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      Racing driver Marta Garcia rushed to hospital after horror fireball crash that left her trapped in car inhaling smoke

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      RACING driver Marta Garcia is recovering in hospital after a high speed crash left her trapped inside her flaming Porsche.The first F1 Academy champion smashed into a barrier at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Saturday.Marta Garcia was rushed to hospital after her car caught fire during a high-speed crashCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvGarcia’s car burst into flames immediately after the impactCredit: Instagram @motorsporttvHer Porsche 911 bounced back in front of a busy field of carsCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvGarcia posted a picture herself in a hospital bed on Instagram, alongside an update for fans.Credit: Instagram @martagarcialopez19Garcia was in the lead of the GT3 class for Iron Dames when her car was clippedCredit: RexThe incident occurred during Le Mans Cup action at the venue which plays host to Formula One’s Spanish Grand Prix.Garcia was in the lead of the GT3 class for Iron Dames when her Porsche 911 was clipped from behind by the second-placed Elesio Donno in the AF Corse Ferrari.The hit sent Garcia, 24, hurtling into the tyre wall barrier at speed as the wrecked airborne Porsche flew back onto the circuit, with cars surrounding it.The rear of the car then immediately burst into flames after coming to a stop in the middle of the back straight.READ MORE IN F1Several sets of tyres also flew across the track as drivers swerved and dodged the sea of debris.The race was instantly red flagged and Garcia later revealed she was trapped inside her car, before marshals broke the door to get her out.She was able to walk away from the wreckage and was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after inhaling too much smoke.But Garcia has since opened up about her panic while she scrambled to find a way out of the trapped door.Most read in MotorsportThe former Renault F1 junior driver posted a picture herself in a hospital bed on Instagram, alongside an update for fans.The Spaniard wrote: “Hello everyone, yesterday I experienced one of the toughest moments in my career.Garcia later revealed she was trapped inside her car, before marshals broke the door to get her outCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvDrivers swerved and dodged the sea of debris and the burnt out carCredit: instagram @ motorsporttvSky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’”The car caught fire, and although I managed to get out by myself, I inhaled some smoke and felt dizzy afterwards.”I couldn’t open my door because it was stuck from the impact, and I started panicking as more and more smoke was coming into the car.”Until the marshals broke the co-driver’s door and got me out. I’m so thankful to them for reacting so quickly and for the job they did.”Garcia will spend another night in hospital as a precaution.Thankfully, all the scans came back clear, but she feels “shaken”.After a lengthy clean-up, the race resumed with 30 minutes to go.The Le Mans Cup race was won outright by Cedric Oltramare and David Droux for CLX Motorsport in their LMP3 Ligier JS P325.Garcia was the first F1 Academy championCredit: Instagram @martagarcialopez19Garcia was part of Forbes 30 under 30 last yearCredit: instagram @martagarcialopez19 More

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      F1 star slapped with £17,000 fine following Japan GP after suffering medical issue

