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      ‘What have I done? What an idiot’ – Lando Norris has major regret over 2024 F1 title race as he sends Verstappen warning

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      LANDO NORRIS warned Max Verstappen he will be no soft touch this season as he battles to snatch the Dutchman’s crown.The McLaren driver, 25, will fight tooth and nail to dethrone the four-time F1 world champion after his mentality was questioned last year.Lando Norris opened up on going toe-to-toe with Max Verstappen last yearCredit: GettyThe Red Bull driver won his fourth world titleCredit: GettyRed Bull senior adviser Helmut Marko said before the Texas Grand Prix in October that Bristol-born Norris is “not the strongest mentally”.Verstappen and Norris fought fiercely throughout 2024, going wheel to wheel on numerous occasions before an inevitable first collision in Austria which cost them both the lead.The British ace silenced the doubters, though, by delivering an exceptional drive in the season finale in Abu Dhabi to bring home McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998.Norris, speaking yesterday at Silverstone where his team revealed their new MCL39 car, said: “I need to get my elbows out and show I’m not going to willingly give him any positions.READ MORE IN F1“But I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be smart to go up against Max. We saw it last year so I look forward to it.“I like those moments when you have to make quick decisions — and it’s always a lot harder when you’re in the car than when you re-watch it.“When I see some things that I do, I’m like, why the hell have I done it, what an idiot.“But at the same time, I don’t need to go out and just prove something to him. I don’t need to take any unnecessary risks and go down trying. I just keep focusing on myself.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorris is a marginal favourite over Verstappen to win the title this year.His runner-up, career-best campaign in 2024 saw four race wins in 24 outings.Watch F1 star Lando Norris drive unique McLaren P1 car round Silverstone – but can you spot why it’s so incredible?Team McLaren came from behind to finish ahead of Ferrari and Red Bull.They will go into pre-season testing later this month — ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 — as title favourites.When Norris was asked if he would encourage people to put money on him becoming champion, he joked: “I hope they make a lot of money on me!“Every year is a new year and every driver is going to come back more determined.“When I brought pressure up in the past, people always turn it into a bad thing,“But it’s not a bad thing at all. Those moments I thrive on are the ones where there is more pressure,  more nerves and I enjoy that.” More

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      ‘Please forgive me’ – F1 legend Eddie Jordan apologises live on radio and says ‘I’m not myself’ after cancer treatment

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      FORMULA One legend Eddie Jordan touchingly apologised on live radio after revealing he’s “not himself” following a dose of cancer treatment.Jordan revealed that he is battling an “aggressive” form of prostate and bladder cancer, which spread to his spine and pelvis, late last year.Eddie Jordan is bravely battling cancerCredit: SplashThe former F1 team owner was on talkSPORT this morning discussing his takeover of London Irish.But it was the 76-year-old’s emotional plea and update on his diagnosis that moved listeners.Towards the end of the segment, Jordan said: “Sorry guys, just a small thing, thank you.”I’ve just come out of getting chemotherapy and I’m not 100 per cent together here guys.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I’m just not myself at this moment in time. I’m a little all over the place, so please forgive me.”His heartbreaking appeal clearly touched presenter Alan Brazil, who urged him “not to worry” and offered him support.Brazil, 65, said: “I wasn’t going to bring it up. But listen, if we can get this out to people, it’s encouraging. Well done you.”A shaken Jordan replied: “I just had a big deal of it yesterday, so I’m sorry, I’m not quite myself.”Most read in MotorsportBrazil replied: “Take care Eddie, don’t you worry, you were fine. Get your health better and come back to us with more positive news about London Irish.”Fellow talkSPORT host Gabby Agbonlahor added: “Eddie Jordan, top man.”F1 legend Eddie Jordan, 76, reveals he is battling ‘aggressive’ cancer as he urges ‘go and get tested’ Back in December, Jordan revealed he went through some “dark days” as the cancer spread to different parts of his body.He urged people to go out and get tested and spoke about the importance of looking after one’s body.But the Irish businessman – who was a former shareholder in Celtic football club – is still working to extend his legendary career in sport management.Consortium Strangford Ellis Ltd, managed by Jordan Associates, has agreed a deal to buy London Irish out of administration.The Dubliner – former team owner of Jordan Grand Prix that gave Michael Schumacher his Formula One debut – is chairman of Jordan Associates.It comes just over a year after the Premiership club was suspended from all rugby activities in June 2023 for failing to pay its players.London Irish went bust with more than £30m of unpaid bills and have been looking for investment since.In a statement, the club said: “The Jordan Associates team will now turn its attention to negotiating a full and sustainable return for London Irish to competitive rugby, hand-in-hand with London Irish’s supporter base.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThey have acquired the intellectual property, brand and rights of London Irish but not the Hazelwood training centre.Jordan’s youngest son Kyle is a senior partner in the consortium.Jordan owned an F1 team for 14 years and gave Michael Schumacher his debutWhat are the symptoms of prostate cancer?Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:needing to pee more frequently, often during the nightneeding to rush to the toiletdifficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)straining or taking a long time while peeingweak flowfeeling that your bladder has not emptied fullyblood in urine or blood in semenSource: NHS More

