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      Oscar Piastri wins Bahrain Grand Prix as F1 team-mate Lando Norris overcomes being snitched on to snatch podium

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      LANDO NORRIS is once again making too many mistakes to become a world champion after a chaotic weekend in Bahrain left him “hurting”.The McLaren driver had to settle for third, while team-mate Oscar Piastri showed him up with an expert drive to soar across the finish line more than 15 SECONDS clear of George Russell in second.Oscar Piastri produced a superb drive to take the chequered flag in BahrainCredit: GettyThe Aussie was joined by George Russell and Lando Norris on the podiumCredit: GettyThe Aussie began the race on pole and held off a late charge from MercedesCredit: APNorris was hit with a five-second penalty for being out of his grid laneCredit: Sky SportsNorris, 25, was plagued by errors last season, with his mentality being questioned when he choked on a number of occasions in a fierce title fight with Max Verstappen.There is no doubt the Brit is one of the finest drivers on the grid — and capable of leaving the rest for dust when he is on form.But his world title advantage is down to just three points over ­Piastri, while world champion ­Verstappen’s deficit has grown to eight points after finishing in sixth.It was chaotic from the very start for Norris, who could only manage a woeful sixth place in qualifying, despite sitting in the fastest car.READ MORE ON F1He was then guilty of a glaringly obvious false start to the race and slapped with a five-second penalty after soaring from sixth to third on the grid.Verstappen stuck the knife in as replays showed the Dutchman, who started one place behind him in seventh, snitching on his team radio, saying: “Lando is over his grid box.”Norris also stuttered with his overtakes, failing to get past Russell on the final lap despite the Mercedes man driving a broken car at that point.He had also made a mess of ­getting past Lewis Hamilton earlier on, going off the track and momentarily handing the place back before nipping up into third again.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNorris said: “Something is just not clicking with me in the car.”I’m not able to do any of the laps that I was doing last season.Sun F1 reporter Isabelle Barker tries Lewis Hamilton’s favourite spaghetti cooked by three Michelin star chef at Bahrain Grand Prix“I felt on top of the car. This year could not have felt more opposite so far. And even in Australia, whether or not I won the race, I never felt comfortable, never felt confident.”The car was just mega. And that’s helping me get out of a lot of problems at the minute.”I’m just nowhere near the capability that I have, which hurts to say.”I have spent a lot of time …. even last night I left late … to look into everything and understand what I’m struggling with.”THE new Formula One season is up and running and has already seen huge drama in the opening weeks.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have hope of ending Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is hoping for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARThe Ferraris produced a solid performance with Charles Leclerc fourth and Hamilton fifth.Verstappen was grumbling throughout after suffering a double whammy of pit-stop chaos.His moaning began on lap 11 when he was seething as the red light on Red Bull’s pit gantry stayed on once a tyre change was finished, despite the pit lane being clear.Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli overtook four-time world champion Verstappen on lap 20, with no answer from the Dutchman.Hamilton’s turn came next as he overtook Jack Doohan and then Verstappen with a brilliant double move on lap 22.By now, 27-year-old Verstappen was seething and he blasted on his team radio: “I can’t even brake any more. It’s just ridiculous.” The  Ferraris finally came alive and Leclerc squeezed past ­Norris for third and Hamilton slipped past Antonelli for fifth.Verstappen was pulling his hair out when he suffered yet another pit-stop nightmare after a gamble with hard tyres did not pay off.A sticky front-right tyre left him in the pits for  6.2 seconds and he rejoined in 19th place.The safety car was deployed on lap 32 owing to debris on the track — and all of the top five drivers pitted.When it had cleared, Hamilton showed the young bucks how  to do it with an epic overtake on Norris.The McLaren driver appeared to nip back ahead but went off the track and had to give the place back. He did eventually get back ahead of seven-time world champ Hamilton a few laps later.Verstappen had stormed back up to seventh, where he had started, with 17 laps to go.The fight for the final podium spot was on, with Norris snapping at Leclerc’s heels in third place.The McLaren driver very nearly nipped past with eight laps to go but Leclerc held him off by the skin of his teeth before Norris eventually had him.Russell was in a spot of bother late on – but escaped a penalty – as he was investigated for “accidently opening DRS”.Read More on The SunHe was having problems with the dash on his car anyway as Norris was hunting him down.Norris had his last chance to take second as he went wheel to wheel with Russell on the final lap but the Mercedes man just held him off. More

