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      in Motorsport

      Meet UK’s hottest F1 star! Rebecca Donaldson dated Kardashian ex before Carlos Sainz… and he’s already talked marriage

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      CARLOS Sainz pulled off an epic comeback at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend – and no one looked prouder than his glamorous girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson.The stunning Scot, 28, cheered on the Spaniard, 29, as he cruised his Ferrari to victory in Melbourne – just two weeks after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix.Rebecca Donaldson was trackside to cheer on boyfriend Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix this weekendCredit: AlamyStunning Rebecca hails from ScotlandCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadRebecca and Carlos went public with their romance last yearCredit: AlamyThe loved-up couple shared a kiss following Carlos’ win yesterday, and were spotted by fans leaving a hotel hand-in-hand this morning.Model Rebecca is becoming a regular trackside since she and Carlos began dating last summer, having been spotted at races in Japan, Austin, Singapore, Las Vegas and Bahrain.Born in Scone, Perthshire, she burst onto the modelling scene as a teenager.She won her first beauty pageant aged 17 in 2011, which saw her entered into the Top Model UK competition.READ MORE F1 FEATURESAnd she has her mum to thank; she said at the time: “My mum entered me and I was really surprised when I found out.“We had to go to rehearsals to practise catwalk type dances before going in front of four judges at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee.”The prize saw her win, among other things, a designer outfit from Debenhams – but Rebecca has since gone on to model for major agencies and grace the covers of Vogue and Marie Claire.She also starred in a glitzy Ferrari TV advert in May last year, which could be where she met Carlos, as the couple were first spotted together in Milan in June.Most read in MotorsportIt’s thought they then enjoyed luxurious holidays together in Sardinia in August and the Bahamas in November, with both sharing separate Instagram posts.The couple were spotted hugging and kissing ahead of the Mexican GP in October.Rebecca Donaldson stars in glitzy Ferrari adAnd Carlos appeared to confirm their relationship during an interview ahead of the Las Vegas GP three weeks later – with talk even turning to marriage!When grilled by teammate Charles Leclerc over who he’d marry in Vegas, Carlos replied: “That’s a trick question. My current girlfriend.”Famous exRebecca previously dated Kardashians star Scott DisickCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe model was spotted planting a kiss on Carlos at the Mexican GP in OctoberCredit: GettyCarlos and Rebecca at the Las Vegas GPCredit: GettyCarlos was previously in a long-term relationship with Spanish journalist Isa Hernáez from 2017 until they broke up last summer.While little is known about Rebecca’s dating history, she did have a brief two-month fling with Kourtney Kardashian’s ex, Scott Disick, after meeting him on a night out.She was spotted with the American reality TV star, who featured in every season of hit series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, at the premiere of Hulu’s The Kardashians in Los Angeles in April 2022.They held hands as they posed together on the red carpet, with Rebecca looking stunning in a green tight-fitting one-shoulder gown.Scott was reportedly “smitten”, but by June they’d split, with a source telling E! News the couple parted ways “amicably”.”Although they had a short-lived romance, it was definitely serious,” the source said. “He enjoyed his time with her but realised he is not in a place to seriously date right now.”Launched business ‘from her bed’Rebecca Donaldson as a young modelCredit: Andrew Barr – The Sun GlasgowRebecca regularly shares sizzling snaps to InstagramCredit: instagram/iamrebeccadAs well as her modelling career, Rebecca is an entrepreneur, having set up her own fashion brand during the Covid-19 lockdown.She launched MUSE Activewear, which sells gym wear for women, in October 2020 and has seen her firm grow in the years since.Explaining how she came to launch the brand, she explained: “I was spending many days and hours during lockdown feeling a little purposeless. So, I decided to pursue my dream of starting a clothing brand. “I knew I wanted to create something that not only I would wear and be proud of putting my name against, but also something that was missing from the market – affordable, good quality products that are also very wearable day-to-day, as I found I struggled to find items that covered all these aspects.”I started working with my laptop in bed, but before long, I found myself feeling very lethargic as I relate my bed to sleep. “So to keep focused and productivity levels high whilst working remotely, I recommend finding a place in your home and making it a dedicated work zone.”Rebecca, who has 209K followers on Instagram, has previously admitted she’d never had a 9-5 job.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt seems she’s won over Carlos’ family, as his sisters Ana and Blanca and mum Reyes were reportedly in the crowd when Rebecca walked the runway during Madrid Fashion Week in February.And she’s certainly proving a lucky charm for Carlos, who’ll be looking to replicate his winning form in Japan in two weeks’ time.Rebecca walks the runway at the Lola Casademunt by Maite fashion show during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week MadridCredit: GettyCarlos spent time with Rebecca while resting after undergoing his recent appendix operationCredit: BackGridGlamorous Rebecca has modelled for the likes of Vogue and Marie ClaireCredit: RexRebecca appears to be a lucky charm for CarlosCredit: instagram/iamrebeccad🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      in Soccer

      Meet the machete-wielding football hooligan gangs who chop off each others’ HANDS in blood-soaked ‘Holy War’ derby

