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      Jack Whitehall reacts to what Lewis Hamilton & Charles Leclerc did in F1 75 crowd as Brit legend predicts ‘trouble’

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      JACK WHITEHALL looked at the funny side after coming across Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc playing CHESS in the F1 75 crowd.The two Ferrari team-mates were spotted playing chess on their mobile phones during Tuesday night’s live event at The 02.Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were spotted enjoying a virtual game of chess during a live F1 eventCredit: GettyClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Jack Whitehall taking it wellCredit: GettyJack Whitehall found humour in the viral social media post and joked about his hosting skillsCredit: GettyHamilton and his fellow drivers attended F1’s London launch event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary.Teams revealed their car liveries in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000 fans ahead of the new season.But, with the teams appearing in reverse Constructors’ Championship order from 2024, there was plenty of time for Hamilton and Leclerc to pass as they waited for their big moment. The pair hatched a hilarious solution, pulling out their phones and starting a head-to-head battle over a game of virtual chess.READ MORE F1 NEWSClips of the interaction went viral on social media, with event host Whitehall coming across it later.The comedian replied to a post on X: “A lot of my audiences resort to this.”Hamilton and Leclerc’s chess antics are a positive sign that their relationship is in the right place heading into the new season.The Brit previously admitted there will “definitely” be “trouble” between himself and the French F1 star.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe seven-time world champ said: “Last year, we spent a couple of evenings together during the year at a couple of different races and had some good laughs.”So I know that we’re definitely going to get into some trouble and have some fun during our time here.”Whitehall meanwhile pulled no punches as he made fun of Max Verstappen and Toto Wolff, among others, during the show.As Whitehall walked past a grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to Russell.The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Moment diehard Lewis Hamilton fan chops down TREE to get better view of Ferrari star

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      THIS is the hilarious moment a Ferrari fan chopped down a tree to get a better view of Lewis Hamilton.The seven-time world champion began his love-in with the Italian team when he stepped into the cockpit of their new SF-25 car for the first time in Maranello.A Ferrari fan chopped down a tree that was blocking fans’ viewSupporters cheered as the obstruction was removedHamilton waved to fans on his arrival at MaranelloCredit: SplashHe took Ferrari’s new car for a spin for the first timeCredit: SplashHamilton’s first spin sparked mayhem among Ferrari’s fiercely loyal Tifosi support.But a tree blocked the view of hundreds who visited the F1’s team base to get a glimpse of the Brit at the Fiorano circuit.One fan took matters into his own hands and was spotted making his way up a 25ft tree to chop it down with an electric saw.There were cheers from supporters as the obstruction tumbled to the ground.READ MORE IN F1Hamilton completed a quick turnaround for the 9am run, having been on stage at London’s O2 Arena the previous night as the teams unveiled their new livery.There he had spoken about how he had been “invigorated” about his challenge with the Scuderia.Hamilton, 40, also aimed a dig at his former team Mercedes by saying his new car was nothing like he had ever experienced.He said: “I’m really conscious of the fact that there are only a handful of special first times in life — the first kiss, the first date, the first time of school, the first time in the job.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I honestly thought I’d had all my firsts and nothing would be new again.“Given I’ve raced for so long, even I’m surprised at just how much I still love what I do — it felt so new.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style“I remember putting my suit on, getting into the cockpit, and just the excitement I had was very reminiscent of maybe the first time I got to step in a Formula One car when I was 21 years old… 20 years ago.“But this time was different. I’ve always imagined what it would be like sitting in the cockpit surrounded by red.”Hamilton has been living and breathing life in Italy having spent 12 years with Mercedes, where he won six of his world titles after first making his name with McLaren.He has been living the ‘Dolce Vita’ — learning Italian and gorging on pizza. Hamilton added: “I’ve had quite a few pizzas but somehow lost weight! I love Italian food. Penne all’arrabbiata has always been my favourite dish.”He produced a squeaky-clean run in the new car having crashed the 2024 version at last month’s Pirelli testing in Barcelona.And Hamilton claimed: “It’s nothing like the car I had before over the last ten, 12, 17 years. It’s unique.“To feel the vibration of a Ferrari engine for the first time… wow.“That’s what ultimately put the biggest smile on my face.“I had seen all the drivers that have come before me in red and wondered how that would look on me.“It’s a real honour to be able to wear this badge and this suit. I hope I swag it out and make it look good.”Ferrari were able to complete a 200km shakedown with the car ahead of the official pre-season testing next week in Bahrain.Hamilton added: “I had been waiting such a long time for it, so firing the car up, it’s like such a new, uncharted journey.“It’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in as long as I can remember.“I knew that I would see the Tifosi on the bridge and to finally get to Turn One and see them down there, that was amazing to see.“And meeting the team, I was blown away just by the reception and the passion of the people.“I worked with two world championship-winning teams before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know what a winning team looks and feels like.“Everyone here, the passion is like nothing you’ve ever seen. They’ve got every ingredient they need to win a world championship.” More