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      Lando Norris punished by F1 bosses with five-second penalty after being snitched on by rival Max Verstappen

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      LANDO NORRIS was hit with a five-second grid penalty for a false start at the Bahrain Grand Prix.To make matters worse, Max Verstappen – who started a place behind him on the grid in seventh – snitched on the British 25-year-old.Max Verstappen dobbed in Lando Norris at the Bahrain Grand PrixCredit: EPANorris started in P6 after a disappointing qualifyingCredit: AlamyVerstappen noticed the 25-year-old was over his grid box as the cars lined upThe four-time world champion said on his team radio: “Lando is over his grid box.”Norris, 25, soared into third from sixth with a blistering start, but stewards hit him with a five-second penalty for the infringement.It came after a frustrated Verstappen admitted it had been a “tough weekend” for Red Bull.The Dutchman could only muster P7 in qualifying as he struggled with an “inconsistent” car.READ MORE ON F1Verstappen said in the build-up to Sunday’s race: “For whatever reason I’ve been struggling with the brakes.”It’s something that we need to investigate. And then general grip, I guess, throughout the lap, [it was] quite inconsistent.”That makes it very hard to understand what you actually need from the car when, for whatever reason, we can’t seem to make the tyres work.”We have tried a lot, honestly, with the set-up – left, right, up and down.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”But unfortunately nothing really gave us a clear answer, so that is of course a bit of a shame.”Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri started the race on pole after a blistering qualifying lap. Sun F1 reporter Isabelle Barker tries Lewis Hamilton’s favourite spaghetti cooked by three Michelin star chef at Bahrain Grand PrixAnd Norris couldn’t explain why he’d struggled to keep pace with his fellow McLaren.Norris admitted after qualifying: “I was just slow.”I have been slow this whole weekend, to be honest. THE new Formula One season is up and running and has already seen huge drama in the opening weeks.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have hope of ending Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is hoping for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FARNothing too surprising. I have just been off it.”The car is amazing. I have nothing to complain about, the team are doing an amazing job.”But I am just letting them down.”Read More on The SunNorris got over the starting drama to finish third. Oscar Piastri produced an expert drive to finish in first, over 12 seconds ahead of second-placed George Russell. Verstappen came home in sixth, behind fith-placed Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in fourth. More

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      F1 Bahrain LIVE RESULTS: Verstappen looks to build on Japanese GP win while Hamilton eyes first triumph – latest updates

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      FORMULA ONE returns to Bahrain and the action is unfolding RIGHT NOW!The first three races have seen three different winners, with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen all taking home a win so far.McLaren’s Norris will be looking for a big response after being unable to overtake Verstappen at Suzuka last time out.Verstappen, however, will be looking to overtake Norris and take the lead of the Drivers’ World Championship.Live stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports F1Follow ALL the action from Bahrain with our live blog below…Lap 17/57 – Leclerc leads, Hamilton secondNeither Ferrari has pitted yet.As a result, they lead the Bahrain Grand Prix.Piasti is in third with Albon in fourth.Russell currently sits in fifth, with Norris in sixth spot.Copy linkCopiedLap 15/57 – Leclerc leads, Hamilton secondTsunoda comes into the pits and has the same issue.It seems Red Bull’s exit light is not working.That has cost both of their drivers some valuable seconds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLap 13/57 – Piastri leads, Russell secondNorris comes into the pits and serves his time penalty.Verstappen comes into the pits also and does not have a good stop.Both drivers have come out on hard tyres interestingly.Copy linkCopiedLap 11/57 – Piastri leads, Russell secondHamilton makes his move on Sainz.The Williams driver allows him through and makes a move on him on the inside.Moments later, Hamilton gets ahead of Sainz, quickly followed by Tsunoda.Copy linkCopiedLap 9/57 – Piastri leads, Russell secondGasly has got ahead of Antonelli in the places.Verstappen