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    Formula 1 team BOYCOTTS Sky Sports as Ralf Schumacher makes statement live on TV

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    F1 star OUT of Spanish Grand Prix and will undergo surgery after serious injury and pain in his wrist as grid is changed

    LANCE STROLL is OUT of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix. The Aston Martin driver, 26, will undergo surgery on a troublesome hand and wrist issue. Lance Stroll is out of the Spanish GP and booked in for surgeryCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old has been getting pain after breaking both his wrists in a cycling accident in 2023Credit: Shutterstock EditorialStroll qualified in P14 for Sunday’s race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. But the Canadian had been complaining about pain in his wrist for over a month. Stroll broke both wrists in a cycling accident on the eve of the 2023 F1 season.In a statement, Aston Martin wrote on X: “Over the course of the past six weeks Lance has been experiencing pain in his hand and wrist.READ MORE ON F1″His medical consultant believes this is in relation to the procedure he underwent in 2023. “As a result his medical team have confirmed that he will not race tomorrow and he will undergo a procedure to rectify these issues before focusing on his recovery.”The team added that due to “sporting regulations”, Fernando Alonso would be their only car running in Spain.F1 rules state only drivers who took part in qualifying can start on the grid. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDespite Stroll’s withdrawal, there will be no change to the grid placings from P14 upwards.Drivers lining up behind Stroll will still start in their slated positions rather than moving up one place.One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him foreverIt remains to be seen if Stroll can return to driving in time for his home Canadian Grand Prix on June 15.Felipe Drugovich is the next man up for Aston Martin. Oscar Piastri clinched pole position during an eventful qualifying session on Saturday. THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARHe narrowly beat colleague Lando Norris into P2 as the McLaren’s dominated in Barcelona. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third fastest, 0.302secs slower than Piastri.Mercedes driver George Russell set exactly the same lap time to start in P4, with Lewis Hamilton and his Ferrari just behind. More

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    Fernando Alonso overheard taking sarcastic swipe at old rival Lewis Hamilton after blunder ahead of Spanish Grand Prix

    FERNANDO ALONSO took a sarcastic swipe at Lewis Hamilton in Spanish Grand Prix practice.The Aston Martin star was left raging in Friday’s second practice session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.Fernando Alonso was wound-up after being overtaken by Lewis HamiltonCredit: XThe Aston Martin driver made a sarcastic comment about his rivalCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton was dubbed ‘the hero’ by AlonsoCredit: PAAlonso was ahead of Lance Stroll and Hamilton as they whizzed around the track.The Spaniard and the Brit were both preparing for fast laps as, meanwhile, Stroll was on a fast lap of his own.Alonso saw his team-mate coming and allowed him to pass.Hamilton saw this and used the chance to overtake the 43-year-old without a point this season on the outside.READ MORE IN F1The seven-time world champion’s move angered Alonso and he was heard saying over the team radio: “We have the hero of the day in front of us.”The good thing is that the weekend is very long, even the championship is very long.”Alonso and Hamilton have a long-standing rivalry that dates back to when they were team-mates at McLaren in 2007.Both were involved in confrontations on and off the track, with Alonso opening up about their relationship last year.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe told the DAZN documentary, ‘Fernando. Revealed’: “We were in the same team, the same garage, we travelled together many times, we were in the meetings and we began to notice that there was this friction, there was tension.”There were many things that broke the relationship harmony of that year. One of F1’s most recognisable voices reveals Leclerc and Hamilton moments that will live with him forever”We were young, immature, I was the first, and we had many clashes.”Now there is another type of rivalry, I don’t think we will be friends in the future or that we will ever have… I think we don’t share many things.” More

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    ‘The first thing we have to do’ – Adrian Newey breaks silence on Max Verstappen joining Aston Martin rumours

    ADRIAN NEWEY says Aston Martin will have to make a fast car if they are to ever attract Max Verstappen.The design guru, 66, has shut down talk of the Dutchman joining Aston Martin any time soon from Red Bull.Max Verstappen has been linked with a shock future move to Aston MartinCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Dutchman’s contract with Red Bull expires in 2028Credit: SHUTTERSTOCKAdrian Newey believes Aston Martin would need to make a very fast car to ever land VerstappenCredit: ALAMYNewey sent shockwaves through F1 when he announced he was leaving Red Bull last season before committing his future to Aston in September.At the Monaco Grand Prix, he is making his first appearance in the paddock since his bombshell move.Newey said: “Max is clearly a phenomenal talent and he’s a supreme competitor.”So if we’re to ever attract Max, the first thing we have to do is make a fast car.READ MORE F1″There’s no point in pipe-dreaming about anything else for now.”When pressed further about the timeline for this project, Newey said: “I’ve got absolutely no idea.”There was huge speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future last season after Red Bull’s car struggled and Christian Horner’s ‘sexting scandal’ threw the team into chaos.The Red Bull boss, who denied the accusations, was cleared of the allegations twice after a private, independent investigation.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMercedes were tipped as the favourite destination with Toto Wolff publicly trying to tempt the four-time world champion.The current team is made up of world champion Fernando Alonso, 43, and Lance Stroll, the son of the team’s owner, Lawrence Stroll.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerNewey added: “Lance, I think has an unfairly bad rap,”Any driver who gets to Formula One is clearly very good, but I think Lance is much better than people give him credit for.”Fernando is such a good character. He’s been an enemy for many years, along with Lewis (Hamilton).””Two drivers I’ve always, from the modern era, felt I would enjoy working with were Lewis and Fernando and I couldn’t work with both so at least I got one of them.”Adrian Newey defected from Red Bull to Aston Martin in SeptemberCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKNewey has been laser-focused since March on designing the 2026 car under new regulations.He said: “My wife says I go into a design trance and I can understand what she means.Read More on The Sun”When I get into this sort of period of intense concentration, I tend to not see left and right.”All my processing power is going into one area which is trying to work with everyone to design a fast racing car.” More