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      ‘Cheer up Max’ – Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event

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      JACK WHITEHALL endured an awkward moment with Max Verstappen at Formula 1’s London launch event.Verstappen and his fellow Formula One drivers were all in attendance at the O2 Arena to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary as teams revealed their car liveries ahead of the new season.Max Verstappen had an awkward reaction to a joke about his argument with George Russell last yearCredit: XVerstappen accused Russell of being two-faced after he had been branded a ‘bully’ by the BritCredit: GettyAnd the reigning world champion was picked on by comedian-turned-presenter Whitehall over his argument with Mercedes driver George Russell towards the end of last season.As Whitehall walked pasta grumpy-looking Verstappen, he said: “Cheer up Max, it could’ve been worse.”We didn’t sit you next to George Russell.”Verstappen, 27, gave a polite smile to the comment before the camera panned over to a smiling Russell.READ MORE IN F1The Dutchman and Russell had heated run-in following the Qatar Grand Prix in December last year after Verstappen allegedly said he would deliberately crash into the Brit.But the argument boiled over at the season finale in Abu Dhabi as the 27-year-old branded the four-time world champ a “bully” — while Verstappen hit back by labelling Russell a “backstabber” and “loser”.Speaking at the event last night, Russell said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter, and insisted he had “no intention” of burying the hatchet.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest. That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it. But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.Watch moment Jack Whitehall shocks with joke about sex life with Roxy Horner at F1 event“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Meanwhile, Verstappen was less fiery on the subject, admitting he will put the issue to one side by saying: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Instead, Verstappen aimed his ire towards the FIA following their controversial introduction of harsher rules on drivers swearing during media duties.Drivers can be hit with a €10,000 (£8,300) fine for a first offence, escalating to a fine of €30,000 (£25,900) plus a one-month suspension and a deduction of World Championship points for a third offence.Asked about it last night, Verstappen went full Jose Mourinho as he said: “I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.”But in a roundtable discussion later on, he said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of F1 cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe first such case under these rules happened last weekend when World Rally Car driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 (£8,300) for using inappropriate language during a live post-stage interview.This included an additional suspended fine of €20,000 (£16,600). More

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      ‘Worse than showed on TV’ – Christian Horner brutally BOOED at F1 launch event in London a year on from sext scandal

