Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      As the biggest ever Formula One season approaches, one rebranded team is ready to shake things up on the grid

      by

      IT’S EASY to pinpoint what everyone wants from the 2024 Formula One season, after last year was so dominated by a certain Dutch driver. We want unpredictability, novelty, excitement.

      Where will we find that when the same 20 drivers will race against each other and the regulations remain unchanged?
      There is one big change on the grid that should shake things up: the Stake F1 Team. 
      Its new and distinctive livery signals that at least one of Formula One’s pit garages has been given a thorough makeover and new energy in the off-season.
      Need for speed
      Stake F1 Team is the new identity for a racing outfit which, since 2019, we’ve known as Alfa Romeo.
      And since Stake itself is a world-leading betting, entertainment and lifestyle brand, it will be looking to inject freshness, dynamism and thrills back into a sport that can be relentlessly serious and more than a little corporate.
      Stake’s co-founder Edward Craven recently shed more light on what to expect: “Fuelled by deep passion for speed, innovation, and pushing boundaries, we are now ideally positioned to take the team to unprecedented heights from 2024 and beyond. 
      “The upcoming years will be a thrilling ride with some mind-blowing activations planned that will redefine excitement on and off the track.”
      Stake F1 Team has grounds for optimism in 2024 – in its last season as Alfa Romeo, the team finished ninth in the constructors’ championship, but it will be looking to bag a much larger haul of points this year.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Its new car should help in that mission: it will be the first developed under well-respected technical director James Key, who joined in September 2023.
      As Stake F1 Team’s managing director Alessandro Alunni Bravi told Motorsport Week at the end of last season: “Next year’s car will not be an evolution of this year’s car; we will really have a completely new car from chassis to suspension, everything, all the areas.”
      Chinese challenge
      It’s an exciting year for Stake F1 Team driver Zhou Guanyu, too. 
      The only Chinese driver ever to compete in Formula One, he will be racing in his home country for the first time, as the Chinese Grand Prix returns on April 21.
      Once again, Zhou will have to race one of the most experienced team-mates on the grid, in Valtteri Bottas. 
      The Finn has ten race wins under his belt and two finishes as championship runner-up.
      Stake F1 Team will have the first chance to assess its 2024 car under race conditions at the Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain from February 21-23, at pre-season testing.This is the moment when the anticipation of a new Formula One season begins to build among fans.
      The season proper will kick off in Bahrain just a week later, followed the next weekend by Saudi Arabia, then Australia after a two-week hiatus. 
      The return of the Chinese Grand Prix means that the 2024 season will feature 24 races, the most ever.
      One to watch
      The joy of Formula One is that anything can happen. 
      While Stake F1 Team enters 2024 as the plucky underdog, its refreshing new identity, along with James Key’s technical nous, make it the one to watch.
      Its dynamic and fan-centric approach will bring a breath of fresh air to a grid that steadily moved closer together in terms of lap times as the 2023 season progressed.
      Read more on The Sun
      As Craven says: “Brace yourselves and stay tuned, as Stake F1 Team accelerates towards an exciting future!” 

      Follow the Stake F1 Team on Instagram for the latest updates, and kick.com/stakef1team for exclusive behind-the-scenes content More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘I’ve heard Michael Schumacher sits at the dinner table with his family,’ claims F1 pal Johnny Herbert