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      PREMIER League fans are well-aware of the dangers of going to a game given the number of thugs hell-bent on violence.  But our hooligan problem pales in comparison to the one in Poland, where wearing the wrong colours outside a stadium could lead to you being MURDERED.Football fans in PolandCredit: AlamyUltras in clouds of smoke during a Polish Cup Final in 2016Credit: AlamyA Cracovia supporter during the derby match between Wisla Krakow and Cracovia KrakowCredit: GettyAs part of our new series, League of Shame, The Sun examines how football hooliganism is seeing an unwelcome resurgence across the continent – and poses a worrying threat to fans ahead of this summer’s European Championships.Krakow has been dubbed the ‘City of Knives’ because of its 30-year long history of violence, with supporters having been killed, stabbed and mutilated outside games.The two main hooligan firms there are said to be manned by 100-strong teams of highly trained UFC fighters that refuse to drink alcohol in case it impacts their combat skills.And both gangs, supporting rival teams Wisła Krakow and MKS Cracovia, routinely carry weapons having become deeply entrenched in organised crime, according to experts. READ MORE SPORTS FEATURESThe rivalry reaches boiling point every year during the annual derby match, which has been dubbed the ‘Holy War’ as the clashes are so extreme. Professor Radoslaw Kossakowski has conducted a number of studies on football hooliganism in Poland. He told The Sun: “Krakow is definitely the most dangerous city in Poland for football fans. “If you are a normal supporter you shouldn’t – and this is really important for your safety – show your club colours, your scarf or T-shirt. Most read in Football”That could be really dangerous if you go to the wrong place in the city.“Krakow has become an island of barbarians and gangster-style hooligans. People are killed and murdered.”Fans killed and hands chopped offPub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultrasViolence took place during a match between Wisla Krakow vs CracoviaCredit: AlamyDominik Luty reportedly chopped off a rival supporter’s handCredit: SuppliedWe can reveal that Polish hooligans are now considered to be among the most violent in the world – up there with Russian ultras and those supporting clubs in Latin America, where life is notoriously cheap.  Wisla fans are nicknamed “dogs” by their rivals as the club was previously run by the hated communist police for 40 years.Cracovia, meanwhile, are known as Pasy (Stripes) or Jews because of their supposed Jewish roots, which leads to antisemitic chants being sung by far-right rivals during games.The depth of hatred between the two is bottomless. So there was little surprise when both refused to sign the 2004 ‘Poznan Pact’ which banned the use of weapons.  Krakow has become an island of barbarians and gangster-style hooligans. People are killed and murderedProfessor Radoslaw Kossakowski Shocking incidents include eight fans being killed in the build-up to the 100-year anniversary match between Wisla and MKS Cracovia in 2006.Water cannons, riot vans, choppers, dogs, and nearly 1,000 cops were on hand during the game.In 2011, members of Wisła’s ultras ‘The Sharks’ were found guilty of brutally murdering a member of a Cracovia hooligan group called ‘The Jude Gang.’Four years later, Wisla fan Dominik Luty, 22, was reported to have chopped off a rival Cracovia fan’s hand with a machete when they were both out drinking in the city.Horrified passer-by Jakub Nowak, 34, said: “I came round the corner and saw this man covered in blood. “He was unconscious and had wounds to his legs and his hand was lying a few centimetres away.”Drugs and money launderingPawel Michalsk – who once threw a knife at a football player – led a Wisla firmCredit: PoliceDino Baggio was thrown a knife at by a rival supporterCredit: AlamyDino Baggio was almost hit by the blade mid-gameCredit: YouTubeViolence erupted between fans during a Wisla Krakow versus Cracovia matchCredit: AlamyIt is the strong links with organised crime that make Polish footie thugs so much more sinister than those in the UK.Incredibly, a Wisla firm called ‘The Sharks’ once became so powerful they effectively took over the club.Operating as the SKWK fan group, they were led by 39-year-old hooligan Pawel Michalsk, who was nicknamed ‘Teddy Bear’ and was once convicted of throwing a knife at Italian star Dino Baggio’s head during a UEFA Cup tie in 1998.From 2016, the firm took up key positions on Wisla’s board as they began using the club as a base for criminal activities, laundering drug money and siphoning off legitimate funds through fake supply contracts.Players and staff were abused and intimidated and even the biggest stars went months without being paid. Attacks were organised on rival fans, with flares handed out by club bosses in the stadium toilets.Wisla’s gym was used to train hooligans in street fighting, according to reports.By the time the gang’s leaders were arrested and a new, legitimate board installed in 2019, a debt of £7.95m – or 40m zloty – had been run up, putting the club’s future at risk.Machete attackA supporter holds a flare during the Polish PKO Ekstraklasa League match between Legia Warszawa and Warta PoznanCredit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettA huge police crackdown followed and fighting is much less common at Polish stadiums today. Yet hooligans continue to stage organised clashes in the countryside and in abandoned warehouses.In June 2020, a Cracovia supporter was hospitalised following a machete attack by Wisła fans.The following year, a group of young Wisla hooligans was caught on video attacking a more established firm on a housing estate after accusing them of co-operating with the police.Professor Kossakowski added: “Paradoxically, stadiums in Poland are really safe. I came round the corner and saw this man covered in blood. He was unconscious and had wounds to his legs and his hand was lying a few centimetres awayJakub Nowak”We have very restrictive laws dedicated to football so if you use pyrotechnics or do something illegal you are automatically banned – so there are no fights at the stadiums now.“But they do fight in the woods and abandoned places, sometimes on the street.”Szymon Jadczak, an investigative journalist that made a TVN documentary on Krakow’s gangster hooligans, warned: “People are still afraid. The bandits have not disappeared.“You can still see their influence in the club and the city. You can still buy anti-Semitic Sharks paraphernalia at the club store!”Poland’s hooligan problem started with the fall of communism in 1989. The previous regime ruled with an iron grip that kept football’s more thuggish elements under lock and key. Deadly weapons snuck inA sound cannon – a weapon used by Polish police in their battle against brawling football hooligansCredit: London Media PressSome hardcore football fans attended the Independence Day march in Warsaw, where some participants calshed with riot policeCredit: GettyBut the switch to a capitalist system led to a breakdown of law and order that the hooligan firms took full advantage of. By the 1990s, the terraces had become a dangerous place for ordinary fans.It was common for deadly weapons to be snuck into stadiums and when fights and rioting broke out, the police would respond with brutal force.Professor Przemysław Piotrowski is from Krakow but insisted “it is better not to publish” which team he supports.He said: “I’ve been inside the crowd when policemen shot at us with rubber bullets.I’ve been inside the crowd when policemen shot at us with rubber bulletsProfessor Przemysław Piotrowski“In the 1990s, it was easy for the fans to bring wooden sticks and other potential weapons in the stadium. When they started to clash, the police would try to stop them.“There are games when the tension is very high and in Krakow with the rivalry between the two teams it can be dangerous.“Outside the stadiums there are organised clashes that can be very violent. It’s hard to say how often they happen.“Krakow is known as the place where deadly weapons are used and there have been a few deaths.“Because of their association with the old communist party, there is a tradition of not speaking to the police in Poland. “So even when a person has lost their arm and is in hospital, he will say he fell down the stairs.”The Sun reached out to Wisła Krakow and MKS Cracovia for comment. A spokesperson for Wisła Krakow said: “The dynamics within the club have undergone substantial changes since 2019, subsequent to the pivotal “rescue operation” orchestrated by Jakub Błaszczykowski – a distinguished figure in the club and national team, in his capacity as the owner, alongside Jarosław Królewski, who assumes the roles of the majority shareholder and president of Wisła Kraków.”The sustained operation of Wisła Kraków would be unfeasible without the significant dedication exhibited by its supporters, who have been instrumental in ensuring the club’s survival. “Currently, they continue to offer their support, notably through initiatives like the Socios association.”The management of the club is in the hands of esteemed individuals who are committed to preserving Wisła as an emblematic football brand. “Our operations are founded on principles of transparency and wholesome support and we play a significant role in the community by presenting positive exemplars, including to our supporters.”Our stadium has become a welcoming venue for families, individuals with disabilities, and the youth, many of whom aspire to be future Wisła Kraków players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Wisła Kraków stands as a paragon of fair play and healthy support, categorically distancing itself from any conduct that diverges from its ethical guidelines. “Legal actions are currently in progress against individuals whose past action placed the club in a dire predicament.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Rollercoaster life of F1 rookies like Oliver Bearman who must find MILLIONS to race – only to wait tormented in wings