is still in seventh spot as it stands.Norris is given a five second penalty for his false-start.Copy linkCopiedLap 7/57 – Piastri leads, Russell secondIt is not looking good for Norris on this investigation.Verstappen spotted it and said to his team over the radio “Lando is out of his grid box!”Meanwhile, Piastri is leadig the way and has opened up a little gap to Russell in second.Copy linkCopiedLap 5/57 – Piastri leads, Russell secondNorris is being investigated for a potential false-start.If it goes to the stewards, it will result in a time penalty.Everyone bar the Ferraris are out on soft tyres, LeClerc and Hamilton are out on medium compounds.Copy linkCopiedLap 3/57 – Piastri leads, Russell secondPiastri had to drive well to hold onto his lead from the off.Teammate Norris moved up from sixth to third with his start.Russell is now sandwiched in between the McLaren cars.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLap 1/57 – Piastri leads, Russell secondWhat a start from George Russell.He almost got ahead of the McLaren and they almost collided after the first turn.Lando Norris also has a good start from the grid.Copy linkCopiedLights out in Bahrain Grand PrixCopy linkCopiedFormation lap beginsCopy linkCopiedTime for Oscar to shineAll the talk this season has been about Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.However, sitting on pole position in Bahrain, Oscar Piastri has the chance to take the lead in the driver’s championship.Moments like this are what these drivers live for, the McLaren speedster can put himself ahead of his rivals with a good ride in this grand prix.Copy linkCopiedAll ready to go in BahrainHere is how the drivers will line up this afternoon:Credit: @F1Copy linkCopiedSpecial helmetHere is the special helmet – looks amazing.Copy linkCopiedBrave schueyMichael Schumacher has made a rare and moving gesture as he signed a crash helmet with the help of his wife Corinna.It marks one of the stricken F1 legend’s only public acts since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps 12 years ago.The seven-time world champion, who has not been seen in public since, added his initials “M.S” to a helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart.The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.“It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause – a disease for which there is no cure,” Stewart told The Daily Mail.“His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us.”Copy linkCopiedWelcome to the Bahrain Grand PrixFormula One returns to Bahrain and the thrilling action is unfolding VERY SOON!The first three races have seen three different winners, with Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen all taking home a win so far.McLaren’s Norris will be looking for a big response after being unable to overtake Verstappen at Suzuka last time out.Verstappen, however, will be looking to overtake Norris and take the lead of the Drivers’ World Championship.Lewis Hamilton starts down in 9th but he is expected to put the pedal to the metal and race up the grid.Copy linkCopied More

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      The insanely lavish worlds of F1 tycoons…from Red Bull boss’s private island to £30million Bond villain-style mansion

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      AS things heat up ahead of this Sunday’s Bahrain GP, the Gulf State will soon be crowded with the jets and supercars of the rich and famous.It’s fair to say there’s a lot of money in the world of F1 – and drivers and team staff alike certainly get paid handsomely.The late Eddie Jordan certainly knew how to enjoy his £85million fortuneCredit: AlamyEddie was among the most flamboyant of the F1 tycoonsCredit: GETTYRed Bull owner Mark Mateschitz inherited an entire tropical island from his fatherCredit: jason busch/LHW.comBut at the very top of the motor sport pyramid are the people who don’t just run the teams, but own them. And when you combine a net worth of millions – or in many cases billions – with a love of fast cars, you can be sure you’re dealing with a flashy spender.After all, if you can afford an F1 team, you might as well own a yacht on the side – or a Pacific island getaway when you need a break.It’s a sport that attracts some pretty big characters, just like the late Eddie Jordan, who went from flogging salmon on the streets to amassing a fortune of £85million.Read More FeaturesBut his riches are small fry to what others in the business are worth – such as Mercedes’s Toto Wolff, worth a whopping $1.6billion.And even Toto’s wealth is dwarfed by Red Bull owner Mark Mateschitz, who has a net worth of over £30billion. So what have they been spending it all on?Join us as we dive into the lavish lives of the biggest F1 tycoons.Most read in MotorsportBrave Eddie Jordan’s final public appearance just weeks before his deathToto WolffAfter trying his hand as a racing driver before moving into the boardroom, Toto Wolff bought a 30 per cent stake in Mercedes in 2013 for an estimated $50million.And