Motorsport

FERRARI boss Mattia Binotto has pleaded for “patience” as he tries to stop the team’s slide – but warned it could take YEARS for them to be winners again.
The Italian team endured their worst weekend in a decade in last Sunday’s Belgian GP where their cars finished in 13th and 14th place.

3

Ferrari drivers Vettel and Leclerc have been warned it could be years before the manufacturer is a winner againCredit: Getty Images – Getty

3

Binotto has pleaded for patience amid the team’s strugglesCredit: Getty – Contributor
And they are set for more pain this weekend in their home race – the Italian GP at Monza.
SunSport quizzed Binotto after the race in Spa as to what exactly had gone wrong, whether he was the right man to resolve the situation and how long it would take to turn it around.
He said: “How long it will take? I think that if you look back at all the winning cycles it is always many years.
“There are no silver bullets in F1. Patience and stability is required.

“The engine is frozen this season, so there is nothing we can do on that. We are developing it for next season, and it is progressing well on the dyno at the moment.
“On the car there are some restrictions, so what’s the plan for us? The main plan is focusing on the next seasons – not only 2021 but also certainly as well 2022.
“In order to do well in the next season we also need to try to understand the weaknesses of today and make sure that we are addressing them.”
There is a growing feeling within the F1 paddock that Ferrari’s loss of engine power came about following an investigation by the FIA into their power unit.

Gossip

NOU START
Messi ‘agrees Man City contract worth £623M’ as dad flies to Barca for talks

POTT LUCK
Leeds slump to 3-0 defeat to Stoke less than two weeks until Liverpool game

JAILBIRD
Bartomeu ‘could go to PRISON if he sells Lionel Messi’ as transfer talks go on

ACTION NEEDED
WWE red faced with ‘Hitler salutes and KKK images’ appearing on Thunderdome

TOON TORMENT
Newcastle smashed 5-1 by Middlesbrough less than two weeks before season

Revealed

TO ELLAND BACK
Leeds relegated XI and where they are now from Viduka’s coffee shop to Smith

Controversially, the findings of that investigation have been kept private after the two reached a “settlement”.
But Binotto claims that all engine-manufacturers have suffered as a result of the rule changes introduced for this season.
But while the likes of Mercedes still continue to eek out more lap time for their motor, Ferrari – who were blasted by Seb Vettel during the British GP – have not been able to do so.
He added: “What is happening, in fact, is that we have a car that has lost power. Just as all the engine manufacturers have lost it: but we more than the others.
“Last year the engine partly covered the limits of the machine, but this year it is no longer the case.
“The limits of the machine are emerging. On that point it is clear that we must improve.”

3

Ferrari endured their worst weekend in a decade in last Sunday’s Belgian GP where their cars finished in 13th and 14th placeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Lewis Hamilton claims F1 chiefs are trying to stop him winning a seventh world title by slowing Mercedes down More

MOTOGP rider Miguel Oliveira is engaged to his step-sister Andreia Pimenta, his dad has revealed. The couple, who have known each other since they were 13, had a secret relationship for 11 years before going public in 2019. Pimenta, 24, is the daughter of Oliveira’s father’s second wife Cristina and it was the driver’s dad […] More

FERRARI boss Mattia Binotto insists the team are not in a crisis – despite their worst result in a decade.
Both Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc finished outside of the points at the Belgian GP as they came home in 13th and 14th place respectively.

1

Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc finished outside of the points at the Belgian GP
Both drivers also missed out on reaching Q3 in qualifying, with their car way down on performance.
Vettel and Leclerc have both been frustrated so far this season, with the team down in fifth place in the constructors’ championship.
But underfire Binotto says the team’s slump is only temporary as he bids to turn their fortunes around.
Speaking after the Belgian GP, he said: “I think it is wrong to use the word crisis for the moment we are going through.

“Certainly this is a very bad result within a difficult season that we are experiencing.
“But we knew it was coming, we saw it in winter testing, and then came the impossibility to develop the car.
“We all take responsibility for this situation. I take that as team principal as well as all those who work in Maranello.
“We are all in the same boat. But although the team is in the middle of the storm, we are very united.

The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

Gossip

NOU BEGINNINGS
Man City ‘to pay Lionel Messi record £450m over five years with £225m BONUS’

WHAT A MESS
How Messi’s lawyers are fighting Barca on two fronts to argue he’s a free agent

DON AND DUSTED
Man Utd plot two more signings to bolster squad after Van de Beek transfer

Gossip

DOUBLE TROUBLE
Arsenal plotting double swoop for Brentford duo Said Benrahma and David Raya

Pictured

FAST AND FURYOUS
Tyson Fury joined by Jason Statham for lunch as he calls Wilder a ‘dosser’

TAKING THE MYK
Why Mykonos is the luxury hotspot loved by footballers like Maguire and Alli

