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    ‘I’m a three-time world champion, I know what I’m doing’, rages Max Verstappen as he hits back at ‘Dick Dastardly’ jibe

    MAX VERSTAPPEN has snapped back at Damon Hill by roaring: “I’m a three-time world champion who knows what I am doing.”Hill, who won a world title with ­Williams in 1996, accused Verstappen of acting like Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly. Max Verstappen has fired back at Damon HillCredit: SplashHill described Verstappen as driving like Dick DastardlyCredit: GettyVerstappen was not happy at the comparison with the cartoon baddyCredit: The SunSeething Verstappen, 27, has hit out at his “biased” and “very annoying” critics after eyebrows were raised over his driving style after a 20-SECOND penalty for forcing title rival Lando Norris off twice in Mexico last weekend.Hill described the F1 Red Bull driver as “daft and like Dick Dastardly”.And he questioned whether Verstappen was capable of driving fairly.But ahead of this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Verstappen responded: “I don’t listen to those individuals.READ MORE IN F1“I just do my thing. I am a three-time world champion. It is my tenth year in Formula One.“I know what I am doing. Some people are being very annoying, and I don’t pay attention to them.” Norris trails Verstappen by 47 points in the title race with 120 to race for after the Brit came second and the world champ sixth in Mexico City.Verstappen is due to serve a five-place grid drop for Sunday’s race in Sao Paulo for changing engine parts.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris and Verstappen had been best pals on the grid.But the pair have not spoken since Mexico.Beloved Race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge Moto GP race McLaren driver Norris said: “It’s not for me to speak to him. I’m not his teacher, I’m not his mentor.“Max knows he did wrong. Deep down he does. And it’s for him to change, not for me.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell reveals one F1 driver is against making immediate rule change

    GEORGE RUSSELL has revealed that just one Formula One driver is opposed to an immediate major change to the rules.The driver’s title race took a fresh twist in Mexico as a 20-second penalty for Max Verstappen allowed Lando Norris to close the gap on the Dutchman to just 47 points.George Russell has said that 19 out of 20 F1 drivers want to see rule change immediatelyCredit: RexIt comes after contrasting penalty’s handed to both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in the last two grand prixCredit: GettyHowever, the weekend was also significant because it saw race stewards take a new approach to judging racing incidents. At the US Grand Prix in Austin, Norris had been handed a five-second penalty for going off the track and gaining an advantage when trying to overtake the Red Bull at Turn 12, costing him a podium.The McLaren driver had argued that he was forced off the road by Verstappen when defending, though the FIA dismissed an appeal from the team.A meeting involving the pair followed in the week before the Mexico Grand Prix, with the meeting becoming “lively” as the debate over the rules intensified.READ MORE IN F1The Mexico race then saw Verstappen defending against Norris again, with the Brit again going off track, before the Red Bull then shoved him off a few turns later to get the position back.These two moves resulted in Verstappen receiving a 20-second time penalty and resulted in him finishing down in P6, while Norris claimed P2 behind Ferrari race winner and former team-mate Carlos Sainz.However, the rules were interpreted differently from one weekend to the next.The current racing guidelines say a driver overtaking on the outside needs to be afforded extra room exiting the corner if the front axle of his car is ahead of that of the inside car at the apex.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut many drivers feel the rule needs to be changed to add a caveat that if the driver defending his position also ends up going off track, they should face some form of penalty.In an effort to clear up the racing guidelines, drivers have voted on how the rules should be interpreted.Beloved Race track destroyed and swept away with car park underwater just two weeks before hosting huge Moto GP race And Russell, who serves as the head of Grand Prix Drivers’ Association said that all drivers bar one have agreed to rectify the rules immediately.Though the 26-year-old did not name the driver who went against his peers, the Mercedes star said: “I think the stewards are totally on board with what needs to change.”Our view is, I think the biggest discussion is, they wanted to wait until 2025, so it’s something consistent through this year. “I would say 19 out of 20 drivers said: ‘Well, if it’s incorrect, make the change today’.”I’m glad to see those incidents were punished [in Mexico] and I suspect moving forward in Brazil, what we saw today and what we saw last week you won’t be able to get away with.”You presume [it should be easy to change if everyone agrees], but it sometimes seems more difficult than it has to be when things have to get approved and we’ve got to go to a vote app. “But as I said, 19 out of 20, we’re all aligned on where it needs to be.”Russell – who F1 fans may have the chance to dress from next season following a stunning job posting by the Silver Arrows – finished in fifth place behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Mexico.Asked about the incidents of allegedly running another driver off track, Hamilton said: “You shouldn’t be able to come off the brakes and run more speed in and go off the track and still hold your place.”Three-time champion Verstappen said he has always raced according to the meaning of the rules, and that if they were changed he would drive according to the new meaning of them as well.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 OconHowever, any new driver guidelines will take time to publish, and a new draft of the rules will not be available for the drivers to consider until the Qatar Grand Prix in December.Despite Russell claiming 19 out of 20 agree they need rectifying, no official vote has taken place yet.According to the BBC’s Andrew Benson, drivers previously had no issue with the rules but were instead frustrated by the inconsistent application of them by stewards.However, now both the written guidelines and their application have come into question.The final race in a triple header now sees F1 return to Brazil. READ MORE SUN STORIESOrganisers have confirmed a £22million investment has allowed for the entire circuit at Interlagos to be resurfaced as well as the upgrade of a number of hospitality features and building of an access tunnel.They have also revealed a touching tribute will be paid to Ayrton Senna 30 years on from his death, with Hamilton set to drive his 1990 McLaren car on Saturday evening.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    F1 legend Fernando Alonso to MISS part of Brazilian GP weekend after racing back to Europe following health scare

