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      Eddie Jordan dead: F1 legend dies aged 76 after battle with ‘aggressive’ prostate & bladder cancer as tributes flood in

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      FORMULA One legend Eddie Jordan has passed away aged 76.The Irishman revealed in December that he was battling an “aggressive” form of prostate and bladder cancer, which spread to his spine and pelvis and was diagnosed earlier in 2024.Formula One legend Eddie Jordan has passed away aged 76Credit: SplashThe former driver competed in F2 and F3Credit: GettyJordan owned an F1 team for 14 years and gave Michael Schumacher his debutCredit: GettyRalf Schumacher paid tribute to Jordan on InstagramCredit: Instagram/ralfschumacher_rscJake Humphrey, who presented BBC coverage with Jordan and David Coulthard, described being ‘utterly devastated’Credit: X/mrjakehumphreyA family statement said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.”He passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town in the early hours of 20th March 2025 at the age of 76, after battling with an aggressive form of prostate cancer for the past 12 months.”EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence.”He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”Read more Sports NewsTributes flooded in for the F1 icon from across the world.Ralf Schumacher, who raced under Jordan and is the brother of seven-time champion Michael, said: “We had a great time in Cape Town.”Your love for music and the many live performances are unforgettable.”I can hardly believe that you have lost the battle against the disease.Most read in Motorsport”Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to start my F1 career in your team.”I will always be grateful to you for that. I wish the whole family a lot of strength in these hours.’I’m not myself, please forgive me’ – Shaken F1 legend Eddie Jordan, 76, apologises live on radio after cancer treatment”I already miss you my dear friend. Rest in peace.”Jake Humphrey, who presented BBC coverage with Jordan and David Coulthard, described being “utterly devastated”.He posted on X: “Utterly devastated. EJ has left us.”Formula One won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races.”More important than race wins though, we won hearts. I will never forget how his face would light up whenever he saw a Jordan GP jacket, flag or cap… as we travelled the world together years after the team had been sold.”Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One Group, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan.”With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times.”Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed.Tributes to flamboyant Eddie JordanFormer racing driver and broadcaster Martin Brundle wrote: “RIP my friend. Condolences to each and every one of your lovely family.”What a character. What a rock star. What a racer. So many drivers owe you so much, you gave us our chances and believed in us.”Earlier this year, Jordan led a consortium which bought former English rugby Premiership club London Irish.The club said: “He was working until the last, having communicated on St Patrick’s Day about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become Patron.”He also recently helped seal F1 design guru Adrian Newey’s switch from Red Bull to Aston Martin.Aston Martin said in a statement: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Eddie Jordan.”His impact will be felt across the motorsport community for generations to come.”Aston Martin F1 team principal Andy Cowell described Jordan as a “one-off”.”His vision laid the foundations for us and he leaves a lasting legacy for the entire motorsport community,” he said.”Today we pay tribute to a legend of the sport and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans broke down on air this morning as he paid an emotional tribute to Jordan.Evans said: “Eddie sang from the hymn sheet that says, ‘Live life as deeply as you can every single day, every single day.'”Because Eddie lived a thousand lifetimes and he was a real liver of life.”And if you really are a liver of life, then life loves you for it and gives you more.”And if you live like that on the daily 24/7, 365 days a year then you have no regrets as far as that aspect of the opportunity of being a human is concerned and Eddie left nothing on the pitch, or should I say track.”Former F1 driver and TV pundit Karun Chandhok wrote on X: “There will never be another like him. Sleep well EJ.”Former Jordan driver and world champion Damon Hill said: “We’re all very sad and shocked.”We knew Eddie was fighting the disease and while we knew it was serious, we thought there might be a chance he would win, but sadly he has lost that.”There will never be another like Eddie Jordan, You’ll hear about what he is like.”Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has posted on X and wrote: “Extremely sad to learn that Eddie has passed away. A true icon and loved character of our sport.”Passionate, loyal and truly one of a kind. He will be dearly missed. R.I.P.”Irish premier Micheal Martin has paid tribute to Eddie Jordan, saying he lived his “life to the full”.”I was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Eddie Jordan,” Mr Martin said in a statement.”Eddie lived life to the full, facing his final days with the same courage and tenacity he displayed throughout his many years as an entrepreneur, Formula One pioneer, and TV pundit.”There were few like him. My deepest sympathies go to all his family and friends.”McLaren’s chief executive officer Zak Brown posted on X: “All at McLaren are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Jordan.”Eddie was a vibrant figure who always wore his heart on his sleeve.”His passion for Formula 1 was enormous and he leaves an incredible legacy. All of our thoughts are with his family and friends.”Katie Price, who served as Eddie’s grid girl under her alter ego Jordan, told The Mirror: “I’m deeply saddened on hearing the news that Eddie has died.”He was a very charismatic and fun character to be around whose humour, just like himself, was unique.”It’s a