      by

      F1 LEGEND Michael Schumacher reportedly “sits at the dinner table” according to his retired pal, Johnny Herbert.His ex teammate revealed the major update in a recent interview but explained that he can’t be sure it’s true as he heard it “second hand”.
      Johnny Herbert, left, has recently given an update on Michael Schumacher’s healthCredit: Getty
      Herbert said he hears that the star is sitting at the dinner tableCredit: Adrian Sherratt – The Sunday Times  
      Herbert said he only heard this “second hand” and can’t be sureCredit: AFP
      Schumacher hasn’t been seen since he was involved in a horrific skiing accident in 2013 – and information on his health has been scarce.
      However, it now appears some light has been shed on the star’s health, following years of mystery.
      Herbert gave BettingSites.co.uk the update whilst also sharing some more little known detail about Schumacher and his character.
      He said: “I hear bits only second hand. I hear, from those within F1, he does sit at the table for dinner but don’t know if that is true. I can only read between the lines.”
      read more on Schumacher
      “We haven’t heard much from the family and understandably so. That has always been very much a part of Michael and the family’s way to keep everything very private, very secretive.
      “That has carried on from his racing days. I don’t feel things have moved on in a way that many of us who knew him and many of his fans around the world want to see. ”
      Herbert also shared some of his “lovely memories” of his time spent with Schumacher – including his fondness for booze and his “party piece.”
      He said: “We all know there was the massively serious side to him totally driven by getting the best out of himself.
      Most read in Motorsport
      “But there was that end of season downtime, the relaxed moment we always had after Adelaide.
      “He would enjoy the alcohol treats that were available and we all did. We could only do it once a year. 
      He added: “He would go around the room and his party piece was to rip off everybody’s shirts. Trousers too. But it was mainly buttoned shirts which he would love to rip off.
      “That was the fun side of him. Those are the memories most people didn’t see, but they are the lovely memories I have of him.
      “He had a great sense of humour and hopefully something we will see again.”
      Although Herbert is hopeful, he believes that Schumacher is most likely “in the similar situation as he was straight after the accident,” given the lack of updates.
      He said: “I suppose the family is waiting for science to come up with something that will hopefully bring back the Michael we all knew.”
      The number of people who have been allowed to visit the star over the years has been strictly limited.
      Herbert thinks this includes the family and “very few trusted individuals.”
      He said: “I have heard Ross Brawn has gone, Jean Todt Gerhard Berger. That is sort of it as far as I believe.”
      It comes as last week it was revealed Schumacher’s daughter, Gina, will marry her fiance later this year.
      The 26-year-old is set to tie the knot with 27-year-old boyfriend Iain Bethke later this year, reports German magazine Bunte and Spanish publication Ultima Hora.
      This is not the only time Johnny Herbert has made headlines recently.
      Read more on The Sun
      In November he claimed he“doesn’t listen” to Christian Horner as he responded to the claim that Lewis Hamilton could join Red Bull.
      Red Bull team principal Horner claimed that a member of the Brit’s entourage had reached out to him regarding a sensational switch.
      The F1 legend had a tragic skiing accident in 2013 and updates on his health have been few and far betweenCredit: AFP
      Only a handful of people are permitted to visit the starCredit: Rex
      Gina Schumacher is set to marry her fiance, Iain Bethke, this year More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Dakar Rally star in coma after being raced to hospital in helicopter with motorcyclist ‘found without pulse’ after crash

      by

      CARLES FALCON is in a coma after suffering a serious crash during the Dakar Rally.The motorcyclist was rushed to hospital in a helicopter after he crashed at the 448km mark on Sunday.
      Carles Falcon is in a coma after crashing in the Dakar RallyCredit: Rex
      Falcon, 45, had to be resuscitated after he was found without a pulse by doctors in the Saudi desert during the off-road endurance event.
      Race director David Castera said he “hit his head on the ground” after he fell on to the rocky track.
      The crash was seen by another racer who notified officials.
      The helicopter reached the scene in 16 minutes as it was said that he was in a “serious condition”.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Race organiser, ASO, said: “Immediately notified by another racer who was following him, the organisation dispatched a medical helicopter which took care of the injured motorcyclist in a condition considered serious.
      “He was airlifted to Al-Duwadimi hospital.”
      After he had been resuscitated he was rushed to Al-Duwadimi hospital.
      Falcon’s Twintrail Racing Team revealed that he underwent emergency surgery that night.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The Spaniard is in a stable conditionCredit: Rex
      He fractured the C2 cervical vertebra and cerebral edema.
      Falcon is currently in a coma but his condition is said to be stable.
      A statement from Twin Trail Racing said: “Over the next few days Carles will be kept sedated to control the development of the edema he has suffered in his head.
      “Team-mate Isaac Feliu will not continue in the race and has moved along with the midfield team to be able to stand by his side. As soon as we have news, we will report on their condition and development.
      “From the team and family we appreciate all the messages of support received.
      “Team-mate Isaac Feliu has decided not to finish the race out of solidarity with Falcon.”
      Fans on social media have wished Falcon well.
      One posted: “Come on Carles! And encouragement to the whole team and above all the family!”
      A second wrote: “Good luck Carles.”
      A third commented: “Hope he recovers well and soon. A big hug and encouragement for everyone.”
      A fourth said: “Strength and encouragement to Carles, family and friends.”
      Another added: “Stay strong comrades!”
      The Spaniard was 76th after Saturday’s opening stage of the race before he suffered the crash in the second stage.
      Last year Carlos Sainz Sr was airlifted to hospital after crashing down a sand dune.
      Read more on The Sun
      The Dakar Rally consists of terrain that is much tougher than what traditional rally drivers face.
      The majority of competitive sections see drivers take on dunes, mud, camel grass, and rocks as they cover up to 500 miles a day. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s secret inner circle welcomes new member as son Mick’s girlfriend ‘granted permission’ to visit him

