More stories

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton lifts lid on amazing behind-the-scenes role in Brad Pitt F1 movie & why he was forced to call ‘bulls***’

    LEWIS HAMILTON has lifted the lid on his consultancy role in Brad Pitt’s new Formula One film.The movie – confusingly titled F1 – saw its first trailer released in July, but was divisive among motorsport fans.Lewis Hamilton has revealed his role in producing the new F1 filmCredit: RexThe movie is starring Brad PittCredit: GettyIt has a star-studded cast with Hollywood A-Lister Pitt starring with Damson Idris as the main cast, and has star power behind the scenes in the form of Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski.Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and composer Hans Zimmer are also playing roles to rev up the film, though it is the involvement of seven-time F1 champion Hamilton whose involvement could be most pivotal to whether it is a flop or bust.Speaking to Esquire, the 39-year-old explained his role as a producer and consultant for the movie and how he had licence to call “bull****” on some elements of the plot from screenwriter Ehren Kruger.He said: “Ehren basically did a ton of research, watched a lot of races, came to a bunch of races, and then went away and wrote up a script. But we would sit and talk about what racing is about.READ MORE IN F1″Then once he wrote the script, I would sit with him and call bulls***, basically, on the things that don’t seem real and are not what F1 is about and try to make sure that it’s as authentic as possible. “Then at the same time, I started a production company, so I’m a producer with these guys.”I’ve been able to be involved in all areas—so making sure the cast is diverse, making sure we’ve got a woman in a pit stop, which we never, ever had at the actual track. “Hans Zimmer was someone I wanted to have doing the [music for the] movie, so we have Hans Zimmer. Joe has been amazing at including me in everything.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhen asked specifically about what he has vetoed from the script, he added: “It would just be racing scenarios. Technical jargon engineers would talk.”But particularly racing scenarios and sequences between overtakes and pit stops and strategies and all those sorts of things. Watch moment distraught F1 star Lando Norris’ interview is interrupted by Hollywood stars filming ‘fake interviews'”There may have been a crash that was like the car hits the wall and flips and lands on the wheels and keeps going, and that doesn’t happen in Formula 1.”The film’s budget has reportedly swelled to a mega $300million due to delays.In a bid to add to its authenticity, footage from actual F1 weekends has been used, such as Pitt being seen in the media mixed zone following the race.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.Real F1 returns following the mid-season break this Sunday, where championship leader Max Verstappen will be eager to get back on the top step of the podium at his home Dutch Grand Prix.Hamilton won at the most recent race in Belgium after team-mate George Russell was disqualified when his car was found to be underweight in post-race checks.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

  • in

    Ralf Schumacher brands ex-wife a ‘liar’ & leaks messages ‘showing she knew he was gay’ after she claimed she had no idea

