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    ‘That’s f***ing dangerous’ say F1 fans as Fernando Alonso’s steering wheel FALLS OFF as he approaches corner in Bahrain

    FERNANDO ALONSO had a dangerous incident during the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix after his steering wheel FELL OFF mid lap.The bizarre moment came during the second practice session on Friday.Fernando Alonso’s steering wheel came off during the Bahrain GPCredit: F1The team ended up replacing the whole steering columnCredit: F1Just two laps into the session, the Spaniard’s steering wheel display went blank and moments later, detached from the steering column it had been attached to.Stunned by the malfunction, Alonso said over the team radio: “Change the steering wheel. There’s a problem with the steering wheel; it’s switching off.”Alonso had slowed down when seeing the issue as he approached the end of the lap, but after his wheel detached he ended up running wide into the ran-off area while frantically trying to reconnect it.He was fortunately able to do so and return to the pits unscathed, before his team took the car in to figure out what the problem was.READ MORE IN F1As it turned out, the problem was far more serious than the steering wheel itself, with the team taking 15 minutes to completely change the steering column before sending Alonso back out.The issue prompted an unexpected visit from FIA technical delegate, Jo Bauer, though no further explanation of the visit has been given thus far.Fans were also shocked at the incident, with one saying on social media: “Oh hell nah, this is everyone nightmares.”A second said: “Big yikes.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA third added: “That’s f***ing dangerous.”Speaking after the session, two-time F1 World Champion, said: “Yeah, the car [was] not working, and I could not shift gears at one point, so yeah, I had a dash off.’A pretty expensive poo!’ – Carlos Sainz risks ANOTHER fine for X-rated rant as he protests £17,000 toilet break penalty”So, I could not communicate with the team either, and yeah, in the last corner the wheel was off. “So yeah, we realised that maybe the steering column of the wheel or something had a problem. The mechanics quickly changed the parts and everything was fine.”So yeah, a moment there, but thanks to everyone in the garage to fix it quite fast.”Alonso ended up coming 15th in the session, paving the way for what looks set to be another tough weekend for the Aston Martin.The ex-McLaren, Renault and Ferrari driver said: “I think it’s going to be a tough weekend, unfortunately, we seem not to have the pace before coming here.”The characteristics of Bahrain was a little bit of a concern for us, for our package, and yeah, probably we confirm today that we are not competitive. “It’s going to be a tough weekend, but we will try to learn. We will try to push, and we are not giving up.” Read More on The SunAlonso is one of five drivers – Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto – yet to score points this year, while team-mate Lance Stroll has bagged 10 points.Elsewhere, FP2 was topped by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, leading from team-mate Lando Norris and Mercedes’ George Russell. More

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    Lewis Hamilton to get new team-mate for a day at Bahrain Grand Prix due to little known F1 rule