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      FORMULA ONE star Carlos Sainz has been hit with a £17,000 fine by the FIA for an unusual reason.The Williams driver was hit with the fine by the FIA for a breach of pre-race procedure despite suffering a medical issue at the Japanese Grand Prix.Carlos Sainz was hit with a £17,000 fine for a breach of race procedureCredit: GettyThe Williams driver missed the Japanese national anthem before the race with a stomach issueCredit: RexF1 drivers are expected to follow a strict schedule over the course of the weekend, including observing the host countries national anthem prior to the race start.But Sainz, 30, was suffering with a stomach issue before the race which caused him to miss the national anthem scheduled for 1.44pm local time.A FIA statement confirmed the Spanish ace was given medication for the problem which delayed his appearance.And it was for this reason that the fine was cut down from £51,000 (€60,000) to £17,000 (€20,000), with £8,500 (€10,000) suspended.READ MORE IN F1A statement from the motorsport governing body said: “The Driver Carlos Sainz is fined €20,000 of which €10,000 is suspended for a period of 12 months subject to there being no further breach of the above Article 19.4.b) during that period.”The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz), the team representative and Dr Messina of Med-Ex, and reviewed video evidence.”The Driver arrived at the National Anthem Position after the Anthem had commenced. “During the Drivers’ Briefing on Friday all drivers were reminded of the requirement to be in position by the time prescribed in the regulations and the need to show respect for the host country’s Anthem.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It is noted that the Penalty Guidelines prescribed in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, list a penalty for this offence, of €60,000. “However in mitigation, the Driver stated that just prior to the Anthem, he experienced discomfort due a stomach issue which delayed his appearance on the grid. Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’”This was verified by Dr Messina of Med-Ex who confirmed the issue and stated he had provided appropriate medication for the Driver.”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. “Hence a penalty similar to that imposed for a similar breach in Canada in 2024, is imposed.”Sainz finished the race down in 14th place, leaving him without points for a Sunday race with his new team.Williams’ team-mate Alex Albon finished in P9 to add to his P5 finish at the season opener in Australia at P7 result in China.Meanwhile, Max Verstappen made history by becoming the first driver to win at Suzuka four times in a row as he finished ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Elsewhere, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli broke two of Verstappen’s records as he became both the youngest race leader in F1 history and youngest ever driver to record a fastest lap. More

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      Our village is ruined by F1 HQ – it sounds like TORNADO & now they want to make it even bigger… we’re being forced out

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      FURIOUS locals are revving up for a battle with F1 motor racing team Williams over plans to expand its UK headquarters.Residents living close to the motor sport company’s site in Grove, Wiltshire, say they are already being driven round the bend by noise and traffic.The Williams site in Wiltshire has already been driving locals round the bendCredit: Jon RowleyNearby residents claim noise levels from the base are comparable to a ‘tornado’Credit: Jon RowleyThe company have reportedly bought farmland they wish to expand onCredit: Jon RowleyThey argue the biggest culprit is a giant wind tunnel used by engineers to test the aerodynamics of the super-fast Williams team’s cars.One local told The Sun: “When the wind tunnel is at full throttle you can hear it sucking in the air. It’s like a tornado.”We pretty much need a motorway here to deal with all the traffic this site generatesDisgruntled resident Now nearby homeowners fear their lives are going to be made even more of a misery.It comes after Williams submitted a planning enquiry to the local authority about expanding its already-massive base.Controversial plans include a helipad and car park for 800 vehicles.It is believed the company has already snapped up farmland next to its existing site with hopes to build on it, locals claimed.One resident, an IT director who lives just 50 metres from the Williams perimeter fence, said: “I’ve been following the Williams plans and it looks like this is the first step towards near-enough doubling the size of this site.“They’ve been clever because it’s just a scoping exercise at present to test the water and see what the planners think of their plans in principle.Most read in Motorsport“Doing it this way saves Williams a fortune because they don’t have to spend money on environmental impact reports.“If the council turn them down, it will have cost them almost nothing.F1 presenter Sandra Baumgartner celebrates cameraman’s birthday with Sky Sports presenter team “If the council says they might agree, subject to a detailed planning submission, at that point it will start to get expensive for them because they’ll need all sorts of environmental surveys done and they don’t come cheap.”It’d open countryside so there’ll be all sorts of flora and fauna to consider, as well as a brook.“Apparently they’ve bought a lot of land off a local farmer and are already starting to fence it off. I’d be pretty sure that’s where they’re looking to expand the site.“If they get the green light to expand, life for us locals will be a nightmare. It’s a beautiful part of the world – we’ve got so much nature on our doorstep and it will be ruined if Williams are given permission to cover everything in even more concrete.“The construction alone will take a couple of years and it will generate more noise and traffic chaos than I dare imagine.”Another resident, who asked not to be named, added: “If they get planning permission to expand this site, I’m going to sell up and move.“It’s already horrendous living here because of the constant flow of traffic in and out of the site .“The roads around here are already under incredible pressure because of the Williams traffic and every journey I take nowadays seems to take longer and longer.“We pretty much need a motorway here to deal with all the traffic this site generates.“It is noisy and dusty and a bigger site means more noise, dust and traffic. I don’t want to look out of my window onto an 800-vehicle car park and I certainly don’t want to hear helicopters clattering in and out 24/7.“I’m also worried about the environmental impact expanding the site will cause.”But others in the area welcome the potential expansion.One said: “This area needs jobs and we should be celebrating an employer who has the courage to grow their business.“There’ll be hundreds of construction jobs for starters and a bigger site means more jobs later down the line. Well done Williams.”Read More on The SunSomeone else continued: “I have nothing but respect for any company wishing to expand in this economic climate. People need to stop being nimbies and embrace the opportunities Williams give this town.”Williams was contacted for comment.F1 tycoon Ron Dennis starts work on £30m mansion with secret tunnel to River Thames, huge garage, & underground bathsBy Amelia StoutF1 TYCOON Ron Dennis has started work on a £30 million mansion – complete with a secret tunnel to the River Thames, a huge garage and underground baths.Diggers were spotted at the 175-acre plot of premium Berkshire parkland – which Ron bought after selling his McLaren shares for a whopping £275 million in 2017.The F1 legend, and former mentor to Lewis Hamilton, initially submitted plans for the mammoth project in 2018, but work never started.Updated documents were resubmitted to the planning authority in 2021 and approved in 2023.On the basement level, the 77-year-old plans to build a games room, wine cellar, cinema, gym, underground swimming pool – akin to Roman-style baths – and spa.A spiral staircase will lead up to the basement mezzanine level, which will come complete with its own water feature, as well as a car park and car wash.The ground floor will be home to a library and housekeeper’s office – with a guest wing and gallery on the first floor, and master bedroom and outdoor garden on the second floor.The structure will also be accompanied by a host of outbuildings – including stables and a boathouse.Plus, a tunnel will provide boat access down to the River Thames.In aerial shots obtained by the Mail, diggers could be seen beginning their excavation of the site.Markings could also be seen on the ground, plotting out the various sections of the development.Many cars and vans appeared to be parked at the temporary construction site.Residents have compared the sound of the cars to a tornadoCredit: Alamy More

