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    Four-time F1 world champion snubs comeback for FARMING apprenticeship but leaves door open to Le Mans race

    SEBASTIAN VETTEL has ruled out a return to Formula One as he pursues a new career in FARMING.Green-fingered Vettel, 37, won four F1 drivers championships in a row between 2010 and 2013 with Red Bull.Sebastian Vettel has revealed he has started an apprenticeship in agricultureCredit: GettyHe left the Racing Bulls to join Ferrari in 2015, where he stayed until joining Aston Martin in 2021. Vettel left the motorsport in 2022 and has since promoted several environmentally friendly initiatives.And his latest adventure has seen the German take up an apprenticeship in agriculture.During an appearance at an awards ceremony in Braunschweig, Germany, Vettel told RTL: “I am actually going to school.READ MORE IN F1″I am doing an apprenticeship in agriculture.”Asked whether he was looking to become a full-time farmer, he said: “Not quite. It is basically a condensed form of it. After that, I can run my own business.”This area fascinates me. I find it extremely exciting when it comes to the future of agriculture.”Vettel lives with his wife and three children on a farmhouse in Switzerland.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has been a long-term champion of being climate-friendly and was one of the main voices who spoke about the cause during his days in F1.Speaking about his life with his three children, he said: “With the three kids, there is enough to do anyway. F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “My life is much quieter than it used to be. I don’t travel as much anymore.”However, Vettel has not completely closed the door on a return to motorsport and teased a possible appearance at Le Mans in the future.He said: “I’m not returning to F1.”But Le Mans could be an option.”Vettel won 53 races and scored 122 podiums during his F1 career. He is the youngest-ever F1 world champion, a title he took from Lewis Hamilton.Max Verstappen emulated Vettel after being crowned a four-time world champion in Las Vegas last weekend, once again with Red Bull.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Fernando Alonso issues health update after F1 star, 43, was helped from his car after Brazilian Grand Prix

    FERNANDO ALONSO has given a health update after he was seen being helped from his car after the Brazilian Grand Prix.The Formula One veteran, 43, had a weekend to forget in the rain at the Sao Paulo circuit as he finished 18th and 14th in the sprint race and feature race respectively.Fernando Alonso issued a health update after a ‘painful’ Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: GettyAlonso said he only finished the race for the mechanics after they repaired his car during a qualifying crashCredit: ReutersAlonso had been forced to miss media day on Thursday with an intestinal infection, days after becoming the first driver to reach 400 F1 race starts at the Mexico Grand Prix.He recovered in time to compete in the full weekend’s double bill of sprint and feature events from Friday through to Sunday.However, during the latter stages of the Sunday race, Alonso was heard complaining about a bad back after experiencing a lot of bouncing in the car while out on the resurfaced track.After crashing out in qualifying and causing a red flag, the Aston Martin mechanics had worked tirelessly to repair the Spaniard’s car for the race.READ MORE IN F1Alonso was heard on the team radio saying he would finish the race for the mechanics following their hard work.He was heard saying: “I will finish the race for the mechanics. They did a very good job today. “But my back is hurting, man. This bouncing is not normal.”When back in the pit lane after the race was won by Max Verstappen, Alonso was seen clearly in pain as he was helped from his car by mechanics, and was seen hugging one before walking off.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlonso issued an update on his health when speaking to media after the race, while he also paid an emotional tribute to the victims of the Valencia flooding, where the death toll has reached well over 200.He said: “It’s the same day for everyone. We’ve done the work ourselves.Formula 1 chaos as Brazilian GP qualifying POSTPONED due to heavy rain with drenched fans left waiting for hours”The car bounced a lot in the second part of the race and the truth is that in normal conditions it wouldn’t have finished.”But it had to be done for the mechanics, for me too, who suffered a bit before arriving here, for the people in Valencia, for the people who are in worse situations than the bounce I had today.”Alonso sits down in ninth in the driver standings with 62 points to his name.This is double the amount of the next driver outside of the top four teams – Nico Hulkenberg’s haul of 31 points for Haas.F1 is now on a three-week break before the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 24.That will kick-start a triple-header to end the season, with Verstappen currently on course to win the drivers’ title ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Why Aston Martin’s Adrian Newey appointment is a bigger coup than landing Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen

    WHEN an Formula 1 team has produced an era of total dominance you can bet that Adrian Newey has been at the helm.The 65-year-old design guru has been the common denominator between several periods of team supremacy over the last 30-years in F1.Adrian Newey has signed a deal with Aston Martin worth £30million a yearCredit: GettyNewey masterminded Max Verstappen’s record-breaking season last yearCredit: GettyThat’s why Aston Martin snaffling him up as managing technical director is a bigger coup than landing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen.Newey has rightly earned a formidable reputation in F1 and is one of the most sought-after talents in the paddock.He is the most successful designer of the modern era and his statistics speak for themselves, with 12 drivers’ championships and 13 constructors’ titles to his name.And he is worth every penny of his eye-watering salary at Aston which could rise to as much as £30million-a-year.READ MORE ON F1Stroll believes Newey is what is needed to turn his team into title contenders within a couple of years.That’s because Newey, an aerodynamicist by trade, has the Midas touch when it comes to F1 teams, delivering success almost everywhere he has gone.His skills in interpreting and exploiting regulations to deliver fiercely competitive cars make him a cut above the rest.He made his mark when he was recruited by Williams in the early 1990s before they went on a run of utter dominance.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn 1992 they won 10 of 16 races that season, with Nigel Mansell dominating the championship as they won both titles.Newey then switched to McLaren in 1998, delivering with a car once again with Mika Hakkinen going on to win the title, as did the team.Watch Max Verstappen get slammed as ‘CHILDISH’ by his own team on radio after smashing into F1 rival Lewis HamiltonHistory repeated itself at Red Bull when under Newey’s technical leadership they became truly competitive in 2009 as the RB5 proved the outright quickest car and delivered four titles from 2010-14.Newey delivered another title-capable car in 2021 with Verstappen and Red Bull dominating until this current season.In 2023 the Dutch driver and Red Bull produced the most dominant season in F1 history, with 19 wins for Verstappen and 21 for the team out of 22 grands prix.Newey’s cars have set trends that others have had to follow and often that has coincided with regulation changes.It could just be a happy coincidence that Red Bull have lost their way with their car since he stepped away from F1 in May.But there is no hiding that the team has lost their spark without Newey’s magic touch. More

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    F1 designer lands eye-watering deal that will see him paid more than 18 drivers and only behind Hamilton and Verstappen