great loss to the F1 family and he will be missed around the Paddock.””In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula 1 family are with his family and loved ones.”Christian Horner, team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, shared on Instagram: “Very sorry to hear Eddie Jordan has sadly passed.”Eddie was a hugely colourful character who I first met in 1991 as a young driver at his then new factory after his first year in Formula One.”His advice, ‘get a good sponsor… welcome to the Piranha Club!'”Jordan made his final appearance on live radio last month when he touchingly apologised after revealing he’s “not himself” following a dose of cancer treatment.Jordan leaves his wife, Marie and children Zoe, Miki, Zak and KyleHe worked as a pundit in F1 since 2009Credit: GettyJordan had a successful career as a team owner in F1 with Jordan Grand PrixCredit: GettyKeen musician Jordan also played the drums in a rock and roll bandCredit: GettyJordan starred opposite Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc on the revamped Top GearCredit: BBCThe former F1 team owner was on talkSPORT discussing his takeover of London Irish.Towards the end of the segment, Jordan said: “Sorry guys, just a small thing, thank you.”I’ve just come out of getting chemotherapy and I’m not 100 per cent together here guys.”I’m just not myself at this moment in time. I’m a little all over the place, so please forgive me.”Back in December, Jordan revealed he went through some “dark days” as the cancer spread to different parts of his body.He urged people to go out and get tested and spoke about the importance of looking after one’s body.In an appearance on his Formula For Success podcast, which he hosts alongside Coulthard, Jordan said: “We’ve kind of alluded to it David, over the shows.”Way back in March and April, I was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer.”And then it spread into the spine and the pelvis, so it was quite aggressive.”And we’ve all heard about our wonderful friend Sir Chris Hoy, who is an absolute megastar, and he [was] coming out and talking about illness such as like what I’ve got, but he’s a far younger man.”But this is a little message for all the anchors and everybody listening to this: don’t wait or put it off.What are the symptons of prostate and bladder cancer?By Alice Fuller, Health Features EditorABOUT 55,000 new prostate cancer cases are recorded every year in the UK.Bladder cancer is less common, with around 10,500 new cases.For both types, cancer can start in one area of the body and spread as the disease develops, such as to the pelvis and spine.But there is also growing evidence to suggest patients can have two primary cancers at once.In one study by the State University of New York, the coincidence was as high as 70 per cent for prostate cancers in patients with bladder cancer, and 3.4 per cent for bladder cancers in patients with prostate cancer.Separate research published in the Journal of Urology found 25 per cent of patients with a bladder cancer diagnosis also had prostate cancer, and 3.8 per cent with prostate cancer also had bladder cancer.Symptoms of both types are similar, but there are some distinct differences.The most common signs of bladder cancer include:Blood in your urine Needing to pee more frequently Sudden urges to urinate A burning sensation when you pee Pelvic or bone pain Weight loss Swollen legsProstate cancer doesn’t usually cause any symptoms in the early stages, but as it progresses, it might cause:Needing to pee more frequently, often at night Rushing to the toilet Difficulty in starting to pee Straining or taking a long time to pee A weak flow Blood in your urine or semen Back or bone pain Tiredness A loss of appetite Weight loss”Go and get tested, because in life you’ve got chances and there is so much medical advice out there and so many things that you can do to extend your lifetime.”Go and do it. Don’t be stupid, don’t be shy. It’s not a shy thing – look after your body, guys.”We’ll move on, but yes, some very dark days in there – but we pulled out of it, thankfully.”Jordan was a legend in his field and although he never drove in F1, he did race in F2, F3 and Formula Atlantic, as well as 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1981.Ten years later he did finally make it to F1 with his Jordan Grand Prix team, and gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut in 1991.Jordan Grand Prix raced in F1 until 2005, and achieved its best ever result in 1998 when Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher finished first and second at the Belgian Grand Prix.The team was sold in 2005 and rebranded as MF1 Racing a year later before becoming Force India and later Racing Point and now Aston Martin.Jordan returned to F1 in 2009 as a pundit for BBC Sport’s Grand Prix and later joined Channel 4 in 2016.He had also been a regular pundit on Sky Sports over the years.He was awarded an honorary OBE by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his services to charity and motor racing in 2012.In 2016 he joined the cast of presenters on Top Gear, who at the time included Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc.Speaking in mid-October about his health, the multi-millionaire revealed that he underwent tests as part of taking part in a cycling event in South Africa earlier in the year.He said: “At 76 I did the Argus [Cape Town Cycle Tour], and then you get a bit of a bang, and then you suddenly feel that you’re not 100 per cent.”You go to the doctor, and then you get this illness. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and I urge everybody to be able to stand the fight, because it’s worth it.”I’m coming out the other side, everyone else should come out the other side. The prognosis is absolutely fantastic.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The medical awareness of what’s going on at the moment is quite simply mind-boggling – and so there should be every opportunity to avail of that medical help.”Jordan leaves his wife, Marie and children Zoe, Miki, Zak and Kyle.He had his own racing career in the 70’s after discovering a love of motorsportCredit: GettyJordan celebrates success at the Belgian Grand PrixCredit: GettySailing enthusiast has circumnavigated the world thanks his love of boatsCredit: Rex FeaturesJordan was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer earlier this yearCredit: Getty More

