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      Ayrton Senna had vision he would die the night before his fatal crash – we’d never seen him look so haunted, says F1 ace

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      ICON of Formula One Ayrton Senna told doctors he had visions of his tragic death the night before his horror crash 30-years-ago today.Concerns started to brew in the F1 paddock on race day after the Brazilian great turned up looking “distant” and completely haunted, says fellow F1 ace Johnny Herbert.Formula One great Ayrton Senna had visions of his tragic death the night before his horror crashCredit: ReutersSenna sitting in the car he would end up dying in after it smashed into a concrete wall as his suspension crashed through his helmetCredit: AFPThe moment of Senna’s fatal crash at Imola in 1994Former driver Johnny Herbert says the Brazilian great turned up looking ‘distant’ and completely haunted on race dayCredit: GettyThe triple world champion died almost instantly when his Williams ran off the road at 190mph and smashed into a concrete wall on lap seven of the San Marino Grand Prix.Senna was leading the race when he lost control at the notorious Tamburello corner and his car’s suspension crashed through his helmet.Herbert said: “Senna feared he was going to die the night before the crash.”He apparently had a premonition the night before that he was going to die.”read more in Formula OneHerbert claims Senna told F1’s medical expert Professor Sid Watkins about his nightmares.Watkins told the Brazilian to quit and go live a quiet life fishing after accomplishing greatness in motorsports already – Senna felt he was no where near finished with the sport.He looked very distant. It was very, very eerie knowing what was going to happenJohnny Herbertex-F1 acePre-race, as all the brave drivers spoke to their mechanics about the conditions, competitors and atmosphere, Herbert says Senna was acting in a way never seen before from the experienced professional. He told Instant Casino: “You see the cameras trained on his face before the race. It was a very different Ayrton than we had seen before.Most read in Motorsport”He looked very distant. It was very, very eerie knowing what was going to happen.”To go through what he did with those feelings on his own apart from the conversation with Professor Sid, must have been so hard.”SAN MARINO TRADEGYThe 1994 San Marino Grand Prix weekend has long been coined as the darkest event in Formula One history.Senna, one of the sports greatest drivers died instantly when his Williams car ran off the road at 190mph and smashed into a concrete wall on the seventh lap of the Imola circuit.Herbert said: “I remember Senna’s crash. We all stopped on the grid with the red flag waiting for news. “I remember on the screen we had on the car the shock of seeing the crash and then seeing his helmet move. I remember thinking, ‘It’s ok, he is alive.’”But it wasn’t, it was just a nerve twitch. It was such a shock.”Video shows Ayrton Senna racing in the San Marino Grand prix in 1994 before tragic death of driverEx-F1 driver turned pundit Martin Brundle once revealed his “anger” at the race continuing after a short break.Brundle, who ended up finishing eighth said: “We raced past a pool of Senna’s blood for 55 laps.”The 34-year-old was the second driver to tragically die on track that weekend after Austrian Roland Ratzenberger crashed his Simtek car into a wall during qualifying.Senna’s fellow Brazilian Rubens Barrichello survived his own near-death experience after being involved in a terrifying high-speed crash during practice.The exact cause of Senna’s fatal crash remains inconclusive.The front page of The Sun after Senna’s death in May 1994Credit: The SunSenna was a three-time world champion with McLarenCredit: APHe has been immortalised with a statue in his honourCredit: ReutersSenna helped revolutionise the sport both before and after his death through his excellent driving skills and increased safety measuresCredit: Getty Images – GettyFormer F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone described it as “a disastrous weekend”.He said this week he was told that F1 would be cancelled in the wake of the event and two deaths.Safety measures were instantly employed after the crash with the halo being the biggest improvement to the cars.Countless drivers, including Brit Lewis Hamilton, have praised the revolutionary safety device for saving their lives ever since.SENNA’S LEGACYSenna sits on top of the modern F1 mountain alongside fellow legends Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Niki Lauda.To this day, only five men have won more world titles than Senna even with his career being cut short at just 34.The former boss of Senna and F1 kingpin Sir Frank Williams was the man who owned and allowed the Brazilian to go out on the fateful day in the car that proved faulty.His daughter Claire said: “Frank had a love affair with Ayrton. He got into his heart, got into his mind, and he always wanted to put him in his race car.“Dad’s wish then came true, but it ended in the worst possible way.”You can see the pain in his eyes every time he thinks about the accident.”The life of F1 icon Ayrton Senna
      March 21, 1960: Ayrton Senna da Silva was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil
      1973: Senna starts competitive racing in go-karts built by his dad
      1977: He wins his first few titles before the big South American Karting Championship crown
      1980-1983: Begins racing in cars winning Formula Ford 1600, British and European Formula Ford 2000 and British Formula 3 titles
      1984: Gets his chance in F1 with Toleman and scores points in his second ever race
      1985: Secures first F1 win with Lotus 
      1988: Signs huge contract with McLaren and wins first ever World Championship
      1990: Wins second World Championship after an impressive season
      1991: Wins third and final world title
      1993: Senna completes ‘Lap of the Gods’ at rain-hit European Grand Prix 
      1994: Moves to Williams for the final season of his illustrious career
      May 1, 1994: Senna tragically dies during the 1994 Imola Grand Prix