“There is no crisis, no tension. There is bitterness and frustration in each of us. But I believe that this frustration must be transformed into reaction and determination.”
Ferrari’s slump is bad timing for the team as it is the Italian GP at Monza this week followed by another GP at Mugello to celebrate their 1,000th race in F1.
And while 2,880 spectators WILL be allowed in to the Mugello circuit, there seems to be little to celebrate at the moment.
Binotto added: “We understand the fans. We are very sorry, we are the first to admit, and we are sorry for them too.
“What is happening, in fact, is that we have a car that has lost power, just as all the engine manufacturers have lost it. We more than the others.
“Last year the engine partly covered the limits of the machine, but this year it is no longer the case.
“The limits of the machine are emerging. On that point it is clear that we must improve.”
Meanwhile, the FIA are investigating Antonio Giovinazzi’s terrifying crash that sent a wheel hurtling towards George Russell’s Williams.
The Brit was forced to take evasive action to swerve out of the way of the wheel that had come loose from Giovinazzi’s Alfa Romeo.
Russell admitted he was thankful for the halo cockpit protection system and now the FIA are looking into what caused the wheel to break away.
F1 race director, Michael Masi, said:”Yes it is a concern. Why it became detached I am not 100 per cent sure.
“Once the car came back to the drop-off area, our technical teams had already started their investigation, taking a number of photos and we’ve got all the available footage.
“The technical department, together with the safety department, will investigate why [this happened].”

Lewis Hamilton claims F1 chiefs are trying to stop him winning a seventh world title by slowing Mercedes down More

GEORGE RUSSELL said he was “very thankful” for the halo cockpit protection system after a dangerous crash with Antonio Giovinazzi.
The Italian lost control on lap ten and spun into the barriers before his Alfa Romeo was spat into Russell’s path.

3

Brit Russell, 22, was involved in the horror crash

A wheel sheared off Giovinazzi’s motor and was hurtling towards the Williams driver, who was forced to take evasive action to miss striking the debris
The wheel and suspension unit came dangerously close to the Brit but thankfully only did damage to his car.
Russell said: “If I went to the right, that’s where Antonio’s car was, and at the left side of the track, I had a massive impact with the tyre.
“But I have to say you feel much safer in the car now with the halo. When I saw this massive tyre coming towards me, it was quite scary to be honest.

“So I’m very thankful that we have this halo on the car right now. I’m all fine.
“Just a little bit frustrated obviously. But that’s racing sometimes.”

3

Frightening footage shows the crashCredit: Sky Sports

3

George Russell was thankful for his haloCredit: PA:Press Association

Gossip

NOU BEGINNINGS
Man City ‘to pay Lionel Messi record £450m over five years with £225m BONUS’

WHAT A MESS
How Messi’s lawyers are fighting Barca on two fronts to argue he’s a free agent

DON AND DUSTED
Man Utd plot two more signings to bolster squad after Van de Beek transfer

Gossip

DOUBLE TROUBLE
Arsenal plotting double swoop for Brentford duo Said Benrahma and David Raya

Pictured

FAST AND FURYOUS
Tyson Fury joined by Jason Statham for lunch as he calls Wilder a ‘dosser’

TAKING THE MYK
Why Mykonos is the luxury hotspot loved by footballers like Maguire and Alli

Giovinazzi admitted he was at fault for causing the crash after driving too hard to keep up with Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari.
He added: “I was pushing just a little too much, just to stay behind Sebastian.

“Just too much on the limit, and when you are always on the limit sometimes it will happen, so it’s just this.”

Lewis Hamilton claims F1 chiefs are trying to stop him winning a seventh world title by slowing Mercedes down More

MOTOGP star Miguel Oliveira is engaged to his step-sister Andreia Pimenta, his dad has revealed.
The couple, who have known each other since they were 13, have had a secret relationship together for 11 years before going public in 2019.

5

Moto GP star Miguel Oliveira is engaged to his step-sister Andreia Pimenta

5

The couple were in a secret relationship for over a decade

5

They have known each other since they were teenagers
Pimenta, 24, is the daughter of Oliveira’s father’s second wife Cristina and it was the driver’s dad Paulo who revealed the exciting news.
He told Marca: “I’m happy that my son is getting married to the woman of his life.”
Oliveira himself previously opened up about falling for his step-sister before admitting they had planned to wed this year.
Speaking to Manuel Luis Goucha, the Portuguese said: “Before love there was a great friendship. We grew up together.

“At some point we realized that it was more than a friendship, it is a very strong love.
“We were going to get married this year, but that weekend I had a race and we had to postpone it next year.”
The lastest news means 24-year-old Oliveira has been celebrating on and off the track.
It comes after he won the MotoGP prize at the Styria Grand Prix for the first time in the history of Portuguese motorcycling.