    FERNANDO ALONSO will miss part of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend after suffering an intestinal infection.The two-time world champion, 43, made history in Mexico on Sunday as he became the first F1 driver to reach 400 race starts.Fernando Alonso will not be at the media day for the Brazilian Grand PrixCredit: GettyBut he will be absent for media duties in Sao Paulo on Thursday after receiving treatment for a health scare.Alonso was battling the issue before the Mexican GP – which he retired in – and seeing a specialist in Europe has now delayed his travel to Brazil.Aston Martin have confirmed their driver will miss Thursday’s obligations, but he will be present when racing begins on Friday.Speaking on X, the team released a statement that read: “Fernando will miss his media day activities in Brazil.READ MORE IN F1″Fernando had suffered with an intestinal infection in the lead up to the Mexico City Grand Prix.”He returned to Europe to receive further treatment from a specialist.”The extra day of treatment has delayed his travel plans to Brazil but ensures he will be ready for this weekend’s racing.”Alonso sits ninth in the drivers’ standings on 62 points.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe is the best-placed driver outside the top four teams – McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes.There are three more Grands Prix after the Brazilian GP – which will take place in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Watch hilarious moment Charles Leclerc’s mechanic takes very dramatic pit lane tumble during Mexican GP qualifyingCarlos Sainz won the Mexican GP as Lando Norris cut Max Verstappen’s championship lead to 47 points. More

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    F1 fans offered never-before-seen job of dressing George Russell as Mercedes post advert

    FORMULA ONE giant Mercedes has advertised a bizarre new job which involves dressing the team’s drivers.The Brackley-based team want to hire a Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive – someone to manage the off-track attire of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.Mercedes want to hire someone to manage the outfits of George Russell and Kimi AntonelliCredit: Mercedes AMGWhoever is appointed will be in charge of the pair’s personal, fitness, formal, lifestyle and travel wardrobe.They will also coordinate Russell and Antonelli’s highly-photographed paddock walk-in looks.Mercedes’ job description reads: “The Marketing Operations Driver Clothing Executive is responsible for project managing driver styling planning and process for the Mercedes F1 Team.”It involves working with the driver appointed stylists and team apparel partners to deliver clothing looks for collateral shoots, marketing appearances, trackside walk in looks and activations.Read More in Sport”It is also about managing relationships with our team clothing partner and driver management.”Mercedes chiefs are looking for someone who has “experience of working in a retail or marketing environment” with a skill set in project management.Rookie driver Antonelli will make his F1 debut with Mercedes next year.He will replace Lewis Hamilton, who has already signed a two-year deal with Ferrari.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAntonelli is set to partner Russell, who has been racing for the team since 2022.Mercedes currently sit fourth in the Constructor Championship standings, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull.Drive to Survive and F1 legend runs B&B with rooms named after iconic tracks More

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    Major change to Brazilian GP as £22million project completed ahead of crucial Sao Paulo spectacle

