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      Chinese Grand Prix chaos as fires repeatedly break out on track with shocked champion saying ‘never seen that before’

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      FIRES repeatedly broke out at the Chinese Grand Prix in bizarre scenes on Friday.One shocked former world champion said amid the chaos: “We’ve never seen that before.”Sprint qualifying was delayed after a fire broke out besides the track of the Chinese GPCredit: AlamyThe grass caught on fire besides the track in Free Practice 1Credit: X @SkySportsF1A second fire at a separate corner then broke out and caused sprint qualifying 1 to be delayedCredit: X @SkySportsF1During the sprint qualifying session a blaze broke out on the grass beside the track.It was the second time a fire had broken out trackside after an incident during Free Practice 1 earlier in the day.The incident is FP1 saw the session red flagged with the grass ablaze at Turn 7.After stewards dealt with the fire the practice session resumed. READ MORE IN F1However, a SECOND fire then broke out at Turn 5 of the Shanghai Circuit during sprint qualifying.This second fire happened right at the end of SQ1, which was replacing the practice sessions typically seen on an F1 weekend.The blaze forced SQ2 to be delayed.The session eventually got underway at 15:54 local time.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz had a theory as to what was causing the fires: “Just on the apex of that corner specifically, the cars do bottom out and they are producing sparks.”And with the wind blowing where it is – so just downwind – I can absolutely imagine that the reason for the fire was that. Cost of an F1 car”There was a spark that came off the car’s skid blocks and then travelled downwind a bit and then hit that patch of dry grass.”The repeat incident also caught 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg off guard, with him saying: “It’s on fire again, unbelievable!”In the corner, there’s a big bump on the ground and all the cars are launching big sparks from under the car, and the wind is pushing the sparks into the track at that point and putting the grass on fire. “We’ve never seen that before.”Five drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, were placed under investigation following the drama for failing to match the maximum delta time on their out-laps.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 F1 was returning to China for the first time since 2019, with the Covid pandemic causing the race to not be on the calendar – with it included on 2023’s until it was forced to be cut last minute.After racing was resumed, rain started falling soon after.In the wet Hamilton was pipped to pole position for the sprint race by Lando Norris after the McLaren driver appeared to have his lap time reinstated following its initial deletion for exceeding track limits.However, the confusion had been caused from a misinterpretation of the race directors notes stating that drivers who went off at Turn 16 would have their next lap deleted and not the one when limits might have been conceded.McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said:”It was reinstated by the FIA themselves. “You go off at the last corner, you launch at much lower speed, and effectively Lando loses almost three-tenths because he’s been off at the previous last corner.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis weekend sprint qualifying does not impact Sunday’s race, with a separate qualifying session being held tomorrow.Instead, sprint qualifying will determine the grid for the sprint race which is also tomorrow.Lewis Hamilton thought he had pole position for the sprint raceCredit: AFPBut Lando Norris pipped him to pole after having his lap time reinstatedCredit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton gives F1 retirement update and blasts people who ‘continue to talk s***’ about Ferrari move

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has hit back at those who have criticised his move to Ferrari and says people will always “continue to talk s***”.Hamilton, 39, has decided to end his contract with Mercedes early to join Ferrari for next season.Lewis Hamilton has defended his decision to join Ferrari next seasonCredit: GettyThe blockbuster switch has sparked a huge reaction within the sport, but the seven-time world champion says he doesn’t need to prove to people why he made his decision. Hamilton, who has made a slow start to the season as Mercedes continue to struggle, was quizzed ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix about the move. He said: “I don’t feel like I need my decision vindicating. I know what was right for me, and that hasn’t changed since the moment that I made the decision. “There has not been a moment where I questioned it, and I’m not swayed by other people’s comments.READ MORE IN F1″Even today, there’s people continuing to talk s*** and it will continue on for the rest of the year. And I’ll have to just do what I did the previous time.”Only you can know what’s right for you and it will be an exciting time for me.”Hamilton will be 40 when he makes his Ferrari debut in the opening race in Melbourne next season.But he says age is not a barrier as Fernando Alonso has signed a new deal with Aston Martin until 2026 that will take him past his 45th birthday.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHamilton has pointed to Fernando Alonso as an example of the longevity his career can haveCredit: GettyHamilton added: “I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good [Alonso] is still around.”Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible.Lewis Hamilton storms out of interview after Japanese Grand Prix as F1 legend slams journalist’s question”And shows the new era of an athlete, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”I never thought I would be racing into my 40s. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. But life is such a crazy trip. I don’t feel 40. I generally feel great.”Meanwhile, F1 drivers have questioned whether the Chinese GP bosses were right to paint the track surface with bitumen.The hard-wearing oily substance has been used on the track, which will host its first race in five years, much to the surprise of the teams and tyre suppliers, Pirelli.”It looks like they painted the track or they’ve done something to the surface,” said Daniel Ricciardo, who won the race in 2018.”Apparently, they’ve just painted it or something, so I don’t know how the track is going to change; if it’s going to be the same or super slippery.”Maybe that changes the way the tyres behave,” he added, “so it could also open up some things for overtaking or strategies.”Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc added: “It depends a lot on the type of paint they used. That could cause different issues or have no issues at all. I hope it’s the latter that will be the case.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For now, it’s very difficult to predict. I have only seen pictures, I haven’t gone around the track yet. I don’t think it’s the same everywhere, which might not be great.”Before adding further comments, I think we just have to drive and see how it feels.”Daniel Ricciardo is one driver who has voiced his concern over the paint on the Shanghai International CircuitCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has also spoken about the unusual trackCredit: Reuters More