Gossip

NOU BEGINNINGS
Man City ‘to pay Lionel Messi record £450m over five years with £225m BONUS’

WHAT A MESS
How Messi’s lawyers are fighting Barca on two fronts to argue he’s a free agent

DON AND DUSTED
Man Utd plot two more signings to bolster squad after Van de Beek transfer

Gossip

DOUBLE TROUBLE
Arsenal plotting double swoop for Brentford duo Said Benrahma and David Raya

Pictured

FAST AND FURYOUS
Tyson Fury joined by Jason Statham for lunch as he calls Wilder a ‘dosser’

TAKING THE MYK
Why Mykonos is the luxury hotspot loved by footballers like Maguire and Alli

He said: “Just screaming and pure joy to have done it finally.
“I saw this coming already quite a few races ago.
“I felt we had the potential to do it, so finally to be able to do it is a huge boost to be able to continue like this.”

5

Pimenta is the daughter of Oliveira’s father’s second wife

5

Paulo Oliveira shared his delight at his son’s engagement

Marc Marquez breaks arm after flying off bike in horror crash at Spanish MotoGP with star set for surgery More

Straight-line speed: Kvyat is 🚀#belgiangp 🇧🇪 #f1 pic.twitter.com/S9KQyainvG— Formula 1 (@F1) August 30, 2020 “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598797151,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:19″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329634″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329634″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
LAP 32nn
Gasly has just passed Vettel, Vettel locks up and drops to 13th place.n”,”raw”:”
LAP 32

Gasly has just passed Vettel, Vettel locks up and drops to 13th place.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598797046,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:17″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329629″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329629″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
FERRARI NOW IN 12th AND 17thn
Can this get any worse? The team are in free-fall. Mattio Binotto’s position is in real danger.n
Monza and Mugello up next, too.n
n”,”raw”:”
FERRARI NOW IN 12th AND 17th
Can this get any worse? The team are in free-fall. Mattio Binotto’s position is in real danger.
Monza and Mugello up next, too.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NINTCHDBPICT000605034646.jpg?strip=all&w=960″},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598796801,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:13″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329627″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329627″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
VETTEL NOW CALLING THE SHOTSn
He’s told his race engineer that he’s NOT going to start overtaking the cars in front. “Don’t f****** think about pitting”.n
Who is running that team? Leclerc too also questioning the strategy.n”,”raw”:”
VETTEL NOW CALLING THE SHOTS
He’s told his race engineer that he’s NOT going to start overtaking the cars in front. “Don’t f****** think about pitting”.
Who is running that team? Leclerc too also questioning the strategy.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598796658,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:10″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329621″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329621″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
SLOW STOP FOR LECLERCnn
TV replays show the mechanics topping up the hydraulic fluid in his car. He is now down in 17th place – otherwise known as last place.n”,”raw”:”
SLOW STOP FOR LECLERC

