More stories

  • in

    Shocking pics show remains of F1 star Romain Grosjean’s car from dramatic Bahrain GP crash as it goes in exhibition

    THE charred remains of Romain Grosjean’s Haas F1 car from the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix are being put on display for the very first time.The Frenchman cheated death when he hit a barrier at 120mph, ripping his car in two before it caught on fire.
    The remains of Romain Grosjean’s Haas can now be seenCredit: PA
    The charred car had been kept under wraps since 2020Credit: PA
    The Haas car looks scarcely recognisableCredit: PA
    Grosjean miraculously clambered out of the infernoCredit: Splash
    Grosjean somehow clambered out of the inferno, suffering burns on his hands and ankle having been trapped for 28 seconds.
    The wrecked car has been kept under wraps for three years but has now been released to the public to see at the F1 Exhibition in Madrid.
    Grosjean, who now races in IndyCar in the United States, said: “From my point of view, it was a big accident but I didn’t realise the impact or how violent it was from the outside.
    “It was only the next day when I asked someone to show me what it looked like that I realised.
    READ MORE IN F1
    “My wife was actually watching that race with my dad and my kids. They will remember that moment their entire life.
    “They were just spectators waiting to hear something… waiting to see something from Bahrain.
    “I had to break the headrest, punching it with my helmet and then I eventually managed to get my helmet through and stand up in the seat.
    “I realised my left foot was stuck into the chassis and I pulled as hard as I could on my left leg. My shoe stayed in the chassis but my foot came loose so I was free to exit the car.
    Most read in Motorsport
    Romain Grosjean came away with burns on his hands and anklesCredit: Instagram / @grosjeanromain
    The car can now be seen at an exhibition in MadridCredit: PA
    Grosjean was stuck in the burning car for nearly 30 secondsCredit: PA
    “It was 120 kilos of fuel plus the battery – both were on fire. Dr Ian Roberts, Alan van der Merwe from the medical car and one fireman were trying to open a gap in the fire to help me get out.
    “I believe that helped me at least to get a vision of where I had to go and where the exit was.”
    The 2020 Bahrain GP proved to be Grosjean’s final race in F1.
    He missed the final two races of that season, replaced by Pietro Fittipaldi, before not having his contract renewed by Haas and retiring from F1.
    Grosjean did subsequently make a full recovery, however, and has competed in IndyCar since 2021.
    Having been stuck in the burning wreckage for nearly 30 seconds, Grosjean later revealed what was going through his head.
    ‘I PUT MY HANDS IN THE FIRE’
    Appearing on Nico Rosberg’s podcast, he said: “It felt much longer than 28 seconds. I saw my visor turning all orange, I saw the flames on the left side of the car.
    “I thought about a lot of things, including Niki Lauda, and I thought that it wasn’t possible to end up like that, not now. I couldn’t finish my story in Formula One like that.
    Read More on The Sun
    “And then, for my children, I told myself that I had to get out. I put my hands in the fire, so I clearly felt it burning on the chassis.
    “I got out, then I felt someone pulling on the suit, so I knew I was out.”
    The car hit the barrier at 120mphCredit: Reuters
    The race was red flagged for over an hour as the track was restoredCredit: PA More

  • in

    England women Euro 2022 winners up for Laureus team of the year award against Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Real Madrid