      Senna was a global superstar who carried the spirit of South America on his back in the 80s and 90s.Shortly before his death, he told his family he wanted to start a project to help bring quality education to poor children in Brazil.Three months after the crash, Senna’s family opened the Senna Institute. It now helps 1.5million children per year.His pal Herbert said: “I have lovely memories of Senna – he belongs among the greats.”He would have been world champion for several years to come. “We saw him getting to his peak in that period, but we were never able to see the best of that peak.”It is difficult to compare eras but without doubt he was one of the greatest of all time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCurrent world champion Lewis Hamilton lists Senna as his idol and has famously copied the design of the Brazilian’s yellow crash-helmet before.Lando Norris also described Senna as the “whole package”.Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Senna with his helmet and his clothes beforeCredit: GettyA smiling Senna doing what he loved in the cockpit of an F1 carCredit: AFP More

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      Top Red Bull Racing designer QUITS team piling more pressure on Christian Horner

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      ADRIAN NEWEY will leave Red Bull Racing at the end of this year – cranking up the pressure on boss Christian Horner.Newey, who has grown disillusioned with life in F1, is the sport’s greatest car designer and says he is now seeking a new challenge.Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull Racing in 2025Credit: GettyNewey, 65, has been a key figure alongside Christian HornerCredit: PAThe 65-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Ferrari where he would join up with Lewis Hamilton next season.However, for the meantime he says he will see out the year with Red Bull while continuing to work on his hypercar project, the RB17, which launches in the summer.He said: “Ever since I was a young boy, I wanted to be a designer of fast cars. My dream was to be an engineer in Formula One, and I’ve been lucky enough to make that dream a reality.”For almost two decades it has been my great honour to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing’s progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning team.READ MORE IN F1″However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself.”In the interim, the final stages of development of RB17 are upon us, so for the remainder of my time with the team my focus will lie there.”Newey is responsible for designing cars that have won 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams and 13 drivers’ championships.However, insiders say he has grown disillusioned with life at Red Bull Racing for some time and has previously expressed a desire to walk away.Most read in MotorsportWho is Adrian Newey?

      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

      In 2014 he was given permission by Red Bull Racing to work on other projects away from F1.And even last season he was contemplating stepping away from F1 – well before the internal complaint made against Horner – but was lured back with a new contract.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysNewey is said to be at odds with the modern world of F1 and how Horner and Red Bull Racing have been catapulted into the limelight.He has also seen the turbulence created within Red Bull Racing following the internal investigation following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague against Horner.Newey was not directly involved but worked closely with the claimant and has a long-standing friendship with Horner that stretches back to 2005 when he signed from McLaren.Newey’s departure, which was agreed late on Tuesday evening, will be a hammer blow to Horner, who has seen his position within the team come under the microscope.He is under huge pressure following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he had been cleared of, but now subjected to an appeal.Horner could also lose star driver Max Verstappen as part of the internal row that has ripped the team apart.His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasonsChristian HornerAnd he is due to face a barrage of questions at this week’s Miami GP.Horner said: “All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian’s hand on the technical tiller.”His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasons.”His exceptional ability to conceptualise beyond F1 and bring wider inspiration to bear on the design of grand prix cars, his remarkable talent for embracing change and finding the most rewarding areas of the rules to focus on, and his relentless will to win have helped Red Bull Racing to become a greater force than I think even the late [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz might have imagined.”More than that, the past 19 years with Adrian have been enormous fun.”For me, when Adrian joined Red Bull, he was already a superstar designer. Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is also my friend and someone I will be eternally grateful to for everything he brought to our partnership.”The legacy he leaves behind will echo through the halls of Milton Keynes and RB17 Track Car will be a fitting testament and legacy to his time with us.”Newey’s friendship with Horner goes back many yearsCredit: Getty More