TV replays show the mechanics topping up the hydraulic fluid in his car. He is now down in 17th place – otherwise known as last place.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598796340,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:05″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}}]},”pageMeta”:{“activeCarouselIndex”:0,”articleId”:12516421,”articleMountId”:”main-content”,”section”:{“slug”:”sport”,”id”:321,”sectionName”:”sport/motorsport”,”type”:”UNKNOWN”,”theme”:”theme-sport”},”spotId”:”sp_5v3VPY0c”,”pushlyKey”:”KtL4100XTLLEgUtYDKtO1stRdc1XNxnLUb5i”,”commentsAllowed”:true,”pageType”:”article”,”isSection”:false,”pageTags”:[“F1″,”Sport Live Blogs”],”renderedArticleId”:12516421,”sharingEnabled”:true,”socialHeadline”:”F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE: Follow all the latest updates ahead of race day”,”socialSharingServices”:[“twitter”,”facebook”],”urlAbsolute”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/motorsport/12516421/f1-belgian-grand-prix-live-results-hamilton-verstappen-bottas-race/”,”cssManifest”:{“adsDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/adsDesktop.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”adsMobile.css”:”/assets/client/adsMobile.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”article.css”:”/assets/client/article.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”articleSocial.css”:”/assets/client/articleSocial.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”boxout.css”:”/assets/client/boxout.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”brightcoveDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveDesktop.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”brightcoveMobile.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveMobile.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”comments.css”:”/assets/client/comments.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”core.css”:”/assets/client/core.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”coreMobile.css”:”/assets/client/coreMobile.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”customiser.css”:”/assets/client/customiser.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”liveblog.css”:”/assets/client/liveblog.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”oembed.css”:”/assets/client/oembed.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”opta.css”:”/assets/client/opta.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”page-404.css”:”/assets/client/page-404.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”pagination.css”:”/assets/client/pagination.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”rails.css”:”/assets/client/rails.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”section.css”:”/assets/client/section.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”},”cssBundles”:[{“src”:”article.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”articleSocial.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”liveblog.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”adsDesktop.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”comments.css”,”lazy”:true}],”siteContext”:{“site”:”sun”,”lang”:”en-gb”,”articleDateFormat”:”D MMM YYYY,H:mm”,”timezone”:”Europe/London”,”sourcepoint”:{“enabled”:true,”accountId”:259,”siteId”:5048,”mmsDomain”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”privacyManagerId”:165581,”baseEndpoint”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”amp”:{“accountId”:259,”propertyHref”:”https://thesun.co.uk.amp”,”propertyId”:7736,”privacyManagerId”:165581,”stageCampaign”:false,”checkConsentHref”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk/wrapper/tcfv2/v1/amp”,”promptUISrc”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk/amp/index.html”,”mmsDomain”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”pmTab”:”purposes”,”targetingParams”:{“color”:”red”},”policy”:{“default”:{“timeout”:{“seconds”:5,”fallbackAction”:”reject”}}}}},”isProd”:true},”site”:”sun”,”isProd”:true},”siteLinks”:{“help”:”https://help.thesun.co.uk”,”login”:”https://login.thesun.co.uk”,”profile”:”https://home.thesun.co.uk”},”articleTeaser”:[{“content”:{“kicker”:”SERG AHEAD”,”headline”:”Man Utd eye swoop for Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon after Chelsea sign Chilwell”,”lead”:”SPANISH left-back is free to leave the Bernabeu this summer after a season-long loan at Sevilla. Reguilon, 23, is behind Ferland Mendy and Marcelo in the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12533700/man-utd-transfer-reguilon-chelsea-chilwell-real-madrid/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”CLAUSE FOR CONCERN”,”headline”:”LaLiga side with Barca in Messi contract row and demand £630m fee”,”lead”:”ARGENTINE star had been hoping to walk out of Barcelona for free, believing his clause to notify his team that he would be leaving for nothing was still valid. But LaLiga insist he is still a Barca player and Manchester City will have to stump up staggering fee.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12537473/lionel-messi-laliga-side-barcelona/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”WAT A DEAL”,”headline”:”Aston Villa prepared to offer Ollie Watkins £70,000-a-week deal to beat Fulham”,”lead”:”VERSATILE Brentford striker lined up for reunion with old boss Dean Smith at Villa Park. Fulham are also keen but Smith is ready to pay Watkins £70k-a-week to seal deal.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12535045/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-fulham-brentford-transfer-exclusive/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”TOTT OF THE STOPS”,”headline”:”Spurs keeper Gazzaniga ‘eyed for Fulham move’ following Joe Hart arrival”,”lead”:”FULHAM are reportedly chasing a move for Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga to challenge for their No1 spot. The Argentine stopper made 25 appearances in all competitions for Spurs last season.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12526788/tottenham-gazzaniga-fulham-joe-hart/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”LET EM KNOW”,”headline”:”Aston Villa plotting £10m transfer move for Arsenal keeper Martinez”,”lead”:”DEAN SMITH’S side are preparing a bid after the Argentine shot-stopper impressed in place of Bernd Leno at the back end of last season. Villa No1 Tom Heaton is still recovering from a knee injury and Pepe Rein has joined Lazio. “,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12532822/aston-villa-10m-transfer-arsenal-keeper-martinez/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”DOU YOU WANT IT?”,”headline”:”Doucoure snubs Wolves and Fulham offers as Watford ace wants Everton move”,”lead”:”THE Toffees had chased the French star last summer but having missed out on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Spurs are set to rekindle their interest. Everton – who also want James Rodriguez and Allan – are set to beat Wolves, Fulham and Hertha Berlin to the Hornets star.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12531665/everton-transfer-abdoulaye-doucoure-watford/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”CHEEK OF IT”,”headline”:”Miss BumBum Suzy Cortez becomes City fan after Barca’s ‘trash’ Messi treatment”,”lead”:”BRAZILIAN beauty is now Man City’s sexiest supporter as her idol closes in on sensational transfer. Suzy has slammed her childhood club’s treatment of Argentine and called for president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12531190/lionel-messi-suzy-cortez-man-city/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”CITY LIFE”,”headline”:”PSG ‘contacted Messi’s father but told he’s already decided to join Man City'”,”lead”:”PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have reportedly been in contact with Lionel Messi’s father Jorge over a potential transfer… only to be told that the Argentine has decided to join Manchester City instead.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12526119/psg-lionel-messi-man-city-2/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”SET TO DEP-ART”,”headline”:”Ex-Man Utd flop Memphis Depay issues come get me plea as Everton eye bid”,”lead”:”THE Dutchman has also been linked with Barcelona after an impressive spell at Lyon. And he appears ready to move on after his comments amid interest from Everton.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12531602/man-utd-memphis-depay-everton-barcelona-lyon/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”BOX CLEVER”,”headline”:”Daniel Dubois KO’s Snijders in front of Tyson Fury to continue meteoric rise “,”lead”:”DYNAMITE Daniel Dubois blasted away eight months of cobwebs with the 15th win of his firecracker career last night. The 22-year-old heavyweight British champion has an all-London October 24 defence against Joe Joyce booked, so needed a keep-warm bout against Dutchman Ricardo Snijders.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12535082/daniel-dubois-ricardo-snijders-tyson-fury-ko-boxing-report/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”}],”optimizelyUrl”:”//www.thesun.co.uk/assets/optimizely/16003990469.js”,”enableSkimlinks”:false,”digitalPersonalisation”:{“newskitApiKey”:”JlWiVPQWkbQU3M4xZGXvGcDbGHrvGQZb”,”newskitEndpoint”:”https://newskit.newsapis.co.uk/graphql”}}; window.admantx_data = {“admants”:[“bs_custom_tesco”,”bs_custom_vodafone”,”bs_custom_jet2″,”bs_custom_chanel”,”bs_custom_vca”,”bs_custom_pmi”,”bs_custom_vw_neg_updated”,”bs_custom_audi_neg”,”vbs_auto”,”bs_omnicom_cat”,”bs_deathinjury”,”bs_custom_tesco_neg”,”vbs_travel”,”adx_sport”,”bs_custom_jet2_kw”,”bs_custom_gov_neg”,”bs_amazon_kw_list_may_2020″,”bs_custom_barclays”,”bs_custom_tesco_kw”,”bs_custom_deloitte_kw”,”bs_custom_chanel_kw”],”categories”:[“formula_1″,”sports”,”auto_racing”,”road_accidents”,”news_and_politics”,”disasters”],”feelings”:[“fear”,”negative_emotions”,”emotions”,”neutral_sentiment”,”sentiment”],”entities”:[“ben_hunt”,”hamilton”,”charles_leclerc”,”george_russell”,”antonio_giovinazzi”,”pierre_gasly”,”safety_car”,”formula_one”,”vettel”,”perez”,”united_kingdom”,”mercedes”,”lewis_hamilton”,”alfa_romeo”]};