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher’s secret inner circle is set to welcome another member after his son Mick’s girlfriend was granted permission to visit.Danish model Laila Hasanovic, 23, has been with Mick for 18 months and was given a vote of confidence by the family to see Michael, according to reports.
      Mick Schumacher with his Danish girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: Instagram
      Fomer Miss Denmark finalist and top model Laila has been allowed to see her boyfriend’s dad for the first time despite only a handful of people being allowedCredit: Instagram
      F1 icon Michael Schumacher has had a secret inner circle since his tragic ski crash in 2013 to keep his life privateCredit: Alamy
      The decision to let her see Mick’s father was made before the tenth anniversary of the tragic ski crash that left Michael in a coma for 250 days.
      The lovers regularly share loved-up photos to their millions of followers on social media as Mick, 24, embarks on a new career in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
      Mick was alongside his father on the day of the crash and according to former driver Johnny Herbert has found the years since incredibly tough.
      He said: “Mick has said he could always talk to Michael about racing before the accident. That is one of the saddest things for any sportsman.
      read more in Schumacher
      “It would have been a very important part of his development at that time. But Mick never had that unfortunately. He just had that relationship up until the skiing accident.
      Laila comes from Copenhagen and has Bosnian roots and was first seen by Schumacher’s side at the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.
      Since then the former Miss Denmark finalist and Mick have gone from strength to strength and made a good impression on Mick’s mum Corinna and the rest of the family.
      The news of her addition marks a huge step forward as outside of family only a limited group of people are allowed to see Schuey.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Schumacher’s daughter Gina is also set to get married later this year at the family’s luxury villa in Majorca.
      The 26-year-old will tie the knot with 27-year-old boyfriend Iain Bethke later this year, reports German magazine Bunte and Spanish publication Ultima Hora.
      Since 2013, his wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery – including forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the great man and those who can’t.
      Schumacher has regular meetings with his former teammate Luca Badoer and manager Sabine Kehm – who is arguably the closest non-family member to Michael both before and after his accident.
      Ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, 42, is regarded by the Schumacher family as “Michael’s younger brother” and was allowed to see his old pal but gave little information on Schuey’s condition.
      The third member of the so called inner circle is Jean Todt who has been close to Michael for over 30 years.
      The pair reportedly watch F1 races together but Todt has admitted the F1 legend “is no longer the Michael we knew” before the accident.
      Corinna has also been forced to cut out certain people to keep the family’s privacy a priority and for the sake of Schuey.
      Some of these people include ex-teammate Rubens Barrichello, former manager Will Weber and ex-F1 team boss Eddie Jordan.
      Weber once made sensational claims that “we have only heard lies” from the distraught family.
      As an accomplished skier, the retired seven-times world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel, over a decade ago.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      Read more on The Sun
      Doctors later said the headgear is the only reason he’s still alive.
      Michael was then placed in a medically induced coma to try to reduce the swelling and in the decade since the F1 superstar has never been seen in public and health updates have been very rare.
      The couple have been together since August 2022Credit: Instagram More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Stunning former MotoGP Wag goes topless on the beach as fans gasp ‘mamma mia!’