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      ‘P45s are more their thing’ – F1 star warned he faces the SACK after just one disastrous race

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      FORMULA ONE star Liam Lawson has been warned he faces the sack after just one race at new team Red Bull.Lawson, 23, was one of six drivers who crashed out during last weekend’s chaotic Australian Grand Prix.Liam Lawson has been warned he faces the Red Bull sack if he doesn’t improve quicklyCredit: GettyMartin Brundle warned Red Bull do not do hugs but instead do P45sCredit: GettyLawson crashed on his Red Bull debut during the Australian Grand PrixCredit: RexThe New Zealander was making his debut for Red Bull after being promoted into Sergio Perez’s seat from the sister team, VCARB – now Racing Bulls.However, Lawson – one of six rookies on the grid this season – had a race weekend to forget after being eliminated in Q1 during qualifying and then crashing out of the race on lap 47.And he has now been warned by Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle that he needs to improve his performances fast if he is to retain his position on the grid.Brundle warned: “Liam Lawson of Red Bull, in particular, will be very happy that we head immediately into another race week so that he can hopefully park the misery and errors he endured in Melbourne and put them right.READ MORE IN F1″That team doesn’t do cuddles and reassuring words, and nor should they at this level.”The no cuddles and reassuring words sentiment has already been displayed for Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who burst into tears after crashing during the formation lap of last weekend’s race.While the 20-year-old – known to be a Lewis Hamilton fan – was consoled by Anthony Hamilton, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko called the act “a bit embarrassing”.Brundle added on Lawson: “P45s (Tax letter given to an employee in the UK from an employer upon leaving a job) are more their thing if you can’t keep Verstappen at least in view from time to time.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe seat Lawson currently occupies is arguably one of the most-cursed seats in the sport today, with four previous drivers failing to perform to the standards required.Perez, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo were all undone by the pressure the seat comes with. F1 hit by travel chaos with teams left without cars days before Chinese Grand Prix as FIA release statement Albon and Gasly, in particular, can relate to Lawson in that they were also young drivers who had the seat thrust upon them, arguably at too early a stage in their F1 careers before they crumbled.Red Bull are one of the teams to have reportedly been hit by travel chaos ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix with technical issues causing a delay in car parts arriving in Shanghai from Melbourne.The delays have cost the mechanics at least 30 hours in preparation time and have sparked concern that cars may not be ready for FP1 on Friday.The issues have even hit the sports tyre supplier, Pirelli, with the FIA releasing a statement giving teams more time to fit the cars due to the travel chaos.Fortunately for Lawson and Co., the weekend is set for dry conditions throughout.Last weekend Lawson was cheered on by stunning girlfriend and medical student Hannah St. John. More

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      F1 hit by travel chaos with teams left without CARS days before Chinese Grand Prix as FIA release statement

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      FORMULA ONE teams have been hit by travel chaos days before the Chinese Grand Prix after technical issues in Melbourne.Several teams including McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Williams have been hit by the problem, leaving them without their cars for the second race of the season, according to F1 insider Kym Illman.Teams have been hit by travel chaos before the Chinese Grand PrixCredit: SplashTeams affected include Williams, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Aston MartinCredit: AFPWith the quick turnaround between the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix, teams would have expected car parts to arrive on Monday evening or Tuesday morning after being shipped out on Sunday.However, technical issues have delayed the arrival of some car parts.Illman reports the teams were told their parts would arrive at 10am on Wednesday morning, but have now been told they will not receive them until 4 or 5pm.This means that teams have seen around 30 hours of their preparation time to get the cars ready for the first session of the weekend wiped out.READ MORE IN F1The freight transport issues have also hit the sport’s tyre supplier, Pirelli.The FIA released a statement ahead of the weekend – which will see the season’s first Sprint Race – providing a one-time-only concession on the curfew of the fitting schedule of cars.It said: “Due to the logistical challenges for the official tyre supplier resulting from delays in freight arrival, specially the requirement to revise the fitting schedule for Wednesday, the following concessions will be made.”On the Wednesday, and for this event only, the curfew period will be reduced by a period of five and a half (5.5) hours for a maximum of six (6) operational personnel for the sole purpose of tyre preparations post tyre fitting from the tyre supplier.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIllman reports that members of the crew have been waiting around in hotels away from the track, effectively with the days off, as they wait for the parts to arrive.Delays in car parts arriving are not uncommon in F1 but, with a tight schedule to fit into, time is of the essence if the issue is not to impact heavily on the likes of Lando Norris or Max Verstappen.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseLewis Hamilton’s Ferrari team were not mentioned in the report but could have still seen parts delayed. Hamilton was set for a meeting with his engineer this week to better understand each other after the Brit had an X-rated blast down his radio following a Ferrari strategy blunder.Free Practice 1 for the race weekend will commence at 3:30am UK time on Friday.Sprint qualifying will then start at 7:30am.Saturday will see the Sprint Race start at 3am before qualifying for the feature race begins at 7am.The lights then go out for Sunday’s feature race at 7am.Norris took the chequered flag in Melbourne with Verstappen second and George Russell third as six cars crashed out of a chaotic wet race. More

