the race day has turned into has left plenty of die-hard fans wondering if all these famous faces have any clue about the sport itself.After all, despite being the voice of racing, not many of them seem to know the legendary Martin Brundle.’Rude’ celebsBack in 2022, the Sky Sports commentator was prowling a very crowded grid when he came up to tennis ace Venus Williams.But she was too busy saying hi to all the other famous faces and barely registered what he was saying, in an awkward but hilarious encounter.“What’s the question?” she laughed before whisking herself off somewhere else. OnlyFans star Veronika Rajek posed for pictures with the McLaren teamCredit: AFPEd Sheeran performed over the weekend at last year’s GPCredit: GettyKendall Jenner and Lewis Hamilton even found time to hobnob with each otherCredit: GettyVenus and Serena Williams on the grid at the Miami raceCredit: GettyFast forward to 2024, and a huge list of celebs popped in to catch the racing – including Shakira, Rory McIlroy, Kendall Jenner, and tycoons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. And with neighbours Inter Miami going from strength to strength, boss David Beckham also made an appearance, as did Zinedine Zidane.Even Taylor Swift turned up in the city, alongside her boyfriend NFL superstar Travis Kelce – proof enough that the Hard Rock stadium will be the place to be seen this Sunday – though Taylor skipped the race itself.Perhaps her presence would have been too awkward for driver Fernando Alonso, because at one point rumours were swirling that the pair briefly dated. Fortunately for the VIPs – and maybe to make up for Martin Brundle always trying to nab them for a chat – the GP’s organisers are careful to keep the general public far away from them.Some celebs are even rumoured to attend in secret.We’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetimeTyler EppBeyonce and Jay-Z reportedly rocked up in 2022, while Michelle Obama attended as a guest of Lewis Hamilton.“She showed up right on time, got to experience a session, and was in and out very, very quietly,” explained Tyler Epp.“There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here.”Also on offer is a “Black Card” experience. It allows the rich and famous to drive on a special, entirely separate lane off the highway, taking them straight into a luxury car parking zone.“You don’t have any interaction with the general population from the time you leave your hotel to the time you get to your seat. It’s all very protected and private,” added Tyler in an interview with Motorsport mag.Fake beach clubsMaybe this attention to detail will let Miami become the new Monaco. The inner part of the circuit gets turned into the Hard Rock Beach ClubCredit: APFans were left bemused by the fake waterCredit: APSky’s Craig Slater takes a ‘swim’ in the fake marinaCredit: ReutersBut then again maybe not – given the much-mocked attempt to copy the Mediterranean city with a fake marina was created by painting the ground blue, which even Sky’s Craig Slater attempted to have a “dip” in.They even stuck ten massive yachts inside it and imported heaps of fake sand to create a “VIP Beach Club”.It was slammed as tacky – but to access this luxurious lake of concrete in the middle of the circuit, guests had to shell out at least $1,000.And it was $2,000 on top of that if you wanted a deck chair. When it was first revealed in 2022, bemused fans compared the set up to the notorious Fyre Festival.At least they had two pools to relax in and a performances from big hitters The Chainsmokers to enjoy as well.Forget Coachella itself – because now, the entire GP weekend has turned into something of a music festival in its own right.In 2024, both DJ Steve Aoki and Ed Sheeran delivered performances to revellers at the Hard Rock Beach Club.And the entertainment on offer during race week is now spilling outside of the stadium itself, with the whole of Miami gripped by GP fever.Venues across the city are getting into the F1 spirit, including art exhibitions dedicated to exploring racing culture, and exclusive racing-themed pop-up bars in luxury hotels sponsored by F1’s partner, the champagne company Moët & Chandon.Just be ready to shell out $550 – and that’s for the most basic package on offer. This year, the Hard Rock beach club will once again be delivering a star-studded line up with performances by Pitbull, Kygo and DJ Tiësto.But given the Miami GP competes with two others F1 races in the states – in Austin and Las Vegas – organisers aren’t ashamed to say they go out of their way to make the Florida race weekend stand out.Read More on The Sun“We’re in the memory making business at the end of the day, and we’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime,” added Tyler Epp.“That’s our goal.”More than 275,000 fans are expected to attend this weekendCredit: Getty More

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    Christian Horner responds after hated F1 rival’s subtle dig at Red Bull boss is caught by live TV cameras