    FORMER F1 racer Ralf Schumacher has sparked a row after branding his ex-wife a “liar” and leaking WhatsApp messages that appear to show she knew he was gay.Cora Schumacher claimed she was blindsided when her ex-hubby came out as gay – and said she had “wasted” her years of marriage.German F1 racer Ralf Schumacher pictured with ex-wife CoraCredit: RexRalf revealed he is in a relationship with his French business manager Etienne (pictured right)Credit: InstagramAn alleged chat between Cora and Etienne that reportedly took place last yearCredit: Social MediaRalf Schumacher is the younger brother of seven-time world champion Michael SchumacherCredit: AP:Associated PressRalf revealed in an Instagram post last month that he is in a relationship with his French business manager Etienne.Cora, who married the former F1 driver in 2001 but called quits in 2015, suggested she had been completely unaware of Ralf’s homosexuality – and that he was dating a French guy. The former model said she felt “stabbed in her heart” after Ralf announced his relationship status.However, Ralf has now posted a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp chat between his ex-wife and Etienne – indicating she knew about it all along. more on Ralf Schumacher In the chat, which reportedly dates back to last year, Cora appears to congratulate Etienne about his new relationship with Ralf and says “[I am] so happy for you both”. She even appears to say she was “told they were married”. Ralf posted the WhatsApp chat on his Instagram and wrote: “With all the back and forth, I would like to make it clear that Cora congratulated us in September 2023 because she thought we had gotten married. “I think it’s a shame for Etienne and me that she spreads so many lies. We both just want to be left in peace.”Most read in MotorsportCora was left raging after Ralf leaked the Whatsapp chat, branding the move as “pathetic” and illegal”. She wrote on a social media post: “How pathetic does a person have to be to illegally publish private WhatsApp messages to conceal the truth?”The former model claims that Ralf had introduced Etienne merely as a business associate – and not as his boyfriend.She added: “The WhatsApp was my last attempt to at least find out the truth from him.”A sobbing Cora told Der Spiegel that she had been “psychologically manipulated by Ralf”. “I wish Ralf had included me or at least let me be part of his decision. It would have been a sign of respect,’ she told Der Spiegel.”During his career in F1, there were many rumours in the paddock. I asked him to clarify if what was being said was true, but he always denied it, telling me that I was imagining everything and that maybe I needed psychological help. “When he announced it, it was like a stab in the heart. Coming out always affects those around you, including the ex-wife with whom you had a child.”Today I feel used during the marriage. I feel like I’ve wasted my best years. I ask myself many questions. Was he honest with me?”Speaking of the row with his ex-wife, Ralf said it did not bother him anyway – and it did not put a strain on him. He told RTL added: “‘Definitely not on me, no.”Ralf’s son Davis has previously shown support to his dad on his relationship with Etienne, DailyMail reports.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I am very happy that you have finally found someone with whom you really feel that you feel very comfortable and secure, no matter if they are a man or a woman.”I am 100 per cent behind you Dad and wish you all the best and congratulations.”A sneak peek into Ralf Schumacher’s F1 careerRALF Schumacher is the younger brother of legenadry racer and seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher. Ralf stepped into the world of karting when he was just three years old and became quite successful at it. He then switched to motorsport racing and began competing in the German Formula Three Championship and the Formula Nippon series. The Jordan Grand Prix in 1997 marked his first race as an F1 driver. He then moved to the Williams team in 1999 and finished sixth in the Drivers’ Championship that year. The German racer won his first Grand Prix in 2001 and claimed fourth place in the Drivers’ championship. He went on to win five more races in the next two years. Schumacher left Williams at the end of 2004 and joined Toyota Racing in 2005.But his disastrous performance in the 2006 and 2007 season forced him to quit F1 racing. After leaving Formula One, Schumacher joined the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2008 but retired from the world of racing four years later. He is now a co-commentator for Sky Sport in Germany.Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher and his wife Cora, leave the church after a wedding ceremony in Maria Plein near Salzburg, Austria in 2002Credit: AP:Associated PressRalf’s French partner Etienne is seen on a yacht in Monaco harbour over an F1 race weekendCredit: InstagramCora claims that Ralf had introduced Etienne merely as a business associate – and not as his boyfriendCredit: EPA More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton reveals F1 retirement plan as he admits ‘I don’t know how much longer I can go’ ahead of Ferrari move