Jump directly to the content

All Football

LIGHTS OUT

Live Blog

30 Aug 2020, 16:32
Updated: 30 Aug 2020, 16:33

LEWIS HAMILTON has won the Belgian Grand Prix for the first time since 2017 after a near flawless drive.
1st Hamilton 2nd Bottas 3rd Verstappen
Follow all the latest reaction from the big race below…

Load more entries… More

LEWIS HAMILTON notched up a fifth win in seven this year – and told the rest of the grid “I feel better than ever”.
The 35-year-old started from pole and never looked back as he eased to yet another win at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa.

14

Lewis Hamilton said “I feel better than ever” after yet another winCredit: Reuters

14

The Brit performs the Black Panther salute in memory of actor Chadwick BosemanCredit: Getty Images

14

The six-time world champion won his fifth race this season at the Belgian Grand PrixCredit: AFP

14

Lewis Hamilton won from Valtteri Bottas with Max Verstappen thirdCredit: Getty Images

Hamilton said before the race the start would be crucial to victory, and once he got away cleanly from pole position the writing was on the wall.
Valtteri Bottas was eager to have a go at his team-mate but made to settle for second place behind the six-time world champion.
Max Verstappen kept pace with the Mercedes but finished in third place in his Red Bull.
Daniel Ricciardo started and finished fourth in his Renault ahead of team-mate Esteban Ocon with Red Bull’s Alex Albon sixth.

Hamilton said: “It’s not what everyone always want to see the Mercedes at the front but no matter how much success we have we just keep our heads down.
“When I go back into the office the guys are thinking how we win the next race. It’s an incredible mentality and we’re continuing to learn about ourselves and the car and improve weekend in and weekend out.
“I’m 35 going into 36 and feel better than ever.

14

Lewis Hamilton held off Valtteri Bottas into turn oneCredit: Getty Images

14

And the Brit pulled clear after a clean start from poleCredit: Associated Press

14

Lewis Hamilton pumped in some hot laps to open the gap back to team-mate Valtteri BottasCredit: Getty Images
“It wasn’t the easiest of races. I had a lock up into turn 5 which started to give a vibration then one in to the last corner. The tyre temperatures were slowly dropping no matter how much I was pushing.

“It was a little bit of a struggle and I was a bit nervous we might have a scenario like Silverstone towards the end so I was nursing it.
“But it looks like the tyre has plenty of rubber in it so maybe it was fine and all worry for nothing.”
Ferrari suffered more embarrassment as Sebastian Vettel finished 13th and Charles Leclerc down in 14th.

14

George Russell couldn’t avoid the flying wheel from Antonio Giovinazzi’s car in a nasty collision that saw the safety car come outCredit: Sky Sports

14

Ferrari had another race to forget with Sebastian Vettel 13th and Charles Leclerc 14thCredit: AP:Associated Press
Antonio Giovinazzi and George Russell were both forced out of the race after a nasty collision which resulted in a safety car.
The Italian spun into the barrier and the wheel that flew off his Alfa Romeo wiped out George Russell’s Williams.
Both drivers were OK in a collision that could’ve been worse and left debris all over the track.
McLaren’s Carlos Sainz suffered more Spa heartache as an exhaust failure meant he was unable to start for the second year running.

