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      George Russell BEATS Lewis Hamilton in F1 Belgian Grand Prix after dramatic late battle with incredible strategy

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      GEORGE RUSSELL completed his redemption by battling to a shock victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Mercedes man said: “Amazing strategy, you guys are the best” after he fought from sixth in the grid to first after a lacklustre qualifying session. George Russell pipped Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian GPCredit: APRussell’s one-stop strategy paid dividendsCredit: ReutersHamilton led the race from lap three after overtaking future Ferrari team-mate Charles LeclercCredit: AFPMercedes boss Toto Wolff labelled Russell the “tyre whisperer” after the race, given he endured a whopping 34 laps on his tyres before crossing the line. It will be extra special for the British 26-year-old given his petrol nightmare in Hungary when he ran out of fuel in qualifying, leaving him starting in 17th, and having to reitre his car in Silverstone before that. It will be a tough one to take for Hamilton who was snapping at the heels of his teammate by half a second until the very end as Oscar Piastri settled for third. . The seven-time world champion had not won a race for all of last season but has come alive since Barcelona.READ MORE IN F1He nabbed his first podium of the year in Spain with a third-place finish before his Silverstone heroics. Hamilton enjoyed a blistering start in his Mercedes, overtaking Sergio Perez on the first-lap. The seven-time world champion then eased past Charles Leclerc and into the lead on lap three. Lando Norris suffered another miserable start as he slipped from fourth into seventh. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBy lap 22 Max Verstappen was battling with his old pal Norris, having bulldozed away from starting in 11th place due to a grid penalty. Small mistakes hurt Norris throughout who had a go at overtaking the Dutchman into the final chicane of lap 24 but locked up and veered off the track. Watch Rowan Atkinson ‘do Martin Brundle impression to Martin Brundle’ without Sky Sports F1 reporter having a clueRussell led the charge with eight laps to go but Hamilton was chipping away at his teammate in second. Oscar Piastri danced around the outside of Leclerc to take third-place as he trailed Hamilton by five seconds on lap 36. WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.Russell, Hamilton and Piastri were separated by a whisker in the final eight laps which was a welcome sight at a track which has been so used to Verstappen’s dominance. The win moved Russell back to within two points of his team-mate in the driver standings, while Piastri leapfrogged Carlos Sainz into fourth.McLaren’s 20-point haul also took a bite out of Red Bull’s lead in the constructors, though this was slightly mitigated by eighth-place Perez winning an extra point for the fastest lap.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 Esteban Ocon More

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      Max Verstappen escalates ban row with Red Bull as F1 champ says ‘I don’t tell them what to do in their private time’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has told Red Bull to stay out of his personal life — and vowed to carry on late-night gaming.Formula One star Verstappen also instructed his critics to “turn the volume down” if they do not like his furious swearing on the team radio.Max Verstappen warned Red Bull bosses to stay out of his private lifeCredit: RexThe Dutch driver, 26, came under fire for staying up until 3am on his £10,000 racing simulator before the Hungarian Grand Prix.On the real track the following day, he crashed into Brit rival Lewis Hamilton late on and was effing and blinding on his team radio throughout — before finishing in fifth place.Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko said after the race the team had put a ban on Verstappen’s virtual racing.But three-time world champ Verstappen insisted yesterday ahead of this weekend’s Belgian GP: “We’ve talked about it. There are no new sim races coming up, so I said he doesn’t have to worry.READ MORE ON F1“I don’t have a ban. I don’t tell them what to do in their private time at the weekend. That also applies to me the other way around.“Something is always invented. If you don’t win a race, you get blamed for being up until 3am but in Imola I won the race, while I was also doing sim racing.“This is not something new. I’ve been doing this since 2015. So for me, this is not something that is any different in my preparation.“I’ve won three world championships. I know what I can and what I cannot do.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Verstappen extended his winless run to three races, his longest since 2021.That stat may explain his fruity language last weekend as he blasted the team’s “s**t strategy, said his race was “f****d” and also hit his steering wheel in qualifying.Watch Max Verstappen swerve to avoid killing a GROUNDHOG during Canadian GPAnd seven-time title-winner Hamilton said Verstappen did not conduct himself like a world champ after the race.The Mercedes ace stressed: “As a team leader, as a team member, as a team-mate, you have to act like a world champion.”He was asked if those comments from Verstappen portrayed that, to which Hamilton replied: “Not like it was last weekend.”Verstappen said: “People that don’t like my language, then don’t listen in, turn the volume down.“I’m very driven to success, I’ve proven that already, I always want to optimise stuff.“People can argue that he might not be so vocal on the radio but that’s their opinion.“My opinion is that it needs to be said at the time, to maybe also try to force that the second pit stop would have been a bit different, that’s how it goes.”Meanwhile, Lando Norris has been feeling guilty team-mate Oscar Piastri’s maiden win in Hungary was overshadowed by his radio row.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Brit, with one eye on the championship, ignored McLaren team orders to allow Piastri past on fresher tyres until just three laps to go.He said: “The fact I kind of clouded over Oscar’s first race win is something I’ve not felt too proud about.” More

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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