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      Sky Sports host, 43, gives health update after walking out of live show due to illness

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      A SKY SPORTS presenter has given a health update after being struck down with an illness during live coverage of Formula One’s season opener in Australia.UK audiences are certainly familiar with the stars of Sky’s F1 coverage including David Croft, Martin Brundle, Karun Chandhok and Bernie Collins.Sandra Baumgartner confirmed she was taken unwell but that the issue was not seriousCredit: RexThe race was won by Lando Norris with Max Verstappen coming in secondCredit: GettyBut on the broadcaster’s sister channel in Germany, presenter Sandra Baumgartner went missing halfway through the race.The 43-year-old, who has worked in F1 since 2012, had been seen conducting interviews in Melbourne before the race.However, she suddenly went missing from the broadcast about halfway through Sunday’s race.Colleague Peter Hardenacke clarified she had been taken ill, saying: “Some of you will miss Sandra. We will! She said goodbye during the race. She’s not feeling well. READ MORE IN F1″She already had a headache yesterday after the first day and qualifying. Best wishes, Sandra! Get well soon. “We hope you’ll be back hosting the warm-up for the Chinese Grand Prix on Thursday at the latest.”Baumgartner has since taken to Instagram to post an update on her condition and confirm she will return to duty for the warm-ups of next weekend’s race in China before her next race day in Bahrain on April 16.Taking to social media, she said: “Melbourne was great until I got ill. I’ll be back on Thursday for the warm-up for the next race. Most read in Motorsport”My next race on-site is Bahrain and not because of illness, that was already planned.”Lando Norris won the chaotic season opener with Max Verstappen coming a close second and George Russell coming in third.’I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crashSix drivers crashed out thanks to the changeable conditions, including rookie Isack Hadjar who was left in tears after crashing out on the formation lap – he was later consoled by Anthony Hamilton.But one of the highlights of the weekend – or lowlights if you are a Ferrari fan – were the radio exchanges heard on radio with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc with their engineers.Hamilton was heard blasting an expletive down the radio at a major Ferrari strategy blunder after repeatedly asking his engineer to “leave me to it”.In Leclerc’s case, he complained about water in his seat from a possible leak before his engineer said the issue “must be the water”, with the driver sarcastically replying: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”The Chinese Grand Prix weekend also presents the first Sprint Race weekend of the season. More

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      Lewis Hamilton and new Ferrari race engineer set for crunch meeting after fiery exchange at Australian GP

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      LEWIS HAMILTON and his new race engineer will be having a bonding session ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.For 12-years all Hamilton knew at the end of his team radio at Mercedes was Peter ‘Bono’ Bonnington and his famous ‘Hammer time’ call.Lewis Hamilton cut a frustrated figure after a disappointing debut race with FerrariCredit: GettyRiccardo Adami is the 40-year-old’s new race engineerCredit: GettyThe pair began working together in 2013 when Hamilton joined the team and forged one of the greatest racer-engineer partnerships in history, winning six world titles together over 12, mostly glittering, seasons.The two developed an unbreakable bond over the years with Hamilton referring to Bono as a “brother”.But that pair were ripped apart when Bono was promoted to head of race engineering at Mercedes, meaning the pair’s partnership concluded when Hamilton joined Ferrari this season.Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 40, said before his debut in Melbourne on Sunday that he will “know early on” whether or not his relationship with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami at Ferrari will work.Read More in F1Well, if the fiery exchange between the two after a Ferrari strategy blunder in the opener in Melbourne is anything to go by then it’s not looking good.Hamilton played things down after Sunday’s race and said: “We’re learning about each other, and after this we’ll download and go through all the comments, things I said and vice-versa.“Generally, I’m not one that likes a lot of information in the race, unless I need it, I’ll ask for it. He did his best today, and we’ll move forwards for sure.“I’ve learned a huge amount this weekend, there’s a lot to take away from it. And I’ve got some changes I’ve got to make for next week.