Gossip

SERG AHEAD
Man Utd eye swoop for Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon after Chelsea sign Chilwell

CLAUSE FOR CONCERN
LaLiga side with Barca in Messi contract row and demand £630m fee

Exclusive

WAT A DEAL
Aston Villa prepared to offer Ollie Watkins £70,000-a-week deal to beat Fulham

Gossip

TOTT OF THE STOPS
Spurs keeper Gazzaniga ‘eyed for Fulham move’ following Joe Hart arrival

Gossip

LET EM KNOW
Aston Villa plotting £10m transfer move for Arsenal keeper Martinez

DOU YOU WANT IT?
Doucoure snubs Wolves and Fulham offers as Watford ace wants Everton move

Exclusive

CHEEK OF IT
Miss BumBum Suzy Cortez becomes City fan after Barca’s ‘trash’ Messi treatment

Gossip

CITY LIFE
PSG ‘contacted Messi’s father but told he’s already decided to join Man City’

F1 drivers remembered Anthoine Hubert before the race with a minute’s silence for the Frenchman who tragically died in a crash at this circuit last year.
His mother Nathalie was in attendance today and collected her son’s helmet from the grid in a touching and heartbreaking scene.
F1 moves to Monza next week for the Italian Grand Prix with another race in the nation the following weekend at Mugello.

14

F1 drivers gathered round a sticker of Anthoine Hubert during a minute’s silence after he died at this track last yearCredit: Getty Images

14

Anthoine Hubert’s mum Nathalie collects her son’s helmetCredit: Getty Images

14

The drivers sent a message against racism before the raceCredit: Getty Images

14

Lewis Hamilton’s lead grew to 47 points in the championship

14

Mercedes pulled further clear in the constructors’ standings

2020 RACE CALENDAR

July 5 – Austria (W: Bottas)
July 12 – Styria (W: Hamilton)
July 19 – Hungary (W: Hamilton)
Aug 2 – Britain (W: Hamilton)
Aug 9 – 70th Anniversary (W: Verstappen)
Aug 16 – Spain (W: Hamilton)
Aug 30 – Belgium (W: Hamilton)
Sept 6 – Italy
Sept 13 – Tuscany
Sept 27 – Russia
Oct 11 – Germany
Oct 25 – Portugal
Nov 1 – Imola
Nov 15 – Turkey
Nov 29 – Bahrain
Dec 6 – Sakhir
Dec 13 – Abu Dhabi More

Straight-line speed: Kvyat is 🚀#belgiangp 🇧🇪 #f1 pic.twitter.com/S9KQyainvG— Formula 1 (@F1) August 30, 2020 “},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598797151,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:19″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329634″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329634″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
LAP 32nn
Gasly has just passed Vettel, Vettel locks up and drops to 13th place.n”,”raw”:”
LAP 32

Gasly has just passed Vettel, Vettel locks up and drops to 13th place.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598797046,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:17″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329629″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329629″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
FERRARI NOW IN 12th AND 17thn
Can this get any worse? The team are in free-fall. Mattio Binotto’s position is in real danger.n
Monza and Mugello up next, too.n
n”,”raw”:”
FERRARI NOW IN 12th AND 17th
Can this get any worse? The team are in free-fall. Mattio Binotto’s position is in real danger.
Monza and Mugello up next, too.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/NINTCHDBPICT000605034646.jpg?strip=all&w=960″},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598796801,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:13″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329627″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor odd alt thread-odd thread-alt depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329627″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
VETTEL NOW CALLING THE SHOTSn
He’s told his race engineer that he’s NOT going to start overtaking the cars in front. “Don’t f****** think about pitting”.n
Who is running that team? Leclerc too also questioning the strategy.n”,”raw”:”
VETTEL NOW CALLING THE SHOTS
He’s told his race engineer that he’s NOT going to start overtaking the cars in front. “Don’t f****** think about pitting”.
Who is running that team? Leclerc too also questioning the strategy.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598796658,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:10″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}},{“id”:”329621″,”type”:”new”,”post_id”:”12516421″,”css_classes”:”liveblog byuser comment-author-bhunt bypostauthor even thread-even depth-1 liveblog-entry liveblog-entry-class-329621″,”content”:{“rendered”:”
SLOW STOP FOR LECLERCnn
TV replays show the mechanics topping up the hydraulic fluid in his car. He is now down in 17th place – otherwise known as last place.n”,”raw”:”
SLOW STOP FOR LECLERC