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      Lewis Hamilton brutally told he’s ‘past his prime’ by former F1 star who’s still racing at 74 years old

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has been brutally told he is “past his prime” by former F1 driver Michael Bleekemolen. At 74 years old the Dutchman still competes in the NASCAR Whelan Euro Series.Lewis Hamilton has been brutally told he is ‘past his prime’Credit: SplashHamilton has endured a miserable start to his final season as a Mercedes driver currently in P9 going into the Chinese Grand Prix.The 39-year-old’s rocky start to the season has sparked doubts about his upcoming transfer to Ferrari.Especially with Carlos Sainz’s impressive performances including two third-place finishes and a Grand Prix win in just three races.And Bleekemolen expressed doubt about the mentality of the seven-time world champion and does not think he will be able to compete for a World Championship with Ferrari.READ MORE ON F1Giving his verdict on Hamilton’s 2024 season to RacingNews365, Bleekemolen said: “It’s all coming together just a little bit badly. I think he’s had his best time a bit. “It’s not right between his ears either. I don’t see much good in him anymore.”Asked if the move to Ferrari will help Hamilton return to the podium Bleekemolen continued: “Maybe he’ll end up in the top two, three again, that could just happen. “It’s not going to be easy, but it would be nice. I just don’t think it’s going to happen.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe veteran racer ruled out any hopes of an eighth World Championship for Hamilton saying “no” when asked if the British driver will move ahead of Michael Schumacher in the record books.Bleekemolen who made one Grand Prix start for ATS Racing in 1978 struggled to predict what life would be like when Hamilton made a move to Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton ‘in advanced talks’ to join Ferrari as shock clause in Mercedes star’s contract emergesThe seven-time World Champ is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc at Maranello, one of the top qualifiers in recent F1 history and a five-time Grand Prix winner.He added: “​​Who will be number one? You often see over the course of a few races. “At the moment, Sainz is also sort of number one. It’s hard to estimate, but everyone fights for themselves in the end.“It’s the same within such a team. And they really do understand, that when you start winning races or consistently finish on the podium.”You always have an advantage over someone who only finishes fourth, fifth, sixth.”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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      ‘Not the smartest thing’ – Max Verstappen slams F1 decision as Chinese Grand Prix returns for the first time in 4 years

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has slammed F1 ahead of the return of the Chinese GP after a four-year absence.The Shanghai International Circuit was last used in 2019 when Lewis Hamilton won the race.Max Verstappen wants more than one hour to practice at the Chinese GPCredit: SplashDespite the drivers not visiting the track for almost half a decade, F1 officials are only allowing them one hour to practice.The circuit had been a regular fixture on the calendar, however, when the pandemic disrupted world sport it was removed.It makes its return this weekend and will include a sprint race.With the new schedule, drivers will start the weekend with their practice hour before sprint qualifying.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTOn Saturday, there will be a sprint race, and then qualifying with the Grand Prix on Sunday.However, the decision to limit practice to just one hour has proved to be an unpopular decision amongst the drivers.When asked about the situation, Red Bull star Verstappen could only give a sarcastic response.He said: “Yeah, it’s very smart to do that!”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe continued: “I think it’s not great, let’s say like that, to do that.”Because when you have been away from a track for quite a while, I think you never know what you’re going to experience, right?The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”So it would have been better to have a normal race weekend there.”But on the other hand, it probably spices things up a bit more, and that’s maybe what they would like to see.”But yeah, purely from a driving perspective, performance perspective of the sport, I think it’s not the smartest thing to do.”Verstappen’s sentiments were echoed by Ferrari star Carlos Sainz.He added: “It’s just a great racing track and a track that offers a good possibility to overtake, so a Sprint makes sense to have it there.”At the same time, it’s what we said in the drivers’ briefing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We say to FIA and Formula One, with these kinds of cars to go to a track with one hour of practice and straight into qualifying, with the regulations that they put us, with the plank wear and things like this, and how tricky one bump could make the car.”I think it’s not a good choice to choose to put the Sprint after four or five years absence.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Awkward moment Moto3 star ‘forgets he switched teams’ and gets on wrong bike mid-race