    CHRISTIAN HORNER has hit back at Zak Brown’s playful dig at the Miami Grand Prix.The McLaren team principal was spotted drinking from a bottle labelled “tire water” during practice in Florida.Christian Horner has replied to the McLaren team principal’s playful digZak Brown was spotted drinking from a water bottle labelled “tyre water”It comes after Red Bull accused McLaren of using illegal practices to regulate the temperature of its tyres.Towards the end of last season, the Milton Keynes team thought the papaya squad was using water to cool its tyres.That would allow McLaren to better prevent wear and tear and keep its Pirellis in the optimal operating window for longer.Despite the FIA conducting a probe into the accusations and finding no wrongdoings, Red Bull have refused to let it go. READ MORE F1 NEWSSo Brown delivered a cheeky jab at his fierce rivals, as McLaren’s dominance continues to reach new heights in 2025.During practice in Miami on Friday, cameras turned to the McLaren pit wall where Brown was seen watching the action.Fans were quick to notice a decorated water bottle with “tire water” stickers, before Zak cheekily took a sip.Footage of Brown’s not-so-subtle dig was shown to Red Bull boss Horner who took it in stride.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHorner said on Sky Sports: “We’ll send him a Red Bull down if he needs some energising.”Red Bull are reportedly looking into how McLaren so expertly keep their tyres fresh.Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix McLaren have shut down the unfounded claims and said the car was able to keep its tyres in check for longer due to the “downforce, balance and the overall innovation”.The rivalry continued when McLaren star Lando Norris beat team-mate Oscar Piastri in a dramatic Miami GP sprint on Saturday.Red Bull’s Max Verstappen – who welcomed his first child this week- dropped out of the points after a pit-lane collision with polesitter Kimi Antonelli. More

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    Ferrari F1 car made of 400,000 Lego pieces goes on display ahead of Miami Grand Prix

    FERRARI F1 boffins examine the latest in engine blocks as they come face-to-face with a lifesize model of their car — constructed entirely of Lego.The unusual replica was made of almost 400,000 pieces to imitate the scarlet machine that the drivers Sir Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will race at the Miami Grand Prix this weekend.A Ferrari F1 car made entirely of Lego has gone on display ahead of Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexThe unusual replica was made of almost 400,000 piecesCredit: EPALego said in response to a video of the car’s unveiling on F1’s Instagram account that it was “just a little something we put together”.Seven-time champion Sir Lewis, 40, will hope it can inspire him to his first grand prix win with the team in tomorrow’s race.Meanwhile, Ralf Schumacher has said he believes Hamilton will retire before his Ferrari contract expires at the end of the 2026 season.He told Sky Germany’s F1 podcast: “He just can’t cope with the car. read more on F1″We talk a lot about Lando Norris [and his lack of belief], but it’s almost worse with him. You can see that he’s really slumped over.”If you’re standing there at some point and have no more resources and are permanently slower, then you lose everything. “I know from my own experience: if it goes on like this, it’s no fun anymore.”Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.”Most read in MotorsportLewis Hamilton will compete at the Miami Grand PrixCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ‘The most important thing…’ – Max Verstappen reveals the blueprint for team-mates to BREAK infamous Red Bull curse