    LEWIS HAMILTON will drive with a new team-mate at the Bahrain Grand Prix, it has been revealed.Ferrari are one of six teams who are using the next Formula One race to fulfil a little-known rule.Lewis Hamilton will have a new team-mate during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekendCredit: RexDino Beganovic will drive in FP1 for Ferrari in Bahrain alongside HamiltonCredit: AlamyMax Verstappen will also not run the session after winning the Japanese GPCredit: RexHe is being replaced by F2 star Ayuma IwasaCredit: RexInstead of Charles Leclerc, 40-year-old Hamilton will instead partner 21-year-old Swedish driver Dino Beganovic for Free Practice One.Likewise, Red Bull will also bring a new driver to their lineup for the Friday session.Fresh off of his win at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen will give way to Japanese F2 star Ayumu Iwasa for the session.It means Yuki Tsunoda, who had a tough first race with Red Bull after swapping with Liam Lawson, will have his third team-mate of the season – even though this is only for one session.READ MORE IN F1Mercedes, Aston Martin, Haas and Williams have also announced they will be running a rookie driver, with George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Ollie Bearman and Carlos Sainz respectively all stepping down.Russell is giving up his seat for Danish youngster Frederik Vesti, while former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich is replacing Alonso. Bearman, only a rookie this season himself, is giving up his seat to Ryo Hirakawa and Sainz will cede his seat to British racer Luke Browning.The sweeping changes come as part of a requirement for all F1 teams to run rookies – drivers with fewer than two Grand Prix to their name – at least twice in each of their cars in practice sessions this season.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTeams have had to run a rookie in at least once in each of their cars in FP1 since 2022, with this season seeing the requirement doubled.Alpine already completed one of these mandatory runs last weekend when Ryo Hirakawa ran in place of Jack Doohan – a contributing factor to Doohan’s 185mph crash in FP2.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire The reason for Bahrain being such a popular choice for rookie running is due to the known quantities of it.Teams already have lots of data from the track after pre-season testing was completed at the Sakhir circuit.The Middle East race also represents the first race weekend of the season where UK fans will not have to be out of bed early on Sunday morning.Instead, the Bahrain race will take place at 4pm UK time, with qualifying on Saturday running from 5pm.McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the World Drivers Championship from Verstappen by a single point after the Dutchman’s imperious win at last weekend’s Japan GP.Bahrain GP FP1 rookiesRookies participating in FP1 in Bahrain this weekend:Dino Beganovic, Ferrari – for Charles LeclercAyuma Iwasa, Red Bull – for Max VerstappenFrederik Vesti, Mercedes – for George RussellFelipe Drugovich, Aston Martin – for Fernando AlonsoRyo Hirakawa, Haas – for Ollie BearmanLuke Browning, Williams – for Carlos Sainz More

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    F1 star takes delivery of ultra rare Aston Martin valued over £2MILLION designed to be ‘extreme’ version of classic car

    FORMULA ONE veteran Fernando Alonso has taken delivery of his £2million bespoke-made Aston Martin hypercar.Alonso partnered with his team to build the Valiant – which is an extreme rear-winged road legal car.Fernando Alonso has added a new Aston Martin to his personal collectionCredit: Instagram @astonmartin The Aston Martin F1 driver drove his new Valiant in Monaco this weekCredit: Instagram @astonmartin Aston Martin posted pictures of Alonso in his new £2million road-legal carCredit: Instagram @astonmartin Aston Martin explained how it was Alonso’s vision for a lighter, race-car inspired, extreme variation of their Valour model.The team described the Valiant as the “most extreme, front-engine, road-legal Aston Martin ever built”.The track-focused beast can rocket from 0 to 60mph in around three seconds, with a top speed exceeding 200mph.And it is powered by a monster 745hp V12 manual feeding the rears.READ MORE F1 NEWSMeanwhile, two-time world champion Alonso was pictured behind the wheel in the streets of Monaco this week.Aston Martin also showed the Spanish ace, 43, enjoying his “titan” machine kitted out in steel grey.Alonso said: “Valour stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track-focused, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road.“Valiant is born from my passion for driving to the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification and believe we have created a masterpiece.”Most read in MotorsportAlonso himself commissioned the rear-winged hypecarCredit: Instagram @astonmartin It is powered by a monster 745hp V12 manual feeding the rearsCredit: Instagram @astonmartin CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd fans loved it, with one writing: “What a beast 🔥.”Another said: “It looks like a Ford Mustang.”Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truckAlonso also gave it full beans up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2024.The 5.2 litre V12-powered machine with 745 horsepower joins Alonso’s impressive car collection.His toy box includes a £2.5million Valkyrie, £1million classic DB5 and Vantage GT3 race car worth £500,000.The Spaniard also has a DTM race car worth half-a-million quid and a £200,000 DBX707 super SUV as his daily driver.Alonso is currently 17th in the drivers standings after failing to finish in the top 10 in the first three races of the season. Alonso has a DBX707 as a daily driverFernando’s £500k DTM race car More