as Mercedes moved up the rankings, so did his wealth increase – making the Austrian worth around a whopping $1.6billion today, according to Forbes. It’s no wonder Toto Wolff takes such an active role in ensuring his teams success – because he owns a third of itCredit: GettyThe Mercedes part-owner enjoys diving off his 49 metre-long superyacht off the coast of MonacoCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalA video Toto posted to his Instagram shows he isn’t afraid to take his cars – in this case the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL from 1954 – for a spinCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalOnce living near the team’s base in the UK, Wolff and his family have now moved to Monaco, close to where many of the drivers live.He’s also reported to own an 18,000 square foot mansion in Switzerland, which was reportedly bought for $62million.Unsurprisingly, the 53-year old owns a stunning car collection which features plenty of rare Mercedes. Wolff has frequently been spotted driving round Monaco in his Mercedez-Benz SL from 1954, worth around £1million, as well as the more modern Mercedec-AMG GT R, which sells for around £150,000-190,000.But brand loyalty hasn’t stopped him from also reportedly owning a Bugatti Veyron, a Ferrari LaFerrari, and also an iconic Ferrari F40  which he allegedly sold for some £1.2million. And when road travel doesn’t cut it, he can be spotted relaxing on the 49-metre-long superyacht UU, which he is thought to own – though he is thinking of designing one himself. Eddie JordanThe late Eddie Jordan owned properties around the globeCredit: AlamyEddie Jordan bought the spectacular yacht Blush for £32millionCredit: BLUEI PRODUCTIONSFrom trading on the streets of Dublin to securing iconic sponsorship deals – once convincing delivery firm DHL to repaint all their vans with his famous “Jordan yellow” – the late Eddie Jordan certainly reaped the rewards of his hard graft.Among his lavish assets was Sunseeker’s biggest ever yacht, which he bought for a cool £32million back in 2014, named Blush.Also under his ownership was a stunning 45-metre sailing yacht that let him enjoy times spent near the coast.Over the years, he amassed a massive – and very valuable – collection of F1 memorabilia, including the very car Michael Schumacher made his debut in.And like other team owners, he had multiple properties around the world including a palatial manor in Surrey, a house in Ireland, and a pad in Monaco.He also owned a £750,000 flat in Tooting, London, which he raffled off in 2017 to the lucky winner of the £10-to-enter competition. Lawrence StrollHaving made a fortune in the luxury fashion industry selling shares in brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, the Canadian businessman is thought to be worth over £2billion.The 65-year-old tycoon is also part-owner of the Aston Martin racing team – and is the dad of their star driver, 26-year-old Lance. Lawrence Stroll, owner of the Aston Martin team, made his fortune selling shares in luxury fashion brandsCredit: The TimesThe Canadian billionaire hosted his 60th birthday party on board his massive yacht Faith, which was attended by the likes of Sarah Ferguson and Catherine Zeta-JonesCredit: PAHe is the proud owner of the Ferrari 250 GTO, which is thought to be worth over £50millionCredit: RexThough based in Geneva, Stroll also owns homes in London, Quebec, and also a £70million pad on the Caribbean island on Mustique where he wed Brazilian stunner Raquel Diniz, 35.When it’s race weekend in Monaco, you can find him on board Faith – a 96-meter superyacht which Toto Wolff has said is the nicest boat he’s ever been on, worth around £200million.Featuring a glass-bottomed swimming pool, beach club, and wet bar, it hosted stars such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas for Stroll’s Great Gatsby-themed 60th birthday bash.Recent reports, however, suggest he’s sold the vessel on – downsizing to a 78-metre-long yacht instead.But it’s cars he really loves, amassing a collection reportedly worth over £140million.This includes a Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most valuable cars in the world with a price tag north of £50million. Also in his garage are multiple LaFerraris, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB he snapped up for a cool £20million, as well as McLarens and a Ford GT. Ron DennisSir Ron Dennis made a handsome penny from selling his McLaren sharesCredit: GettyWork started last week on his new £30million Berkshire mansionThe enormous property includes underground Roman-style baths, and a private tunnel to the River ThamesAlthough his split from McLaren was far from amicable, Sir Ron still walked away with £275million after selling his shares back in 2017.And what better way to enjoy retirement than to build yourself a £30million ‘Bond villain’ mega-mansion that’s set to be one of the most lavish homes in the country.Work began last week on the 77-year-old’s new Berkshire home for the, which will feature a Roman baths-style underground swimming pool and even a secret tunnel to the Thames to access his boat.There’s also extensive staff quarters, a room just for glassware and crockery, and a hair salon for when you don’t have time to nip down the massive drive to the local barbers. I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?Sir Ron DennisIt goes without saying that the tycoon – who started life as a mechanic – is a massive car nut, once owning four go-karts built by McLaren for his own personal use.And planned for the new mansion is an underground garage complete with turntable to house his fleet of vehicles, including a McLaren worth £5million.