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      THEY’RE the young adrenaline junkies set to take over the world of Formula One – if they can hold their nerve.After impressing on his debut in Saudi Arabia, where he filled in for teammate Carlos Sainz while he underwent surgery for appendicitis, Ferrari rookie Oliver Bearman is now tipped to receive a first-team call-up for rival Haas, where he’s also a reserve driver.Oliver Bearman is considered one of the ‘hottest’ young stars in F1Credit: GettyHe placed seventh during his first F1 race, while filling in for Carlos SainzCredit: GettyThe F2 driver from Chelmsford beat seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to finish seventh in Jeddah, and has now been tipped as one of the sport’s hottest young drivers.Oliver, who is dating glamorous TiKTok star Estelle Ogilvy, is reportedly already a millionaire at the age of 18, and can look forward to lapping up the spoils enjoyed by F1 stars if he makes the grid. But while his career appears to have gone from zero to 100mph in no time, it follows years of hard graft and sacrifice as a reserve driver. Contrary to what you might expect, the life of F2 stars is far from the glitz and glamour of a Formula 1 driver, says The Sun’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt.READ MORE SPORT FEATURES“What they do a lot of the time is the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do,” he explains.“Where the F1 drivers will go home to Monaco after a race, the reserve driver will go to the factory and in the simulator and try to ascertain what went right and wrong to make changes and progress.“It’s a thankless task doing all the preparation and making the car better. “You’re not driving, so it can be dispiriting. You’re not getting the chance to show what you can do.Most read in Motorsport”It’s not necessarily a glamorous life.”Here we take a deeper dive into life behind the scenes of a budding F1 star – and the pitfalls that can derail their careers.British wonderkid Oliver Bearman, 16, joins Ferrari young driver academy Cheering him the Ferrari reserve driver on is glamorous girlfriend Estelle, who’s a law studentCredit: Instagram’£9million gamble’The majority of F1 reserve drivers race in the F2 Championship and are part of a team’s young driver programme. Ben explains that they are scouted from the age of 11 – sometimes younger – from go-kart tracks. But go-karting is an expensive hobby, with costs running into tens of thousands, which is why so few racers come from working-class families.Ben says: “We’re seeing less and less stories of people from humble beginnings, like Lewis Hamilton, getting into F1.“That’s because it costs thousands and thousands to race each year, and then hundreds of thousands to do it internationally, with all the flights and accommodation.”Ben estimates it would cost a driver £9million to get into F1, which rules out most budding racers who don’t have wealthy families.But that money can come from a variety of sources. Ferrari Academy driver Oliver during his go-karting career in 2014Credit: AlamyNico Hulkenberg was reportedly paid up to $500,000 a year as a reserve driverCredit: RexBen says: “That can be made up of their parents’ money, sponsorship money, or funds from the young driver programme, which covers most of the costs.“There is also private funding through companies where a business may be asked for £2million in return for a sum from a racer’s future earnings, which could get them many more millions – but that is a gamble for the business.”Working their way up to the F1 championship is a costly endeavour, too, with junior drivers in F2 reportedly needing to stump up around £1.5million to race in competitions. This, for the majority, is covered by the owners of the racing teams.Yahoo reported F2 drivers can make between £180 and £400 per day of work. Other sites have reported they can earn tens of thousands through sponsorship. Costly endeavourAlexander Rossi, who raced for Manor Marussia in 2015Credit: AP:Associated PressIf an aspiring youngster has what it takes they may be called up to serve as an F1 reserve, where they become salaried employees, though they could take home just shy of £20,000 a year. Should an F1 team’s regular driver be forced to pull out – due to injury or sickness – they are compensated, but the sums vary depending on the team. You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with youAlexander RossiUnlike their first-team racing counterparts, few reserve drivers live in glamorous locations like tax haven Monaco, instead settling in the country where their F1 team is based. Alexander Rossi, a test driver for two years until 2014 at Caterham F1 and then a F1 reserve driver for Manor Marussia in 2015, admitted it is an awkward waiting game.“You drink a lot of cappuccinos, and you play a lot of Candy Crush on your phone, I’m going to be honest with you,” he told The Athletic.  He added it was “a necessary role” as it gives hopeful racers their “first foot in the door” and a taste of what being a first-team driver is like.Who are the 2024 Formula One reserve drivers?RESERVE drivers are the budding F1 stars waiting in the wings for a chance to show what they can do on the race track.
      Often they are already front-runners in the F2 Championship and, alongside racing, carry out testing and simulation work to improve the cars for racing teams.
      Here are the 2024 F1 reserve drivers:

      Red Bull – Liam Lawson
      Ferrari – Oliver Bearman, Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman
      McLaren – Ryo Hirakawa and Pato O’Ward
      Mercedes – Mick Schumacher and Frederik Vesti
      Aston Martin – Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne
      Haas – Pietro Fittipaldi and Oliver Bearman
      Williams – TBC (Development driver: Jamie Chadwick)
      Kick Sauber – Theo Pourchaire and Zane Maloney
      RB – Liam Lawson
      Alpine – Jack Doohan

      Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan using the simulator to help improve the team’s F1 carCredit: InstagramThe F1 hopeful alongside girlfriend Ebony GoldCredit: GettyHaas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer palsCredit: Getty Images – GettyRossi explained they go into the weekend preparing and participating as if they are going to race the car – despite rarely receiving a call-up.Speaking of the other responsibilities, he added: “You go to all of the same briefings, you go to all the same meetings, you do the track walks, you train with the same physio, you eat the same food, you’re on the same schedule.“You just don’t get to drive. So while the guys were doing the cool things and driving, you’re sitting either in hospitality or on the pit stand, drinking your cappuccinos, playing Candy Crush.”McLaren reserve Pato O’Ward joked he was a “benchwarmer”, adding that the gig offers few thrills. “You get to jump into an F1 car from time to time, which is never a bad thing,” he said. “The rest of it is, it’s probably the worst part of the job.They can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. They really do have to be at the top of their gameBen Hunt, The Sun’s F1 correspondent“I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but it’s a lot of sitting down and just listening to experiences that, well, you truly aren’t experiencing. “You’re just hearing what someone else is kind of feeling.”Haas’ reserve Pietro Fittipaldi acknowledged getting the opportunity to drive often meant misfortune had befallen his first-team racer pals. “It’s for sure, strange,” he admitted. “You never want to wish anything bad on anybody, and then when something does happen, it’s like, you’re happy that there’s the opportunity, but at the end, you’re friends with the race driver.”He made his F1 debut in 2020, after his teammate Romain Grosjean cheated death in a horror crash at Bahrain.The Frenchman suffered burns on his hands and ankle when he was trapped in his burning car for 28 seconds after hitting a barrier at 120mph which ripped it in two before it burst into flames.’Absolute professionals’Reserve drivers like Mick Schumacher do ‘the work that the F1 drivers don’t want to do’Credit: Mick SchumacherThe reserve drivers have to be in ‘peak physical condition’The 24-year-old with his model girlfriend Laila HasanovicCredit: InstagramAs they could be called on to race at any moment, the reserve drivers need to remain in peak physical condition and train up to four hours a day during pre-season. Ben says: “Reserve drivers are ready-to-go professionals, so they need to be eating the right things, training a few times a week, and in peak physical condition.“That’s part of their role, so they can’t go out drinking or cheat on their diets. “They really have to be at the top of their game and are absolute professional athletes at that stage.”When it’s their time, they need to do really well. It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them againBen HuntWhen they hit the gym, F1 reserves aren’t looking to ‘get ripped’.Instead they need to hone a lean frame capable of withstanding the brutal conditions inside a cramped F1 car. The muscles that get the toughest workout are in their necks, which need to keep the racer’s head and helmet upright through the twists and turns on a track.Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s neck is reportedly so strong he can crack a walnut with it. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz are said to have spent time lying horizontally with weights strapped to their head to strengthen their necks for races.These exercises are coupled with plenty of running, cycling and swimming to keep them fit and lithe.Liam Lawson with Daniel Riccardo in MelbourneCredit: RexWhen they are not hard at work, some F1 reserve drivers like Liam Lawson share snaps from enviable F1 race locationsCredit: Liam LawsonThe Red Bull reserve driver with his student girlfriend Charlotte MillerCredit: Liam LawsonBen adds: “The key is really being as light as possible but they also need to be strong. “Drivers are subjected to huge G-force in the cockpit that even the best drivers ache and have sore necks.” The reserves also follow strict diet plans from nutritionists – some include eating five to six small meals a day, that are full of greens and protein with minimal carbohydrates. It can come as quite an adjustment for some future F1 stars – before reigning world champion Verstappen hit the big time, the Dutch driver would scoff McDonald’s once or twice a week while racing in F3. ‘Next best thing’Ben explains that the biggest challenge for reserves is staying focused and up to speed on all systems and processes while waiting for their chance to shine. “Reserves can be thrown in at any minute,” he explains. “Driving in F2 is very different to F1, you’re competing in a slower car, so it’s very different.”He adds: “When it’s their time, reserve drivers need to do really well.”It’s like if a footballer comes on and has a stinker of a debut, that makes it hard for the manager to pick them again. Mick Schumacher had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slimBen Hunt“With Oliver, he came in with a good attitude, made good qualifying times and had a good race, which led to people saying he deserved to be in F1. “The key is to take the opportunity and not to stuff it up – and if you can do that, like Oliver, you will be called ‘the next best thing’.” Ben says the Ferrari reserve is likely to expand upon his £1m fortune at the end of the season.He adds: “I think he could join Haas, it will be interesting to see what he can do. On the track, he proved he was ready for F1.”Wasted opportunityIt doesn’t always work out for all reserve racers – ultimately, results are key, as Mick Schumacher found out the hard way. The son of legendary driver Michael was dropped by Haas in 2022 after failing to impress, and is now back to being a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.Ben says: “Mick had his chance but didn’t impress massively. Mercedes took him on as a reserve driver, and now the reality of him making a comeback is very slim.” Others become frustrated by constantly waiting in the wings and move on to other disciplines.Former F1 reserve driver Sam Bird decided to make the jump to Formula E – the motorsport championship for electric cars.Ben says: “Sometimes F1 reserve drivers don’t make it. Sam Bird was a good driver and had good F2 form, but never got an opportunity. “He moved to Formula E and has won lots of races. He’s become a success in his own right. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He never got the chance to fulfill his F1 dream because Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were both in the Mercedes team at the time.” While Sainz looks set to return to F1 for the Australian GP this weekend, Oliver will be ready and willing to jump in his seat should his teammate back out last minute…🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      in Soccer