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER was brutally booed at the F1 75 launch event at the O2 Arena in London.Fans filled the arena to watch all ten Formula One teams reveal car liveries and driver racesuits for the upcoming season.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was booed by the O2 Arena crowd at the F1 75 launch eventCredit: GettyIt came a year on from when he was embroiled in a sexting scandalCredit: SplashThe event saw a number of speeches from team principals as they looked to the season ahead.But when Red Bull boss Horner took to the stage he was greeted by a chorus of boos.Horner, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Horner, is a divisive figure among F1 fans due to his controversial way of handling team issues both internally and with rivals.The 51-year-old has previously been dubbed a “Karen” due to his incessant complaining against other teams when Red Bull have not been dominant.READ MORE IN F1Meanwhile, his handling of Sergio Perez last year did not win anyone over to his side either.Clips of the crowd reaction were shared on social media, with one fan remarking: “Oh my god the booing for Christian Horner was even worse than they showed on TV.”A second viewer said: “He’s genuinely disliked.”A third said: “Not loud enough.”Most read in MotorsportAnother said: “Love this.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLast year, Horner was involved in a stunning power struggle at Red Bull after he was embroiled in a sexting scandal in which an employee accused him of making suggestive remarks.The former member of staff launched an appeal after a judge cleared Horner of wrongdoing in March – with the appeal also being thrown out.Gordon Ramsay has his mic muted after making X-rated outburst at F1 75 Live launch event In a statement last August, his team said: “The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried out by another independent KC. “All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded, with the final outcome that the appeal is not upheld.”The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.” More

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      ‘He’s about to get fined’ – Gordon Ramsay has his mic muted after making X-rated outburst at F1 75 Live launch event

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      GORDON RAMSAY was hilariously CENSORED at the F1 75 launch event as he gave his thoughts on the FIA’s controversial crackdown on swearing.The celebrity, well-known for his potty mouth, is also a huge Formula One fan and is often seen in attendance at races.Gordon Ramsay was muted as he swore when discussing the FIA’s new rulesCredit: TwitterNew rules championed by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will see drivers hit with heavy fines for foul languageCredit: GettyAnd Ramsay, 58, was a special guest during the new F1’s season’s special launch event at the O2 Arena in London, which paid homage to the motorsport’s milestone 75th anniversary.The night saw the liveries of the ten teams revealed, also giving fans a chance to see the drivers in their new racesuits including Lewis Hamilton, who was in Ferrari colours for the first time.One of the big talking points ahead of the new F1 season is a further crackdown on swearing by the FIA, the sport’s governing body.Asked for his opinion on the rules by comedian-turned-presenter Jack Whitehall, Ramsay said: “Come on Jack you’re going to get me into trouble.READ MORE IN F1″I think it’s an industry language, the fact that these athletes are pushing themselves to the extreme and sometimes it comes out, let them be real. Let it go.”They’re risking their life everytime, they’re travelling at over 200mph so if the s*** hits the fan.”But Ramsay’s microphone was cut-out as soon as he began to say the word “s***”.Whitehall joked: “Gordon please. You’re not getting invited back next year.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe incident was clearly pre-planned but fans loved it on social media.One fan said: “Gordon Ramsay about to get fined.”Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in styleAnother said: “Gordon Ramsay about to get fined.”While a third said: “Just when I couldn’t love Gordon Ramsay anymore. He absolutely cooked.”The perceived over-policing of the rules last season led to clashes between F1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, and the FIA after drivers were fined for swearing during media activities.However, new rules announced in January are set to see an even heavier punishments.A continued offence for swearing could see drivers hit with a €120,000 (£101.5k) fine, a one-month ban and an unspecified number of championship points.The first such case under these rules happened last weekend when World Rally Car driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 (£8,300) for using inappropriate language during a live post-stage interview.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis included an additional suspended fine of €20,000 (£16,600).During a press conference at the launch event, Verstappen was asked about the new rules, to which he went full Jose Mourinho by saying he prefers not to speak. More

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      I’m one sentence away from ending my career at all times – it’s car crash TV and I’m terrified, admits F1 legend

