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      ‘That’s not nice to say’ – Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg ‘disrespected’ live on TV during Chinese GP qualifying

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      FORMER Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg was left red faced after a sly dig was aimed at him live on TV.During Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the Chinese Grand Prix, Rosberg was asked to analyse what the driver dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could be like in 2025.Nico Rosberg was taken aback by a comment made by Sky Sports F1’s Karun ChandhokCredit: Sky SportsIt was announced before the season that the seven-time world champion would be transferring to Ferrari from Mercedes in a move which rocked the world of F1.Kicking of his analysis, Rosberg said: “Of course we’re all looking forward to that dynamic again.”Charles doesn’t seem like someone who goes into conflict too much with his team-mate.”This prompted Sky’s F1 expert Karun Chandhok to joke: “Like you?”READ MORE IN F1Rosberg seemed to stumble over his sentence slightly before sheepishly replying back: “Oh come on. That’s not nice to say.”This came in reference to the German’s time as Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes between 2014 and 2016, when the duo butted heads when vying for the title.A friend of Hamilton, 39, from their karting days, Rosberg, 38, linked up with the former McLaren star at Mercedes between 2014 and 2015.But as they both went for F1 titles their relationship broke down, coming to a head in 2016 with a number of high profile incidents such as heated exchanges and crashes throughout the season.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReacting to the clip, one fan said: “Karun ATE.”A second said: “It’s savage… he still can’t help it lol.”The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsA third added: “You can tell from Nico’s response how deeply sensitive and emotional he feels about his conflict with Lewis, even now.”Another said: “You can tell that Nico was p****d off there.”A fifth accused Chandhok of not showing Rosberg “respect”.While a sixth said: “Got him!!! 😂”Rosberg dramatically retired from F1 at the end of the 2016 season, admitting afterwards that the pressure of racing against Hamilton that season took its toll on him.On their heated rivalry, Rosberg previously said: “It [the friendship breakdown] happened immediately when we were fighting for the World Championship, not before.Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton came into conflict during the 2016 F1 seasonCredit: GettyThe pair turned from friends to enemies but Rosberg has since insisted they have ‘repaired’ their bondCredit: Getty”But that’s always the case: When you’re fighting for success in every race and for titles, it doesn’t work anymore.”It was a build-up from one race to the next. If you want to decide the world championship for yourself, you can’t play ‘love, peace and harmony’.”You have to test limits and go into grey areas to win, especially when two drivers are at such a high level. Then it often gets tight.”Despite the fractured relationship, Rosberg insists they have since “repaired our friendship” and revealed Hamilton sends a “huge box full of gifts” to her.Hamilton has since gone on to rack up a record-equalling seven world titles, but has not won a race for two years following a change in regulations that has seen Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominate.The Brit thought he had claimed sprint pole during sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Lando Norris’ lap time – originally removed from the timings – was reinstated and placed the McLaren ace on pole for the sprint race instead. That came as a fire broke out on the GRASS by the track, causing two delays – one in free practice and one in SQ1.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Michael Schumacher’s family auctioning off stricken F1 legend’s extravagant watch collection for up to £5MILLION