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      Thirty years on from Ayrton Senna’s tragic death Bernie Ecclestone reveals he was told F1 would be CANCELLED for ever

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      BERNIE ECCLESTONE revealed he was told Formula One would be CANCELLED in the aftermath of Ayrton Senna’s death.Today marks the 30th anniversary of Senna’s fatal crash in Imola.Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna died while leading the San Marino Grand PrixCredit: AFPBernie Ecclestone was told that F1 would be cancelled after thatCredit: ReutersBrazil’s triple world champion died almost instantly when his Williams ran off the road at 190mph and smashed into a concrete wall on lap seven of the San Marino Grand Prix.And Ecclestone, who ruled the sport for four decades until 2017, said: “Max Mosley, the FIA president, said to me that he believed it would be the end of Formula One.“We hoped it wouldn’t cause what Max had suggested but it was a disaster. “It seems to me a lot longer than 30 years. Ayrton was so unlucky to die.”READ MORE ON SPORTSenna was leading when he lost control at the notorious Tamburello corner. The right-front suspension of his car penetrated his crash helmet.Yet the race restarted less than 40 minutes later with Michael Schumacher winning. Senna’s team-mate Damon Hill was sixth, two places ahead of fellow Brit Martin Brundle.Now a TV pundit, Brundle has said he was angry that “we raced past a pool of Senna’s blood for 55 laps”.But Ecclestone, 93, insisted: “Should we have stopped the race? I don’t think so.Most read in Motorsport“It wouldn’t have helped Senna in any way. When these things happen, they happen so quickly that you don’t really have that much time to think.“Legally, it should have been stopped because we now know he died at the circuit but it came down to commercial problems, people who would have wanted refunds and all these sorts of things.Video shows Ayrton Senna racing in the San Marino Grand prix in 1994 before tragic death of driver“The other side of it wasn’t really taken into consideration.”F1 is expected to pay tribute to Senna at the Emilia Romagna GP in Imola on May 19.His death is the last time a driver was killed during an F1 race.Jules Bianchi died nine months after injuries he suffered at the Japanese GP ten years ago.It’s the 30th anniversary of Senna’s fatal crash in ImolaCredit: GettyEcclestone added: “Formula One became more popular after Senna’s death.“It got so much worldwide publicity that people who had not watched before started to become interested.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I hope we will never see something like that again.“And I think today, with the way everything has improved with safety, the chances are so much smaller.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Mercedes preparing world record £128MILLION-A-YEAR offer for Max Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton

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      MERCEDES could break the bank with a record-breaking deal to sign F1 world champion Max Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Sources in Austria claim the F1 team are tabling a whopping £128MILLION-A-YEAR package to lure the three time world champion.Totto Wolf wants Max Verstappen at MercedesCredit: GettyThe Red Bull star could replace Ferrari-bound Lewis HamiltonCredit: SplashIt comes after Red Bull Racing were rocked by the news that design whizz Adrian Newey is stepping back from his role in the team.SunSport reported on Tuesday how Verstappen’s father Jos and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the Merc F1 team.That includes team boss Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.The Verstappen camp have made it clear that they are assessing their options following their spectacular fallout with team boss Christian Horner.READ MORE ON MOTORSPORTIt comes after an internal investigation where Horner was cleared of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague.Verstappen’s father said in Bahrain that Horner’s position in control of the team was ripping it apart.Horner responded that he would not stand in his driver’s way if he wanted to leave, despite having a contract worth over £40 million a year that runs until the end of 2028.It means that Mercedes however, could be forced to stump up compensation for Verstappen, who is on course to win his fourth straight title this season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWolff has made no secret of the fact that he would love to sign Verstappen and is close with the family and they both live in Monaco.He is desperate to return the team to winning ways but has so far failed to see them muster a challenge.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himHowever, Wolff knows he faces a tough task in trying to convince the driver to leave Red Bull for Mercedes.Verstappen has seen Mercedes produce three duds in succession, leading somewhat to Hamilton’s decision to quit, while Red Bull have delivered him three title-winning cars.Consequently there is a high degree of risk in making the switch, which Mercedes are hoping to acknowledge with a substantial contract that comes loaded with bonuses.Verstappen meanwhile has tried to distance himself from the speculation linking him with Mercedes.However, he is likely to come in for some questioning about his future at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.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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      Christian Horner under more pressure with top Red Bull Racing designer poised to step down ahead of Miami GP