    THE LIONESSES have been recognised for their spectacular Euro 2022 triumph by being shortlisted for the Team of the Year category at the Laureus World Sports Awards.Head coach Sarina Wiegman masterminded England women’s stunning victory in extra time over Germany at Wembley last summer.
    England celebrate after winning Euro 2022Credit: Getty
    The squad have been nominated for the prestigious team accolade alongside World Cup winners Argentina, the France men’s rugby team, the Golden State Warriors basketball team, Red Bull F1 team and Champions League winners Real Madrid.
    England forward Ella Toone, who scored the first goal in the final against the Germans, said: “It’s amazing to be nominated for the Laureus World Sports Award Team of the Year.
    “It’s nice to have that recognition but we deserve it.
    “We deserve the attention we’re getting because of how well we did over the summer.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “We’re being recognised to show young girls that, yes, women can do it.
    “Women can put their mind to anything and achieve whatever they want to.
    “For us it’s about being role models to all those young girls starting out in their journey. We just hope that we can be role models to so many more.
    “We just want to show them that you can dream big and achieve your dreams.”
    Most read in Football
    SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
    Manchester United midfield star Christian Eriksen returned to football last year after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch in June 2021 when he was playing international football for Denmark against Finland in Copenhagen.
    The playmaker, 31, is on the shortlist for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award alongside 15-time major-winning golfer Tiger Woods.
    Footballers Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, tennis icon Rafa Nadal and F1 world champion Max Verstappen are on the shortlist for the Laureus Sportsman Award.
    Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is among the Breakthrough Nominees.
    The shortlists were compiled by a Laureus panel consisting of more than 1,400 global sports media.
    Winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards will be revealed in the next two months.
    2023 LAUREUS SPORTS AWARDS
    World Sportsman of the Year: Steph Curry (Basketball), Mondo Duplantis (Athletics), Kylian Mbappe (Football), Lionel Messi (Football), Rafael Nadal (Tennis), Max Verstappen (F1)
    World Sportswoman of the Year: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Athletics), Katie Ledecky (Swimming), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Athletics), Alexia Putellas (Football), Mikaela Shiffrin (Alpine Skiing), Iga Swiatek (Tennis)
    World Team of the Year: Argentina men’s football team, England women’s football team, France men’s rugby team, Golden State Warriors, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Real Madrid
    World Breakthrough of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis), Tobi Amusan (Athletics), Nathan Chen (Figure Skating), Morocco men’s football team, Elena Rybakina (Tennis), Scottie Scheffler (Golf)
    World Comeback of the Year: Francesco Bagnaia (Motorcycling), Christian Eriksen (Football), Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Athletics), Klay Thompson (Basketball), Annemiek van Vleuten (Cycling), Tiger Woods (Golf)
    Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Diede de Groot (Wheelchair tennis), Catherine Debrunner (Para-athletics), Declan Farmer (Para ice hockey), Cameron Leslie (Para-swimming and wheelchair rugby), Oksana Masters (Para cross-country skiing), Jesper Saltvik Pedersen (Para alpine skiing)
    Read More on The Sun
    World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Justine Dupont (Big wave surfing), Stephanie Gilmore (Surfing), Eileen Gu (Freestyle skiing), Chloe Kim (Snowboarding), Rayssa Leal (Skateboarding), Filipe Toledo (Surfing) More

  • in

    F1 star Lance Stroll suffers bike accident in training and OUT of pre-season

    ASTON MARTIN driver Lance Stroll will be forced to miss this week’s pre-season testing after having an accident while riding his bicycle.The Silverstone-based team say the Canadian suffered a “minor accident and sustained injuries which will result in him sitting out the pre-season test in Bahrain”.
    Stroll is into his seventh season in F1Credit: Rex
    Aston Martin announced the unfortunate news this afternoon
    The 24-year-old, the son of the team’s owner Lawrence Stroll, is expected to be fit for the season-opener in Bahrain on March 5.
    Stroll said: “I’ve had an unfortunate accident whilst training on my bike in preparation for the season. 
    “I am determined to get back in the car and I am excited about the season ahead with the team. I am motivated to bounce back from this setback as quickly as possible.”
    Aston Martin confirmed the news on their Twitter page this afternoon.
    READ MORE IN F1
    They said expect Stroll to make a quick recovery and said they will issue an update ahead of the opening race of the season.
    The news means new driver Fernando Alonso, who made a dramatic switch from Alpine last year, is now set to have all three days to himself to become acquainted with the new machinery.
    While this season won’t see the sweeping rule changes of last year, each team will still be looking to make tweaks to their car to find lap time.
    Pre-season testing gives fans the first chance to see who has gained some pace relative to their rivals and who needs to go back to the drawing board.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    While Alonso is new to the team, Stroll is now into his fifth season with Aston Martin, who were called Racing Point until 2021.
    Along with his initial years at Williams in 2017 and 2018, this is now the Canadian’s seventh consecutive season in F1.
    While he has developed a reputation for crashing, the star has also demonstrated genuine skill and pace and picked up some surprise podiums along the way.
    He is also known for his wet weather driving skills and grabbed his sole pole position in wet and slippery conditions during 2020 Turkish Grand Prix qualifying.
    After having to pit his wits against four-times World Champion Sebastian Vettel last season, Stroll will now need to show the same resolve against two-times F1 winner Alonso when the season kicks off next month.
    Max Verstappen is widely deemed to be the favourite heading into the season. More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton’s salary dwarfed by Max Verstappen’s but Mercedes ace still second-top earner as F1 stars’ wages revealed