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    Max Verstappen tipped to receive ‘offer he can’t refuse’ and leave Red Bull after dominating F1

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has been tipped to quit Red Bull after dominating Formula One.Verstappen has won four world drivers titles on the spin in F1, putting him level with just five other drivers to have reached the figure.Max Verstappen has been tipped to leave Red Bull with an ‘offer he can’t refuse’Credit: GettySeven-time F1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya believes Aston Martin will poach VerstappenCredit: GettyHe believes the move to land F1 designer Adrian Newey will be key to the dealCredit: ReutersHowever, Red Bull’s dominance in the sport has massively waned since the start of last season, with the Milton Keynes outfit now the third or fourth fastest car on the grid behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.The 2025 season is the final season of the current regulations before a changeover in 2026, and Verstappen has now been tipped to leave Red Bull for a new challenge with his contract expiring at the end of 2026.Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya believes that destination could well be Aston Martin, owned by billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll.Aston Martin have been busy setting up for the upcoming 2026 season with the arrival of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, who they poached from Red Bull.READ MORE IN F1His expertise is one of the biggest reasons why Verstappen, whose Red Bull contract expires at the end of 2026, was so dominant – like Sebastian Vettel was before him.But seven-time Grand Prix winner Montoya believes the 27-year-old will look to rekindle that partnership, but only if the team submit a huge offer for him.A sensational report in January claimed Aston Martin were preparing a £1BILLION deal to land Verstappen, however, the team categorically denied this claim.Speaking to Vision4Sport, where you can enquire about exclusive packages to the world’s best sporting events, Montoya said: “I think Max will get an offer he can’t refuse from Aston Martin.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He might give Red Bull a chance for a year and a chance for Adrian to start figuring it out.”Adrian can’t do that immediately. It’s a new whole group, and everyone needs to start working together.Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston Martin“Are they going to be better than where they are next year? For sure. But I don’t think they’re going to start winning a string of races.“But if Red Bull struggles in year one, then it wouldn’t surprise me if by race three, Max has already signed with somebody else.“If I were Max, I would go to Aston. Mercedes would be cool, too, but Aston would be the logical choice, having Adrian and Honda. Everything he has won with is there.”Montoya also reckons Aston Martin will open up a new spot at the team for Fernando Alonso to become an ambassador and replace him with Verstappen.He added: “If Verstappen joined Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso will retire and become an ambassador for life for the company.“Fernando would be pissed off to a point, but it’s the right choice. If you take Lance out of the equation, then you lose Lawrence.“And if you lose Lawrence, you lose everything. You lose Aston Martin, and then there’s no Max coming.“If bringing Max would mean that Lawrence would have to sacrifice Lance, that would be the wrong choice for the team.Read More on The Sun“If they forced Lawrence to do that. I think he would say, ‘Okay, here’s the team. Over to you. Let’s just sell the team, I’m not interested.’”Verstappen will have a new team-mate in Yuki Tsunoda for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after Christian Horner and Co. axed Liam Lawson after two disastrous race weekends. More

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    Erling Haaland’s £350k green Aston Martin collected from airport by Man City official after star leaves on crutches