      by

      GIULIA DE LELLIS made her fans gasp “mamma mia!” after going topless on the beach in Mexico.The stunning former MotoGP Wag left little to the imagination as she soaked up the sun in Tulum.
      Giulia De Lellis left her fans gasping ‘Mamma mia!’ with her latest Instagram postCredit: Instagram @giuliadelellis103
      The influencer went topless as she soaked up the sun on the beachCredit: Instagram @giuliadelellis103
      She shared a series of snaps to Instagram from her holiday with boyfriend Carlo Beretta and their pals.
      Influencer Giulia is the ex-partner of former MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone.
      The 27-year-old showed Iannone what he is missing with her latest upload.
      She strutted along the beach and relaxed in the sea in a skimpy white bikini before going topless in the Mexican sun.
      READ MORE ON WAGS
      Giulia used her arm to cover up as she smiled for the camera in the risqué pictures.
      Her followers were left in awe, with one commenting: “Mamma mia! What a beautiful body.”
      Another added: “The most beautiful little mermaid.”
      A third fan also wrote: “What a wonder.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      Giulia shared the racy snaps with her 5.3million Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @giuliadelellis103
      She left little to the imagination as she covered up in Tulum, MexicoCredit: Instagram @giuliadelellis103
      The 27-year-old regularly shares glamorous pictures and racy snaps with her fansCredit: Instagram @giuliadelellis103
      Meanwhile, one more simply called her: “Gorgeous.”
      The Italian social media star has 5.3million followers on Instagram who are often treated to racy snaps and glamorous pictures.
      Prior to her current relationship, Giulia was engaged to Iannone for two years.
      However, she confirmed her split from the former MotoGP rider in March 2020.
      Giulia is the ex-partner of former MotoGP rider Andrea IannoneCredit: Alamy
      The couple were engaged for two years before splitting in March 2020Credit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher family joy as daughter Gina is due to get MARRIED at villa where stricken legend started ‘new life’

      by

      MICHAEL Schumacher’s daughter Gina is set to get married later this year at the family’s luxury villa in Majorca. The 26-year-old will tie the knot with 27-year-old boyfriend Iain Bethke later this year, reports German magazine Bunte and Spanish publication Ultima Hora.
      Michael Schumacher’s daughter Gina will get married this yearCredit: Instagram
      The 26-year-old will tie the knot with 27-year-old boyfriend Iain BethkeCredit: Rex
      Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday this week with touching messages as he turned 55Credit: Instagram
      Gina is a horse enthusiastCredit: Rex Features
      A wedding planner from northern Germany has been hired to put the “finishing touches” on the celebration.
      The German magazine – which carried the story on its front page – says the couple will say “I do” under an arch of flowers at the family villa.
      Corinna – the seven-time world champion’s wife- is widely reported to have bought the villa in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
      A country music band is set to play live music in the evening at the open-air ceremony – with male guests encouraged to not wear ties due to the temperatures.
      read more on Schumacher
      Horse enthusiasts Gina and Iain went official with their relationship just over six years ago.
      They stepped out at an awards ceremony in Munich in December 2017.
      In September last year, Michael’s daughter shared a new photo on her Instagram account with her boyfriend.
      The reports about the wedding have not specified whether Michael, who turned 55 on January 3 days after the tenth anniversary of his tragic ski accident, will attend.
      Most read in Motorsport
      In September 2020, it was claimed Schumacher was spending time at the villa in Majorca.
      Spanish press said he had been moved to the exclusive property on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the southwest of the island from his Swiss home.
      Corinna reportedly purchased the villa for £27million so she could spend holidays there with her children and friends.
      The house was bought by building magnate Perez in 2005 but he put it up for sale in 2017 after the death of his wife Mari Angeles Sandoval.
      The villa is part of a 15,000 square metre estate which boasts two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.
      Schumacher was placed in a medically induced coma after a life-threatening skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.
      He was relocated to the family home on the shores of Lake Geneva in September 2014.
      Updates on his health have been few and far between.
      Gina and her brother Mick wished their dad happy birthday this week with touching messages as he turned 55.
      His daughter wrote on Instagram: “Happy Birthday Papa! throwback to one of many of our adventures.”
      The post was accompanied by an image of her and her brother as children with the Formula One legend.
      Mick, 24, wrote: “Happy birthday to the best Dad ever. Love you!”
      The message showed a photo of them both wearing helmets, with a young Mick smiling and holding his thumb up as Michael looked lovingly towards him.
      Schumacher’s ex-Formula One team Mercedes also posted a birthday message urging him to “keep fighting”.
      Michael’s younger brother Ralf, who was also a F1 driver, told German newspaper Bild last week: “Nothing is like before.”
      He added: “I miss my Michael from back then. Life is sometimes unfair. Michael had been lucky many times in his life, but then the tragic accident happened.
      “Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to do some things.”
      His wife Corinna offered a rare insight on her husband’s state in a Netflix documentary in 2021.
      She admitted: “I miss Michael every day.
      Read more on The Sun
      “But it is not just me who misses him. It’s the children, the family, his father, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael, but Michael is here.
      “Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength. We’re together. We live together at home.”
      Gina shares her love of horses with her mother, CorinnaCredit: Splash News
      The couple will say ‘I do’ under an arch of flowers at the villaCredit: Instagram
      Gina’s birthday post for her dad was accompanied by an image of her and her brother as children with the Formula One legendCredit: Instagram
      Michael Schumacher, pictured with his wife Corinna, had a tragic ski accidentCredit: Alamy
      Corinna has cared for Michael since his accident and updates on his health are few and far betweenCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Former F1 driver Wilson Fittipaldi Jr, 80, rushed to hospital with cardiac arrest after ‘choking on piece of meat’