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    Aston Martin team up with rapper Dave, The Rolling Stones, Dom Dolla and more to bring new fan base in F1

    ASTON MARTIN have teamed up with the likes of Dave, The Rolling Stones, Dom Dolla and more to bring a new fanbase into F1.Drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have been fully on board too, signing a football with rap artist Dave and a one-of-a-kind guitar for the Rolling Stones link up.Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso have been fully involved in the I / AM DROPS seriesCredit: EPAAston Martin recently launched I / AM DROPS, a series of collaborations and experiences connecting the F1 team with the world of music, fashion and sport.Their most recent move was becoming an official Partner of the 2025 Santan Cup, founded by UK rap artist Dave. The Cup aims to bring together a grassroots football community with some of the biggest names in music, football and television for a one-of-a-kind tournament during the Monaco Grand Prix.Aston Martin chief marketing officer Rob Bloom, said: “It’s about engaging that broader fan base, and giving more opportunities to be involved. “We hit the ground running at the start of the year with Tems, who really stole the show. “She was amazing to work with and she brought a fresh audience and perspective int that event. “Whether it’s about music, fashion and sports, it’s about reaching outside of that core F1 demographic, giving people the opportunity to be part of this team and the sport.” The latest drop includes a T-shirt, the signed football by Dave, Alonso and Stroll, and Two VIP tickets to the Santan Cup tournament in Monaco.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAston Martin linked up with British rock royalty the Rolling Stones for an iconic partnership last month. The team is leading the way by tapping into F1’s new audiences like young women who are taking over the fan base by storm.Sun F1 reporter Isabelle Barker tries Lewis Hamilton’s favourite spaghetti cooked by three Michelin star chef at Bahrain Grand PrixThe aim of the drops is to provide exclusive moments and experiences to fans and reach new audiences. Aston Martin have already linked up with Grammy-winning artist Tems at the F1 75 Live event and more is to come.To have a chance of winning, enter the DROP, here. More

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    ‘The concern is great’ – Red Bull advisor issues worrying Max Verstappen update as contract clause emerges

    MAX VERSTAPPEN could leave Red Bull due to a clause in his contract, the team’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed.The reigning Formula One world champion sits third in the World Drivers Championship standings and eight points off of top spot after a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix.Helmut Marko has said there is ‘great concern’ about Max Verstappen leaving Red BullCredit: GettyVerstappen has a clause in his contract stating he can leave if they do not provide a winning carCredit: GettyRed Bull have long suffered with pace problems compared to constructor champions McLaren, whose drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – the winner in Bahrain – sit first and second in the drivers championship.Verstappen had one of his greatest-ever drives in F1 to win the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month.But that performance was largely propped up by claiming pole position while a lack of tyre degradation and the narrow Suzuka track meant overtaking was next to impossible in the race.Regardless, performance issues this season – which Verstappen has highlighted as balance issues making the car unpredictable on corner entry and giving it mid-corner understeer – have left the Dutchman fuming.READ MORE IN F1And it could prompt the 27-year-old to consider his future with the team.According to BBC Sport, a clause written into his contract, which runs until 2026, says they have to provide him with a winning car or else he is free to leave.Team advisor Marko has suggested there is currently “great concern” over Verstappen’s future in F1 with Red Bull owing to the performance issues they are facing.Marko, 81, told Sky Germany: “The concern is great. Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.”Verstappen has won four titles in a row with Red Bull but appears to have an uphill task to score an unprecedented fifth this season.Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Speaking to the BBC in March, Marko said: “We have this huge motivation to achieve this fifth title.”We also know that if we don’t deliver for Max, all the top drivers have performance clauses in their contract…”The whole team is focused to achieve this fifth title which we didn’t make with [Sebastian] Vettel but this time there is a possibility.”After Verstappen’s P6 finish in Bahrain, senior figures at Red Bull including team principal Christian Horner, technical director, Pierre Waché, chief engineer, Paul Monaghan and advisor Marko held a crisis meeting.It was also reported by Sky Sport’s Ted Kravitz that Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was seen angrily confronting Marko in the team’s garage after the race. The Bahrain race was also underlined by two slow pit stops for Verstappen, something Red Bull are usually top of the class for.Verstappen has been linked to both Mercedes and Aston Martin, with the latter being forced to deny a report in January suggesting they would offer the F1 ace a package worth £1billion.Read More on The SunWith new engine and chassis regulations set to come into play in 2026, Verstappen could jump ship from Red Bull during a pivotal time for F1.Aston Martin have recruited former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey into their ranks for the era, while Mercedes are widely accepted to currently be in the best position to take advantage of the new rules. More

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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