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      IVAN ORTOLA was spotted getting on the WRONG BIKE in an awkward mistake during the Moto3 Americas GP.The Spaniard came off his bike after colliding with rival Stefano Nepa.Ivan Ortola and Stefano Nepa were both dismounted after a collisionCredit: X/ @MotoGPOrtola jumped on the wrong bikeCredit: X/ @MotoGPNepa forced him off and running back to his own bikeCredit: X/ @MotoGPAs the pair tried to get back into the race, the awkward encounter happened.Nepa was filmed running over to his bike, but once he got there, he found Ortola already sat on it.The Italian could be seen pushing his rival off his bike in order to get back on the track.Ortola, 19, eventually realised his error and ran back over to his bike that the stewards had stood up.READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWSFans could not believe the moment as they reacted on social media.One posted: “I have NEVER seen that before.”A second wrote: “Well this is a FIRST imagine if he had ridden off.”A third commented: “I tell you what, in F1, you never see two drivers crashing out, then one of them getting into the wrong car.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA fourth said: “A future “What Happened Next” on A Question of Sport if I’ve ever seen one.”A fifth joked: “He forget that he switched teams hahaha.”Jose Mourinho waves chequered flag at Portuguese GP as ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss drops huge hint about football returnAnother added: “Oh my god, that is COMICAL!”Ortola could have simply got confused as he rode for the MTA Level Up Moto3 team last year and that was the bike he was trying to take.He joined the MT Helmets – MSi team for the 2024 season and has finished on the podium once in two races.Ortola did not finish this race as he was thrown off his KTM yet again.Nepa however finished in 18th while David Alonso came in at first. More

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      Lando Norris spotted with Portugese supermodel who dated former Chelsea striker at Monte Carlo Masters final

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      LANDO NORRIS was spotted with Portuguese supermodel Magui Corceiro at the Monte Carlo Masters final.The Formula 1 star, 24, was first seen with Magui, 21, in Monaco last year.Portuguese model Magui Coreceiro, left, was spotted with F1 driver Lando Norris, rightCredit: X/ @SkySportsTennisThe pair were watching the Monte Carlo Masters final between Stefano Tsitsipas and Casper RuudCredit: X/ @SkySportsTennisShe previously dated Barcelona man Joao Felix – who is now on loan at Atletico Madrid but spent some of last season with Chelsea.On Sunday, Norris and Magui were seen sat next to one another at the tennis event in Monaco.They watched Stefano Tsitsipas win a third Monte Carlo Masters title of his career as he claimed a 6-1 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud.It comes after Magui split from Felix in 2023 after a four-year relationship.READ MORE IN F1Speaking last year about the increased criticism he was receiving on social media, Norris said: “I haven’t tried to hide anything when I’ve gone out to a restaurant. You are allowed to do whatever you want.”I know that so many presumptions are made just because I’m seen with someone, which I find hilarious.”If I wanted to hide something I feel I can hide it well — but I’m not trying to hide anything.”At the end of the day, if I wanted my life to be more private I would say yes [it is harder to avoid scrutiny] but I don’t want to just stay in my house all day and sit behind a computer.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris and Magui were seen in a car together in Monaco last yearCredit: TwitterMagui has made her name as a Portuguese modelCredit: Instagram / @maguui_corceiroShe previously dated former Chelsea loanee Joao Felix”But it seems I can’t have friends nowadays, can’t be seen with someone without somehow being in a relationship.”Norris previously dated Portuguese model Luisinha Oliveira, before they broke up in 2022.F1 star Lando Norris spotted with Chelsea star’s girlfriend during drive around MonacoHe was spotted with Magui during a weekend off from the hectic 2024 F1 season.Norris sits fifth in the drivers’ standings after four races having amassed 37 points.After sixth and eight-place finishes in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, he claimed third in Australia with an impressive drive.He then followed that up with fifth in Japan last time out.Next up is the Chinese Grand Prix on April 21, while it also marks the first sprint race of the season.Defending champion Max Verstappen, seeking a fourth successive title, leads Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez by 13 points.Magui often shares pictures on her InstagramCredit: Instagram / @magui_corceiroThere has been no confirmation as to whether Magui is dating NorrisCredit: Instagram / @magui_corceiro More