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Sunday was a crash course in driving a Ferrari in the rain.”Hamilton led the Australian Grand Prix briefly but the Italian team produced a strategy blunder leaving him finishing the race in P10 as they left it too late to pit him as the rain came down.’I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crashHamilton blasted, “S***!” before apologising after not realising the radio was still on after Ferrari’s mistake.Hamilton had qualified eighth and was sassy throughout with Adami who tried to give the Brit information about DRS, but he replied: “Leave it guys, leave it.”Adami, 51, has been working with Ferrari since 2015, having previously worked with Toro Rosso.He worked as Sebastian Vettel’s race engineer and worked with Carlos Sainz in 2021 before he was replaced by Hamilton.When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked if there were communication issues between Hamilton and Adami, he replied: “It was the first race, the first time that we have to communicate between the pitwall and the car.“We can do a better job and know each other more, for sure it was not a clean one at all, the strategy was difficult and we need to find a better way to communicate between the car and the pitwall but we will learn from race one and it is not an issue.McLaren looked like the fastest car on the grid, with Lando Norris securing the win and Oscar Piastri second for most of the race before finishing in P9 after spinning off track.Max Verstappen came in second ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull boss Christian Horner has urged people not to get too carried away due to how unique the Melbourne track is.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “China is the first representative race circuit of quite a few venues. It will be fascinating to see how Ferrari performs there.“McLaren will be quick there I have no doubts about that.” More

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      ‘Best radio exchange ever’ – Charles Leclerc leaves F1 fans in hysterics as Ferrari discover ‘water is wet’

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      FERRARI had a race weekend to forget during the Formula One season opener in Australia.However, a radio exchange between Charles Leclerc and his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, left fans in hysterics and did at least provide one lighter moment for the Italian team.Charles Leclerc had a stunning exchange with his race engineer during the Australia Grand PrixCredit: RexLeclerc asked if there was a leakage during the race, to which his engineer replied it ‘must be the water’Credit: GettyLeclerc snapped back ‘let’s add that to the words of wisdom’Credit: GettyChangeable conditions at the Albert Park circuit caused chaos as six cars crashed out of the race, including rookie Isack Hadjar on the FORMATION LAP before he was then consoled by Anthony Hamilton.But early on in the race, Leclerc was heard asking Bozzi about an issue he was having, sparking a stunning exchange.The Monegasque started by asking: “Is there a leakage?”Bozzi replied: “A leakage where?”READ MORE IN F1Leclerc explained: “I have the seat full of water, like full of water.”After a minor delay, Bozzi then responded: “Must be the water.”The 27-year-old then sarcastically replied: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”Fans were loving the hilarious exchange, with one saying on social media: “Following Ferrari is like watching an episode of The Office.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Charles Leclerc radio message for the history books.”Another said: “Leclerc’s comedy gold, F1’s new stand-up sensation!”Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseA fourth added: “Engineering breakthrough at Ferrari: Water is wet.”Leclerc’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton also had his own issues over the radio, lamenting engineer Riccardo Adami for giving him too much information.Ferrari also had a disastrous strategy late on during a rain shower.After leaving both Hamilton and Leclerc out on dry tyres, the Scuderia pair were both placed on the podium with Hamilton even briefly leading the race.However, the slippery conditions saw the team then pit both well after all their rivals had.This left them down in P9 and P10.Leclerc managed to get up to P8 after overtaking Hamilton and Pierre Gasly, while Hamilton finished P10 after overtaking Gasly but was overtaken by Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.X-RATED HAMILTONHamilton blasted an expletive down the radio following the strategy blunder before apologising.Speaking after the race, Leclerc said: “It was definitely a missed opportunity.“I mean, especially in those conditions, when it’s changing and you don’t have the pace, it’s there that you’ve got to score the points. – and we didn’t. “We were not fast enough at the beginning of the race when the race was kind of boring.“Once it mattered to make the right choice, we didn’t.”Hamilton, making his debut for the Scuderia, said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris despite him going off track, with Max Verstappen second and George Russell third.The drivers will have a week to regroup before the Chinese Grand Prix, which is also the first Sprint Race of the season. More

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      Meet the stunning F1 WAGs stealing the show in 2025 – from pro golfer to racing star & top model who dated Kardashian ex

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      AS the Formula 1 aces took to the grid this weekend, some fans were driven to distraction by the bevvy of beauties in the paddocks.The drivers’ glamorous wives and girlfriends  tried to keep their cool at the Australian Grand Prix as the mercury hit 32C and their partners burned rubber.At the Australian Grand Prix the F1 Wags stole the showCredit: GettyAnd with a host of rookies on the track alongside veterans Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, there were some unfamiliar faces on the sidelines, too.American Hannah St John, 21, was all smiles at Albert Park Circuit, in Melbourne, as she cheered on Red Bull Racing’s rising star Liam Lawson. She joined Scot Rebecca Donaldson, 28, the girlfriend of Carlos Sainz, who was making his Williams’ debut after four seasons at Ferrari.And the Wags also live life in the fast lane, with impressive careers of their own including as a professional golfer, model and racing driver.read more on formula oneHere, Thea Jacobs takes a look at the F1 stars’ stunning other halves, who are in pole position to steal the limelight from their men . . . Isabella