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      ‘Our hearts are fuller than ever’ – Michael Schumacher becomes a grandad as family announce birth of daughter’s baby

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      LEGENDARY Formula One driver Michael Schumacher has become a grandfather after the birth of his daughter’s first child.Schumacher’s daughter, Gina, revealed she was expecting back in December and has now announced the arrival of the little one. Michael Schumacher has become a grandfatherCredit: InstagramDaughter Gina announced the birth of baby Millie on InstagramCredit: Instagram @ gina_schumacher’s profile picture gina_schumacherSchumacher poses and wife Corinna are grandparents for the first timeCredit: AlamyGina and husband Iain Bethke were married last year and have now welcomed their first childCredit: InstagramIn a statement on social media, Gina welcomed baby Millie to the world.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.”Naturally, Gina’s comments section was flooded with messages of congratulations and well wishes.READ MORE ON SCHUMACHERMessages from the likes of the Mercedes F1 team and Max Verstappen’s mother were amongst the comments.Gina, 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 seven-time F1 champion dad attended the wedding, but no proof.F1 legend Schumacher, 55, has not been seen in public since he suffered a serious head injury after a skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.Most read in MotorsportSchumacher is a seven-time world championCredit: GettyThe superstar hasn’t made a public appearance since a serious head injury sustained while skiing in 2013Credit: AFPMichael was left in a coma for 250 days and is believed to have needed around-the-clock care ever since.Since then, Schumacher’s wife Corinna has been creating a private world around Michael as he continues his recovery.’Oh s—‘ – Embarrassing moment F1 star drives past his own pit box after forgetting he’s switched teamsThis includes forming a tight knit group of people allowed to see the icon and those who can’t due to fear of his private life being leaked.Last year Schumacher’s son Mick is thought to have trusted girlfriend Laila Hasonovic with becoming part of the family’s close circle.The 24-year-old was reportedly given a vote of confidence by the Schumachers to see Michael early last year.Mick Schumacher reportedly let girlfriend Laila Hasonovic into the family’s inner circle last yearCredit: Getty More