      Fears football hooligan ‘ultras’ who arrange brawls on dark web will spark chaos at Euros & target England fans in pubs

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      FOOTBALL fans heading to Germany for Euro 24 this summer face a resurgence in far right neo-Nazi hooligans who have been overwhelming the police across Europe.And the worst offenders come from the city with the country’s highest number of billionaires – one typically more associated with bankers than brawlers.An Eintracht Frankfurt pitch invader following a recent West Ham matchCredit: ReutersWest Ham fans were attacked in a bar in FrankfurtCredit: Twitter / @Patrick_SGE_Eintracht Frankfurt’s fans have developed such a reputation for violence that they were banned from Napoli’s stadium last year for a Champions League match.But that didn’t stop them causing mayhem in the Italian city, with their supporters throwing objects, smoke bombs and flares at riot squads, and setting fire to a police car.As part of a new series, League of Shame, The Sun examines how football hooliganism is seeing an unwelcome resurgence across the continent – and poses a worrying threat to fans ahead of this summer’s European Championships.Eintracht Frankfurt’s notorious ultras have already caused violence in London when the team played West Ham. They also brawled in Marseille in France and threw flares at Rangers fans in Seville, Spain.Read More in The SunTheir toughest troublemakers – Brigade Nassau – are said to be made up of martial artists, boxers and bouncers.Alarmingly for England fans heading over to support Gareth Southgate’s men in June, their second match is in Frankfurt.And it’s not in the stadiums where supporters are most at risk. Frankfurt yobs like to target bars where opposition supporters are drinking, get into fights at service stations and organise brawls via the dark net.If there are any disturbances the German police will not take a softly, softly approach. They use pepper spray, tear gas and batons on crowds, and have been known to charge at them on horseback.Most read in FootballFlares in the crowd during a clash between Hertha BSC Berlin and SG Dynamo DresdenCredit: Rex FeaturesEintracht Frankfurt’s toughest troublemakers – Brigade Nassau – are said to be made up of martial artists, boxers and bouncersCredit: Youtube/ KING OF THE STREETSEintracht Frankfurt fan Carsten Germann, who writes about the beautiful game in Germany, tells The Sun: “I think very many English fans will travel to Germany for the summer and it might be that there are some troubles prepared.”History of violenceCarsten, 51, knows all too well how quickly cheers can turn to terror in a large crowd.Moment Eintracht thug takes chair to the face as dashcam footage shows ultras ambush Rangers fans in SevilleHe has been an Eintracht Frankfurt fan for over four decades and was twice caught up in violence.Once, in 2002, the hooligans connected to the team tried to beat up supporters of their local rivals Mainz as they travelled to the ground.On another occasion in 1993, while watching Cologne versus Schalke 04 with his father, Carsten feared being trampled to death by police horses.He says: “We were lucky not to get injured or killed within that crowd.”Carsten believes police have done a good job of weeding out troublemakers by infiltrating hooligan gangs and getting intel about potential flare-ups.But there is evidence that the bad old days of the 1980s and 1990s, when hooliganism swept across Europe, are returning.Return of the yobsA police car was set on fire by rioting Eintracht Frankfurt fans in NaplesAn Eintracht Frankfurt yob kicks a bus in NaplesIn November there were around 200 injuries following clashes between the police and Eintracht Frankfurt fans outside the team’s Waldstadion.Stewards and police faced a hail of flares, bottles and metal barriers, with the police alleging that Brigade Nassau were involved.A couple of months earlier pepper spray was used on visiting Cologne fans in the away end at Waldstadion.In 2022, when West Ham played Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, the Hammers supporters were attacked two nights in a row, with hooligans in face masks ambushing a pub packed with fans from London.Most of the troubles don’t take part in the stadiums, they take part in pubs, in highway stations, in parks, in open places in the city centre, you can hardly prevent that. They have appointments made via the dark net for fightsCarsten GermannIt was reported that the ultras searched the centre of the wealthy city for Englishmen in colours to attack.They also staged a mass pitch invasion after defeating West Ham and caused more trouble in Seville ahead of winning the Europa League that year.Carsten says: “There was some trouble in the second leg with West Ham in pubs, there were beatings up, smaller skirmishes in Frankfurt pubs.“Most of the troubles don’t take part in the stadiums, they take part in pubs, in highway stations, in parks, in open places in the city centre, you can hardly prevent that.“They have appointments made via the dark net for fights.”’Nazi links’One member of Brigade Nassau is a bare knuckle streetfighter called Goscha 1996, who can be seen laying into an opponent after flooring him in a warehouseCredit: Youtube/ KING OF THE STREETSWhen Eintracht Frankfurt played in Marseille, a fan performed a Nazi salute and UEFA charged the club with racist behaviour.But Brigade Nassau, who wear black T-shirts, deny being a far right organisation.There are over 500 Frankfurt Ultras, an organisation formed in 1997, taking in a notorious grouping called Inferno Bad Schwalbach. One member of Brigade Nassau is a bare knuckle streetfighter called Goscha 1996, who can be seen laying into an opponent after flooring him in a warehouse.Goscha has recently taken to professional MMA bouts in places as far away as Newcastle in England.EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’S HALL OF SHAMEThe German side’s qualification for the Europa League in 2021-22 gave their hooligans the opportunity to menace several countries.
      In the group stages 100 fans were arrested in Antwerp in Belgium for pelting the police and attacking locals in a bar.
      They went even further against West Ham, first attacking the supporters of the London side in Seville, even though they weren’t playing each other.
      The Frankfurt supporters were reported to have descended on an Irish bar in March 2022, having spotted the Hammers fans.
      Images posted on social media showed them throwing poles and glass bottles at the supporters from England. Frankfurt’s yobs had already clashed with police in nearby Betis.
      Two months later when West Ham played in Frankfurt in the second leg of the semi-final, one of their supporters ended up in hospital following an attack by 15-20 men in face masks in a bar.
      Supporters from Glasgow side Rangers were on the receiving end of similar treatment ahead of the final in Seville in May 2022. 
      Clips show them hurling chairs at Scottish fans drinking in a bar and fighting running battles in the streets.

      Most ultras don’t wish to be labelled hooligans. Instead they claim to just want to use flares, fly flags, march together and show their support for the team.One, named Sascha, claimed the Ultras draw young fans away from violence.He commented: “In the past, there were only two options as a young fan in the stadium. You could either go to the G-Block or join the hooligans. “Young people today can also join the Ultras, which is what they do. Every minute you spend working on choreography ideas is also a minute in which you don’t think about violence.”He claimed that there were less hooligans these days, but heavy handed policing led to trouble.Carsten says: “Eintracht Frankfurt is a very emotional club and it is difficult for the clubs to prevent the violence.”Lower league loutsDynamo Dresden fans clashed with police and Turkgucu Munich fans in 2021Credit: AlamyPolice break up fight between Dynamo Dresden and St Pauli fansCredit: AlamyDynamo fans set off pyrotechnics behind Dresden goalkeeper Kevin BrollCredit: AlamyThey are certainly not the only side in Germany currently wrestling with dangerous elements.In November riot police stormed into an altercation at a St Pauli game against Hannover 96, and earlier in the season police accidentally fired a live round into an empty supporter’s coach in Augsburg.Schalke 04, a big club currently in the second tier of the Bundesliga, can’t shake off their hooligans.When they played Hansa Rostock in December, the match was held up for half an hour due to Schalke yobs smashing the barrier separating opposing fans.There were also injuries following violence involving Schalke fans in 2018, 2019 and 2022.Street battlesOften it is the teams in the lower leagues that experience the worst trouble.Over in the east of the country, Dynamo Dresden and BFC Dynamo Berlin have a large ultra section that create a heady atmosphere at matches.Generally they are peaceful, but there have been street battles in the past decade.GERMAN HOOLIGANS AWAYLIKE Britain, Germany has been infected by football hooliganism since the 1980s – but it was perhaps worse in the 1990s.
      One of the most shocking incidents was during the 1998 World Cup in France, when a policeman was left with permanent brain damage following an attack by German louts.
      Two years later at the Euro 2000 tournament in Belgium, an English fan was stabbed as compatriots battled in the streets with German ones.
      It seemed to have been stamped out by intelligence led policing, but in the past few years it’s flared up again.
      In 2017 the kick-off at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in London had to be delayed due to trouble caused by visiting fans from the German side Cologne.