    ERLING HAALAND’S car was collected by a Manchester City official on Sunday evening after he suffered an injury against Bournemouth.The 24-year-old was spotted leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutches with a protective boot after the FA Cup quarter-final.Erling Haaland’s Aston Martin was collected by a staff member after he suffered an injury against BournemouthCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe striker was unable to drive after injuring his ankleCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeKevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic were spotted walking across the car park to their carsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHaaland was seen leaving the Vitality Stadium on crutchesHe was forced off with what appeared to be an injury to his ankle in the 61st minute, shortly after equalising for Man City.Pep Guardiola subsequently admitted that he did not know the extent of the damage.He said: “I don’t know yet. I saw him on the massage table but I didn’t speak with him or the doctors. We will have to see.”After suffering the injury, Haaland was unable to drive his new £350,000 Aston Martin DBX 707 when he got back to Manchester.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe lime green vehicle was instead collected by a City staff member.Man City came from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.Cherries striker Evanilson broke the deadlock in the 21st minute but Haaland equalised after half-time.It then didn’t take long for Omar Marmoush, who replaced the striker when he got injured, to flip the match on its head and seal the win for Guardiola’s side.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaaland was forced off with the ankle injury during Man City’s match against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe reigning Premier League champions will now face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals at Wembley.After the match, Guardiola said: “There are minimum requirements that we have to show – respect for your mate, you have to make the effort. And today we did it. Worrying moment man sprints across pitch towards Erling Haaland before Premier League cult hero acts as human shield”I spoke with the team at half-time so we are good. We are in your hands. We conceded just one shot on target.”That means how Bernardo, Kova, the senior players, the legendary players that give the most incredible things in the club, they make a step up again and made an excellent performance.”Phil Foden was also seen walking past Haaland’s carCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    Enrico Cardile decision made as Ferrari chief blocked from starting new Aston Martin job

    FORMER Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile has been blocked from immediately starting his new role with Aston Martin following a court case in Italy.Cardile left his role at Ferrari last July to join Aston Martin as their new chief technical officer, sparking a legal dispute over when the 49-year-old could begin his new job.Enrico Cardile will be blocked from starting his role with Aston Martin until July 18Credit: GettyFerrari have now won their court case regarding Cardile’s gardening leave, meaning he can’t begin his new job until July 18.A statement released by Ferrari explained that a judge in Modena made the ruling “a few weeks ago”.It read: “With reference to the recent news regarding the timing of Enrico Cardile’s arrival at Aston Martin.”Ferrari clarifies that a few weeks ago the Court of Modena, upholding the requests of the Company, ordered Enrico Cardile to immediately cease any form of collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team until next July 18th.READ MORE F1 NEWS”In this urgent procedural phase, the Court of Modena found that our former employee was already violating the non-compete commitment with Ferrari.”Whose purpose was precisely to prevent other F1 teams from gaining an unjustified competitive advantage by hiring Cardile earlier than allowed, causing irreparable harm to Ferrari.”Aston Martin released a statement of their own, writing: “This is a matter between Enrico and Ferrari and their legal representatives in Italy, and the parties continue to be engaged in the process.”As such we won’t be making any further comment. We will make an announcement in due course.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ruling means that Cardile will now be unable to join Aston Martin’s team until long into the development of the team’s 2026 car.Aston Martin are undergoing a huge restructure ahead of Formula One’s new chassis and engine regulations for 2026.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia The British team have already announced the arrival of legendary designer Adrian Newey, as they look to improve on consecutive fifth place finishes in the Constructor’s Championship.Newey, who previously worked with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, began work as the managing technical partner on Monday.Aston Martin will also be powered by Honda works engines for the first time in 2026, having previously used Mercedes since 2022.Adrian Newey has joined Aston MartinCredit: Getty More

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    Erling Haaland seen in second brand new motor of the week as he buys £350k Aston Martin special edition F1 SAFETY CAR