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      Max Verstappen makes history as he pips Norris to fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix in first Red Bull win of season

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN returned to his usual spot as he took his first win of the season in Japan.The Red Bull driver edged out Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri the same way he did in qualifying as he won his fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix – the first driver in history to do so at Suzuka.Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix to become the first driver in history to win four consecutive GP’s at SuzukaCredit: ReutersVerstappen picked up Red Bull’s first win of the seasonCredit: ReutersVerstappen had earned pole position in qualification by setting an “incredibly rewarding” record lap round the Suzuka Circuit.And he used that advantage to nip right in front of Norris from the off, staying in front of the Brit for the entire race.In fact, Verstappen was leading the pack for the entire race, barring the laps he used to catch up following his pit stop.It was that pit stop that looked like it could have been a turning point, as both the Dutchman and Norris came in at the same time.READ MORE F1 NEWSChampionship leader Norris looked like he was going to squeeze past Verstappen as the pair returned to the track, but instead got caught in the grass and lost a second on his rival.From there, both Norris and Piastri were spending the rest of the race trying to make up ground on the four-time world champion.Birthday boy Piastri was actually looking the faster of the two McLaren drivers, but a decision was made to leave Norris in second to keep the 25-year-old in top spot in the Drivers’ Standings.Verstappen crossed the line in 1:22:06.983, with Norris trailing behind by just 1.423 seconds and Piastri taking third spot by 2.129.Most read in MotorsportLando Norris was caught in the grass as he came out of his pit stopCredit: GettyMcLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri propped up Verstappen on the podiumCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCharles Leclerc took fourth for Ferrari, while Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli made up fifth and sixth place.That makeup is the exact same as yesterday’s qualification.Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’Meaning it’s the first time in history that the top six has stayed the exact same on a permanent race track.Lewis Hamilton was the best of the rest in seventh spot, but still finished well behind any kind of podium spot.Verstappen said on the team radio: “What an unbelievable weekend. What a turnaround. We win together, we keep pushing together.”While in a post-race interview, he added: “The two McLarens were pushing me very hard. It started off quite tough this weekend and we had to keep improving the car, but today it was in top form.”It’s important to always maximise your performance and I think we did that this weekend”.Norris was asked after the race his thought on the incident that saw him head through the track-side grass after the pit stop, admitting it’s just part of the race.He said: “Max is the last guy I expect to give me space. In a good way, in a competitive racing way.”Read More on The SunElsewhere 18-year-old rookie Kimi Antonelli managed the fastest lap around the track in a promising start to life on the track.While Yuki Tsunoda improved on his qualification disappointment with a 12th placed finish, ending the race five spots above the man he replaced at Red Bull, Liam Lawson.Norris spoke about his incident on the grassCredit: AFP More

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      F1 Japanese GP LIVE RESULT: Max Verstappen edges Lando Norris to win at Suzuka for fourth straight year – latest updates