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      Bouncer behind £12m Michael Schumacher blackmail plot jailed after threatening to release secret files of F1 star

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      A NIGHTCLUB bouncer who was the architect behind a plot to blackmail Michael Schumacher for £12million has been sentenced to three years in prison.Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and two other men were arrested after hard drives containing private pictures, medical records, and videos of the Formula One legend were stolen.A man has been convicted of attempting to blackmail Michael SchumacherCredit: Getty – ContributorYilmaz Tozturkan standing in the courtroom before the verdict was announcedCredit: Avalon.redDaniel Lins was handed a six month suspended sentenceCredit: Avalon.redEx-bodyguard Markus Fritsche was handed a two-year suspended prison sentenceCredit: FacebookTozturkan and his 30-year-old son Daniel Lins were accused of demanding £12 million from the Schumacher family.The pair from Wuppertal in western Germany threatened to release 1,500 confidential files about the motorsport legend, on the dark web, if they did not get the money.These files allegedly included information on the F1 champion after his skiing accident in 2013 – when the driver was last seen in public.A third man, the Schumacher family ex-bodyguard, Markus Fritsche was also on trial for the shocking extortion plot.READ MORE ON SCHUMACHERTozturkan, who is currently behind bars for an unrelated crime, confessed and was handed a three-year sentence.His son also confessed and was handed a six-month suspended sentence.Ex-bodyguard Fritsche denied any involvement in the plot but was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence.Fritsche was accused of supplying the blackmailers with the images.Most read in MotorsportProsecutors said the former security guard for the family sold the images of Schumacher for what was described as a five-figure sum.The father was given an email, by Schumacher’s office, to send the files as proof he had them.Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’Tozturkan brought his son into the mix when he reportedly set an anonymous email, per BILD.The father and son were arrested on June 9 when police stopped them in a parking lot.The pair made admissions of guilt at the start of their trial.Tozturkan said: “I am very sorry and ashamed.”I will take responsibility for what I have done.”The Schumacher family also expressed their worry that some confidential material might still be missing, despite several searches of the defendant’s properties.Schumacher’s lawyer, Thilo Damm, revealed he might consider an appeal on some of the sentences, per BILD.He said: “We do not agree with all of the court’s statements, in particular that Mr. F. is only accused of aiding and abetting and not of complicity.Markus Fritsche pictured in courtCredit: Avalon.redMichael Schumacher with his wife Corrina on 9 May 2004, Barcelona, SpainCredit: Getty Images – GettySchumacher and Ferrari CEO Jean Todt in 2007 at Monte CarloCredit: AFPWhat 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.”You can rest assured that we will exhaust all legal remedies at our disposal.”ANOTHER ONEThis isn’t the first time Schumacher’s inner circle, headed up by wife Corinna, 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 to a year and nine months behind bars.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 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.” Michael Schumacher won seven Formula One world championshipsCredit: GettyMichael with his son Mick and daughter Gina-MariaCredit: NetflixSchumacher driving the #1 Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro he won five world champions withCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Beginning of the end’ – Ex-F1 star convinced Max Verstappen’s Red Bull destined to fail with ongoing Horner feud