TV replays show the mechanics topping up the hydraulic fluid in his car. He is now down in 17th place – otherwise known as last place.”},”date”:{“timestamp”:1598796340,”date_formatted”:”30th August 2020″,”time_formatted”:”15:05″},”author”:”Ben Hunt”,”avatar”:{“src”:”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9e6897c8bf18cc48fae76c4d49411521?s=96&d=mm&r=g”,”width”:30,”height”:30}}]},”pageMeta”:{“activeCarouselIndex”:0,”articleId”:12516421,”articleMountId”:”main-content”,”section”:{“slug”:”sport”,”id”:321,”sectionName”:”sport/motorsport”,”type”:”UNKNOWN”,”theme”:”theme-sport”},”spotId”:”sp_5v3VPY0c”,”pushlyKey”:”KtL4100XTLLEgUtYDKtO1stRdc1XNxnLUb5i”,”commentsAllowed”:true,”pageType”:”article”,”isSection”:false,”pageTags”:[“F1″,”Sport Live Blogs”],”renderedArticleId”:12516421,”sharingEnabled”:true,”socialHeadline”:”F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE: Follow all the latest updates ahead of race day”,”socialSharingServices”:[“twitter”,”facebook”],”urlAbsolute”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/motorsport/12516421/f1-belgian-grand-prix-live-results-hamilton-verstappen-bottas-race/”,”cssManifest”:{“adsDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/adsDesktop.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”adsMobile.css”:”/assets/client/adsMobile.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”article.css”:”/assets/client/article.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”articleSocial.css”:”/assets/client/articleSocial.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”boxout.css”:”/assets/client/boxout.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”brightcoveDesktop.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveDesktop.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”brightcoveMobile.css”:”/assets/client/brightcoveMobile.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”comments.css”:”/assets/client/comments.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”core.css”:”/assets/client/core.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”coreMobile.css”:”/assets/client/coreMobile.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”customiser.css”:”/assets/client/customiser.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”liveblog.css”:”/assets/client/liveblog.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”oembed.css”:”/assets/client/oembed.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”opta.css”:”/assets/client/opta.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”page-404.css”:”/assets/client/page-404.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”pagination.css”:”/assets/client/pagination.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”rails.css”:”/assets/client/rails.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”,”section.css”:”/assets/client/section.3dbf40c9f2a8732e453b.1.css”},”cssBundles”:[{“src”:”article.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”articleSocial.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”liveblog.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”adsDesktop.css”,”lazy”:false},{“src”:”comments.css”,”lazy”:true}],”siteContext”:{“site”:”sun”,”lang”:”en-gb”,”articleDateFormat”:”D MMM YYYY,H:mm”,”timezone”:”Europe/London”,”sourcepoint”:{“enabled”:true,”accountId”:259,”siteId”:5048,”mmsDomain”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”privacyManagerId”:165581,”baseEndpoint”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”amp”:{“accountId”:259,”propertyHref”:”https://thesun.co.uk.amp”,”propertyId”:7736,”privacyManagerId”:165581,”stageCampaign”:false,”checkConsentHref”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk/wrapper/tcfv2/v1/amp”,”promptUISrc”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk/amp/index.html”,”mmsDomain”:”https://cmp.cdn.thesun.co.uk”,”pmTab”:”purposes”,”targetingParams”:{“color”:”red”},”policy”:{“default”:{“timeout”:{“seconds”:5,”fallbackAction”:”reject”}}}}},”isProd”:true},”site”:”sun”,”isProd”:true},”siteLinks”:{“help”:”https://help.thesun.co.uk”,”login”:”https://login.thesun.co.uk”,”profile”:”https://home.thesun.co.uk”},”articleTeaser”:[{“content”:{“kicker”:”SERG AHEAD”,”headline”:”Man Utd eye swoop for Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon after Chelsea sign Chilwell”,”lead”:”SPANISH left-back is free to leave the Bernabeu this summer after a season-long loan at Sevilla. Reguilon, 23, is behind Ferland Mendy and Marcelo in the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12533700/man-utd-transfer-reguilon-chelsea-chilwell-real-madrid/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”CLAUSE FOR CONCERN”,”headline”:”LaLiga side with Barca in Messi contract row and demand £630m fee”,”lead”:”ARGENTINE star had been hoping to walk out of Barcelona for free, believing his clause to notify his team that he would be leaving for nothing was still valid. But LaLiga insist he is still a Barca player and Manchester City will have to stump up staggering fee.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12537473/lionel-messi-laliga-side-barcelona/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”WAT A DEAL”,”headline”:”Aston Villa prepared to offer Ollie Watkins £70,000-a-week deal to beat Fulham”,”lead”:”VERSATILE Brentford striker lined up for reunion with old boss Dean Smith at Villa Park. Fulham are also keen but Smith is ready to pay Watkins £70k-a-week to seal deal.