    MAX VERSTAPPEN topped F1’s pay league last year with a staggering £45million.The two-time world champion maximised his contract with Red Bull in the 2022 season.
    Max Verstappen earns £16million more than Lewis Hamilton per year
    Max Verstappen earns more than any other driver in F1Credit: Getty
    Lewis Hamiltonis reportedly on £29m per yearCredit: AP
    His deal included bonuses for winning races, taking podiums and winning both the drivers’ and teams’ championship titles.
    Verstappen’s earnings dwarfed that of Lewis Hamilton, who is in the process of negotiating a new deal with his Mercedes team.
    Hamilton, who went winless for the first time in his F1 career last season, is understood to have earned around £29million, claim RacingNews365.
    He has now had first talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff over a new deal with the contract is expected to be a formality.
    READ MORE IN F1
    Hamilton, 38, is likely to be offered similar terms to his last contract.
    However, in the long-term he is seeking an ambassador position with Mercedes for when he eventually does call time on his racing career. 
    Both Hamilton and Verstappen have private endorsements too with the Dutchman having just signed a deal with Heineken.
    Meanwhile, Jenson Button expects Hamilton to come out of the blocks flying when the season starts next week in Bahrain. 
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    However, Button, who was Hamilton’s teammate at McLaren between 2010 and 2012, said when he struggled with an uncompetitive car, it led to him contemplating retirement.
    Button said: “It’s something we all go through in our careers. It’s a reason why a lot of people retire, they are not in a winning car anymore. That’s why I left.
    “You can deal with the pressure you put yourself under and the calendar, if you are in a winning car. When you are not, you are like ‘I’ve had enough, I want to get out’.
    “Mercedes have given him a winning car for so many years. Last year obviously they didn’t but the car did win a race last year [with George Russell], so you would say at the end of the year they were strong.
    “I think he’ll start this year flat-out. He’s going to be on it from the word go, so I look forward to seeing that.
    “It’s going to put a lot of pressure on George; it’s a good pairing. But Lewis will be on it from the word go and I look forward to that fight.” More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton’s boss Toto Wolff and rival Max Verstappen slam F1’s Drive to Survive on Netflix ahead of new series

    MAX VERSTAPPEN and Toto Wolff have expressed concerns over Drive to Survive with the hit series days away from its fifth season release. The fly-on-the-wall documentary series follows all 10 teams and provides fans with an insight to the drama that is missed by standard TV coverage.
    Drive to Survive is widely believed to have boosted F1’s popularity among younger audiences
    It has proven to be a huge hit and is often cited as a factor in F1’s popularity boom in recent years.
    But the series is not everyone’s cup of tea, including those at the centre of the drama.
    Verstappen, 25, initially refused to do any talking head interviews despite his boss, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, being one of the series’ main protagonists.
    But the Dutchman has dropped his boycott this year despite the unflattering review he provided ahead of the fourth season’s release previously.
    READ MORE IN F1
    He said: “They faked a few rivalries which don’t really exist. So I decided to not be a part of it and did not give any more interviews after that because then there is nothing you can show.
    “I am not really a dramatic show kind of person, I just want facts and real things to happen.
    “The problem is they will always position you in a way they want, so whatever you say, they will try to make you look reckless or trying to make you… whatever fits the story of the series.
    “So I never really liked that. I prefer to just have a one-on-one interview with the person who would like to know me.”
    Most read in Sport
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Lewis Hamilton’s boss Wolff revealed similar misgivings last year.
    He said: “It’s scary how much we let them in. You hate to see yourself in there. They create a spin to the narrative – they put scenes together that didn’t happen.
    “I guess you’d say as an insider, ‘well that’s different than how it was’. But we’re creating entertainment, and that is a new dimension of entertainment.”
    The most recent series of Drive to Survive followed F1’s most dramatic and explosive title race ever with Hamilton and Verstappen’s rivalry resulting in huge crashes and unprecedented last-lap drama.
    The upcoming series – which is released on February 24 – will review the 2022 season which saw Verstappen dominate, Mercedes struggle and Ferrari unravel. More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell ready to take on Max Verstappen for F1 title in 2023 season