Bernardini & Gabriel BortoletoYOUNG love is at the races this year, in the shape of Team Sauber’s newbie driver Gabriel, 20, and his girlfriend Isabella, who is just a year older.The couple are high school sweethearts, having got together when he was 16.Isabella Bernardini is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the NetherlandsCredit: GettyIsabella and Gabriel Bortoleto are high school sweetheartsCredit: AFPMeet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student Isabella is currently thought to be studying computer science at Eindhoven in the Netherlands.Most read in MotorsportThe couple aren’t afraid to show off their romance online, posing together for a cute New Year’s snap in which she perched on his knee, and sharing pictures of his Formula 2 races last year.Brazilian Isabella flew in to watch her beau make his F1 debut, and she looked stunning in a white mini-skirt and blouse combo.Sadly, Gabriel was not placed in his first race of the season – but he was surely a winner with Isabella.KELLY, 36, is in a relationship with Max , 27, the four-time Formula One World Drivers’ Champion.She is also racing royalty, as the daughter of three-time winner Nelson Piquet, 72.Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time winner Nelson PiquetCredit: GettyKelly is expecting her first child with Max VerstappenCredit: RexSince she started dating Red Bull racer Max in 2020, the Formula E social media manager has been a regular at the grand prix.But the heavily pregnant model missed out on this weekend’s race to attend an event at swanky restaurant Kaspia London, in Mayfair.It will be Kelly and Max’s first baby together. She also has a daughter with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat.Francisca Gomes & Pierre GaslyPORTUGUESE Francisca, 22, has been in a relationship with Alpine’s French driver Pierre Gasly since 2022.She posted a sweet black- and-white snap of the pair kissing after his first outing of the season and revealed they had relaxed with a plush Italian meal the night before.Francisca Gomes has built a career as a model and influencerCredit: GettyPierre Gasly has dubbed Francisca his ‘lucky charm’Credit: AFPBeing in the paddock isn’t a new experience for “Kika” either as her father is former F1 driver Goncalo Gomes, 49.And thanks to her mum being TV presenter Maria Cerqueira Gomes, Francisca isn’t easily fazed by the limelight.She has built a career as a model and influencer, which allows her to follow Pierre, 29, around the world for his races.Which is lucky for the driver as he dubbed her his “lucky charm.”Not too lucky though, as he only took 11th place on Sunday.Eliska Babickova & Andrea Kimi AntonelliELISKA and boyfriend Andrea, 18, clearly love life in the fast lane – as they’re both professional racing drivers.She is more likely to be seen trackside this year as Andrea has been promoted to the F1 circuit and snatched fourth place for Mercedes Down Under.Eliska Babickova was the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting classCredit: AlamyEliska and Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrated a year together in OctoberCredit: AFPEliksa – the first woman to be crowned ­Italian champion of the OK karting class – will understand the nerves and determination involved when it comes to racing.Outside the sport, she has a YouTube channel with her sisters, fellow drivers Petra and Tereza, where they document their lives.Eliska and Andrea celebrated a year together in October, and while he is off racing all over the world, she is finishing high school and plans to study economics at uni.Carmen Montero Mundt & George RussellAS fans of Netflix documentary Drive To Survive will know, George loves nothing more than showing off his stunning 26-year-old Spanish girlfriend Carmen.She appears to be a good omen too, as 27-year-old British Mercedes ace George took third place in the Aussie Grand Prix at the weekend.Carmen Montero Mundt recently returned to studies after a finance job in LondonCredit: InstagramCarmen and George Russell have been together since 2020Credit: AFPThe couple, who have been together since 2020, live in Monaco.Carmen recently returned to studies after a finance job in London, but her life is worlds away from her childhood in Spain.She said: “I always wanted to work in finance. “My family struggled financially during the global crisis, and that determined what I wanted to do from a very young age.”Hannah St John & Liam LawsonHER rookie boyfriend Liam may have endured a nightmare start to his Red Bull career, but Hannah looked like a seasoned Wag as she cheered him on from the sidelines.Wearing this black halter-neck dress to the race, she later changed into a striped blue two-piece to console the 23-year-old Kiwi driver after he swerved into the wall and crashed out in Melbourne.Hannah St John graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical SciencesCredit: Avalon.redHannah was there to support Liam Lawson as he began his Red Bull careerCredit: APHannah, 23, graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She also works as a model and influencer, with 40,000 followers and partnerships including Bvlgari.The beauty flew to New Zealand last year to meet Liam’s family and followed him around the world in his last season as a Formula 2 driver.She was also there to support him last year when he replaced Daniel   Ricciardo for the last six races of the F1 season.Alexandra Saint Mleux & Charles LeclercSHE has only been dating Ferrari ace Charles since 2023, but that hasn’t stopped Alexandra winning over legions of fans and becoming the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social media.The Italian influencer – who has a degree in Art History and a social media account dedicated to her favourite pieces of work – is often seen trackside cheering on her boyfriend, who placed eighth yesterday.Alexandra Saint Mleux is the second-most followed Formula 1 Wag on social mediaCredit: GettyCharles Leclerc has been dating Alexandra since 2023Credit: GettyShe has also started carving out a career as a model, and last month appeared in adverts for Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand.Alexandra, who