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      GERHARD BERGER believes Red Bull are destined to fail if Christian Horner and Helmut Marko continue feuding. The duo have locked horns on numerous occasions throughout the past two seasons, with Horner even reportedly wanting Marko out in 2023. Christian Horner has been under pressure over the last yearRed Bull advisor Helmut Marko has locked horns with Horner over team choicesThe feud could affect Max Verstappen’s bid for a fifth straight titleThis continued into last year with the pair clashing over Red Bull’s driver line up for the upcoming season. Marko, who is a senior adviser at Red Bull and head of the driver development programme, is said to have preferred Liam Lawson while Horner was keen on Franco Colapinto after he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams. Berger, who was the first F1 driver to be sponsored by Red Bull and later co-owned Toro Rosso, said: “It is often the beginning of the end when such topics dominate.”Formula 1 is so complex and so competitive that you can only be successful if everyone in the team puts their shoulders to the wheel, if everyone agrees and communicates well with each other.”READ MORE F1 NEWS”The Red Bull brand always exudes happiness and a cool image. Suddenly everything changed. “Completely atypical for the team, there were no more clear statements.”Marko also stuck the knife in when saying that Max’s dad Jos was a “bigger fan” of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff than Horner last term.The father of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen publicly called for Horner to leave the team last season after he had been accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHorner was cleared by a Red Bull investigation, but Wolff publicly tried to sign the reigning world champion amid the unrest. Berger has also slammed Red Bull’s handling of Sergio Perez’s exit after the Mexican driver’s chaotic season. Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision Gerhard Berger has a history with Red Bull RacingPerez suffered a disastrous fourth and final season with Red Bull last year as he finished on 152 points to his team-mate Verstappen’s 437, which put a massive dent in Red Bull Constructors’ Championship hopes. When asked about the situation with Perez, Berger added: “You could see that things were no longer working well. “Nobody in this business understood that he was given another contract then. “There could have been reasons like marketing or the contract situation.”But when things did not improve after that, they gave him three more races and then two more, and refused to take a decision. “I couldn’t see a clear line there. In Mateschitz’s time, Red Bull was always known for its clarity.”F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Hollywood star Idris Elba invests in brand new Formula E team as he reveals ‘deep and personal’ reason for decision

