More stories

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    Aston Martin deny sensational claims they are targeting Max Verstappen in stunning £1billion deal from Red Bull

    ASTON MARTIN have denied they are targeting MAX VERSTAPPEN in a colossal £1BILLION deal.The four-time world champion’s future at Red Bull was the subject of strong speculation throughout 2024 due to the team’s internal power struggles, which even saw Verstappen threaten to quit.Max Verstappen is being targeted in a £1bilion deal by Aston Martin, reports suggestCredit: AlamyAston Martin have ambitious plans to win the world championship but have denied the claimsCredit: Aston MartinThey are backed by billionaire Lawrence Stroll, who has already poached Adrian Newey to his teamCredit: PAMercedes were one of the main teams linked to the Dutchman following their own bombshell news that Lewis Hamilton was quitting the team for Ferrari for 2025.But according to Mail Sport, Aston Martin have told potential sponsors that Verstappen will join them as part of their ambitious bid to win the F1 world championship.The reported deal would be worth up to £1bn, making it one of the most lucrative in F1 history.Sources suggest Jefferson Slack, a close confidant of billionaire team owner, Lawrence Stroll, has made pitches to would-be investors claiming the 27-year-old will join them.READ MORE IN F1It is reported a figure as high as £200m a year may be needed to prise Verstappen away from Red Bull.And given his success at Red Bull and the £50million a year deal currently pinning him there until 2028, the claim seems more of a desire than a fact.An Aston Martin spokesperson categorically denied the story.The team also have Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll contracted through to 2026.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhy snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston MartinSpeaking about his future, Verstappen said: “Did I have doubts about my future at Red Bull at that stage? Well, the feeling wasn’t quite 100 per cent. There was a lot going on. “But, on the other hand, I don’t think that if something goes wrong, you can just say: I’m leaving. That’s not how I am.”Verstappen’s future last season was clouded thanks to an internal Red Bull civil war between his father, Jos, and team advisor Helmut Marko in one camp and team principal Christian Horner in the other.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: 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 Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconAston Martin has already poached legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey – who left during the power struggle – from Red Bull in a £20m a year deal.It is the final season before a major regulation change in 2026 that will feature smaller cars, 100 per cent sustainable fuel and a redesigned power unit.Verstappen will partner Liam Lawson when the new season gets underway at the Australian Grand Prix in March.He claimed his fourth driver’s title last year but saw his team finish third in the constructors’ championship following a string of poor races by Sergio Perez.Meanwhile, Aston Martin were the best of the rest as the top four teams; McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes hoovering up the top spots across the season.Alonso finished ninth in the driver’s championship with 70 points, while Stoll ended in 13th with 24. More

  • in

    Andrew Cushin once played Non-League football now he’s working with Noel Gallagher and Aston Martin

    ANDREW CUSHIN was once playing Non-League football for Newcastle Benfield – now he’s sharing the studio with Noel Gallagher. The 24-year-old Geordie, who wanted to be a PE teacher, has also now teamed up with Aston Martin and headlined a gig at the F1 team’s revamped £200million base. Andrew Cushin and Noel Gallagher worked on a track called ‘Where’s my family gone’Credit: TwitterThe 24-year-old Geordie has teamed up with Aston Martin and headlined a gig at the F1 team’s revamped £200million baseCushin was once playing youth Non League football for Newcastle BenfieldCushin once supported One Direction’s Louis Thomlinson at a gigCredit: GettyCushin has been championed by both Oasis star Gallagher and Pete Doherty, and has also played as the support act for One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. His career cranked up another gear after teaming up with Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin to perform at the team’s Soundcheck Concert at their Silverstone HQ last week. Ex-England manager Steve McLaren was in the crowd watching Cushin, who is a die-hard Newcastle fan. Cushin said: “I’m quite new to F1 but learning about the sport. I’ve never performed in front of an F1 car before so that was pretty cool. “It’s great to see Aston Martin Aramco getting behind music and showing support for artists. “I’ve always felt that music and sport belong together so I’m really proud to begin collaborating with a brand that values creativity and inclusivity. “Music always brings people together and these events will bring amazing energy to inspire the team and its fans.“I’m a big Fernando Alonso fan now!”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCushin started out playing his songs around the pubs of Newcastle and within three weeks he had secured a manager with links to Gallagher. Cushin’s manager worked for British Airways in Heathrow and Oasis came through the terminal. Onlookers left stunned as F1 star Fernando Alonso’s £2.3m Aston Martin Valkyrie is filmed on back of tow truckCanadian businessman Lawrence Stroll owns the £200million Silverstone baseThe Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand new experience centre, complete with a stage which Cushin played onGallagher’s guitar had gone missing on a flight which the manager found and sent first class to the Oasis singer. The two stayed in touch ever since through text, and Cushin’s manager, who is also a friend from his coaching days, came to his second-ever gig.  He took a video of Waiting For the Rain, a song that Cushin wrote, he sent it to Gallagher who got in touch and gave his seal of approval. Cushin produced demos and sent them to Gallagher, who put him in touch with a record label – and the rest is history. Cushin said: “Noel was interested to do a song with me. We got the ball rolling with it. He is a top bloke, he has given me the opportunity to change my life which I’m forever grateful for. Gallagher produced, sang backing vocals and played guitar on Cushin’s 2020 track “Where’s My Family Gone”. Cushin added: “The best bit of advice Noel gave us was told us to graft.“He just said keep your head down, work hard and write, write, write.”The Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand new experience centre, complete with a stage which Cushin played on. There is also a spin studio, running track, gym and restaurant at their revamped base. It is a lot different to the muddy pitches which Cushin used to perform on for his goalkeeping days in youth Non League football. He said: “Unfortunately I can’t play football anymore. It wasn’t an easy decision hanging the gloves up.“My goalkeeping hero was Shay Given back when he was at the Toon. I had the pleasure of meeting him as a youngster once or twice, top bloke.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAston Martin are going to bring Cushin to perform on the F1 paddock next year for media, fans and guests. His second album is due to be launched in spring next year and he also has tours planned for UK, USA and Europe throughout 2025. More

  • in

    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

  • in

    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