has more than 1.6million followers on Instagram, often posts snaps of her pet dachshund, holidays and outfits, leading Tatler to brand her the “most stylish woman in F1” – quite the accolade.Rebecca Donaldson & Carlos SainzSCOTTISH beauty Rebecca did a few laps of the showbiz circuit before she shacked up with Williams driver Carlos in 2023.Now an established model, she started out in pageants and appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TV, and was linked to Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick.Rebecca Donaldson appeared on Britain’s Next Top Model on TVCredit: RexCarlos Sainz started dating Rebecca in 2023Credit: EPAThese days she is often spotted cheering on 30-year-old Carlos, who she has dated since 2023, and was seen gracing the paddock this weekend in a body-hugging grey dress.During her catwalk career, 28-year-old Rebecca has been a cover girl for Vogue and Marie Claire, and in October 2020 she launched her own activewear range, Muse.Sara Pagliaroli & Lance StrollVICTORIA’S Secret Angel model Sara and 26-year-old Aston Martin race ace Lance made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of 007 blockbuster No Time To Die.And with her bombshell good looks, the gorgeous 29-year-old Italian could pass for a Bond Girl herself.Sara Pagliaroli started modelling at 17Credit: InstagramLance Stroll and Sara made their public debut as a couple at the 2021 premiere of No Time To DieCredit: AFPSara started modelling at 17 and has worked with brands including Replay Jeans and Adria Beachwear.In 2020 she launched her own jewellery brand called Blue Lemon Jewels, and she is currently the face of clothing brand Yamamay.Lily Muni He & Alexander AlbonLILY, 25, might be known to some as the girlfriend of F1 driver Alexander, 28, but she is a sports star in her own right.The stunning brunette is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of five and currently takes part in the US-based LPGA Tour.Lily Muni He is a professional golfer who has been playing since the age of fiveCredit: GettyAlexander Albon and Lily had their first date on a golf course in 2019Credit: AFPLily wasn’t there to cheer on ­Alexander as he took fifth place in Oz, but she showed her ­support on Instagram.It was F1 that brought the pair together as they began their relationship after she watched Netflix series Drive To Survive. They had their first date on a golf course in 2019.While Lily travels the globe playing golf, she does find time to cheer on Alexander during races – such as at Silverstone in 2023, when she was spotted in the paddock.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlexander repays the favour and has been seen ­supporting her on the green, posting about it on his own social media.These two are well on their way to taking pole ­position as a true sporting power ­couple.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Norris wins chaotic opening race as Hamilton suffers Ferrari disaster – latest

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      LEWIS HAMILTON suffered a nightmare Ferrari debut as six drivers crashed out of a chaotic Australian Grand Prix.Hamilton, 40, made the switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia official over the off-season and made his debut for the Italian team as he chases a record-breaking eighth world championship.The race start was DELAYED after rookie Isack Hadjar crashed out during the formation lap before bursting into tears as he was consoled by Hamilton’s dad.Fellow rookie Jack Doohan then crashed out on the first lap after a huge spin before last year’s race winner, Carlos Sainz, crashed under the safety car.Lando Norris took the chequered flag ahead of Max Verstappen after going off the track in a thrilling season opener, but Ferrari suffered a strategy disaster to leave Hamilton down in P10.Podium places: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, George Russell. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… ‘Pretty disappointed’, says Piastri“It’s obviously pretty disappointed at the moment. I feel like for every lap bar one I drove an incredibly strong race and don’t have anything to show for it. I don’t have anyone to blame but myself, a bit unfortunate to get stuck like I did but I put myself there.“For me, the big positive is the other 56 laps of the race, I felt I had really strong pace in all conditions and that is what I will try and take from this weekend.“Given I was trying to reverse for a minute, we made the right decisions. There was much more on the table than ninth today, so it is a shame to not have that result.”Oscar PiastriOscar Piastri and his girlfriend Lily Zneimer arriving in the paddock at the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi last yearCopy linkCopiedUp next … ChinaThe 2025 Chinese Grand Prix takes place over 56 laps of the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday, March 23.Copy linkCopiedMcLaren the team to beatThe McLaren’s speed, based on this weekend, will make them the team to beat this season.Copy linkCopiedHow the race started (2)Norris then held his lead from Verstappen on the restart with the three front-runners opening a gap on Russell in fourth, with Hamilton remaining eighth. Piastri too was enjoying better pace as the track dried by lap 17 and when Verstappen went in too hot into turn 11, struggling with his tyres, the Australian shot past to reclaim second.Norris however was in control out in front, happy with his tyres and conditions and over two seconds up on his teammate and a full 20 up on Russell in fourth by lap 24.Lando Norris leads the pack shortly after the start of the raceCopy linkCopiedHow the race started (1)When the lights went out Norris covered off a quick-starting Verstappen to hold the lead but Piastri fell to the Dutchman though turn two in a sharp opening that was swiftly neutralised after the Australian Jack Doohan crashed out at turn five, causing the safety car to be deployed.Doohan was not the last to exit early as Carlos Sainz followed suit shortly afterwards, spinning out under the safety car with a mechanical problem and going backwards into the barriers.Copy linkCopied’He kept his cool’Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was impressed by Antonelli’s drive from P16 to P5 – and now P4 – on a treacherous Albert Park circuit, one that even caught out the likes of last year’s Australian GP winner Carlos Sainz, who crashed his Williams behind the Safety Car.