      In 2016, Dynamo Dresden fans clashed with local rivals RB Leipzig, going so far as to hurl a severed bull’s head at the opposition.At a 2021 clash between Dynamo Berlin and FC Lokomotive Leipzig, 20 people were injured – and three years earlier there was a huge brawl when they took on FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin.Both teams had links with the Communist secret police, known as the Stasi, when they were part of East Germany.These days they are more likely to have Nazi associations, partly due to the rise of far right parties such as Alternative for Germany. One club in the east of the country that has been shamed by its Nazi sympathies is fourth tier side Chemnitzer FC.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2019 the CEO resigned after fans were allowed to hold a tribute to a far right hooligan called Thomas Haller, and the club ditched their captain Daniel Frahn after he held up a T-shirt bearing the message “support your local hools”.With players displaying that attitude the German game clearly has some work to do.A mass pitch invasion by Eintracht Frankfurt fans following Europa League winCredit: AFPMasked Dynamo Dresden fans let off flaresCredit: EPA More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Kate Abdo’s glam life with boxer boyfriend Malik Scott – from chats with Cristiano Ronaldo to designer wardrobe

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      SHE once donned the uniform of a Greggs cashier, but these days you’re more likely to see Kate Abdo dripping from head to toe in Louis Vuitton.Having shared TV screens with sports heavyweights like Cristiano Ronaldo and Tyson Fury, the Manchester-born presenter, 42, is at the top of her game after making her name on US television.Kate Abdo has made a name for herself as one of football’s top presentersCredit: EPAShe went public with boxing trainer Malik Scott (left), who has been working with Deontay WilderCredit: InstagramThe presenter was prasied after putting down Jamie Carragher after a cringe joke about her boyfriendCredit: CBS SportsThis week, the CBS Sports host won a new legion of fans for her “brilliant” response to Jamie Carragher’s cringe joke about her new boyfriend during a Champions League tie.After Arsenal beat Porto on penalties on Tuesday, the Liverpool legend made a bizarre jibe about Kate’s ‘loyalty’ to boxing trainer Malik Scott, who she went ‘Instagram official’ with earlier this month.The following night, the former Sky Sports host quipped that Jamie was the “annoying middle-child” of their punditry team – which also includes Thierry Henry and Micah Richards – adding that he has a “chip on his shoulder, capable of saying anything for attention”.She finished: “But we all have that one annoying family member that we still love and accept.”READ MORE ON KATE ABDO The strange episode came weeks after Kate finally confirmed her relationship with Malik, who has helped train superstar boxers including Deontay Wilder and Oleksandr Usyk.Jamie and Micah left their pal blushing when they first teased out the secretive relationship live on air back in December.In a sign of blunders to come, Carragher said, “You went to Alabama, how’d it go? What happened?”, before adding: “Are we going to meet Malik?”Kate reportedly first laid eyes on Deontay Wilder’s trainer last summer following her split with Ratmin Abdo, who is said to be worth around £10million.Most read in FootballKate and Malik recently went ‘Instagram official’Credit: Kate Abdo/InstagramWhen she’s not interviewing some of the sporting world’s finest, she’s enjoying glam holidaysCredit: Instagram/kateabdoBoth stars clearly share a love for fitness – regularly posting snaps online of their incredible physiques from intense workouts.Before Malik threw in the towel to become Wilder’s coach in 2021, he had an impressive boxing career himself.Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo stunned after challenging Premier League cult hero to press-up challenge on live TV The Philadelphia-born brawler held a 38-3 record as a heavyweight and even fought on major cards against Luis Ortiz and Dereck Chisora.Since retiring in 2017, he has taken on prize fighters including Oleksandr Usyk – climbing the ranks as a highly-respected trainer.Now worth an estimated £1.1million, Malik looks as though he has met his match with Kate, who herself is worth about £2million.Aside from their soppy love posts on social media, the power couple have been seen getting hot and heavy in the ring.Under Malik’s guidance, footage showed Kate throwing some bruising combinations at the premier Brickhouse Boxing Club in California.Sacked from GreggsGlamorous Kate, who began her career at Sky Sports, is fluent in Spanish, French and German.So it’s no surprise that she’s often seen jet-setting across the world, posting pictures on Instagram of her jaw-dropping trips to hotspots like Belize and Qatar.After a stint at CNN, she left for Sky Sports Germany where she appeared on pay per view boxing events, European football coverage, transfer deadline day and Sky Sports News shows.Laura described Cristiano Ronaldo as ‘very confident in front of the camera’, unlike Lionel MessiCredit: AlamyShe’s interviewed sport’s greatest figures including Tyson FuryCredit: instagram/@kateabdoShe worked in the US for Fox Sports, but it’s CBS Sports that turned her into a household name in the States.Back in 2016, she landed a plum role as host of the Ballon d’Or ceremony and revealed what it was really like to interview the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.”Messi’s quite quiet, he’s quite reserved, he’s a little bit shy,” she said”Whereas Ronaldo comes across as very confident, he’s very comfortable in front of the cameras and he’ll give you a little bit more back.”Interviewing football’s biggest names couldn’t be further away from her first gig, working in a Greggs in Stretford.[I worked at a] Greggs in Stretford. I wasn’t dripping in Louis Vuitton so much back then – it was my first jobKate AbdoShe explained: “I wasn’t dripping in Louis Vuitton so much back then – it was my first job.”The admission stunned Carragher, who was left even more surprised when he discovered Kate was sent her P45 by the fast food chain.”I got fired,” she admitted. “I got my tongue pierced and I couldn’t speak to people properly.”The CBS sports host joked that Carragher was like the ‘annoying middle-child’ of their punditry teamCredit: Kate Abdo/Instagram’Best-dressed’When it’s not Kate’s cheeky quips attracting attention, it’s often her flawless fashion sense.She’s previously poked fun at her expensive spending habits when she joked about “dripping in Louis Vuitton”. But it’s not the only designer brand she’s got a penchant for. In an Instagram post last month while in Las Vegas, she shared snaps of her glamorous outfits alongside the caption: “Find me in your local Versace store” with several laughing emojis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Mancunian isn’t afraid to take fashion risks either. She was previously praised after presenting in a bold orange jumpsuit, a leather suit and an all-rounder wrap. It led one fan to write: “Just looked up from my phone at this jumpsuit Kate Abdo is wearing. Top five best-dressed people on TV…”Kate’s often been praised for being ahead of the curve fashion-wiseCredit: Twitter @CBSSportsGolazoThe presenter is a big fan of high-end designers including VersaceCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Celebrity Big Brother star Nicola McLean backs our Footie For All Campaign to give clubs £1k funding boost