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the blueprint to break the daunting curse of being his Formula One team-mate.Verstappen, 27, is a four-time F1 world champion with Red Bull.Max Verstappen has revealed the blueprint to how to break the curse of racing alongside him at Red BullCredit: GettyVerstappen revealed the plan in Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max VerstappenCredit: ViaplayYuki Tsunoda, right, will need to heed the advice to avoid the same fate as previous Verstappen team-mates like Sergio Perez, left, or Liam LawsonCredit: GettyHowever, his team-mates during his time with the outfit have often failed to live up to expectations and rival the Dutchman.But speaking on a new Viaplay documentary celebrating his first decade in F1 – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – he has now revealed how anyone who drives next to him can overcome that curse.He said: “How I would deal with it [racing with me]? Try not to think about it too much you know. It’s always important to focus on yourself.”That’s what I’ve done when I’ve entered new teams or had to go up against team-mates.READ MORE IN F1″So that’s the only thing that you can control and influence so that’s why it’s always the most important thing to look at yourself.”Verstappen was promoted to the Red Bull senior team from Toro Rosso in 2016, and became the youngest ever Grand Prix winner at 18 years and 228 days in his debut race.But dating back to 2016, Verstappen’s team-mate have often endured a tumultuous time.Daniel Ricciardo was the first to fall in the Verstappen test when he quit the team to join Renault in 2019.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKVerstappen’s next team-mate was Pierre Gasly in 2019, who only lasted half a season before he was swapped for Alex Albon.Albon fared little better in the 2019 and 2020 seasons before he too was replaced by Sergio Perez in 2021.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bossesThe Mexican managed the tricky Red Bull car the best during his three seasons behind the wheel, managing to win five races with the team before a disastrous final season saw him axed.Rookie Liam Lawson then joined the team for the start of the 2025 season, but he lasted only two races – in which he never came close to scoring points – before he too was replaced.Yuki Tsunoda is now the incumbent of the most cursed seat in modern F1, but managed to score two points in his second race in Bahrain before an unfortunate retirement at the Saudi Arabia.Verstappen missed media duties on Thursday due to the expected birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet. The due date is May 6 – two days after this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARKelly also has a daughter, Penelope, from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat, who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although it was reported his private jet was seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete his racing duties this weekend.His future next year has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.And in the documentary Verstappen declared it was “not fun being famous” and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do but can’t due to his career in the spotlight.Read More on The SunThe ace, who earns a cool £52million a year, said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.” More

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    Major F1 rule change comes into force ahead of Miami GP after controversial incident

    A MAJOR new F1 rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.The FIA sporting regulations have been reworked after a confusing incident involving Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman at the Australian GP.A major new rule change has been brought into force ahead of the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexRace control now have the power to close the pit-exit when the safety car train is passing by to block a back-marker from rejoining the leading mix.This comes after Bearman merged in front of Verstappen after pitting during a safety car in Melbourne.Verstappen, 27, was surprised to see Bearman’s Haas emerge from the pits immediately in front of him during a safety car period on lap 41.Bearman, 19, had been allowed to un-lap himself moments earlier, then came into the pits, which dropped him back behind the safety car.READ MORE F1 NEWSThis was a cause for concern at Red Bull, as it left Verstappen with a lapped car between him and the leading McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris later winning the season opener.Red Bull mistakenly believed Bearman would remain there until the restart.Verstappen asked his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “So this car is now staying here, or what?” Lambiase told him: “That’s correct. He’ll have to let you go immediately [after the restart].” Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Bearman was allowed to un-lap himself again, which allowed Verstappen to restart the race with no lapped cars in front of him.The FIA has changed its rules in Article 55.14 to guard against a repeat of this situation.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerRace director Rui Marques has the power to close the pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves during a Safety Car period.The rule now states: “Having overtaken the cars on the lead lap and the safety car, these cars should then proceed around the track at an appropriate speed.”Without overtaking and they must make every effort to take up position at the back of the line of cars behind the safety car.”The pit lane exit may be closed when the safety car and line of cars behind it are approaching and passing the pit lane exit.”Ironically, Verstappen benefited from the old rule when he was able to pit and start alongside race leader Lewis Hamilton in the most controversial title deciding finale ever in Abu Dhabi in 2021.Reigning world champ Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day in Miami due to the pending birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, with the due date two days after the race in Florida. The Red Bull star is still expected to race in Miami this weekend – which will host the second sprint session of the season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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    ‘It’s not fun being famous’ – Max Verstappen reveals family dream as F1 rival tips him to take year off