“I love my McLarens,” he once told MailOnline.“I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?”, he added.Aerial pictures taken of the plot near Henley-on-Thames last week show that diggers have moved in to start excavating the site. Mark MateschitzMark Mateschitz is one of the world’s youngest multi-billionairesCredit: GettyThanks to the Red Bull fortune, Mateschitz owns a private island in the South PacificCredit: http://www.laucala.comThe Austrian had enough spare cash to snap up Bernie Ecclestone’s extraordinary collection of motorsCredit: Tom Hartley Jnr/PA WireIt’s hard to avoid being rich when you’re Mark Mateschitz – son of Dietrich, co-founder of the Red Bull beverage and sporting empire who passed away three years ago.Dubbed Europe’s richest millennial, Forbes estimates the 32-year-old’s net worth to be north of £30.8billion, making him the 31st richest person on the planet.And Mateschitz has proved keen to carry on his father’s connection to F1, as evidenced by an enormous purchase he made just this month.The young billionaire is the new owner of Bernie Ecclestone’s private car collection – featuring 69 Grand Prix cars estimated to be together worth £500million.The Red Bull owner is thought to own multiple castles and villas across his native Austria, and his rumoured to have a £43.5million pad in swanky Knightsbridge.Also inherited from his dad is the island of Laucala, Fiji, a billionaire’s playground with a luxurious private resort – which even has its own airline to ferry visitors to and from the tropical paradise. And as if the Red Bull billions weren’t enough already, Mateschitz is currently dating heiress to the Swarovski crystal fortune, Victoria. Together, they’re working on a brand new getaway – a multi-million pound villa Marbella, close to where Victoria’s mother lives. Bernie EcclestoneBernie Ecclestone celebrating his 90th birthday with wife Fabiana FlosiCredit: Instagram @fabianaecclestoneEcclestone named his £30million superyacht after his daughter, PetraCredit: RexBernie Ecclestone’s daughter, Petra, is thought to be the owner of this giant 57,000 square ft. Beverly Hills home which was reportedly bought for $150millionCredit: Splash NewsHe enjoys lavish holidays with wife FabianaCredit: fabianaecclestone/InstagramThe F1 supremo himself has amassed billions of the decades, and the 94-year-old certainly knows how to spend it.As we revealed, he was once the owner of a car collection worth around £500millionAmong his property empire was a London home overlooking Kensington Palace, which sold for £57million, and he bought his daughter Tamara a £70million London mansion complete with gold bathtub and 50 staff. He’s now living in Switzerland in a £23million chalet called Le Lion, located in the resort town of Gstaad, along with his wife Fabiana Flosi.Ecclestone – who has an estimated net worth of £1.85billion – also owns not one, but two massive yachts.Read More on The SunThe £30million Petara, named after his daughter, can accommodate up to 12 guests and boasts a spacious interior.Then in 2022, he snapped up the 63 metre-long Force Blue for the bargain price of £6.6million, which features a spa, cinema, and nightclub onboard. 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      Michael Schumacher signs charity helmet with help from wife Corinna in one of his only public acts since ski crash

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      MICHAEL Schumacher has made a rare and moving gesture as he signed a crash helmet with the help of his wife Corinna.It marks one of the stricken F1 legend’s only public acts since his devastating ski accident in the French Alps 12 years ago.Michael Schumacher has signed a helmet with the help of his wife Corinna in a rare gesture since his horror ski crashCredit: AlamySchuey’s intials ‘M.S’ can be seen signed on the bottom part of the helmetCredit: Matt Wardle and Bell RacingMark Stewart, the son of former British racing driver Jackie Stewart, holds his father’s old helmet as he talks to Lewis HamiltonCredit: AFPThe helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Jackie Stewart’s dementia charityCredit: ReutersThe seven-time world champion, who has not been seen in public since, added his initials “M.S” to a helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart.The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart’s charity Race Against Dementia.