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12535045/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-fulham-brentford-transfer-exclusive/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”TOTT OF THE STOPS”,”headline”:”Spurs keeper Gazzaniga ‘eyed for Fulham move’ following Joe Hart arrival”,”lead”:”FULHAM are reportedly chasing a move for Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga to challenge for their No1 spot. The Argentine stopper made 25 appearances in all competitions for Spurs last season.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12526788/tottenham-gazzaniga-fulham-joe-hart/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”LET EM KNOW”,”headline”:”Aston Villa plotting £10m transfer move for Arsenal keeper Martinez”,”lead”:”DEAN SMITH’S side are preparing a bid after the Argentine shot-stopper impressed in place of Bernd Leno at the back end of last season. Villa No1 Tom Heaton is still recovering from a knee injury and Pepe Rein has joined Lazio. “,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12532822/aston-villa-10m-transfer-arsenal-keeper-martinez/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”DOU YOU WANT IT?”,”headline”:”Doucoure snubs Wolves and Fulham offers as Watford ace wants Everton move”,”lead”:”THE Toffees had chased the French star last summer but having missed out on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Spurs are set to rekindle their interest. Everton – who also want James Rodriguez and Allan – are set to beat Wolves, Fulham and Hertha Berlin to the Hornets star.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12531665/everton-transfer-abdoulaye-doucoure-watford/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”CHEEK OF IT”,”headline”:”Miss BumBum Suzy Cortez becomes City fan after Barca’s ‘trash’ Messi treatment”,”lead”:”BRAZILIAN beauty is now Man City’s sexiest supporter as her idol closes in on sensational transfer. Suzy has slammed her childhood club’s treatment of Argentine and called for president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12531190/lionel-messi-suzy-cortez-man-city/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”CITY LIFE”,”headline”:”PSG ‘contacted Messi’s father but told he’s already decided to join Man City'”,”lead”:”PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have reportedly been in contact with Lionel Messi’s father Jorge over a potential transfer… only to be told that the Argentine has decided to join Manchester City instead.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12526119/psg-lionel-messi-man-city-2/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”SET TO DEP-ART”,”headline”:”Ex-Man Utd flop Memphis Depay issues come get me plea as Everton eye bid”,”lead”:”THE Dutchman has also been linked with Barcelona after an impressive spell at Lyon. And he appears ready to move on after his comments amid interest from Everton.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12531602/man-utd-memphis-depay-everton-barcelona-lyon/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”},{“content”:{“kicker”:”BOX CLEVER”,”headline”:”Daniel Dubois KO’s Snijders in front of Tyson Fury to continue meteoric rise “,”lead”:”DYNAMITE Daniel Dubois blasted away eight months of cobwebs with the 15th win of his firecracker career last night. The 22-year-old heavyweight British champion has an all-London October 24 defence against Joe Joyce booked, so needed a keep-warm bout against Dutchman Ricardo Snijders.”,”url”:”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12535082/daniel-dubois-ricardo-snijders-tyson-fury-ko-boxing-report/”},”theme”:”theme-sport”}],”optimizelyUrl”:”//www.thesun.co.uk/assets/optimizely/16003990469.js”,”enableSkimlinks”:false,”digitalPersonalisation”:{“newskitApiKey”:”JlWiVPQWkbQU3M4xZGXvGcDbGHrvGQZb”,”newskitEndpoint”:”https://newskit.newsapis.co.uk/graphql”}}; window.admantx_data = {“admants”:[“bs_custom_tesco”,”bs_custom_vodafone”,”bs_custom_jet2″,”bs_custom_chanel”,”bs_custom_vca”,”bs_custom_pmi”,”bs_custom_vw_neg_updated”,”bs_custom_audi_neg”,”vbs_auto”,”bs_omnicom_cat”,”bs_deathinjury”,”bs_custom_tesco_neg”,”vbs_travel”,”adx_sport”,”bs_custom_jet2_kw”,”bs_custom_gov_neg”,”bs_amazon_kw_list_may_2020″,”bs_custom_barclays”,”bs_custom_tesco_kw”,”bs_custom_deloitte_kw”,”bs_custom_chanel_kw”],”categories”:[“formula_1″,”sports”,”auto_racing”,”road_accidents”,”news_and_politics”,”disasters”],”feelings”:[“fear”,”negative_emotions”,”emotions”,”neutral_sentiment”,”sentiment”],”entities”:[“ben_hunt”,”hamilton”,”charles_leclerc”,”george_russell”,”antonio_giovinazzi”,”pierre_gasly”,”safety_car”,”formula_one”,”vettel”,”perez”,”united_kingdom”,”mercedes”,”lewis_hamilton”,”alfa_romeo”]};

Jump directly to the content

All Football

LIGHTS OUT

Live Blog

30 Aug 2020, 16:32
Updated: 30 Aug 2020, 16:33

LEWIS HAMILTON has won the Belgian Grand Prix for the first time since 2017 after a near flawless drive.
1st Hamilton 2nd Bottas 3rd Verstappen
Follow all the latest reaction from the big race below…

Load more entries… More