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      ADRIAN NEWEY is poised to step down from his role with Red Bull Racing, with an announcement coming before this week’s Miami Grand Prix.The news will crank up the pressure on boss Christian Horner following allegations from a female employee.Adrian Newey looks set to step down from his role at Red BullCredit: PAIt comes following the Christian Horner sexting scandalCredit: GettyNewey is F1’s most-successful designer, responsible for designing cars that have won 12 constructors’ titles with three different teams and 13 drivers’ championships.SunSport understands he will remain with the team until the end of the season before overseeing his hypercar project – the RB17 – produced at Red Bull Racing’s HQ.A limited run of 50 RB17s will be made, the 1250bhp hypercar will be produced at a rate of 15 per year with many already sold.It means he is unlikely to link up with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, despite paddock rumours that he could join the Italian team or Silverstone-based Aston Martin.READ MORE IN F1Newey, 65, has grown disillusioned with life at Red Bull Racing for some time and has previously expressed a desire to walk away.In 2014 Newey’s deal gave him scope to work on other projects away from F1.And even last season he was contemplating stepping away from F1 – well before the internal complaint made against Horner – but was lured back with a new contract.Newey is believed to be at odds with the modern world of F1 and is also understood not to be a fan of the ‘Drive To Survive’ element, which has seen Red Bull and especially Horner, catapulted into the limelight.Most read in MotorsportHe has also become caught up in the turbulence within Red Bull Racing, whipped up within the internal investigation following a complaint of inappropriate behaviour against Horner. While Newey was not directly involved, he has worked closely with the claimant and has a long-standing friendship with Horner that stretches back to 2005 when he was persuaded to join Red Bull from McLaren.Christian Horner should QUIT Red Bull after sexting scandal – this is the Max Verstappen show now, ex-F1 star saysHorner has denied the allegations and was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation. The complainant, who has subsequently been suspended, has appealed the decision. The strain caused by the internal conflict – plus Horner’s comments in an interview where he said Newey’s technical role had changed – have not sat well with the designer.Horner referred to the “technical team under him [Newey], led by Pierre Wache, is doing a wonderful job so they are not dependent on Adrian” – a comment that has wrangled.Newey has also watched the team pulled apart by the battle for control between Red Bull’s Austria HQ and the majority shareholder in Thailand. Who is Adrian Newey
      Adrian Newey is the current design chief at Red Bull Racing.
      The 65-year-old has played a crucial role in designing the cars that have helped Sebastian Vettel and Max Vertappen win SEVEN drivers’ world championships.
      Newey began designing in Formula One back in 1988 with March, where his cars were far more competitive than expected.
      After March he spent time with Williams and McLaren before joining Red Bull in 2005.
      Throughout his career he has contributed to the cars that have secured 12 World Constructors’ titles and 13 World Drivers’ championships.
      He is widely considered to be the greatest designer in the history of F1.

      It appears to have all got too much.News of his stepping down, which could come as early as Thursday, will of course be used as further ammunition to crank up the pressure on Horner.Max Verstappen’s father Jos, who claimed his son would be forced to leave the team if Horner remained in charge, is expected to be in Miami this week – his first race since making the threat that his son could walk.Sources in Germany say that Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Wolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      When is F1 Miami Grand Prix? Date, TV channel, live stream and full schedule as Max Verstappen eyes three straight wins