“It is wonderful that Michael could sign the helmet in this worthy cause – a disease for which there is no cure,” Stewart told The Daily Mail.“His wife helped him, and it completed the set of every single champion still with us.”Read more on SchumacherThe gesture is all the more moving given Schumacher’s long and silent absence from the public eye.After suffering a life-threatening head injury during a skiing trip in Méribel, he was placed in a medically-induced coma and is believed to have required round-the clock care ever since.He now lives at a £50million custom-built property on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where he is cared for by a dedicated team of medical staff.Corinna, who has fiercely guarded his privacy, has created a tightly-controlled inner circle around the F1 legend, now 56.Most read in MotorsportOnly a handful of trusted people are granted access, including ex-Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his former teammates Felipe Massa and Luca Badoer, as well as longtime manager Sabine Kehm.Stewart’s white helmet, adorned with his trademark Royal Stewart tartan, will be revealed at Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateThe 85-year-old will also take to the track in his 1973 championship-winning Tyrell for an exhibition lap – a tribute to both the past and his personal battle off the circuit.The Scotsman founded Race Against Dementia after his wife Lady Helen was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014 – just months after Schumacher’s accident.In an emotional BBC interview, Stewart revealed that Lady Stewart recently failed to recognise him for the first time. “Just the other day it was time for dinner, she’s getting up and I’m sitting close by, and she says, ‘Where’s Jackie?’ That’s the first time that’s happened and that’s only a few weeks ago,” he said. “A bad feeling came over me.”The helmet, now signed by every living F1 world champion, will be auctioned to fund a groundbreaking new blood test developed by Cambridge University.It is hoped the test could detect early signs of dementia before symptoms appear.Schumacher has stayed away from the public eye since his devastating accidentCredit: AFPThe stricken F1 legend has since has become a grandfather after daughter Gina (C) gave birth to a baby girl in MarchCredit: InstagramMichael Schumacher’s rare public contribution comes after he became a granddad for the first time last month.His daughter Gina welcomed a baby girl, Millie, announcing the news in a social media statetement.It read: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29th, our hearts are fuller than ever.”We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives. #welcomeMillie.”Read More on The SunGina, 28, revealed she was pregnant shortly after tying the knot to partner Iain Bethke at a villa in Majorca last year.There was speculation at the time that her F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof. More

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      ‘She didn’t know who I was’ – Bellingham & Kane’s pal George Russell shares wild story of meeting influencer girlfriend

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      GEORGE RUSSELL will not rest until he becomes world champion.And he has Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in his corner — who both know a thing or two about goals.George Russell has opened up on how he met girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtCredit: InstagramThe pair met after Russell’s mate could not make the dateCredit: InstagramRussell is a friend of Jude Bellingham, who gifted him a bespoke ‘George 63’ Real Madrid shirtRussell has also done some charity work with one of Harry Kane’s charitiesThe 27-year-old from Kings Lynn has never been one to be daunted by big reputations.Russell is back in Bahrain this weekend — scene of his sensational 2020 Mercedes debut as a stand-in for Lewis Hamilton, where he was only denied victory by a pit-stop blunder and a slow puncture.Handed a permanent drive by the team in 2022, he went wheel-to-wheel with ­seven-time world champ Hamilton during their three years as team-mates.And he told Max Verstappen to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine after the pair were hauled before stewards following a feisty Qatar Grand Prix in December.READ MORE IN F1Having done the hard miles with a struggling Williams team before making his mark alongside Hamilton, Russell now has the biggest opportunity of his career as he leads the iconic Mercedes team.There is still a feeling he remains in the shadow of fellow Brits Hamilton, now fulfilling his ambition of driving for Ferrari, and Lando Norris, this season’s F 1 world championship leader after four races.But Russell told SunSport: “I’m not underestimated by the people that know me in this paddock.“The paddock knows what I’m capable of and that’s why I remind myself of my very first race with Mercedes five years ago.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“I have been team-mates with the greatest of all time for three years.