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      NICOLA McLean praises The Sun for ensuring every child can play football as we relaunch our Footie For All funding. In partnership with Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign, we have another 150 grants to hand out to youth grass root football clubs across the UK. The reality star is delighted to see more girls playing football thanks to our grantCredit: Olivia WestNicola’s son Rocky, 13, had played for the boys devision of the clubCredit: Olivia WestWAG and Celebrity Big Brother star Nicola said: “Playing sport is something every child deserves to have access to, no matter what life is like at home. “Seeing the work of this grant from The Sun and Tesco in action is amazing, as all the girls here clearly love playing football. This cash makes sure they can keep getting training despite money being tight for everyone.  “I’m excited that women’s football is getting so much attention, and who knows, maybe one of the players here will represent England one day.”Her backing follows the support of Jarrod Bowen, Eric Dier, Raheem Sterling, and Gary Lineker. READ MORE ON FOOTIE FOR ALLLast year, we launched our Footie For All campaign to shine a light on how financial struggles were forcing kids to give up football.Figures showed that 94 per cent of grassroots clubs were concerned about the impact soaring costs were having on their membership, according to charity Sported.Our last round of funding saw £150,000 given to remarkable clubs, and we’ve been blown away by how much they do to help their community while ensuring everyone keeps playing the beautiful game. From starting up new teams, providing free places for low-income families children to replacing old and out of date equipment, the cash has been put to good use.Most read in FootballSo today we urge YOU to apply for one of our fantastic 150 Footie For All grants.The cash can be used in any way that encourages more children to take up the sport or improves access to the game.How to apply
      WE want to hear about YOUR club and the huge difference you make for kids in your community.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots football club in England, Wales or Scotland, working with youngsters under the age of 18, you could be eligible for one of our 150 grants.
      Funds can be used for anything that gets kids into the sport.
      Your club might need help with pitch fees or want to sponsor places for kids from low-income families.

      Entries close at midnight, April 30.

      Nicola has spent years ferrying her boys to grassroots training and knows how important it isCredit: Olivia WestIan Wright confirms plans for when season ends on Sky Sports after Carragher jokes ‘You’re on a Bosman this summer’Perhaps you are a local team that wants to offer parents help with membership fees.Maybe you need new kits or more pitch space to play on. Grants can also be used to help with transport or general running costs.Nicola, 42, has had first-hand experience of grassroots as both her boys have played for local clubs since they were four years old. She went to visit the girls division of Flackwell Heath Minors team to see how they are putting their grant to use getting more girls involved. During her visit to the Buckinghamshire club, she said: “I’ve loved seeing how this club has embraced the girls and made them feel as welcome and as good as the boys teams. They’re all amazing.”Footie favourites back Sun campaignPREM stars have queued up to praise our grassroots drive….
      PHIL FODEN
      Reddish Vulcans, Manchester City, England
      “Grass roots football is where it began for all of us. It brings happiness for so many people and it’s so important nothing gets in the way of everyone having that opportunity.”
      HARRY MAGUIRE
      Brunsmeer Athletic, Barnsley, Sheffield United, Hull City, Leicester City, Manchester United, England 
       “I SPENT my childhood with a ball at my feet. Playing with a team gives kids an outlet and a chance to learn discipline and to make friends with people they might not have met.”
      RAHEEM STERLING
      Alpha & Omega FC, QPR, Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea & England 
       “MY mentor got me into football to correct my behaviour. I found something I wanted to put my energy into. I fell in love with it – and I made friends for life.”
      JARROD BOWEN
      Leominster Miners, Hereford Utd, Hull City, West Ham & England
       “WE can’t let kids see their dream die simply because Mum or Dad can’t afford to pay for the subs, kit and travel. Football is for everyone.”
      JOHN STONES
      Penistone Church FC, Barnsley, Everton, Man City & England
      “PLAYING grassroots football as a kid with my friends for my local team was the first step into football for me, and I never looked back.
      “It played such an important part of my childhood and I’ll always be so grateful for the opportunity it provided for me and so many other children.
      “Grassroots football often provides a happy and safe environment for children to play, meet friends and learn new skills. If it wasn’t for that start I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn important life skills on and off the pitch while having fun with my mates.
      “It can give children something to look forward to, even when things may be difficult, and make such a positive impact for both parents and kids.”
      ERIC DIER
      “FOOTBALL is a lifeline for many. It encourages teamwork, discipline, friendship, improved health and wellbeing and a sense of community. I know kids will benefit from the game and all that comes with it.”

      She’s used to ferrying her boys to training sessions, as both Rocky, 13, and Striker, 18, have played football at a grassroots level.  Nicola said: “My youngest son Rocky played for Flackwell Heath. Grassroots football is majorly important. Both of my boys have done it, and it’s given them a sense of community, and it’s been a great way to make friends. “Kids also learn how to win and how to lose. They need to be taught both of those.“It’s a great thing to do and as many people who can be involved in grassroots football should be. It really shouldn’t come down to finances as to if a kid can play or not. All I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing football.Declan Breen, club chairman“It needs to be open to as many people as possible, and that is what The Sun’s grant ensures.”Nicola, who is married to former West Ham player Tom Williams, was told by coaches that the girls had improved in confidence and skills since playing with their own gender. Rocky now plays for Slough, and Striker is honing his skills at Beaconsfield. Thanks to our grant, the club has been able to rent more pitch spaces and boy more goals to see as many girls as possible playing with them.Flackwell Heath Minors chairman Declan Breen said: “The grant means we’re not restricted by money when it comes to provisions. “We’ve been able to rent more pitches and get goals, allowing more girls to play with us. READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s also helped cover the costs of one of our teams, too.“It’s been fantastic, so all I can say to The Sun is thank you for helping us get girls playing football.”Declan Breen told Nicola how much of a difference the grant is making to the clubCredit: Olivia WestShe reguarly watches her son Striker play matches with his local clubShe even took a turn at showing off her fancy footwork with the girlsCredit: Olivia West More

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      in Motorsport

      The £26bn Red Bull tycoon who holds Christian Horner’s future in his hands… and whose playboy son has scandal of his own