    BRAZIL’s Formula One race track has undergone a major change ahead of Sunday’s race.The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo has been a staple of the F1 calendar since 1990 – with the exception of 2020’s cancelled race due to Covid-19.Brazil’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix has undergone a major change following a £22m investmentCredit: GettyThe entire Interlagos race track has been resurfacedCredit: AFPAnd this weekend it will once again play host to thousands of fans from around the world who turn out for the motorsport bonanza.Organisers have confirmed the circuit has undergone a huge change for the grand prix weekend.A stunning £22million (R$163.6million) investment from Sao Paulo City Hall has seen the track completely resurfaced, with a host of other changes also revealed.Mayor Ricardo Nunes said: “This place has become a machine, a machine for generating jobs, a machine for generating income, for economic movement, and a machine for taking the name of the city of São Paulo to the world.READ MORE IN F1″We went from having a deficit facility to now having a facility that generates jobs, generates income and generates revenue for the city.”The last change to the surface of the track came 10 years ago.Other changes to the venue have seen work enter the final phase of a pit lane auxiliary access track to the pits as, ruled by motorsport governing body the FIA.This adds to the renovation and maintenance of existing facilities including the pit lane, paddock area, operation control centre, press area, support building and grandstand.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA review of safety devices including tyre barriers, metal guardrails, fences, and non-slip paint in escape areas has also happened.Additional “comprehensive maintenance” has been carried out on permanent facilities, including electrical and hydraulic installations, floors, ceilings, frames and gas and compressed air systems.Five mysteries behind Ayrton Senna’s deadly F1 smash – including black box conspiracyThe major investment is allowing the racetrack to add a new access and a new hospitality centre, with the old one being demolished to make way for a 12,240 square feet three-floor megastructure at the back of the paddock that can hold up to 6,000 people.One part of the project still in the works is a 360-metre-long underground access track set to be completed by April 2025 to facilitate the transit of large structures, trucks and public inside the circuit without the need to cross the circuit.The 2023 race is estimated to have generated around £220million (R$1.64 billion) for the economy, with 77 per cent of visitors coming from outside of the capital and 12.2 per cent coming from tourism.Another stunning plan for the weekend’s race is a touching tribute to be paid by to three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his death at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.According to BAND, Lewis Hamilton will be given the honour of driving the Brazilian’s 1990 McLaren MP4/5B car, with which Senna won his second F1 title.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The seven-time world champion will take the Honda-powered car around the circuit at around 8pm UK time on Saturday, following the conclusion of official F1 activities on track for the day.Organisers have also opened a “Senna forever” event for the weekend, where Samba F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi is set to take part alongside Hamilton.The Brit, who idolises Senna, was given honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022 and has won three times around the Interlagos track.Senna’s death came just one day after Ronald Ratzenberger, who hit an exposed concrete wall in an impact of 500g force.The biggest crash ever survived was by IndyCar driver Kenny Brack in 2003, when his car came to a dramatic halt from 220mph with a 214g impact force.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis season’s F1 driver championship may go down to the wire after Lando Norris closed the gap to reigning champion Max Verstappen to 47 points after the Red Bull driver received a 20-second penalty in Mexico.There are four feature races to go plus two sprint events, including one taking place this weekend in Brazil.Organisers are also hosting a tribute for Ayrton Senna, 30 years on from his deathCredit: Getty Images – GettyLewis Hamilton will reportedly drive his 1990 McLaren car after official F1 events are concluded on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    The six major rules drivers need to comply with to get F1 Super Licence or be banned from competing in races