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      IDRIS ELBA has invested in a brand new Formula E team – and has revealed the “deep and personal” reason for the decision.The Hollywood star, 52, is part of a star-studded group to get involved in KIRO CUPRA.Idris Elba is part of a group who have invested in Formula E team Kiro Race CoIdris Elba visited Kiro Race Co HQIdris Elba has revealed the sweet reason for his investmentKiro Race Co are hoping to take the Formula E world by stormCredit: GettyElba believes Formula E combines sport, entertainment and sustainability – something close to his heart.And the sport’s CEO, Jeff Dodds, also believes the new investment group can help grow the sport on a global scale.Announcing the news, a statement read: “Kiro Race Co (“KIRO”), the newest team competing in the FIA Formula E World Championship as CUPRA KIRO, is thrilled to announce expanded ownership with a group of highly strategic investors as the fully-electric motorsport series’ 2024/25 season continues.”Joining lead investors David Kaplan and Bennett Rosenthal, the powerhouse investment group now includes: Golden Globe-winning actor and producer Idris Elba; major league sports team owners Tony Ressler, Larry Berg and Shaun Neff; media deal-makers Navid Mahmoodzagedan, Steve Bornstein and Rick Hess; and strategic advisors Jeffrey Assaf, Caleb Kramer and Michael Woronoff.READ MORE SPORT STORIES”This investment underscores the shared belief in Formula E’s immense potential and growing commercial appeal, following the acquisition of Kiro Race Co by The Forest Road Company, a Los Angeles-based investment firm, in October 2024.”With unparalleled expertise across the business, media, sports, and entertainment sectors, the diverse investor group signifies the start of a compelling new era for KIRO and will be pivotal in the strategic positioning of the team’s long-term growth as a sports franchise.”Elba revealed the team’s vision “resonated with me on a deep, personal level” as he explained his latest investment.The Wire star said: “Formula E is at the perfect intersection by blending sport and global entertainment with sustainability.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m proud to be joining the grid with CUPRA KIRO at this pivotal moment.”The team’s vision for the future, desire to innovate, and commitment to excellence resonate with me on a deep, personal level, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in its journey to the front of the grid.”Idris Elba teams up with Grey Goose for new trackFormula E CEO, Dodds, revealed his excitement and called it a “transformative moment” which could “catalyse growth for the entire championship”.Dodds said: “The arrival of this new investor group marks a transformative moment for Kiro Race Co and serves as a resounding endorsement of its strategic growth plan.”This impressive group brings unparalleled expertise and a diverse, well-rounded perspective that will catalyse growth not just for the team, but for the entire championship.”But this is not Elba’s first foray into motorsport.In 2022, the Luther actor – who also performs as a rapper, singer and DJ – launched the Idris Elba Speed Academy, an initiative launched to nurture future racing talent from communities underrepresented in the world of motorsport.A year later, SunSport revealed ex-Formula One engineer Rob Smedley was also hoping to change the future of motorsport – with a little bit of help from Elba. More

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      Fans convinced Max Verstappen will play VILLAIN in new F1 movie as trailer shows battle with Brad Pitt

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been spotted in a wheel-to-wheel battle with his new rival… Brad Pitt!The duo appear to be locked in a ferocious on-track battle in the latest new movie called ‘F1’ which stars Fight Club actor Pitt as a driver called Sonny Hayes. Max Verstappen hunting down Brad Pitt in new F1 movie.F1 fans are speculating on social media that Verstappen could be painted as the villain of the movieThe Red Bull car was seen battling ferociously with Pitt’s character Sonny HayesThe movie is set to be released in the summer of 2025 and also features actors Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem, while Lewis Hamilton has helped produce the film.Warner Bros. released a second teaser of the upcoming F1 film on Sunday night, and among others, it seemed to show the defending world champion Verstappen taking on Pitt in his Red Bull. Filming took place during the 2024 season, with Pitt and the film crew spotted at different tracks across the calendar. The new clip has sent F1 fans into meltdown on social media with many unhappy that Verstappen may be painted out as the villain once again. READ MORE F1 NEWSOne fan said: “THEY ARE ABOUT TO MAKE MAX THE VILLAIN OF THIS MOVIE I HAD ENOUGH.”Another tweeted: “Of course Max is the f***ing villain again.”A third fan added: “Not Max now villainised in the fictional F1 universe too.”Someone else wrote: “Oh so max IS gonna be the villain of the movie huh.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fifth commented: “100 bucks says Max is the main villain of this movie.” Pitt left fans in stitches when he was spotted filming a fake interview in the background of a distraught Lando Norris who was unhappy with his third-place finish at Silverstone. Lewis Hamilton models new Ferrari gear but fans notice ‘hideous’ issue The Hollywood star was also seen ‘fainting’ at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after filming a heavy crash for the movie. Then in the season finale in Adu Dhabi, Pitt was even pictured on the podium in first-place alongside Charles Leclerc and George Russell.The name of the film ‘F1’ was released last July and left many scratching their heads that the creative geniuses in the production team could not have come up with a more original name. More