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      HE’S the Formula 1 tycoon who could single-handedly steer Christian Horner’s career to safety.Red Bull owner Chalerm Yoovidhya holds the biggest stake in the company and is said to be the most important supporter of the embattled team principal.Chalerm Yoovidhya, pictured next to wife Daranee, shows his support for Christian and Geri at the weekendCredit: GettyThe Red Bull owner with three-time world champion Max VerstappenCredit: APF1 boss Horner, who is married to ex Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was rocked last week after bombshell ‘sext’ messages with an alleged female colleague were leaked online.Only 24 hours before, he had been cleared of misconduct towards the woman by an internal probe – allegations he had always denied.Now, an astonishing civil war has broken out at Red Bull after Jos Verstappen – the dad of superstar driver Max – warned the team will “explode” if the 50-year-old stays.While some high profile figures in the company have reportedly turned on Horner, Chalerm – who is worth £26billion – remains his most crucial public ally.Read more on Christian HornerAt the Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend, the pair were pictured together alongside their wives, Geri and Daranee, as they celebrated three-time world champion Max winning the first race of the new season.Thai billionaire Chalerm is the oldest son of Chaleo Yoovidhya, who co-created the energy drink brand with Dietrich Mateschitz.The late Dietrich Mateschitz was Horner’s biggest championCredit: GettyDietrich’s son, Mark, has taken over his role in the F1 teamCredit: GettyAustrian businessman Dietrich spearheaded the development of Red Bull’s sporting division, handpicking Horner to launch their F1 team and proving to be his biggest champion until his death in 2022.Since then, Horner has made close ties with Chalerm, while Dietrich’s own heir, Mark, is believed to have cooled on the scandal-hit team leader, according to Mail Online.Most read in MotorsportAway from the track, the Yoovidhya empire spreads across multi-million pound properties, vineyards and businesses, from London to Bangkok.But the playboy lifestyle of one of Chalerm’s 11 children has presented the family with a scandal of their own – and one far darker than Horner’s.Horror smashIn 2012, Charlem’s son Vorayuth was allegedly involved in an accident in Bangkok in which a cop was killed.He has been effectively on the run ever since – as the clock runs down on prosecution time.Verstappen breaks silence on Christian Horner ‘sexting’ probe as pressure mounts on Red Bull 3 weeks after shock claimsVorayuth – known as ‘Boss’ – has been pictured travelling around the world on private jets, enjoying lavish holidays in Japan, Monaco, Venice and Laos in Asia and celebrating a birthday at Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurant.He is believed to own a home in London where he keeps a black Porsche Carrera with the personal number plate BO55 RBR – short for ‘Boss Red Bull Racing’.Last month it was revealed a former top policeman in Bangkok faces charges of helping Vorayuth escape justice along with other senior figures.The saga began 12 years ago when it was claimed the 42-year-old hit policeman Wichean Glanprasert with his Ferrari on a main drag in Bangkok. The officer’s mangled body was dragged down the block along with his tangled bike.Cops followed a trail of brake fluid to the Yoovidhya family’s gated property nearby, where they found Vorayuth’s car with its bumper hanging off.A chauffeur was first blamed for the accident but Vorayuth, who attended the exclusive private school Bradfield College in Berkshire,  later turned himself in and admitted being behind the wheel. Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya seen outside his house in LondonCredit: APVorayth’s Ferrari was found smashed up after an accidentCredit: AFPHis attorney claimed alcohol found in his system was drunk to steady his nerves after the crash.The family put up £12,000 for bail and he went home the same day, quickly resuming his jet-set lifestyle. He was seen three months later at the Red Bull Singha Race of Champions in Bangkok, surrounded by friends and cousins.It took Thai police another five years to issue a formal arrest warrant in 2017 when Vorayuth fled Thailand and his passport was revoked.  Interpol issued a ‘red notice’ to arrest him pending extradition but it appears to no longer be posted on its website.He has since failed to show up at court with lawyers claiming he was too busy to appear or had important appointments – including one in London.Chalerm sees Horner as some sort of foster sonEx F1 driver Ralf SchumacherThe Thai statute of limitations – the time in which someone can be prosecuted – started to expire on potential charges of speeding, hit and run and causing death by reckless driving.Then, in 2020 the police suddenly announced they were dropping all charges.The move provoked fury and a boycott of Red Bull products in Thailand, where campaigners complain of a two-tiered justice system – one for the poor and  another for elites.It emerged that at the time of the accident the dead policeman’s brother signed a contract with the Yoovidhyas to receive around £75,000 in compensation if the family agreed not to start criminal or civil proceedings.However, the deal didn’t shield them from a case brought by Thai prosecutors and, after the outcry following Vorayuth’s acquittal, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered a new investigation.He said the original probe had been “compromised” and fresh charges of drug use and causing death by reckless driving were laid against Vorayuth in 2020.Who is Jos Verstappen?A FORMER F1 driver himself, Jos achieved two podiums in 106 races but is been better known for being the father of three-time world champ Max Verstappen.
      Jos can frequently be seen behind the scenes at Red Bull during the race weekends and takes pride in supporting his son publicly.
      However, he has been the subject of some scrutiny in the past.
      After an incident in 1998 at a karting track where another man suffered a fractured skull, he avoided a suspended jail sentence after agreeing an out-of-court settlement with the victim.
      Ten years later, he appeared in court, charged with assaulting his wife, Sophie Kumpen.
      He was found not guilty of assault, but guilty of threatening Kumpen in text messages and of violating a previously issued restraining order.
      He was fined and sentenced to three months of a probational, suspended prison sentence.
      And in January 2012, he was arrested following accusations that he drove a car into his ex-girlfriend but was released two weeks later after the charge was withdrawn.
      He has overseen his son’s career like a hawk and now, with a wedge drive between himself and Horner, it leaves Max Verstappen in an awkward position

      Since then, cops have run out of time to prosecute the drug charge and the driving offence is set to run out in 2027.Last month several government officials and cops were accused of a conspiracy to help Vorayuth escape the country.Police chief Somyot Poompanmoung and other suspects face being charged with an abuse of power in order to aid an individual to avoid prosecution.Somyot was last year accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission of tampering with evidence by altering the speedometer of Vorayuth’s Ferrari.Humble beginningsThe scandal is a long way from the humble beginnings of Vorayuth’s grandfather, who was once a farmer on his family’s duck farm.Born to poor Chinese immigrant parents who traded fruit in a town to the north of Bangkok, Chaleo Yoovidhya got a job as an antibiotics salesman before quitting to set up his own pharmaceutical firm in the early 1960sHe said “divine inspiration” helped him create an energy-boosting drink, which he named Krating Daeng.Austrian salesman Dietrich found the drink cured his jet lag and went into partnership with Chaleo in 1984, launching Red Bull.While the drink became a ‘go to’ for party animals, Chaleo was deeply private and had not given an interview in 30 years when he died in March 2012 aged 88.As the eldest of two sons, Chalerm took over the business empire and Red Bull Racing was born in 2005.The family are said to own five multi-million pound properties in London as well as a luxurious gated home in Bangkok.Chalerm has 11 children with wife Daranee and one owns a £5.9million townhouse in Chicago.Since 2001, the F1 businessman has also run a winery in Dallas, Texas, called Siam.’Foster son’ relationshipChalerm is said to see Horner like a foster sonCredit: GettyWith Chalerm owning 51 percent of Red Bull – with Austrian Mark Mateschitz retaining 49 per cent – he could be the deciding factor on whether Horner remains team principal.As Geri Halliwell stood by her man at the weekend, packing on the PDA at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Red Bull owner also made a show of support.He and wife Daranee were pictured laughing and joking with the Horners on the terrace in the clearest sign yet that Christian has the ear of the big boss.Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher previously described Horner as a “kind of foster son” to Chalerm.Speaking before Horner was cleared by Red Bull, he said: “He stands by him unconditionally.”Horner has said he is “absolutely confident” he will ride out the biggest storm of his life.Only time will tell if he’s correct.Horner, with wife Geri, says he is confident he will keep his jobCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Humiliated Geri Horner urged to make Christian ‘grovel’ as text scandal ‘reopens old wounds’ of her turbulent love life