    FORMULA ONE drivers may all have their own flair and temperament on the track.However, from seven-time world champions like Lewis Hamilton to rookies such as Franco Colapinto, every driver in the motorsport has one thing in common: an FIA Super Licence.F1 stars like Lewis Hamilton need an FIA F1 Super Licence to competeCredit: GettyAcross the vast and incredibly diverse world of motorsport, all sorts of licences are issued for different events.However, for F1, the FIA – the governing body of global motorsport – demands a full top-level Super Licence.Drivers must strictly adhere to the rules of the licence or face a race ban, as was the case with F1 star Kevin Magnussen earlier this season.Below we go through the rules and fundamental requirements that tie every F1 driver and F1 aspirant together, as detailed in the International Sporting Code:READ MORE IN F1Must be at least 18 years oldThe first requirement for the Super Licence is a simple one, be at least 18 at the time of their first race.That being said, exceptions to this rule have been granted for those aged at least 17.The reason for this exception is explained as follows in the Appendix L, Article 5 of the Sporting Code: “At the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Free Practice Only Super Licenceat the age of 17 years old.”Max Verstappen is the only case of this exemption being made, with his appearance at the age of 17 years and 166 days old at the Australian Grand Prix in 2015 making him the youngest driver in F1 history.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHolder of an International Grade A competition licenceThe second requirement is that drivers have an International Grade A competition licence.The Grade A licence is earned through competition in lower grade competitions such as F2, F3, karting, or Rally cars.F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? This system was introduced in 2021 and came into force from 2022.The then-FIA Safety Director, Adam Baker, said: “This represents one of the biggest changes to the FIA International Driver Licence structure for a decade, and is the culmination of more than two years of hard work between the sporting departments within the FIA, the FIA Sport Commissions and a working group of National Sporting Authorities.”Pass an FIA theory testThe third point in the code is as follows: “The driver mustsuccessfully complete a question session regarding the most important points of the International Sporting Code and of the F1 Sporting Regulations.”For any later requests, the team must certify they have held a briefing with the driver about the most important points in the International Sporting Code.Completed at least 80% of each of two full seasons of any of the Championships reported in Supplement 1 of the regulationsA driver cannot hope to stand in F1 without a strong foundation of experience in the junior single-seater categories.That is why at the first time of application, drivers must have completed at least 80 per cent of two full seasons of Championship specified in Supplement 1 of the regulations.These series include, but are not limited to, F2, F3, IndyCar, Formula E, FIA WEC/Hypercar, DTM, Nascar and F1 Academy.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. Accumulated at least 40 licence pointsHowever, it is not simply enough to race in the lower levels.Drivers must accumulate a total of 40 licence points over the previous three seasons of racing.Different series yield different award values. For example, winning the championship in both IndyCar or F2 gives a driver the full 40 points they would need to be eligible to enter F1.Beyond this, F2 is the most rewarding series for licence points, with a driver even finishing in 10th able to acquire three licence points.However, drivers such as Oliver Bearman have been allowed to compete in F1 without a full F2 season under their belt due to performing well in series below such as F3, with the aggregate over the last three seasons coming into play.The requirements are slightly reduced for returning F1 drivers like previously seen with Fernando Alonso, with the licence points required put down to 30.Drivers coming back must have completed at least 300km in a representative F1 car “consistently at racing speeds” over no more than two days and completed not more than 180 days prior to the application.Renewing F1 stars are also considered for a renewal “at the sole determination of the FIA to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars”.Not accumulating 12 penalty pointsA 12-month probation period comes into play after a driver is issued a licence, with the FIA able to take away the licence at any time if standards are not being met.Once drivers have a licence, they must then stay within the rules and avoid earning 12 penalty points on their licence.Magnussen failed to do this earlier in the season and was subsequently banned from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.The Dane was the first to fall foul of this penalty point ban rule, but that saw his penalty points reduced to zero.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe move to the penalty system was introduced in 2014 with an eye on targeting repeat offenders who cause crashes. Causing a collision is worth three penalty points against the Super Licence.Following the Mexico Grand Prix, Alonso sits on eight points along with none due to expire until the end of March 2025, while Verstappen’s double penalty incident with Lando Norris saw him net two points and move up to six penalty points.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 More

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    Popular F1 driver facing axe BEFORE the end of the season as team chief says ‘difficult decisions have to be made’

    FORMULA ONE star Sergio Perez is at risk of losing his spot on the grid after a disastrous home Grand Prix.The 34-year-old was out to end his six-month podium drought in Mexico but came 17th.Sergio Perez is in danger of losing his spot on the gridCredit: RexThe driver came closer to crashing into his possible replacementCredit: GettyPerez’s Red Bull car struggled with braking problems, with reports suggesting that his poor year could see him axed in the final four races of the season.Asked about Checo’s future, team principal Christian Horner said: “Look, it’s a performance based business. There comes a point in time that difficult decisions have to be made.”His comments come after chief Helmut Marko added: “The hoped for upturn that we all expected has unfortunately not materialised.”Perez may have a contract, but F1 is a meritocracy. If the performance is not right, even contracts are useless.”READ MORE F1 NEWSMax Verstappen could soon have a new team-mate, with Liam Lawson rumoured to be in the running.The New Zealander has impressed for RB in recent weeks, who are the team owned by Red Bull.Lawson came to blows with Perez in Mexico after a controversial overtake saw them go wheel-to-wheel.Perez raged about him post-race, saying: “I think the way he has come to F1, I don’t think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”When you come to F1, you’re obviously very, very hungry and so on, but you have to be as well respectful off track and on track. “I don’t think he’s showing the right attitude to show a good case for himself.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him”I think he’s a great driver and I hope for him that he can step back and learn from it.“In his two first Grands Prix, he has had too many incidents. I think there will be a point where it can cost him too much.” More

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    Lando Norris back in title contention as Sainz wins F1 Mexican Grand Prix after 20-SECOND Max Verstappen penalty