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      FORMULA 1 legend Martin Brundle has branded his famous grid walk interviews “car crash TV” and admits he’s walking a career tightrope.The racing driver-turned-broadcaster, 65, prowls the racing grids in the moments before each race looking for superstar VIPs to interview.Martin Brundle pictured at F1 75 Live in LondonCredit: GettyMartin had a tough time getting answers from Cara Delevingne at SilverstoneCredit: Sky Sports F1Over the years, many have gone viral – from Ozzy Osbourne rambling at him incoherently to a very awkward exchange with Machine Gun Kelly about his music career.Sometimes celebs refuse to engage altogether like when Cara Delevingne controversially shunned him at the 2023 British GP, and he’s even been bundled from the race track by security.The chaotic, unscripted nature of his interviews has left him terrified it could all come crashing down on him live on air.In an exclusive interview with The Sun at F1 75 Live at London’s O2 Arena, he said: “I’m one sentence away from the end of my career at all times, or being cancelled.READ MORE ON MARTIN BRUNDLE”I’m terrified of the whole thing, because it’s live and it’s just pure car crash television. “Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Thee Stallion, I don’t know, getting knocked about by security guards. They’re the ones that people like.”And then I meet some really lovely, fascinating, world-class people, politicians and royalty and movie stars, and I’m very privileged with the people I meet on the grid.”Often celebrity guests admit to knowing nothing about the sport, something that drives die-hard fans who could only dream of being amongst the drivers on race day up the wall.Most read in Motorsport”I understand that,” said Brundle. “Because we watch Formula 1 year in, year out, racing ourselves, and they’re on the grid and they actually don’t know anything about it, and quite clearly don’t really want to be there.”They’re just selling a movie or something. I get that, but for Formula 1, they are A-listers.” ‘I’m in charge round here’ – F1 reporter Martin Brundle brushes off security to get to Mbappe for live TV interviewThe racing veteran, who spent 12 years as an F1 driver from 1984 to 1996, said that there are occasions when many lucky enough to be on the guest list don’t even turn up, with the new Las Vegas track a particular victim of no shows. He said: “I get a list through on it, race morning, with 70 people on it. Half of them don’t turn up, but you get through and you’re like, ‘I’ve not heard of many of those’. Oh, 65 million followers on Instagram. Oh, 140 million followers on Instagram.”How did I not hear of these people? Clearly somebody has. I think it’s all part of the incoming tide, all the boats float higher. That’s part of why something like this works today, and it hasn’t happened in the past.”Last night’s celebration of the sport’s 75th anniversary saw all 10 F1 teams unveil their 2025 liveries ahead of the new season.A spectacular production gave each team their moment in the spotlight to show off their driver partnerships and new look cars.Host Jack Whitehall brought the laughs, while the likes of Machine Gun Kelly, Kane Brown and Take That provided music.He met his match when he tried interviewing Megan Thee StallionCredit: Sky SportOzzy Osbourne made little sense when Martin interview him in 2003Credit: ITVThe most anticipated moment of the night was the chance to see Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari red for the first time.He certainly looked the part and Martin believes the move from Mercedes will reinvigorate the seven-time world champion.He said: “I think Lewis will be energised completely. He’s faster. Think back to Silverstone last year, think back to Las Vegas last year.”Lewis was fast as, and I think he’ll want to show everybody he’s made yet another good decision. “He’s got his hands full because Charles Leclerc is very fast. All the youngsters there, they’re barely half his age, some of them, and they’re fast and they’re fearless.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think he’s got a lot of hard work ahead, but I would never write Lewis out of my mind.”Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton will be re-energised this year, according to MartinCredit: PA More

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      Max Verstappen goes full Jose Mourinho in controversial press conference just weeks before start of new F1 season