“I mean, even very good drivers span or hit the wall, and it’s easier to not finish than to finish,” Wolff stated.“He kept his cool and yeah, it was just very impressive to see. And it shows that he has a good future, as long as the trajectory keeps being like it is.”Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, at the Australian Grand Prix on SundayCopy linkCopiedTwo firsts – and a fifth – for NorrisThis was the first time Lando Norris has won in Australia – and the first time he has won the season-opening race.It is also his fifth career victory. His team too will enjoy the winning feeling in Melbourne, after a long absence from the top step. The last time McLaren took the flag here was with Jenson Button in 2012.Lando Norris celebrates after winning the Australian Grand Prix 2025 at Albert Park, MelbourneNorris in action at the (very wet) Australian Grand PrixCopy linkCopied’We missed out’, says Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton, who started the race in eighth, also got overtaken by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the last lap, to cap off a torrid final 15 laps.“It was very tricky,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 afterwards.“It went a lot worse than I thought it would go, the car was really hard to drive today. I’m grateful I kept it out of the wall, that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.“A lot to take [in], different power unit in the wet, different driving and setup on the steering wheel. And the guidance of how much more rain was coming… we missed out.”Lewis Hamilton enters the paddock on Sunday dressed in a red Willy Chavarria track suitCopy linkCopiedIn pictures Here are some of the best images from the Australian Grand Prix.McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrates with his trophyLewis Hamilton signs autographs on the Melbourne WalkThird-placed Mercedes’ British driver George Russell attends a press conferenceCopy linkCopiedAntonelli’s penalty reversedAndrea Kimi Antonelli, pictured below, has been promoted to P4, and Alex Albon back down to P5, after the Italian driver’s penalty was reversed.He was initially on course to finish P4 in a rain-impacted Australian GP, a solid drive in his debut Grand Prix, though had to make do for P5 after the stewards issued a five-second time penalty in the closing stages for an unsafe release.It was an incident which Wolff pointed out was not televised, and the outcome left the Mercedes boss unimpressed.Copy linkCopiedRecap of Constructors StandingsMcLaren – 27ptsMercedes – 25ptsRed Bull – 18ptsWilliams – 12ptsAston Martin – 8ptsSauber – 6ptsFerrari – 5ptsCopy linkCopiedThird-youngest EVERMore Kimi Antonelli facts. He became the third-youngest driver to start an F1 Grand Prix behind Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll at 18 years, six months and 19 days. Copy linkCopiedKimi thing The weekend seemed to get off to a rough start for debutante Andrea Kimi Antonelli when he underwhelmed in a Q1 exit. However, he came storming back when it mattered, as he collected a top-five finish in the Albert Park race on his debut. Though, only a namesake and nothing more, the fightback is eerily similar to Kimi Räikkönen, who went from P13 to P6 in his debut. Copy linkCopiedDriver of the dayFollowing a mega drive from Lando Norris, the McLaren takes home the fan-voted Driver of the day award. Copy linkCopiedHamilton on race It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.Lewis HamiltonCopy linkCopiedLeclerc’s ‘words of wisdom’Lewis Hamilton was not the only Ferrari driver upset with their engineer today as Charles Leclerc seemingly wasn’t too impressed with some analysis they offered him on the radio.Leclerc: “Is there a leakage?” Engineer: “A leakage of what?” Leclerc: “I have a full seat of water, like, full of water!” Engineer: “Must be the water.” Leclerc: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”Copy linkCopiedConstructors standings after race oneThere is a long way to go this season, but McLaren can be thankful they have a competitive race car to help Norris keep Verstappen at bay.Meanwhile, Mercedes profited from a mistake-free race to score a P3 and P5.McLaren – 27ptsMercedes – 25ptsRed Bull – 18ptsWilliams – 12ptsAston Martin – 8ptsSauber – 6ptsFerrari – 5ptsCopy linkCopiedHamilton post-race radioAfter his disappointing Ferrari debut, Hamilton said:Yeah it wasnt great but we keep pushing..Lewis HamiltonCopy linkCopiedNorris on radioLando Norris on radio after the race:Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.Lando NorrisCopy linkCopiedRace reportRead our full F1 race report here to remind yourself of all the chaotic events of this morning’s race.Who needs coffee when you have races like that…Copy linkCopiedAlbon scores P4 for WilliamsA great race for Williams and Albon who manages to finish P4 with a quiet but crucially mistake-free race.Copy linkCopiedHamilton rues Ferrari strategy blunderHamilton was left to rue a huge strategy blunder from his team as he finished down in P10.The Brit had sensationally lead the race very briefly before he was forced to pit on to Intermediate tyres.Copy linkCopiedNORRIS WINSNorris takes the chequered flag in Australia just ahead of Verstappen.Martin Brundle on Sky Sports calls it “one of the all-time great Norris races”, and it is hard to think of many better performances from the Brit.Copy linkCopiedNorris v Verstappen one-lap shootoutHalf a second separates Norris and Verstappen now as they cross the line for the final lap.Copy linkCopiedPiastri back in the pointsAfter his horror mistake earlier, Piastri has managed to get his car back into the points which will be vital in the constructor’s championship.Meanwhile, Verstappen is now within a second of Norris going into the final two laps and has DRS.Copy linkCopied More