    ASTON MARTIN have signed legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey. The 65-year-old, who has been with Red Bull for 19 years, has signed a lucrative £20million-a-year contract with Lawrence Stroll’s team that reportedly rises to £30m including add-ons and bonuses.F1 designer Adrian Newey has signed for Aston MartinCredit: PANewey has left Red Bull after 19 yearsCredit: PAHe has landed a mega-money contract from team boss Lawrence StrollCredit: PANewey has won 12 drivers’ and 13 constructors’ championships during a glittering 30-year career in F1, having also worked at Williams and McLaren. He said: “I am thrilled to be joining Aston Martin. I have been hugely inspired and impressed by the passion and commitment that Lawrence brings to everything he is involved with.”Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team. He is the only majority team owner who is actively engaged in the sport.”His commitment is demonstrated in the development of the new AMR Technology Campus and wind tunnel at Silverstone, which are not only state of the art but have a layout that creates a great environment to work in.READ MORE IN F1″Together with great partners like Honda and Aramco, they have all the key pieces of infrastructure needed to make Aston Martin a world championship-winning team and I am very much looking forward to helping reach that goal.”Newey, who announced his departure in May, wanted out from Red Bull following Christian Horner’s sexting scandal, which he has always denied and was cleared for misconduct by the team.The design guru now no longer takes part in team meetings.Ferrari were heavily linked with signing Newey, but the British designer has opted to stay in the UK and will begin work on pushing Aston Martin towards a world championship.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStroll said: “This is huge news. Adrian is the best in the world at what he does – he is at the top of his game – and I am incredibly proud that he is joining the team. “It’s the biggest story since the Aston Martin name returned to the sport and another demonstration of our ambition to build a Formula One team capable of fighting for world championships.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”As soon as Adrian became available, we knew we had to make it happen. “Our initial conversations confirmed that there was a shared desire to collaborate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Adrian is a racer and one of the most competitive people I have ever met. “Adrian shares our hunger and ambition, he believes in this project, and he will help us write the next chapter in Aston Martin’s story.”He will start working in his role of Managing Technical Partner from 1 March 2025.Newey’s deal with the sporting wing of the former James Bond car makers will see him land £150m including bonuses and add-ons over five years, according to the BBC.Savage sackings in F1THE world of F1 can be savage, with employees discarded like used tea bags.Danish driver Kevin Magnussen was a rising star of the McLaren team when he made his debut in 2014 alongside Jensen Button.But when he finished the season trailing in eleventh place, he was swiftly replaced by two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso.Instead of breaking the bad news to him in a face-to-face meeting, boss Ron Dennis got his assistant to send Magnussen a short and impersonal email.Worst still, the curt message landed in Kevin’s inbox on his 23rd birthday.Read more tales of F1’s brutal world including one boss who was labelled an ‘executioner’ and a driver dumped by a brisk TEXT.Following intense speculation – including a leak spotted by fans on Sky Sports TV guide – the deal to take Newey to the team for the 2025 season was announced on Tuesday morning.Newey’s proficiency for aerodynamics, particularly at the start of new regulations, means the team could be propelled towards the top of the grid from their current standings of fifth in the 2026 season – when the new era of engine regs come into play.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis bumper contract means Newey will be earning more than 18 drivers on the F1 grid, including the team’s star driver and two-time title winner Fernando Alonso.Only reigning world champion Max Verstappen and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton will be earning more than Newey.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truck