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has won the Japanese Grand Prix to seal his first victory of the season!The Red Bull superstar edged out McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third, respectively.Verstappen became the first driver in history to win four straight races at Suzuka.Result: 1. Max Verstappen, 2. Lando Norris, 3. Oscar PiastriBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…McLaren keep lead at the topDespite finishing second to Max Verstappen, Lando Norris kept his spot at the top of the driver’s championship.He stays one point ahead of his Red Bull rival.The big question will be whether McLaren learn from this missed chance where they opted not to let the faster Oscar Piastri to switch places with his teammate.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTeam celebrate combined effortMany felt this Red Bull car currently is unable to match the McLaren which is looking far more capable.However, Verstappen showed that there is one thing they overlooked, a superb driver.It was a brilliant performance from the current world champion, making it four Japanese Grand Prix victories in a row.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFun and games after competitionDespite going toe to toe for the entire race, it was business as usual on the podium.It is not customary to bathe your opponents in champagne, as magnums are emptied all over each other.Verstappen will take a lot of confidence from this race and remind McLaren they willl not be dominating this season as many thought.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedNorris shows class in interviewWhen speaking with Sky Sports, the first question they asked him was about the pit lane incident.The McLaren driver said that he didn’t expect to come out of their in front and Verstappen had no reason to let him through.It led to him losing the one second he gained from the rapid pit stop but it came and went in a blink of an eye.Copy linkCopiedRespect between rivalsOver recent years, when the top three drivers watch the race back, you could often cut the tension with a knife.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen seem to get on far better although this may just be a professional respect.From what we have seen so far this could be some battle this season.Copy linkCopiedRed Bull picking up pointsThe ‘Driver of the Day’ award has gone to Yuki Tsunoda.He finished in twelfth place but seemed to impress the fans who voted.It will take ssome of the disappointment away from his Red Bull debut.Copy linkCopiedBig result for Racing BullThis will be one to remember for Isack Hadjar.He secured his first five points as an F1 driver.While he finished quite some way behind Lewis Hamilton, he managed to hold off Alexander Albon and Oliver Bearman.Copy linkCopiedRivals take time to watch replay togetherMax Verstappen and Lando Norris watched the one bit of excitement when they came out of the pit lanes today.The McLaren had no space and headed over the grass, cancelling out the one second advantage they gained from their pit time.As they watched the replay, Verstappen commented “that’s quite an expensive lawnmower!”Copy linkCopiedImportant victory for Red BullYou felt the Japanese Grand Prix was a real chance for Max Verstappen to put pressure on Norris in the driver’s championship.Getting pole position was important, but not as much as the start to this race.The Red Bull driver got off quickest and then closed off the McLaren so they could not make a move on him.From that point he drove the perfect race to hold them off for all 53 laps.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedMcLaren fail to show team spiritThe big advantage they have this season, aside from having the best car, is their drivers seem to be neck and neck in races.That should allow them to operate as a team, something Verstappen hasn’t been able to do for some time.However, when Piastri was constantly putting in the fastest laps and trailed Norris by 0.5 seconds, you felt they should have switched positions to take on Verstappen.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedRed Bull gives you winsMax Verstappen has had a fantastic weekend in Suzuka.This is his fourth consecutive win in the Japanese Grand Prix.Currently, McLaren may well have the best car but Red Bull certainly seem to have the best driver.Credit: @F1Copy linkCopiedJapanese Grand Prix resultsHere are how the drivers finished:Max Verstappen (Red Bull)Lando Norris (McLaren)Oscar Piastri (McLaren)Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)George Russell (Mercedes)Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)Alexander Albon (Williams)Oliver Bearman (Haas)Copy linkCopiedMax Verstappen wins Japanese Grand PrixCopy linkCopiedLap 51/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen is putting his foot down more now.He is lapping quicker than Norris and looking to protect his lead.The McLaren would have to do something special from here to win.Copy linkCopiedLap 49/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondAntonelli has clocked the fastest lap of the race.The critical point in this finish will be Verstappen’s tyres.Norris is chipping away with each lap but he may not have enough of them left here.Copy linkCopiedLap 47/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondPiastri is in DRS range now.Norris is hunting down the Red Bull in first position.You have to wonder whether the McLaren driver left this a little too late.Copy linkCopiedLap 45/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondVerstappen leads by 1.3 seconds with 8 laps remaining.Norris is lapping faster than the Red Bull and looking to put the pressure on.This will be a big test for the reigning world champion.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLap 43/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere has been no news from the McLaren team.Norris would not be happy to hear they want him drop back.It would mean him no longer leading the driver’s championship.Copy linkCopiedLap 41/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondIt will be interesting to see the team tactics for McLaren here.Piastri is lapping much quicker of Norris and has closed the gap on his teammate to 0.5 seconds.If he is currently going faster consistently than the Brit, it may make sense to switch the pair.Copy linkCopiedLap 39/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThere were high hopes for Tsunoda this weekend.He really hasn’t produced at all in this race and is back thirteenth position, not a debut to remember.There is only 1.3 seconds between Verstappen and Norris, this could be some finish.Copy linkCopiedLap 37/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondThis is a good drive from Antonelli today.He became the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix in the process.Now he is lapping quicker than Hamilton and opening the gap.Copy linkCopiedLap 35/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondSurely the tactics for most in Japan will be a one-pit race.With 18 laps remaining, those on the hards should have no issue with tyres needing to be protected at all.Piastri puts in the quickest lap and closes the gap on teammate Norris.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLap 33/53 – Verstappen leads, Norris secondHamilton heads into the pits and comes back out in seventh.Antonelli is driving well, despite being on mediums he stayed out longer than Hamilton on hards.An unfortunate lock-up from the Ferrari was not what the Brit needed before heading into the pits.Antonelli finally heads into the pits.Copy linkCopiedLap 31/53 – Antonelli leads, Hamilton secondVerstappen has Hamilton in his sights now.He is trying to utilise the grip on those new tyres.The gap is so minimal, Hamilton will slide down the grid pitting, which will be on his mind.Copy linkCopiedLap 29/53 – Antonelli leads, Hamilton secondIt seems the front two are trying to build a lead now.Whether they can make enough of one to pit without losing any places is a big ask.Norris records the fastest lap to close the gap on Verstappen.Copy linkCopied More