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      Woman at centre of Christian Horner sexting scandal set to be quizzed by investigators within days

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      THE woman at the centre of the Christian Horner sexting scandal is set to be grilled again by investigators this week.She will be re-interviewed as part of an appeal, after her complaint against the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 boss was dismissed.The woman at the centre of the Christian Horner sexting scandal is set to be re-interviewed as part of an appeal within daysCredit: AFPHorner is married to ex-Spice Girl Geri HalliwellCredit: GettyThe woman, who has been suspended from her job at the team’s UK headquarters, challenged the independent report into her claims.A new barrister has been appointed for the appeal and is due to speak to her within days.Her evidence could also see Horner — married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell— quizzed again.An F1 source said: “No one wants this to drag on any longer than it needs to. READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNER”Red Bull has made it clear that once the appeal is over, they are willing to be fully transparent.“They don’t want to do anything that compromises the process but when it’s done, the gloves are off.”Bosses remain unlikely to publish the full report into the scandal, however, as both sides have signed confidentiality agreements.The woman has separately lodged a complaint against Horner with the sport’s ruling body, the FIA.Most read in MotorsportBoss Mohammed Ben Sulayem held an hour-long meeting with Horner during the Bahrain GP back in February.Christian Horner responds as accuser suspended & woman guilty over Baldwin film death – 60-Second BriefingGeri was reportedly ‘in turmoil’ over the scandalCredit: Getty More

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      Lewis Hamilton’s first race for Ferrari CONFIRMED in shock move from F1 chiefs… and it’s bad news for the Brit legend

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      FORMULA ONE bosses have unveiled their calendar for the 2025 season – confirming the Australian GP at Melbourne will return as the opening race.This year’s race in Melbourne attracted a total attendance of 452,055 over the four days but it was third in the schedule behind the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs.Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari race will be at the Australian GPCredit: RexIt means Lewis Hamilton will kick off his season with Ferrari at one of the tracks where he has struggled in the past.The seven-time world champion has won just twice at Albert Park during his F1 career.The 2025 season will mark the 75th anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship and will contain 24 races, kicking off in Australia on March 16th.Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “[Next year] will be a special year as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship, and it’s that legacy and experience that allows us to deliver such a strong calendar.READ MORE IN F1″Once again, we’ll visit 24 incredible venues around the world, delivering top class racing, hospitality, and entertainment, which will be enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide.”We’re grateful to the FIA, our promoters, host city partners, and all the related ASNs for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule and securing what promises to be another fantastic year for F1.”I would also like to pay tribute to our F1 teams and drivers, the heroes of our sport, and our fans around the world for continuing to follow F1 with such incredible enthusiasm.”The Australian GP will come back-to-back with a race in China before a week break. There is then a gruelling triple-header taking in Japan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe British Grand Prix will be held at Silverstone on July 6th while the season will finish in Abu Dhabi on December 7th.The race at the Yas Marina Circuit is the final race in another triple header that will see teams hauled from Las Vegas to Qatar and then on to Abu Dhabi.Greatest F1 track on Earth’ created featuring iconic parts from Silverstone, Spa and SuzukaF1 says the calendar will have “a better geographical flow of races” helping team’s lower the cost of logistics and the environmental impact.Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, added: “The 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, approved by the World Motor Sport Council, is a further illustration of our collective mission of meeting sustainability objectives through the regionalisation of events.”While our focus is on the overall stability of Formula 1, we also have a shared duty to the environment and to the health and well-being of travelling staff.”Formula One Management, under the direction of Stefano Domenicali, have produced a calendar which strikes a good blend of traditional circuits and modern venues.”We thank the host ASNs, the local organisers and the many thousands of FIA volunteers for their tireless efforts in making Formula 1 a truly global, mass audience spectacle as we prepare to celebrate the sport’s 75th year.” More