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed the one thing he would love to do but can’t because of his Formula One career.Verstappen, 27, missed media day ahead of the Miami Grand Prix due to the expected birth of his first child with Kelly Piquet.Max Verstappen missed media duties ahead of the F1 Miami Grand Prix with the expected birth of his childCredit: GettyKelly’s due date is May 6Credit: instagram/@kellypiquet/But Verstappen has revealed what he wants to be able to do in his personal lifeCredit: ViaplayHe was speaking on Viaplay documentary, 10 Years Max Verstappen, about his lifeCredit: ViaplayThe due date is May 6 – two days after the race in Florida.But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.Kelly also has a daughter, Penelope – from a previous relationship with ex-F1 star Daniil Kvyat – who Verstappen has a very close bond with.Although his private jet was only seen leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning, and Red Bull insist he will be expected to complete all his racing duties this weekend.READ MORE IN F1The birth of his first child comes with Verstappen in his tenth year as an F1 driver.His future has been cast into doubt though after he was tipped to take a year out from the sport by an unnamed F1 driver.In a new Viaplay documentary – 10 Years of Max Verstappen – airing from May 2, the Dutchman spoke about his personal life.The four-time world champion confessed he does not enjoy the spotlight and revealed the one thing he wishes he was able to do.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “It’s not fun to be famous, I prefer to be unknown. “But I know that’s part of F1 especially when you do well.’People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses”Of course I would sometimes like to be able to walk around with your family and friends and not be known, but unfortunately that’s not the case anymore.”Verstappen, who earns a cool £52million a year, also spoke about his passionate supporter base, known as the Orange Army, and admitted he loves the “positive energy” they give to him every race.The Red Bull ace said: “Yeah it’s always fantastic and great to see the fan support. “For such a small country to still have so many fans and to see them still travelling all over the world is really, really nice.”And for my home Grand Prix, seeing them on the grandstands for me it gives me goosebumps and positive energy.”There’s no more pressure for me but it’s positive energy and you try to use that in the best way possible.”Verstappen currently sits third in the F1 World Drivers Championship standings.Read More on The SunHe is 12 points off of leader Oscar Piastri and two points behind fellow McLaren driver Lando Norris.Verstappen won the first two races around the circuit in 2022 and 2023, before Norris won his first ever Grand Prix in Miami last season.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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    ‘I know from my own experience’ – Lewis Hamilton tipped to retire and quit F1 BEFORE Ferrari contract expires

    LEWIS HAMILTON has been tipped to retire from Formula One due to his performance issues at Ferrari.Hamilton, 40, has struggled to get to grips with his machinery since joining Ferrari in the winter to end an 11-year long partnership with Mercedes.Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to RETIRE from F1 before his Ferrari contract expiresCredit: AlamyHamilton has struggled to get to grips with his Ferrari machineryCredit: RexRalf Schumacher believes the Brit will be considering his options, based on his own experienceCredit: GettyHe has celebrated a Sprint Race victory in China in rare burst of speed.But on Sunday race days, the Brit has managed a top five finish just once.His contract with the Italian manufacturer expires at the end of the 2026 season.However, the Brit has been tipped to hang up his racing gloves BEFORE then by Ralf Schumacher.READ MORE IN F1Schumacher, a six-time F1 Grand Prix winner, referenced his own end of career struggles in the motorsport to explain his argument.He told Sky Germany’s F1 podcast: “He just can’t cope with the car. We talk a lot about Lando Norris [and his lack of belief], but it’s almost worse with him. You can see that he’s really slumped over.”If you’re standing there at some point and have no more resources and are permanently slower, then you lose everything. I know from my own experience: if it goes on like this, it’s no fun anymore. “Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.’Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“If it goes on like this, there’s a risk that at some point he’ll say: ‘Look, I don’t want this anymore. I want to live my life now, I’m 40 years old. I’m so rich, I’m not doing this to myself anymore. Obviously it’s not working out for some reason.’“It’s a huge project that Ferrari and Hamilton had in mind, but at the moment he’s a long way away from Charles Leclerc. I wouldn’t have thought it would be so extreme.Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar “However, China also showed that as soon as he gets into the car and the track and the car suit him, he delivers. There’s still something to come.”Despite this assessment, Schumacher, 49, believes Hamilton is capable of performing with for the Scuderia.The German added: “The expectations are very high, and Ferrari wants value for money. That means he has to make sure he performs. He probably will, because China was no accident.“It’s not that he can’t do it. He just has to find the conditions and the car that suits him, and there are definitely circuits coming up that suit him.Then at some point, he wakes up in the morning and thinks to himself: ‘Why am I doing this to myself? I’m no longer having fun, I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting in the way of my team.’Ralf Schumacher“If he gives up now, it would be very early. I can hardly believe that, but if he does, then of course the team will be fully focused on Charles Leclerc, and developing the car more in his direction. “You can’t develop two cars in one team, it doesn’t work. The course is then clear.”Read More on The SunHamilton will have the chance to replicate his stunning China GP Sprint victory in Miami this weekend as the second Sprint Race of the season comes on to the calendar.With team-mate Charles Leclerc also slowly showing improved pace, Hamilton will be hoping results start to click into gear.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More