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      F1 Japanese Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Max Verstappen on POLE for huge race ahead of Lando Norris – updates

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      FORMULA ONE travels to Japan in the third race of the 2025 season. Lando Norris currently leads the World Drivers’ Championship after two races, after winning in Australia and getting second in China. Lewis Hamilton will be looking for a boost in Japan, as he currently sits ninth in the Drivers’ Championship after two races. Max Verstappen will also be looking to improve on two second place finishes, as he aims to chase down Lando Norris at the top of the WDC.Start time: 6am BSTTV channel: Sky Sports F1BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below…Bear the fruitsOllie Bearman has revealed the stunning tactic he used to score a surprise top-ten qualifying result at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.The Haas rookie, 19, made a shock Q3 appearance after only running at best 15th fastest across the three practice sessions.But the Brit, racing at the circuit for the first time in his F1 career, turned his form around on Saturday to place P10 – his team’s best qualifying result at Suzuka since 2019.Speaking about his lap, Bearman revealed how using a tactic from “iRacing”, online motorsport races played through video games, had helped him gain vital time at the end of his lap.He said: “I had a snap in the chicane. I was taking more and more kerb every single lap, and the last lap was a little bit too much.“Every time I was doing it, I was gaining more and lap time, so I thought, why not take a little more?“I was going as tight as I could to the wall. I don’t know why not everyone is doing that.”Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedHow we start today1 Max Verstappen, Red Bull2 Lando Norris, McLaren3 Oscar Piastri, McLaren4 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari5 George Russell, Mercedes6 Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7 Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls8 Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari9 Alex Albon, Williams10 Oliver Bearman, HaasCopy linkCopiedRest of the gridCharles Leclerc will start from fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth after qualifying and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.After a controversial week at Red Bull, Liam Lawson managed to advance to Q2 for the first time this season and even finished one place ahead of replacement Yuki Tsunoda.Copy linkCopiedMore on the qualifying controversyWilliams chief James Vowles hit out at the FIA to fix the issues ahead of qualifying – after attempts to water and trim it on Friday proved ineffective.Vowles said: “I think it’s hampered all of us really.“It’s just when you get into the flow, you need a couple of laps on the softs to get it right. And we just didn’t get that nor did anyone else for that matter.”So definitely, we spoke to the FIA at the end of that one [FP3],” he added. “No one wants these, and it’s the same for everyone. That’s the best way I can put it.“So it’s down to us to make sure that we don’t get caught out by it.”Copy linkCopiedQualifying chaosQualifying for the Japan Grand Prix was clouded by smoke from trackside fires causing red flag chaos throughout the session.Suzuka Circuit looked more like a wildfire than a race track as grass fires broke out throughout qualification and practice.Saturday morning’s practice was hit by two red flag delays from the wildfires, while the qualifying itself saw another two fires cause chaos.Sparks flying from the cars were blowing in the air and landing on dry grass and causing it to set alight.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to the Japanese Grand PrixHello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of the Japanese Grand Prix!Max Verstappen put together a blistering final lap out of nowhere to take pole for Sunday’s race for the fourth time in a row – setting a new track lap record of 1.26.983.While McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were right behind in second and third.Verstappen said: “Yeah, I am [surprised]. Each session we kept making little improvements. Then the last lap was just flat out.”In a Formula 1 car around here is insane. This is a proper highlight for us to be back on pole here.”Meanwhile Charles Leclerc was behind in fourth, and Mercedes pair George Russell and Kimi Antonelli took fifth and sixth.Brit Lewis Hamilton trailed Isack Hadjar in eighth and rising star Oliver Bearman pushed his Haas car to the limit with a 10th placed finish.Copy linkCopied More