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      SHE breathed a huge sigh of relief when husband Christian Horner was cleared over allegations of inappropriate behaviour, earlier this week.But just 24 hours later Geri Horner’s nightmare returned – when a series of sexually suggestive WhatsApp messages, apparently from the Red Bull boss to a female colleague, were leaked to journalists.Geri and Christian Horner’s seemingly perfect marriage has been rocked in recent weeksCredit: GettyGeri was heartbroken after splitting from former fiance Henry BeckwithShe has built an idllyic country life in recent yearsCredit: Instagram/TheRealGeriHalliwelThe fresh blow came as the former Spice Girl flew in to Bahrain to join her husband in a show of unity, ahead of tomorrow’s Grand Prix.That trip has now been rocked as friends say the 51-year-old is taking a fresh look at their nine-year marriage after standing by him throughout the internal probe into his conduct.After the latest leak, Horner once again denied wrongdoing, saying: “I won’t comment on anonymous speculation but to reiterate I have always denied the allegations, I respected the integrity of the independent investigation and fully cooperated with it every step of the way.”Since their lavish 2015 wedding Geri, who had a string of flings with popstars and TV celebrities before settling down, has cultivated a “country set” lifestyle, posting pictures from their sprawling estates in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire. Read More on HornersBut relationship expert Jo Hemmings believes “humiliated” mum-of-two is now facing “marriage D-day” in Bahrain.“This latest leak of messages to other women must be the mother of all public humiliations for Geri,” she says. “She may well decide to dodge the racetrack altogether and avoid the glare of the press, public and his F1 colleagues.”If she has sense she will go from the airport to somewhere private and call up her closest friends to get their support and reassurance. Most read in Motorsport”To let him stew in the knowledge that she knows and is in the country but is avoiding him.”That means he will be obliged to make the approach to her and grovel to get to see her to discuss.”Motor racing world in ‘disbelief’ at Christian Horner alleged leaked messagesWhirlwind start The couple’s relationship, which began in 2013, got off to a scandalous start – with coming just six months after the birth of Christian’s daughter, Olivia, with his ex Beverley Allen. Geri and Christian are thought to have briefly split while he attempted to repair his 14-year relationship with Beverley.But in 2014, after a romance of just nine months, the couple announced their engagement with a notice in the Times.They tied the knot at St Mary’s Church in Woburn, Bedfordshire, the following May with British designer Phillipa Lepley. Geri has described Christian as her best friend, saying: “He knows me inside out. I don’t edit myself with him. It was a big learning curve.”Geri came to the realisation that things weren’t going to work with Henry. The age gap meant he had a wandering eyeThe former pop star, who already had daughter Bluebell, 17, from a brief relationship with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi, welcomed her their son Montague George Hector Horner, in 2017.She set about shedding the image of feisty Ginger Spice, who grew up on a Watford council estate, and became the epitome of the country wife, living in lavish surroundings at the family homes – with one boasting its own duck pond and farm, housing miniature donkeys, goats and stable for 14 horses.But the latest news threatens to rock her new county set life.“Having had a controversial start to her marriage to Christian and keen to escape forever being known as ‘Ginger Spice’, Geri seemingly had everything she wanted in life,” says Jo.“She had a devoted and successful husband who had nothing to do with the music industry, a gorgeous son with him, Monty, and a lavish country pile where she could live out her role as the picture-perfect wife and mother in luxurious, rural surroundings.”Christian was previously married to Beverley AllenChristian and Geri wed in 2015Credit: Doug Seeburg – The SunShe adds Christian’s track record, having left Beverley so soon after his daughter was born, could be haunting the star now.“When the allegation of her husband’s ‘inappropriate behaviour’ first surfaced early last month, she must have felt hurt, distressed and extremely anxious,” says Jo. “Could she trust Christian, who has had a pretty chequered relationship history, and dismiss it as nonsense?“She would certainly have been rocked by these allegations, whether she believed them or not, as they threatened to tear apart all that she had worked for and to destroy her hard sought-after life as a loving wife and mother living in beautiful surroundings. “But it seems like she chose to stand by her man as she was still planning to join him in Bahrain, in a show of solidarity.“However, with the latest leaks, it would seem that even though he was cleared of the original allegation, there is now no denying that he has a case to answer to Geri.”Old woundsThe leaks, which surfaced yesterday, will also open the old wounds of trust issues in previous romances, including her split from toff Lord Henry Beckwith.The couple split in 2012 after almost three years, amid reports of rows over Henry’s flirty behaviour.It was also thought Henry, who was seven years her junior, wasn’t ready to commit to marriage and children.A source told The Sun: “Geri came to the realisation that things weren’t going to work with Henry.Geri will feel so emotionally bruised now and wonder why she was oblivious to the signs or refused to acknowledge themJo Hemmings”The age gap meant he had a wandering eye when it came to other women and he was interested in partying. She doesn’t trust him.”Henry was her longest relationship, before meeting Christian, after a series of flings with famous names and high society figures.She dated polo player Jamie Morrison, the son of a pop publishing tycoon who also owns the Royal Berkshire Polo Club, in 1998, but they split because they had “nothing in common.”She moved on to DJ Chris Evans, after meeting him on Comic Relief in 1999 and she was left devastated when they split after two weeks, when he began dating Anna Friel.“It was as authentic as relationships go, in my shabby experience of relationships,” she said.How Christian Horner’s shock text were leakedBy Ben Hunt
      IT was an anonymous email sent and designed for maximum impact.
      It landed in my inbox almost 24 hours to the minute since Christian Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing following Red Bull’s internal investigation.
      Other names included Liberty Media chief Greg Maffei, who owns the rights to F1. The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Dominacali.
      The F1 team bosses were also included for good measure. As was Max Verstappen’s father, Jos.
      It was from an anonymous sender, the title was simply the date – ‘Feb Twenty Nine’.
      Inside it was a Google Drive link containing 79 files claiming to be the evidence from the independent investigation.
      There is no way of knowing if they were real or fake yet irrespectively it sent another shockwave through the F1 paddock before this season had even started.
      Horner was sitting on the team’s pitwall during second practice in Bahrain when the email dropped.
      After the session, he walked out of the team’s garage and into the hospitality unit where he remained as the nuclear fallout began.
      He’d survived the outcome of the internal investigation into improper conduct following a complaint from a female colleague.
      One wonders whether he will survive this time after this very public humiliation – again, irrespective if they were indeed real or fake.
      Just hours earlier, McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, called on the sport’s governing body, the FIA, demanding transparency.
      “I just read the statement, which was pretty basic,” said Wolff. “My personal opinion is we can’t really look behind the curtain.
      “There is a lady in an organisation that has spoken to HR and said there was an issue and it was investigated and yesterday the sport has received the message that it’s all fine, we’ve looked at it.
      “I believe with the aspiration as a global sport, on such critical topics, it needs more transparency and I wonder what the sport’s position is?
      “We’re competitors, we’re a team and we can have our own personal opinions or not. But it’s more like a general reaction or action that we as a sport need to assess, what is right in that situation and what is wrong.
      “Are we talking with the right moral approach, with the values based on the speculation that is out there? As a sport, we cannot afford to leave things vague and opaque on critical topics like this, because this is going to catch us out.”
      Brown added: “It’s the responsibility ultimately of the organisers of Formula One, the owners of Formula One, to make sure that all the racing teams and the personnel and the drivers and everyone else involved in the sport are operating in a manner in which we all live by.
      “I don’t think it’s the teams’ roles and responsibilities. That’s up to FIA and Formula One to ultimately decide and ask what they feel gives them the level of transparency they need to ultimately come to their conclusion and we just have to count on them that they fulfil that obligation to all of us.”
      The emailed file will only increase that pressure in the form of scrutiny on Horner – who has always denied the accusations.
      It does also put Red Bull in a tricky position.
      Should the emailed file be legitimate and have made up elements from the initial report, which had been thoroughly examined and presented by the independent KC, then surely this is nothing new to them and their decision to stick with their team principal remains.
      To perform a u-turn on that simply now they have become public would possibly see criticism that they intended to keep their report private to save face.
      Whatever the outcome, it is a mess for the world champions.Reports of a wedge driven between Horner and Verstappen’s father have grown in recent weeks.
      So it was interesting that Jos Verstappen was in the paddock and wearing a team jacket and seemed unmoved to the chaos happening around him.

      Robbie Williams dated the singer for six months, in 2000 and later said: “It was fun, and we were just a little gang that were sharing a very magical moment, in a magical place.”Other romances included Bobby Hashemi, millionaire Iranian-born founder of the Coffee Republic, Duncan James and Blue bandmate Lee Ryan, and David Walliams.A six week summer fling with Sacha Gervasi in 2006, resulted in her becoming a single mum to Bluebell.Two years later she announced her engagement to Italian shipping mogul Fabrizio Politi, who proposed  with a £150,000 ring.They split in 2009 with Fabrizio saying Geri suddenly got cold feet about marriage. He said: “Out of nowhere there was a very bad situation between us.”Still, he called the liaison “the happiest three months of my life”.Christian and Geri with their children (left) Bluebell, (centre) Montague and (right) Olivia in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyGeri previously had high profile romances with the likes of Robbie WilliamsJo says her previous romances, particularly with Henry, will now come back to haunt her.“Henry Beckwith made it clear – much to her disappointment – that he didn’t want the kind of commitment that marriage and children bring with it, so although he too destroyed her trust, it’s nowhere near the level of betrayal from Christian, who had made that commitment to her. READ MORE SUN STORIES“She will feel so emotionally bruised now and wonder why she was oblivious to the signs or refused to acknowledge them. “She’ll need a period of unconditional emotional support from her friends and family, and probably counselling to talk through and help her process her hurt and self-esteem and re-establish trust in another relationship in the future, as it will be seriously depleted and damaged. More