      by

      FORMER Formula 1 driver Wilson Fittipaldi Jr has suffered a cardiac arrest after choking on a piece of meat.Fittipaldi Jr, whose brother Emerson won two F1 world titles, was celebrating his 80th birthday on Christmas Day when the horrific incident took place.
      Wilson Fittipaldi Jr suffered a cardiac arrest after choking on a piece of meatCredit: Getty
      Fittipaldi competed in Formula 1 in the early and mid-1970sCredit: Getty
      He was resuscitated and is currently sedated in hospital.
      A post from his wife on Instagram read: “During dinner, he choked on a piece of meat and suffered a lack of oxygen followed by cardiac arrest.
      “He was resuscitated and is now sedated and intubated, we are waiting for him to wake up.
      “He has a difficult post-surgical history of returning post-sedative, one day at a time, let’s wait.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      According to The Independent, Fittipaldi’s son Christian, who is also an ex-F1 driver, attended the hospital with his dad.
      In the social media post, his wife went on to add: “Yesterday I received countless phone calls and kind messages of support for the whole family.
      “I appreciate all the messages, I know they are the ones that give us strength in this very difficult time.
      “Continue the positive vibes of health and restoration for Wilsinho. God will make the best!”
      Most read in Motorsport

      Fittipaldi started 35 F1 races between 1972 and 1975, claiming three points during his short career in the sport.
      Alongside his world champion brother Emerson, he set up the first and only Brazilian F1 team – Fittipaldi-Copersucar – in 1974.
      The team raced in F1 from 1975 to 1982. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 star Valtteri Bottas reveals stunning plan to swap sports and qualify for world championships

      by

      VALTTERI BOTTAS has revealed his stunning plans to swap sports when his F1 career is over.The 34-year-old is in the autumn of his F1 career and already planning for life after motor racing.
      Valtteri Bottas has opened up on his plans for life after F1Credit: Getty
      He has opened up on his love of gravel racingCredit: INSTAGRAM @valtteribottas
      It is a form of off-road cyclingCredit: INSTAGRAM @valtteribottas
      And he has revealed on the Bobby and Jens podcast that he plans to take gravel cycling “seriously” when he retires.
      Gravel cycling is a branch of cycling that sees competitors riding a drop-bar bike on unpaved roads and trails, fitting somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking.
      He has already competed in two gravel racing events at the Belgian Waffle Race and SBT GRVL at Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
      He finished on the podium for his age range both times, with both races considered world class events.
      READ MORE F1
      Bottas has fallen so in love with the sport that he has created his own gravel racing event, which his team, Alfa Romeo, sponsored.
      The event is held in his home region of Laht in Finland.
      He has also revealed his plan to qualify for the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships. 
      He told the podcast: “Obviously, Formula One is the priority for me.
      Most read in Motorsport
      He plans to compete in a gravel racing world championshipCredit: INSTAGRAM @valtteribottas
      And has already finished on the podium in two eventsCredit: INSTAGRAM @valtteribottas
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “But a close second is cycling. Whenever I get the chance, I try to fit in some good [cycling] training blocks and I plan on racing some more gravel events this year – this time of year is for the bicycle.”
      And while Bottas said he knew he wanted to be a racing driver from the age of six, “bikes were always around,” when he was growing up.
      He continued: “Road, mountain and, now, gravel — I love to ride everything.”
      Bottas’ girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell is an Australian Olympian and professional gravel racer and the two have encouraged eachother in their cycling.
      Bottas will aim to qualify for the UCI Gravel World Championships in Belgium this year where there are several ways to qualify.
      Bottas will likely try to leverage his age in a 36-39 men’s event where finishing in the top 25% of a race will secure him qualification.
      The world championships will take place in September this year.
      Bottas and Cromwell have a shared love of cyclingCredit: Getty More