    FERNANDO ALONSO’S custom-made £2.3million Aston Martin supercar was spotted on a tow-truck.Crowds gathered outside his Monaco address, watching in shock as the luxury car was lifted off the truck.Fernando Alonso’s signature logo is embroidered on every seat of his new ValkyrieThe car features the number 14 on the number plateCredit: YouTube/Pistons BrothersThe dark green Aston Martin Valkyrie was personally designed by Red Bull’s chief technical officer Adrian Newey.It features a personalised licence plate – Alonso’s lucky number 14, which goes back to his go-karting days and he still uses in F1 races as well as embroidered seats with his logo.The Valkyrie is an extremely complex V12-powered hypercar using a lot of actual F1 technology. The bespoke supercar was being delivered to one of Alonso’s Monaco properties, according to Spanish news outlet Eldesmarque.READ MORE IN F1A team of technicians, including one sitting behind the wheel took charge of the delicate delivery.The sport car’s codename is Nebula, an acronym for Newey, Red Bull and Aston Martin.It has a maximum horsepower of 1,155PS and can go from 0-60mph in under 2.5 seconds thanks to its hybrid 6.5 litre V12 powertrain.It is painted in Satin Aston Martin Racing Green with contrasting AMR Satin Lime Graphics.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSExposed carbon fibre – the material which makes up around 85 per cent of an F1 car – adorns the roof, engine cover and lower aero while a Titanium Aston Martin Wings badge sits proudly on the nose.The carbon fibre theme continues inside Alonso’s new set of wheels, as swathes of Pure Black Alcantra are paired with a contrasting AMR Lime stitch.Watch Lewis Hamilton’s potential successor Antonelli fail Mercedes audition with HUGE blunder in Italian GP practiceAlonso personally designed the carCredit: Aston MartinIt has a max horsepower of 1,155PS and can go from 0-60mph in under 2.5 secondsCredit: Aston MartinHowever, one of the most intricate details of the car comes with a red anodised aluminium accelerator pedal etched with the number “14”, another reference to his driver number.Speaking about the car, the two-time F1 champion said: “It’s hard to put into words how much I have been looking forward to this day.“To sit at the wheel of my own Valkyrie; one that I have worked on designing so closely with the team at Q by Aston Martin is certainly a day to remember. “Valkyrie truly is an F1 car for the road, with so much of the knowledge and technology taken from all the experience Aston Martin has on track and I can’t wait to hit the road.”The car was built at Aston Martin’s UK Headquarters in Gaydon, where a team of highly skilled technicians have hand-built each of the 150 cars, with each Valkyrie taking over 2000 hours to create.Newey meanwhile is believed to be jumping ship away from Max Verstappen’s team in a £20m deal with Aston Martin in the coming days.Newey’s exit looks set to be announced before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix next week.Newey, 65, – dubbed ‘the man who can see air’ – has reportedly turned down Ferrari and a host of other suitors, including McLaren to join Aston Martin.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconThe Valkyrie logo is etched on the backCredit: Aston MartinIt took a team more than 2,000 man hours to complete the carCredit: Aston MartinHe will work with Stroll’s driver son Lance, 25, and double world champion Alonso, the oldest man on the grid at 43.Meanwhile, Alonso pushed as hard as he could in the closing laps of the Italian Grand Prix as he finished 11th on Sunday.The Spaniard two-stopped and ran in the top 10 for chunks of the race.But he found himself playing catch up after being overtaken by the one-stopping Williams of Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas.READ MORE SUN STORIESAston are having a disappointing season, sitting a distant P5 in the constructor’s championship.On Newey’s potential arrival, Alonso said on Sunday: “Well, it’s still only rumours. And I think it’s not only one man’s job to fix things.”It sports many intricate details on its interiorCredit: Aston MartinIt is painted in Satin Aston Martin Racing Green with contrasting AMR Satin Lime GraphicsCredit: Aston Martin🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    Terrifying moment race car bursts into flame after rival smashes into it in 125mph horror crash as stewards flee

    THIS is the terrifying moment a race car bursts into flame after a 125mph horror crash.The shocking incident, in which all three drivers involved walked away okay, occurred during the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium on Saturday.Christian Hook and Nicolas Baert hit each other as they battled for positionThe incident left both cars stranded on the trackBut Christian Hook was unable to guide his car off the roadAnd Porsche driver Adrian D’Silva smashed into himThe shunt sent Hook’s car towards the wall and set the rear on fireThe car burst into flames but Hook miraculously walked away unharmedDuring the fourth hour of the race, Aston Martin driver Nicolas Baert and Ferrari’s Christian Hook made contact before they went to head up the Eau Rouge hill climb.The collision left both cars disabled, but while Baert was able to navigate his car on to grass by the side of the road, Hook was unable to do the same and was left stranded in the middle of the track.Race officials waved yellow flags to warn drivers about the stricken Ferrari in the middle of the track.Many drivers did not slow down but just about managed to dodge Hook.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORTHowever, possibly due to being unsighted by the cars ahead, Porsche driver Adrian D’Silva was unable to dodge the car and triggered a violent smash up at more than 125mph.The collision saw Hook’s car shoot off to towards the wall to the left before smashing into it and bursting into flames at the rear, which left stewards fleeing from the crash site.Fortunately, medical staff confirmed all three-drivers involved in the crashes were okay.The flames were quickly extinguished before Hook was extracted by the medical team.Most read in MotorsportD’Silva was able to exit his car unaided despite the entire front-right corner now missing.The debris from the incident saw race control bring the field under a safety car and drive down the pit lane while it was picked up, which took 20 minutes to complete.Sky Sports legend Martin Brundle’s marriage in crisis as he spends time apart from wife after they hit ‘rocky patch’All three cars involved retired from the race.Hook’s team-mate David Perel took to social media to update fans, saying: “Our car, #333, was involved in a massive crash. Luckily my team-mate is ok. “Incredible that he got out the car unhurt. Sad to be out of the race so early but man am I relieved Hook is fine. That was big.”D’Silva’s Earl Bomber Motorsport team announced: “Unfortunately it’s an early retirement for us in the 24 Hours of Spa.” The Australian racing outfit added: “Adrian is okay after an incident around the 4-hour mark.”The race will end at around 3:30pm UK time.Formula One will visit the Spa track at the end of July, with the race taking place on July 28.Hook’s team-mate said it was ‘incredible’ he emerged unhurtThe terrifying crash happened at a speed of more than 125pmh More