    GEORGE RUSSELL is ready to take the fight to Max Verstappen this season.The Brit won his first Grand Prix last year in Brazil as he finished fourth in the drivers’ championship behind champ Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
    Mercedes’ George Russell is up to take on Red Bull superstar Max VerstappenCredit: PA
    However, after coming to terms with racing for a top team — and beating his Mercedes team-mate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton — Russell says his goal this season is to battle Verstappen for the title.
    Speaking at the launch of this season’s predominantly black Formula One car, 25-year-old Russell was in a bullish mood.
    He said: “I’m going into my fifth year of Formula One.
    “I have had three difficult years at the back of the grid and I feel like last year was a good taste but I feel absolutely ready within myself and the team I’ve got around me to fight.
    Read More on F1
    “We want to put that fight against Max. I’m sure Ferrari are going to come out the blocks fast too, so we want to fight against those guys and go for it.
    “This is why I had the dream of being an F 1 driver and what I’m working towards every single day, so we are going to be doing our best to achieve that.
    “We need to see what the car feels like. I was happy with how we maximised last year, in terms of getting the most out of a difficult package.
    “The great thing with this sport is it’s constantly evolving and it’s a new challenge every single year, because of the challenges you face, with the new tyres and the new car.
    Most read in Motorsport
    “I definitely feel I still have room to improve and that fills me with confidence because I still felt like I was performing at a very high level ,even though I know that I’ve got a lot more in my pocket.
    “I was on quite a steep learning curve but I feel like we’ve got a lot to come.”
    Russell made a stunning start to his Mercedes career with nine consecutive top-five finishes, including three podiums.
    But he admits he learned more from his poor races than he did his successful ones and that sometimes he was simply trying too hard.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    He added: “That was a big lesson I learned is that sometimes the harder you try, the more you push, sometimes the result isn’t better.
    “You’ve got to be very disciplined with yourself sometimes in your approach for knowing how hard to push.”
    Both Russell and Hamilton have got in some crucial running ahead of this week’s pre-season testing in Bahrain.
    The pair took part in a tyre test for Pirelli in Spain at the start of this month and drove during a filming day at Silverstone this week, which was  limited to 60 miles.
    Hamilton, 38, said: “I got in the car, I did 160 something laps in Jerez and I felt good.
    “As always, after the first day of running the back of your neck is always a sore part.
    “I’m sure, still, after the first days that we’re running, your body is still getting accustomed to the forces, as the car should hopefully be quicker this year.
    Read More on The Sun
    “It is always a much-anticipated moment for everyone at the factory that has been working so hard.
    “I’m incredibly grateful for all the effort.”
    Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell is confident ahead of next seasonCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Inside Lewis Hamilton’s intense six-hour a day training sessions and unique diet to get ready for F1 title battle