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      MICHAEL Schumacher’s family will auction off the German F1 great’s personal luxury watch collection in a matter of weeks.The condition of the former racing driver remains a mystery to the public after he suffered a serious brain injury while skiing in 2013.Michael Schumacher poses as he arrives for the Audemars Piguet dinner at the Kraftwerk in Berlin in October 2012Credit: 2012 AFPCorinna, left, is pictured with husband Schumacher in Italy in 2005Credit: AFPSchumacher poses for the official driver’s portrait ahead of Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in 2012Credit: AFPSchumacher is pictured at the bobsleigh world championship in Saint Moritz, Switzerland in 2002Credit: 2011 Gamma-RaphoSchumacher’s wife Corinna, 55, is said to be the driving force behind the decision to auction off her husband’s watches.She has previously sold other family assets including Schumacher’s private jet and his house in Norway.The sale is expected to earn her family some $6million (£4.8million), which could be used to help care for the stricken Schumacher, 55.Eight watches will go up for sale on May 13 in Geneva, Switzerland, according to British auction house Christie’s.Read more on SchumacherTwo of the most notable pieces in the auction are custom-made gifts from close family friend and former Ferrari boss Jean Todt.One of the watches, a one-of-a-kind FP Journe Vagabondage 1 Model gifted at Christmastime from Todt to Schumacher in celebration of the F1 star’s seventh world championship in 2004, is expected to fetch between $1.7million (£1.4million) and $3.4million (£2.7million).Along with the Ferrari emblem, Schumacher’s helmet design, and symbols representing the driver’s seven titles, the watch features an engraved message which reads: “Xmas 2004 – Jean Todt for my friend Michael Schumacher.”A second Christmas present from Todt to Schumacher, a customised Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch from 2003, is also up for auction – and is expected to sell for between $255,000 (£200,000) to $425,000 (£340,000).Most read in MotorsportFive limited edition 2004 FP Journe watches will also be available for purchase, to be sold separately, for an estimated total of between $1.8million (£1.4million) and $3million (£2.4million).A “historically important, extremely rare and highly attractive” 14K gold Rolex Daytona – a gift from Schumacher’s long-time manager Willi Weber – is also expected to sell at the auction next month, for between $425,000 (£340,000) and $850,000 (£680,000).Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe Rolex was said to have been gifted to the F1 star in 2021 – two years before Weber told of being frozen out by Schumacher’s family.He said in December: “When I think of Michael now, unfortunately I don’t have anymore hope that I will see him again.”No positive news after ten years,” Cologne Express reports.Weber had earlier demanded that Schumacher’s family come out with the truth about his health, and said he was “angry” that no one had kept him in the loop with how he was faring post-ski accident.He told Italian sports outlet La Gazetta dello Sport in 2022 that he “tried hundreds of times to contact Corinna” and she never answered.Corinna has fiercely protected her husband’s privacy ever since the accident, allowing very few details of his condition to be made public.Today, she not only cares for Schumacher but also manages their family’s massive $970million (£780million) fortune.Schumacher and Corinna married in 1995 and share two children, Mick and Gina-Maria.The auction house said of the upcoming sale: “Christie’s expresses sincere thanks to the Schumacher family for their trust in us and their wish to share these masterpieces of horology with other passionate collectors around the globe.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are proud to present these iconic and unique timepieces belonging to one of the most celebrated Formula 1 legends.”An exceptional moment, for watch and F1 enthusiasts alike. We are looking forward to meeting with passionate collectors during our international exhibitions and the auction on 13 May in Geneva.”Corinna and Schumacher married in 1995 and share two childrenCredit: Getty – ContributorThe F1 legend celebrates on the podium after winning the German Formula One Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring in 2006Credit: GettySchumacher makes a call at the Belgian formula One Grand Prix in Spa Francorchamps in August 2001Credit: Reuters More

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      New country ‘set to host TWO F1 races as shock five-year deal on verge of being reached’

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      A THIRD country could be set to play host to multiple Formula One races.Shock reports in Spain suggest there could be grand prix held in both Madrid AND Barcelona.Barcelona are in talks to extend their stay with F1Credit: GettyThe circuit has been a mainstay on the calendar since 1991Credit: GettyThe USA currently play host to THREE F1 grand prix races; The Circuit of the Americas in Texas, Miami Street Circuit and the most new Las Vegas Strip Circuit.Meanwhile Italy host two, with Imola and Monza staging races.No other country hosts more than one, but that could be about to change according to Mundo Deportivo.In January, F1 announced they had signed a ten-year deal to bring the Spanish Grand Prix to Madrid from 2026 until 2035.READ MORE IN F1The announcement left Spain’s current F1 host, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, fearing it could leave the calendar.Its contract to host races expires after they host in 2025, meaning there is just one more year before it leaves the calendar.But a fresh development may see the circuit stay pm the calendar for around for five more years.Barcelona are reported to be in negotiations to achieve a “long-term” agreement and are now “very close” to agreeing terms.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarcelona City Council are said to have committed to a “save F1” project with Mayor Jaume Collboni to “do everything necessary” to ensure its continuation.The Spanish GP has been hosted in Barcelona since 1991, and an extension to 2031 would see it get up to the 40-year mark as part of the F1 diary.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsThe most recent agreement was signed in 2021 in exchange for a modernisation plan of the facility that will, when all it said and done, cost an estimated £42.8million.Part of this came with the old chicane of Turns 14 and 15 removed for a sweeping right hand corner to improve the racing experience.F1 chief Stefano Domenicali has left the door open to the possibility of two races in Spain.When F1 unveiled the Madrid circuit, Domenicali said: “Barcelona is Formula 1 and work is being done to look beyond.”This year’s race in Barcelona will commence on June 23.Max Verstappen has won the last two races, with Lewis Hamilton winning there five times in a row before that.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 F1’s newest trackThe Madrid circuit will be built around the IFEMA exhibitionThe new IFEMA Madrid track will mix street and non-street sections into a 5.47km circuit with 20 corners.It will be located near Barajas airport and next to Real Madrid’s training base Ciudad in the suburb of Valdebebas and built around the Ifema exhibition centre.A premium paddock building with a new race tower, office spaces, VIP hospitality and entertainment areas will also be present.The venue itself will have more than 110,000 fans per day across its grandstands, general admission and VIP hospitality sections.There are also plans to increase the capacity to 140,000 per day, making Madrid one of the largest venues on the F1 calendar.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, in line with F1’s aims, the track is also committed to reaching “Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and plans to be the most sustainable event of the season”.All buildings will use renewable energy and any temporary structure will be made of recyclable materials. More

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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