    ERLING HAALAND drove home from Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in his brand new lime green Formula 1 SAFETY CAR.Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid in Wednesday night’s second leg.Erling Haaland drove his lime green Aston Martin away from Manchester AirportCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHaaland, 24, penned a new contract last monthCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAfter arriving back at Manchester Airport, Haaland walked to his incredible new car.The £350,000 Aston Martin DBX 707 is a special edition Formula 1 safety car.Usually appearing on track in British Racing Green, Haaland’s is more of a lime colour.Having sealed a lucrative new contract last month, the Norwegian has clearly been busy upgrading his garage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaaland’s new 10-year deal is worth a staggering £260million, £500,000 a week backdated to the start of this season.The 24-year-old was spotted in an Porsche 911 GT3 earlier this week – in another outlandish colour.He left City’s training ground in the plush car, which is worth more than £200,000.Fans were left in awe by the sports car as they took to social media, with some poking some fun at Haaland’s choice.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHaaland’s car is a special edition of Aston Martin’s F1 safety carCredit: AlamyHaaland was spotted in an orange motor earlier this weekCredit: TIKTOKOne fan wondered: “Why orange?”Another commented: “GOAT Haaland.”Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash A third wrote: “That new salary is hitting.”Haaland travelled to Madrid earlier in the week but did not play in City’s defeat.He was left on the bench for the duration of the match alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish.On Sunday, City host Liverpool in the Premier League.Haaland was an unused substitute against Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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    Keely Hodgkinson looks stunning in bold outfit as she poses with £15million F1 car ahead of new season

    OLYMPIC hero Keely Hodgkinson has swapped the running track for the race track as she posed in front of Aston Martin’s new Formula One car.The gold medallist donned a sharp pantsuit as she attended the F1’s 75th anniversary car launch event at the O2 in London on Tuesday.Keely Hodgkinson posed in front of Aston Martin’s F1 carCredit: instagram The Olympic hero attended F1’s launch event at the O2Credit: PAHodgkinson, who captured the hearts of the nation with her heroics in Paris last summer, posed in front of Aston Martin’s new livery at the event.The car, which will be driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, is likely to be worth around £15MILLION – as is the average for a F1 car.Fans of Hodgkinson and F1 were loving the crossover when she posted the snap on Instagram.One wrote: “Almost as fast as you”.READ MORE IN F1While another added: “I wonder which is faster? My bet is on the two legged racing machine”.And a third joked: “I see you are getting closer to your dream car!” Hodgkinson was joined by a whole host of other stars at the event in Greenwich.Alongside drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, celeb attendees included Gordon Ramsay, Jack Whitehall and Maura Higgins.Most read in MotorsportLewis Hamilton looked dapper alongside Charles Leclerc and Frederic VasseurCredit: GettyThe Ramsay family were also at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyChristian Horner and his Spice Girl wife were seen alongside Jack Whitehall on the red carpetCredit: GettyMaura Higgins wore a bold outfit at the eventCredit: RexHodgkinson will have enjoyed a night to take her mind off the heartache of an injury scuppering her chances of breaking a longstanding world record.The 22-year-old had planned to run the quickest time over 800 metres indoors at her inaugural Keely Klassic at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena last weekend.Olympic winner Keely Hodgkinson soaks up the atmosphere with Man Utd fans at Old Trafford But she saw her opportunity to do so snatched away when an injury in her hamstring flared up just three days before the event.And a scan has since revealed a significant problem that has even raised questions about her ability to compete again this winter.Speaking on the injury, Hodgkinson revealed that she shed a tear upon finding out the news.She said: “I’m so gutted and disappointed to be announcing this. I’m devastated to be missing the launch of the first Keely Klassic.”Me and my team worked so hard these last couple of months to put me in a perfect position to race, and I was so excited to perform in front of a home crowd.”I won’t lie – when I got the news this afternoon, I shed a tear.”I’ve worked so hard for this moment and was in the best shape of my life. I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to race for the fans.”Especially after so many have bought tickets to see me try and break the world record.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But this event was never just about me – it was always about showcasing British talent, creating something new for the sport, and bringing more energy and entertainment to athletics.”That’s something I’m committed to for the long term. I’ll be in Birmingham on Saturday doing everything I can to make sure it’s an amazing night for the athletes and the fans.”Hodgkinson was ruled out of a world record attempt at the inaugural Keely Klassic with a hamstring injuryCredit: APThe star still turned up at the eventCredit: GettyHodgkinson won gold in the Women’s 800m in ParisCredit: PAShe was also named as BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024Credit: PA More