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    Horror crash as car spins out of control and flips upside down on infamous corner at 70mph during Le Mans 24 hour race

    THE 24 hour crash at Le Mans was rocked by a horror crash with just six and a half hours of the race to go.Daniel Mancinelli, 35, found his Aston Martin swinging out of control on the infamous Indianapolis corner.Mancinelli’s car was sent veering offCredit: X @24hoursoflemansIt was sent into a spinCredit: X @24hoursoflemansThe barrier absorbed the full force of the crashCredit: X @24hoursoflemansThe car was flipped onto its roofCredit: X @24hoursoflemansThat saw the car swing round in a circle before slamming into the tyre wall.And the force of the impact saw the car flip upside down after the crash.Luckily Mancinelli was able to emerge from his hypercar unscathed.The crash ended any hope Aston Martin had of achieving a podium victory at the 24 hour race.READ MORE SPORTConcerned fans took to X to wish Mancinelli well.One fan wrote: “Glad the driver is ok ✅ #LEMANS24″Another said: “Hell of a surprise to the crew right behind the tire wall/fence! 😬”A third said: “Happy that the driver is o.k.”Most read in MotorsportThe crash snet debris flying everywhereCredit: X @24hoursoflemansCars had to narrowly avoid Mancinelli’s carCredit: X @24hoursoflemansA shocked team-mate looked on from the paddockCredit: X @24hoursoflemansEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd a fourth said: “Woooow! Damn!!”Mancinellu’s team-mate was also seen looking on with a concerned look from the paddoock.The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two BritsIndianapolis corner is known to be one of the most infamous at Le Mans.It’s known for its tricky entry which has to be entered at break-neck speeds, making crashes on this corner common.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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    F1 ‘could introduce major rule change for 2025 season’ in bid to help teams outside ‘Big Five’ teams

    FORMULA ONE are set to introduce a new points system next season that will boost competition on the track.The likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin have been been dominating F1 for a great part of the last few years.Formula One will introduce a new points system for the top 12, instead of the top 10Credit: SplashThat will create more competition for the Big Five, including FerrariCredit: RexBut racing chiefs are considering a new rule that will create a more equal competition between the Big Five and smaller teams.According to Bild, points will be awarded to the 12 best drivers from 2025 onwards.That will see more F1 teams reaping the rewards rather than just the top 10.The amount of points earned will remain the same for the top 7 as they will be gaining 25, 18, 15, 12, 10, eight and six – in that order.Read More on F1However, come next year, eighth place will lead to five points – one more than it used to be – ninth doubles to four points while 10th will become three instead of one.And 11th and 12th place will earn drivers two and one points respectively.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has spoken in favour of that initiative.Horner said: “The competition is tough. Two groups have formed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”There are the top 5 and then the teams from sixth to tenth place.“There is a fight for every single point.Kay Adams pretends to faint live on her show after Darius Butler delivers ‘huge’ F1 news like to ‘Tom Brady to Cowboys’Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.

    “But in the end you have to ask yourself what it would really change.”I’m completely impartial. But of course, points bring money. So I understand the concern.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More