“And my stats speak for themselves, so I don’t think anybody in the sport should underestimate me.”George Russell furiously hits back at Max Verstappen after the F1 world champion’s stinging criticism of him Wolves fan Russell has taken inspiration from his friendships with England football heroes Bellingham and Kane.Bellingham gifted the driver with a bespoke ‘George 63’ Real Madrid shirt, marking his car number, earlier this year.Russell said: “I’ve met Harry, I did some work with one of his charities.“I always keep up to date with the Bayern Munich scores and his personal stats — and I’m desperate for them to win the league.“Me and Bellingham started to get to know each other recently.“He’s a great guy, we have an ­adidas connection and I’ve promised to get him to a race this year.”While Kane and Bellingham hope to land England’s first trophy since 1966 after a string of near misses, Russell will not rest until he has secured Formula One’s ultimate honour.Asked if he is satisfied with his progress since his Mercedes drive, he admitted: “Yes and no because I want to be a world champion, I want to be fighting every year.“But it would be irrational of me to say I’m not where I want to be, because in these past five years I could not have fought for a world championship.Carmen hails from Jerez in southern SpainCredit: InstagramHe admitted Carmen had no idea who he was when they first metCredit: Instagram“I didn’t have the machinery to do that, the same way as Lando for two years did not have the machinery and now he does.”Russell keeps his circle small but his rock is his fashion influencer girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, who has been with him every step of the way for the past five years.Montero Mundt, 26, who hails from Jerez in southern Spain — where Russell raced many times in his younger years — was supposed to meet a friend of his for a date in London in 2020.Russell revealed: “My mate couldn’t make it, so I thought I’ll swing along to see how it goes.“She told me she’s from the south of Spain and she wouldn’t ever expect someone to know the small place she’s from.“I knew exactly where she was from, so it was quite coincidental.”Montero Mundt attends nearly every race with Russell and was by his side when he was left hyper-ventilating after overheating in the Singapore Grand Prix last year.Russell lost NINE POUNDS in the extreme heat conditions during the race and had to recover in an ice bath afterwards.He added: “I’m so fortunate with Carmen because we met before the craziness of F 1. We met organically and it wasn’t a set up.But Russell won’t rest until he wins a World Drivers ChampionshipCredit: AFPGeorge Russell F1 career stats (pre-Bahrain 2025)Races – 132 Wins – 3Podiums – 17Pole positions – 5Fastest laps – 8 Williams 2019 – 2021Mercedes 2022 – 2025*F2 Champion in 2018 – field including Lando Norris and Alex AlbonGP3 Series champion in 2017“She didn’t know who I was, she didn’t know F 1 and wasn’t even bothered by any of that. She is a very down-to-earth individual and we share values.“She’s such a hard worker, wants to achieve so much and she really recognises what it takes in my position to be at this level.“Having her on this journey means an awful lot to me because even though we are living our dream it can be a lonely lifestyle.“Having somebody to help you disconnect from that actually brings performance as well.”Russell is out of contract at the end of the season but is in no rush to put pen to paper on a new deal.He said: “I know that I’m going to be in this sport next year and I only want to focus on the performance.“If a driver starts stressing about his contract it shows they may not have the confidence in their ability.“I’m certain I have no concerns about my contract situation.”Russell is going about his business impressively enough this season.Read More on The SunHe trails third-place Oscar Piastri by just four points in the standings and could do with another big drive in Bahrain to close in on the top-two of Norris and Verstappen.And in a season which is already shaping up to be the most open for years, there is every reason to think Russell can fulfil his world title dream. 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      ‘That’s f***ing dangerous’ say F1 fans as Fernando Alonso’s steering wheel FALLS OFF as he approaches corner in Bahrain