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      MIAMI hosts this weekend’s Grand Prix – with Max Verstappen looking to win back-to-back races in Florida.Verstappen comes into the weekend with four wins out of the first five races of the season.Max Verstappen won the Chinese Grand Prix last time outCredit: GETTYCarlos Sainz is the only other race winner this season back in late March at the Australian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton, who will be taking Sainz’s Ferrari seat next season, is yet to finish on the podium in 2024. Hamilton currently sits in ninth in the Drivers Championship, behind fellow Mercedes driver George Russell in seventh.Miami is a sprint weekend which means extra points are up for grabs for drivers to close that gap on Red Bull and Max Verstappen.READ MORE IN F1This does mean that teams only have a 60-minute practice session before the weekend racing begins.When is the F1 Miami Grand Prix 2024?
      The F1 Miami Grand Prix 2024 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 5.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 9pm BST/4pm ET
      Miami International Autodrome is the allocated track for this huge race and it can host a staggering 65,000 passionate fans.
      The venue also hosts an exclusive paddock on the side of the pitch for some of the world’s biggest celebrities.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      The F1 Miami Grand Prix will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports F1.
      Subscription members of Sky Sports can stream the entire action on the NOW or Sky Sports website/app.
      Why are Ferrari in blue for the Miami GP?Ferrari will ditch their red livery for Sunday’s Miami GP to honour the 70th anniversary of the team making their mark in North America.Most read in MotorsportThe design change will see two different shades of blue used on the vehicles with Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino taking the place of the traditional Rosso Corsa that can be found on the cars.Azzuro La Plata is a lighter blue which is said to hark back to the colour worn by legendary driver Alberto Ascari during his 1952 and 1953 world Formula One titles for Ferrari.While Azzurro Dino is a darker blue designed be a nod to the colours first worn by Ferrari in 1974 when five-time Grand Prix winner Clay Rega donned the shade before the team returned to their iconic red.The dual colour livery will be plastered all over the SF-24 car while Leclerc and Sainz are also expected to wear blue racing suits too.FULL race scheduleAll times are in BST/ETFriday, May 3
      Practice One – 5.30pm BST/12.30pm ET
      Sprint Shootout – 9.30pm/4.30pm
      Saturday, May 4
      Sprint – 5pm/12pm
      Qualifying – 9pm/4pm
      Sunday, May 5READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Race – 9pm/4pm
      Current F1 Driver Standings
      Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 110
      Sergio Perez, Red Bull – 85
      Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 76
      Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 69
      Lando Norris, McLaren – 58
      Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 38
      George Russell, Mercedes – 33
      Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 31
      Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes – 19
      Lance stroll, Aston Martin – 9
      Yuki Tsunoda, RB – 7
      Oliver Bearman, Ferrari – 6
      Nico Hulkenberg, Haas – 4
      Kevin Magnussen, Haas – 1
      Alex Albon, Williams – 0
      Esteban Ocon, Alpine – 0 
      Zhou Guanyu, Kick Sauber – 0 
      Daniel Ricciardo, RB – 0
      Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 0
      Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber – 0
      Logan Sargeant, Williams – 0 More

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      Max Verstappen’s dad Jos to hold talks with Mercedes after Miami GP as Red Bull star lined up to replace Lewis Hamilton