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      Ex-champion motorbike racer jailed for rape of girl, 7, as judge slams sexual predator for taking ‘no responsibility’

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      A FORMER motorbike champion has been slammed by a judge for not taking responsibility as he was jailed for the rape of a 7-year-old girl.Connor Behan, 33, denied all charges against him before he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child.Connor Behan has been jailed for 18 years over after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a childCredit: SWNSThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacherCredit: AlamyBehan, of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions starting in May 2019, when she was just seven-years-old, the jury heard.They endured physical and psychological suffering from the abuse according to prosecutor Mark Connor. Following the week-long trial, Judge Michael Leeming stated: “You accept no responsibility for your actions and you continue to deny them but I cannot accept it.”You have no awareness, you have no empathy, and there is an element of victim-blaming throughout your pre-sentence report.”Read more SportBehan became an Irish road race super twin champion in 2014 and was active in the circuit from 2004 and 2015. He was jailed for 18 years and handed a restraining order at Chester Crown Court on Friday following years of abuseThe former Isle of Man TT rider came to the attention of police in 2022, after the victim reported him to her teacher.Using a seminal detection dog, police found traces of the disgraced rider’s semen on a blanket owned by the victim.Most read in MotorsportDenying all charges, he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child following a week-long trial last year.A victim statement said: “As a result of it I cannot be close to anyone.”It affects everything and I take it out on my family and on my friends.”Defending, Adam Watkins said Behan had an issue with drinking and drug-taking due to the death of his father.He added: “It does not explain or excuse his conduct but it is an idea of his difficulties at the time.”Behan will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.Following the verdict, DS Scott Graves said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim who is now just 10 years old, for her bravery and courage shown throughout this investigation and trial. Sadly there are no winners in this case, however I truly hope this result will provide her closure.”Behan sexually abused his victim for a sustained period of time – he showed no remorse, denying everything throughout the investigation.”Thankfully, the jury were able to see through his lies, and he will finally be held accountable for what he’s done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope this result will allow the victim to eventually move on with her life, now that Behan will be unable to hurt her ever again.”Behan was found unanimously guilty for the string of abhorrent offences at Chester Crown Court last December where he was also found not guilty of an additional count of sexual assault by touching of a child under 13. More

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      Lewis Hamilton won’t last two years at Ferrari, predicts Bernie Ecclestone who says 7-time champ has ‘lost motivation’

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      BERNIE ECCLESTONE doesn’t believe Lewis Hamilton will be a success at Ferrari. The seven-time F1 champion is making the switch from Mercedes to the Italian giants for the 2025 season.Bernie Ecclestone has talked down Lewis Hamilton’s chances of an eighth F1 championshipCredit: SplashThe 40-year-old has joined Ferrari ahead of the 2025 seasonCredit: GettyHamilton, 40, won his last title in 2020 but is eager to top the standings again. He recently piloted his new Ferrari for the first time ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on March 16. But ex-Formula 1 CEO Ecclestone, 94, doesn’t believe the move will prove a success.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “He won’t last [two years].READ MORE ON F1″Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing. “I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Ecclestone believes Hamilton’s age will prove a hindrance for the legendary driver.And he isn’t convinced the Stevenage-born star has the same drive he had during his youth. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEcclestone continued: “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’”If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven.”Fans miss Lewis Hamilton’s first lap in a Ferrari as thick fog engulfs iconic F1 circuit Even Hamilton’s fashion sense wasn’t safe from Ecclestone’s ire in the bombshell interview. He continued: “Lewis gets himself up front in a way where you can dislike him. “How a guy who has won a few world titles and has a few dollars in the bank can dress the way he dresses. I’m not a fan of that.”He has a lot of talent as a driver. As much as people credit him with? No, but still enough to win races. “I don’t know why he does all this other nonsense. He needs to get out of the music business and whatever else.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton will join his fellow F1 drivers in London next month to kickstart the season at a new launch event. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams will come together at the O2 Arena to unveil their new liveries. More