    MAX VERSTAPPEN was slapped with a whopping 20-second penalty after a ferocious battle with title rival Lando Norris.The huge punishment from stewards at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix came on the weekend Norris, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and others urged the FIA to tighten rules on Verstappen’s “unfair” driving style.Carlos Sainz hails his dominant win in MexicoCredit: ReutersLando Norris finished second, four places and ten points clear of Max VerstappenCredit: GettySainz completed another excellent win for FerrariCredit: AFPNorris drove a superb race to finish in second place, sandwiched between the two Ferraris — race-winner Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in third.It means the McLaren driver collected 18 points to Verstappen’s eight.And Norris said: “I didn’t want to expect such a thing because I respect Max a lot as a driver but I was ready to expect something like this.“It was not clean driving in my opinion but I avoided it and it was a good race. A lot of it was trying to stay in the race and avoid crashes.READ MORE F1 NEWS“Congratulations to Carlos, he drove a great race. I tried my best. We were the quickest team, we’ll focus on ourselves.” This GP could prove crucial in the title race, with 47 points now separating the duo with four races remaining.In total there are 120 points up for grabs — 25 for a win and one for the fastest lap, plus 16 for the two remaining sprint races. It is still a huge stretch for Norris.Dutchman Verstappen had clearly taken no notice of the complaints about his driving and  tussled with Norris for ­second place on lap ten. Most read in MotorsportHOW IT FINISHED IN MEXICOTHIS is how it concluded on Sunday.1. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)2. Lando Norris (McLaren)3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)5. George Russell (Mercedes)6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)12. Franco Colapinto (Williams)13. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)14. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)15. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)16. Liam Lawson (RB)17. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Did Not Finish: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), Alex Albon (Williams), Yuki Tsunoda (RB)CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNorris went for an overtake around the outside of turn four but Verstappen nudged him wide and the McLaren was forced to cut the corner.And when 24-year-old Norris tried to let him through at turn eight, both him and Verstappen went off track, allowing Leclerc to leave them for dust.Kimi Raikkonen’s son Robin shows his skills on the Karting track Seething Norris slammed Verstappen on the team radio and said: “I was ahead the whole way through the corner — this guy is dangerous.“I just have to avoid a crash, I will end up in the wall in a minute.”Stewards  hit world champion Verstappen with the hefty ten-second penalty for “forcing another driver off the track”.When told about the penalty, Verstappen said: “Ten? That’s quite impressive.”Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase replied on the radio: “There was a lot of whinging. A lot.”Verstappen was then hit with ANOTHER ten-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage for the incident with his nearest challenger.In Mexico, F1’s governing body decided to revise its racing guidelines following uproar over Norris’ controversial five- second penalty for an overtake on  Verstappen in Texas a week ago.The FIA gave no details as to what would change, but there was a discussion over the tactics Verstappen used to keep his position and whether he should have been punished.Sainz took the flag for an impressive success in MexicoCredit: ReutersIt seems they were keen to get their message across loud and clear during yesterday’s race.  There was chaos from the start as Yuki Tsunoda made contact with Alex Albon and spun into the wall —  a wheel coming off his RB car.Smoke plumed out of the car but luckily the Japanese driver quickly said “I’m OK” on the team radio. Amid the drama, home hero Sergio Perez had risen from 13th to fifth, but stewards were investigating the Red Bull driver for a false start as he looked well beyond his pit box.Verstappen fired into the lead at turn one ahead of Sainz, who veered off track and across the grass but gave the place back to the Dutchman.On lap nine, Sainz and Verstappen ­tussled for the lead as the Spaniard wriggled inside thanks to DRS.The claws were out from there as old foes Verstappen and Norris reignited their on-track battle — which led to the Red Bull driver’s two penalties.The Dutchman sailed into the pit lane on lap 27 and served his 20-second ­penalty before returning in 15th place.Yuki Tsunoda, as well as Alex Albon, crashed out on the first lapCredit: ReutersRed Bull’s Verstappen and Ferrari’s Sainz storm off as Tsunoda crashesCredit: ReutersThe pack shuffled out by lap 38, with Sainz still in the lead followed by Leclerc, Norris, Russell and ­Hamilton.There was a heart-in-mouth moment as Leclerc nearly careered into the barrier on lap 63 but saved himself just in time. Norris snuck through while the Ferrari went wide to leave him eight ­seconds behind leader Sainz.READ MORE SUN STORIESNorris then chipped away at the gap until the very end but Sainz sailed over the line 4.7 seconds ahead.Hamilton finished fourth after a near wheel-to-wheel battle with teammate Russell, who had to settle for fifth.Racing Bull’s Japanese ace Tsunoda was soon out of the raceCredit: Sky Sports F1 More