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      SOURCES in Germany say that Max Verstappen’s management team are having talks with Mercedes following this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.Verstappen’s dad, Jos, and his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, are expected to meet the three owners of the F1 team; Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ineos and Manchester United shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Max Verstappen is set to hold talks with Mercedes after the Miami GPCredit: ReutersA meeting is set to take place with Verstappen’s team and senior Mercedes figures including Toto WolffCredit: GettyWolff has made no secret of the fact he would love to sign Verstappen as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement.Verstappen, 26, is under contract at Red Bull until 2028.But boss Christian Horner has said he will not stand in his way if he wants to quit.Verstappen Sr has admitted they are considering the three-time champion’s options before the 2026 regulation change. READ MORE IN F1Speaking during the Rally de Wallonie, via RacingNews365, he said: “I think everyone wants him, only I think Max is right for the moment.”He has a fast car, but we also have to look further to 2026, so we are letting everything come to us at the moment. We stay very calm and see what will happen.”WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      On talk of signing Verstappen, Wolff said in Shanghai, China: “There are so many factors that play a role for a driver joining.”Clearly when you look at it from the most rational point of view, you can say: ‘That’s the quickest car in the hands of the quickest driver’. But I don’t think this is the only reason you stay where you are.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I think, for simple minds, that might be the only reason why you stay in a car and that’s it but maybe there are more depths for some people that consider other factors too. I think that Max has that.”In that respect, are we able to convince him? I don’t think it’s a matter of convincing. The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits”I think that Max knows motor racing better than anyone, he will take decisions that he feels are good for him.”I think a few factors play a role, but he’s the one that is going to trigger some more domino stones to fall in afterward. Everybody is waiting for what he’s going to do.”The Horner-storm which has surrounded the team has been cited as a key factor in reports suggesting car designer Adrian Newey could leave the team amid heavy links to Ferrari and Aston Martin.The internal power struggle at the team also saw advisor Helmut Marko placed under investigation, which is said to have left Verstappen angered and ready to leave if Marko was axed. Jos Verstappen, right, has previously hinted at his son leaving Red BullCredit: PAVerstappen threw his support behind his dad and advisor Helmut Marko when the latter’s job appeared to be threatened earlier this seasonCredit: GettyCare designer Adrian Newey is said to have been left uncomfortable following the Christian Horner storm earlier this seasonCredit: PAVerstappen said at the time: “I am loyal to Helmut. “He is a big and important part in my decision making and important he stays within the team including everyone else.”It is important we keep people together because if an important pillar falls away, that is not good for my career as well.”So for me, Helmut has to stay. He has built this team with [Red Bull co-founder] Dietrich Mateschitz from day one and been loyal.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      “You need to give the man respect for what he has done and that  comes back to loyalty and integrity and is important to why he stays part of the team.”British racing icon Johnny Herbert then suggested a Verstappen-Mercedes deal was edging closer last month. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told The Sun: “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team, I’ve heard they are getting quite close with the deal with Mercedes.”Nico Hulkenberg is the latest F1 star to confirm their position on the grid next season after picking up a seat with Sauber, opening the door for Haas to sign Brit teen Oliver Bearman.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      British F1 wonderkid Oliver Bearman, 18, lined up for 2025 seat after breakthrough year to replace fan-favourite racer

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      BRITISH wonderkid Oliver Bearman looks set to earn a seat with Haas for the 2025 Formula 1 season, according to reports.The 18-year-old impressed on his F1 debut in Saudi Arabia last month as he finished a highly respectable seventh after being handed an opportunity with Ferrari when Carlos Sainz was ruled out with appendicitis.Oliver Bearman could land a seat for the 2025 Formula 1 seasonCredit: GettyNico Hulkenberg will leave Haas for Stake at the end of the seasonCredit: SplashThat caught the attention of the paddock as the teenager put himself in the frame to be considered for a permanent seat next year.And according to The Times he is now the frontrunner to replace Nico Hulkenberg, 36, at Haas after it was confirmed the fan-favourite will be leaving at the end of the 2024 campaign.It comes after SunSport exclusively tipped Bearman to join the team back in March.Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, who was alerted to Bearman’s quality by his performance in Saudi, will give the Chelmsford-born star six practice sessions in their car this season.READ MORE ON OLIVER BEARMANHe is also the favourite to succeed Hulkenberg – who has signed a multi-year deal with Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.Stake will become Audi in 2026.An announcement about Bearman to Haas is not expected in the near-future.Bearman has been tipped as a future star after winning the F4 series in both Italy and Germany in 2021.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe sixth race of the season is the Miami Grand Prix on May 5After climbing up to F3, the teen sensation finished third and was then promoted to F2 last year with Prema Racing.He has driven four of the six F2 races so far this season, achieving a best finish of ninth place.Meanwhile, there are a number of other driver moves being mooted for 2025.Brit F1 sensation Oliver Bearman, 18, seals impressive 7th in first ever GP as Max Verstappen wins in Saudi ArabiaRed Bull are keeping tabs on Sainz as he prepares to lose his seat at Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton, although the constructors champions would rather keep hold of Sergio Perez providing he maintains his level.Hulkenberg will replace either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu at Stake, meaning one of them need to find a seat for next season.Mercedes are also understood to be keen on bringing in world champion Max Verstappen by 2026.Bearman impressed in Saudi Arabia as he claimed seventh place on his F1 debutCredit: AFP More