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      FERNANDO ALONSO had a dangerous incident during the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix after his steering wheel FELL OFF mid lap.The bizarre moment came during the second practice session on Friday.Fernando Alonso’s steering wheel came off during the Bahrain GPCredit: F1The team ended up replacing the whole steering columnCredit: F1Just two laps into the session, the Spaniard’s steering wheel display went blank and moments later, detached from the steering column it had been attached to.Stunned by the malfunction, Alonso said over the team radio: “Change the steering wheel. There’s a problem with the steering wheel; it’s switching off.”Alonso had slowed down when seeing the issue as he approached the end of the lap, but after his wheel detached he ended up running wide into the ran-off area while frantically trying to reconnect it.He was fortunately able to do so and return to the pits unscathed, before his team took the car in to figure out what the problem was.READ MORE IN F1As it turned out, the problem was far more serious than the steering wheel itself, with the team taking 15 minutes to completely change the steering column before sending Alonso back out.The issue prompted an unexpected visit from FIA technical delegate, Jo Bauer, though no further explanation of the visit has been given thus far.Fans were also shocked at the incident, with one saying on social media: “Oh hell nah, this is everyone nightmares.”A second said: “Big yikes.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA third added: “That’s f***ing dangerous.”Speaking after the session, two-time F1 World Champion, said: “Yeah, the car [was] not working, and I could not shift gears at one point, so yeah, I had a dash off.’A pretty expensive poo!’ – Carlos Sainz risks ANOTHER fine for X-rated rant as he protests £17,000 toilet break penalty”So, I could not communicate with the team either, and yeah, in the last corner the wheel was off. “So yeah, we realised that maybe the steering column of the wheel or something had a problem. The mechanics quickly changed the parts and everything was fine.”So yeah, a moment there, but thanks to everyone in the garage to fix it quite fast.”Alonso ended up coming 15th in the session, paving the way for what looks set to be another tough weekend for the Aston Martin.The ex-McLaren, Renault and Ferrari driver said: “I think it’s going to be a tough weekend, unfortunately, we seem not to have the pace before coming here.”The characteristics of Bahrain was a little bit of a concern for us, for our package, and yeah, probably we confirm today that we are not competitive. “It’s going to be a tough weekend, but we will try to learn. We will try to push, and we are not giving up.” Read More on The SunAlonso is one of five drivers – Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto – yet to score points this year, while team-mate Lance Stroll has bagged 10 points.Elsewhere, FP2 was topped by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, leading from team-mate Lando Norris and Mercedes’ George Russell. More

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      ‘A pretty expensive poo!’ – Carlos Sainz risks ANOTHER fine for X-rated rant as he protests £17,000 toilet break penalty

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      CARLOS SAINZ risks a £34,500 fine for swearing as he protested his £17,000 penalty for having a POO!The Williams F1 driver panned FIA chiefs after he was punished for being “five seconds late” to the national anthem in Japan following a toilet dash.Carlos Sainz explained he had a medical reason for being lateCredit: RexGeorge Russell reckons Sainz was unlucky to be fined so muchCredit: RexEx-Ferrari driver Sainz was also upset at his hefty £17,000 Poogate fine at Suzuka – half of which has been suspended for 12 months providing he does not reoffend.But the Spaniard, 30, now faces an even bigger one after turning the air blue in yesterday’s press conference.Ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain GP, Sainz moaned at the FIA: “I’m the biggest supporter of punctuality and being a gentleman – especially for a national anthem, with all the authorities there.“So I was the first to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m sorry’.READ MORE IN SPORT“At the same time, I was five seconds late. And to be five seconds late and have to pay  10,000 euros. It’s out of the question that we’re having to pay this money.“I don’t know if I’m gonna get a fine saying this but, s*** happens.“I hope someone tells me where this 10,000 euros goes.”Britain’s seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton has also suffered  reprimands for tattoos and body piercings.And Mercedes driver George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, panned Sainz’s toilet punishment.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Brit said: “It’s not quite as straightforward as people think for us to be there on time.“We’re often running to the toilet and  sometimes there are none available between the time you jump out of the car and go to the anthem.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant “It’s a pretty expensive poo!”The FIA accepted Sainz was given medication for the problem which delayed his appearance.That meant his fine was cut from £51k (€60,000) to £17k, with £8.5k suspended.But in a lengthy statement the FIA added: “Notwithstanding the above, displaying respect for the National Anthem is a high priority and all parties need to consider every eventuality in planning to be in position for the Anthem by the required time.” More