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      ‘Don’t know why everyone’s not doing it’ – Ollie Bearman shares shock tactic which saw him qualify top ten for Japan GP

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      OLLIE BEARMAN has revealed the stunning tactic he used to score a surprise top-ten qualifying result at the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix.The Haas rookie, 19, made a shock Q3 appearance after only running at best 15th fastest across the three practice sessions.Ollie Bearman scored a surprise P10 in qualifying for the Japanese Grand PrixCredit: RexBearman revealed the surprise tactic he used to earn his impressive resultCredit: RexBut the Brit, racing at the circuit for the first time in his F1 career, turned his form around on Saturday to place P10 – his team’s best qualifying result at Suzuka since 2019.Speaking about his lap, Bearman revealed how using a tactic from “iRacing”, online motorsport races played through video games, had helped him gain vital time at the end of his lap.He said: “I had a snap in the chicane. I was taking more and more kerb every single lap, and the last lap was a little bit too much.“Every time I was doing it, I was gaining more and lap time, so I thought, why not take a little more?READ MORE IN F1″I was going as tight as I could to the wall. I don’t know why not everyone is doing that.”“I was doing it since FP1. I thought that’s the real iRacing line there.”Bearman’s team-mate Esteban Ocon had a far less enjoyable session, being eliminated in Q1 and qualifying down in P18 which made the teen’s pace even more impressive.He added: “It was quite an unexpected result. I was really happy to be in Q2, so you can imagine how happy I was to be in Q3.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We were [estimating we would be] on the cut-off, from our predictions prior to the session, to be in Q2. “So when that lap finished and I think I popped up to eighth at the end of that Q2 lap, and then slowly back down and I just about managed to sneak into Q3, it was great.”Sky Sports F1 pundits in hysterics as star reveals he ‘almost crash’ after bizarre injury in ‘sensitive area’Qualifying was topped by a record lap time from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.Charles Leclerc and George Russell came in P4 and P5 respectively.Rookies Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar qualified P6 and P7 ahead of Lewis Hamilton in P8, with Alex Albon then making up the final driver in the top ten in front of Bearman.Hadjar told Sky Sports afterwards how he almost crashed after suffering a bizarre injury in a “sensitive area”.Qualifying and practice were hit with chaos as the sunny and windy conditions led to a number of trackside grass fires which suspended the sessions.Sunday’s race will see a cold front coming in with a chance of showers which should dampen the grass enough to stop any more fires popping up.Japanese Grand Prix qualifying resultsMax Verstappen Red BullLando Norris McLarenOscar Piastri McLarenCharles Leclerc FerrariGeorge Russell MercedesKimi Antonelli MercedesIsack Hadjar Racing BullsLewis Hamilton FerrariAlex Albon WilliamsOliver Bearman HaasPierre Gasly AlpineFernando Alonso Aston MartinLiam Lawson Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda Red BullCarlos Sainz Williams *three-place grid penaltyNico Hulkenberg SauberGabriel Bortoleto SauberEsteban Ocon HaasJack Doohan AlpineLance Stroll Aston Martin More