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN channelled his inner Jose Mourinho during his press conference last night.The reigning world champion was appearing at Formula 1’s 2025 season launch event at the 02 Arena.Max Verstappen appeared at a press conference at the 02 ArenaCredit: GettyVerstappen, 27, was at Formula 1’s season launch eventCredit: GettyDuring his presser, Verstappen was quizzed about the FIA’s controversial new swearing rules.As part of its International Sporting Code, motorsport’s governing body has outlawed “any words, deeds, or writing that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally interest of motorsport on the values defender by the FIA.”Drivers will be slapped with a €10,000 (£7,900) fine for a first offence.A second penalty will be met with a $20,000 (£15,800) fine and a one-month suspended ban.READ MORE IN SPORTIf they breach rules for a third time, they will receive a one-month suspension, $30,000 (£23,700) fine AND a championship points deduction.Last year, Verstappen was made to complete community service in Rwanda after swearing in his Singapore Grand Prix press conference.Asked about the new rules on swearing last night, he said: “I prefer not to speak about that. Otherwise I’ll get in trouble.”The moment was reminiscent of Mourinho’s famous “if I speak I’m in big trouble” post-match interview.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMourinho delivered his famous line after a defeat to Aston VillaHe said the famous line after a 1-0 Chelsea defeat to Aston Villa in March 2014.Verstappen went on to add: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, I think that says enough.Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc arrive on red carpet at F1 02 car launch in style”I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell you how you should behave in life.”Verstappen’s rival George Russell took a different stance.He said: “As an individual it’s going quite far with everything.”As drivers we do show personality but I do think there is merit and no need to swear in an environment like this [press conference].”The season is set to get underway in Australia on March 16. More

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      We won’t go back to being best mates’ – George Russell no longer speaking to Max Verstappen after F1 feud

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      GEORGE RUSSELL has “no intention” of burying the hatchet with Max Verstappen following their explosive row last season.The pair went to war in last year’s finale in Abu Dhabi, with the British 27-year-old claiming Verstappen threatened to put his “f***ing head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix.George Russell says he didn’t speak to Max Verstappen over the winterCredit: AlamyRussell and Verstappen fell out after clashing at the Qatar GPCredit: GettyFour-time world champ Verstappen was branded a “bully” by Russell — with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling the Brit a “backstabber” and “loser” after he won the race, with his Mercedes rival trailing in fourth.Russell — speaking at Tuesday night’s  F1 75 event to celebrate the sport’s 75th anniversary at London’s O2 Arena — said he and the Red Bull driver “hadn’t spoken” over the winter.He added: “I’ve got no intentions to, to be honest.“That happened last year. I want to focus on myself.READ MORE IN F1“Things got out of line last year. We are not going to go back to being best mates, that’s for sure. I have no concerns about him or his driving. “I made it pretty clear I’m not going to take it.“But now it’s 2025 and I’m focused on the job and the job is to win.“So I’m not going to change my approach, fighting him or fighting any other drivers. The goal is the same.”Most read in MotorsportThe situation between the pair is set to remain frostyCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Verstappen admitted he will put the issue to one side. He said: “I have no intention to continue any beef in February.”Meanwhile, the Dutchman laid into the FIA for their new extreme swearing rules for the upcoming campaign, urging them to focus on more important issues.F1 star Ollie Bearman gets suited up ready for the 2025 season driving for Haas F1 Team Fines will range from  £34,000 to £152k, while Championship points can be docked and race bans  handed out for repeat offenders.In Singapore last year,  Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to complete community work after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.The 27-year-old said: “If you look at everyone’s reaction to it, that says enough.“In the heat of the moment when you get interviewed in your car, sometimes things slip out.“We grew up playing sports, it happens, you use a swear word.“We shouldn’t take it so seriously. I’m also not going to tell them how to behave in life.“You need to use a bit of common sense and, besides that, I prefer we actually focus on other topics — to try to improve safety, try to improve the overall performance of Formula One cars — instead of actually having to focus on all these kind of things.”Lando Norris revealed he expects McLaren to bounce backCredit: AlamyMeanwhile, British McLaren driver Lando Norris says his team have “no excuses” if they are not  competing at the front of the grid right from the off this season.McLaren won their first constructors’ championship since 1998 last year but Norris was runner-up to  Verstappen, 63 points adrift in the drivers’ standings.Red Bull had dominated the first five races which ultimately  left Norris with a mountain to climb.With the countdown to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16 underway, he said: “After last year  we have no excuses, I guess.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In the past we’ve had our fair share but honest and true excuses.“This year we  don’t  have any, we have nothing to hide behind.“We proved last year we have everything we need and everything  it takes to fight at the top and be  the best.” More