    LEWIS HAMILTON is in incredible shape as he prepares to hunt a record-breaking eighth F1 world championship.The Mercedes star trains up to six hours a day, five times a week to get in such amazing physical condition.
    Lewis Hamilton shows off his amazing physique
    Lewis’ dog Roscoe helps him in the gym
    The Mercedes star also loves being active even on holiday
    He is never afraid to try his hand at other sports
    Hamilton, 38, is seemingly getting in even better shape with age, recently showing off his abs in a photo posted by the Silver Arrows.
    He hasn’t just had it gifted to him, however – Hamilton works extremely hard on his body.
    The Formula 1 superstar often works out in his home gym, assisted by trainer Angela Cullen and kept company by dog Roscoe.
    Lifting the lid on his workout priorities, he told Men’s Health: “I like lifting weights, but I have to make sure that I don’t overdo it.
    READ MORE IN SPORT
    “Formula One drivers can’t be too heavy: more muscle means more kilos.
    “It’s also disadvantageous to put too much muscle on your shoulders and arms, because you need to have a low centre of gravity in the car.”
    On another area of focus that the layman might miss, Hamilton revealed: “Your neck is where– is probably the one that fatigues the most.
    “Your helmet and your head weigh a lot.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    Hamilton poses alongside Roscoe
    Hamilton glides across the water
    Sir Lewis’ travels have taken him to some amazing places
    Sir Lewis loves to ski
    “It’s about 22 pounds, and obviously, six times that weight through a corner for a sustained period of time is heavy.”
    The seven-time world champion is also a champion of plant-based diets – having adopted one during his time in New York.
    Explaining a key food that even petrolheads may miss, he gushed to Vanity Fair: “I used to look at hummus and I was like, ‘No way would I ever eat hummus!’
    “And I love it now. It’s my go-to thing every day.”
    In a 2020 Instagram post, Hamilton showed off his ripped abs in a mirror selfie, while also diving into how he keeps his body and mind in pristine shape.
    He wrote: “Every year I try to find the right balance between being the fittest athlete I can be, a good businessman and deliver on all platforms.
    “It is far from easy but I give it my all. I listen to my body, fuel it to the best of my knowledge. This year, I’ve managed to push further and be fitter and stronger than the years before which I’m so happy about.
    ‘HEALTH IS WEALTH’
    “I feel more ready than ever as I embark on my journey to the first race of the season. I just want to encourage you all out there, your body and mind are one.
    “Take care of it, feed your body and your mind with the right ingredients. Health is wealth! If you believe you can’t do something that is just the wrong attitude because you can do anything you put your mind to.
    “You need to develop a positive frame of mind and working out will help you do that and feel better about yourself. I know you can do it, now you need to know it too!!”
    Hamilton also enjoys taking part in other sports.
    Read More on The Sun
    He has been spotted surfing and skiing during his down time.
    While the adrenaline junkie also jumped out of a plane in 2021. More

  • in

    FIA U-turns in Lewis Hamilton battle as it agrees F1 drivers CAN make political statements… with one catch

    FORMULA ONE’S governing body have backed down in their row over banning drivers from making political statements.The FIA angered F1 drivers by changing the International Sporting Code in December to stop them from making political, religious or personal statements or comments without written authorisation.
    The FIA have softened their stance on political statements in a boost to Lewis Hamilton and CoCredit: AP
    Like Hamilton, McLaren’s Lando Norris blasted the FIA’s initial moveCredit: AFP
    Lando Norris claimed it made drivers feel like school children while Lewis Hamilton was defiant and said he would continue to make personal protests and comments that were relevant to him.
    The growing pressure has now forced the FIA to act and they have backtracked in a note to drivers that has allowed them to continue to make protests – but not at certain times during a race weekend.
    An FIA Spokesperson said: “A guidance note has been issued to participants that sets out the scope of the updates made to the FIA International Sporting Code in December.
    “The updates cement the FIA’s longstanding commitment to protecting motor sport’s neutrality, and will particularly ensure neutrality during key moments across all motorsport competitions, such as podiums, national anthems and official activities ‘on the field of play’.
    READ MORE ON LEWIS HAMILTON
    “It does not impose any additional restrictions on individuals expressing their views outside of these times.”
    The change to the rules now reads that drivers “can express their views on any political, religious or personal matter before, during and after” the race and in “their own space” such as social media.
    However, it adds that drivers are not allowed to air their views “during FIA press conferences (except in response to direct questions from accredited journalists) or during events such as the drivers’ parade, national anthem or podium ceremony.
    The FIA maintain that by changing the rules they want to ensure the sport remains politically neutral.
    Most read in Motorsport
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    The new F1 season gets underway at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5, with this year set to have a record-breaking 23 races on its calendar.
    A supercomputer has given its verdict on how the season will go including who will win the championship.

    Complete F1 2023 race calendar – every Grand Prix from this year More