    LEWIS HAMILTON admits he cannot keep his pedal to the metal forever.The F1 great, 39, is set to join Ferrari next season.Lewis Hamilton admits he has a plan in place to call it a dayCredit: AFPThe Brit is joining Ferrari next seasonCredit: RexYet before making his debut for The Prancing Horse, he is already planning his dismount.Asked if he had a timeframe by Esquire, he said: “I definitely do.”There are days I’m like, shoot, I don’t know how much longer I can go. “There are days I’m like, shoot, I’d love a break, a proper break, because you don’t get a real big break in the season like other sports.READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWS”You don’t finish until mid to late December, and then you’re back into training already in January, and that’s two times a day you’re training.”There are another couple of hours of therapy that you’re doing during that time as well. So you’re not really getting a huge amount of downtime.”And in February, you’re flat out running until December.”But I do have mentally a plan of where I would like to extend to.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.”I’ve just got to strategise and sequence things. I’m very much about sequencing, like looking at brands that I collaborate with, companies that I’m essentially starting, how I manage my time between all those, and how I’m able to dedicate myself to this job still.”Is there a time when I’m not all in and I’m just not in love with it anymore? Watch Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton’s tense exchange after Hungarian Grand Prix as fans hint at ‘underlying issue’ “That’s the moment that hopefully never happens, in the sense that I’ve fallen out of love with it.”But I will know when I need to stop.”Hamilton won the Belgian GP in dramatic style last month after team-mate George Russell was disqualified hours after the race had finished.The stewards found that Russell’s car – which ran a one-stop strategy – was underweight after it was drained of fuel during the usual post-race checks.It was Hamilton’s second victory in three races going into F1’s summer break, with Max Verstappen topping the standings.The Dutch Grand Prix will see the competition resume next weekend.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and TBCMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and TBCRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

  • in

    Iconic F1 track looks unrecognisable as it is demolished and reduced to heaps of rubble just three weeks after race

    THE iconic the Hungarian Grand Prix track looks virtually unrecognisable after being reduced to RUBBLE.Large parts of the the racetrack have been totally demolished just three weeks after McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won his first-ever F1 race there.The home of the Hungarian GP looks unrecognisableCredit: INSTAGRAM @hungaroring_officialMost of the track and grandstands have been demolishedCredit: INSTAGRAM @hungaroring_officialWith works planned to go until 2026Credit: INSTAGRAM @hungaroring_officialOne part of the track had already undergone a successful revamp before the GP three weeks agoCredit: INSTAGRAM @hungaroring_officialWork on the rest of the changes has startedCredit: INSTAGRAM @hungaroring_officialThe Hungaroring, known for its twisty and tight layout, is poised for significant upgrades under new ownership.The renovation comes after the track’s Formula 1 contract was extended until at least 2032.The planned changes include a new control tower, an updated main entrance, and the construction of a new media centre.Drivers will be happy to learn that a brand-new pit lane complex is also being constructed.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe paddock and fan zone behind the main grandstand had already undergone a speculator revamp before the Hungarian GP this year.Hungary’s Department of Defence, the State Secretariat for Sport, took over the ownership of the circuit in 2023.The redevelopment of the circuit will occur in stages, taking place between hosting the Hungarian GP each year until 2026.A total of 1,500 people have been working on the project, with four tower cranes and five mobile cranes in action.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAdditionally, the circuit will undergo modifications to meet the standards required for hosting a round of the MotoGP.Drivers and teams are currently enjoying a summer break and will resume the season at the Dutch racetrack on August 23.I’m a motorsports prodigy aged 18 – I have 1.5m followers on Instagram and already investing my winnings into propertyHamilton was pictured enjoying the Olympics in Paris, while George Russell took a well deserved holiday to the Cayman Islands with girlfriend Carmen Mundt.Last time out, Russell was emotionally stripped of his win at the Belgium GP after the stewards found him underweight in the post race checks.Hamilton, who finished behind Russell in an impressive Mercedes one-two, was handed his second GP win of the season after he lifted the British title for a record ninth time.Oscar Piastri won the Hungarian GP just three weeks agoCredit: The Mega AgencyThe track is known for its twisty and tight layoutCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Michael Schumacher’s son Mick, 25, set to be offered shock F1 return for 2025 with brand new team

    MICK SCHUMACHER is set to be offered a Formula One return with Sauber – soon to be Audi – next year, according to reports.The 25-year-old, son of seven-time F1 world champion Michael, was dropped from the motorsport in 2022 after two tough years at Haas. Mick Schumacher could be given an F1 contract for 2025 by Sauber, soon to be AudiCredit: Mick SchumacherSince then he has performed as Mercedes’ reserve driver and has also raced for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship this year.Four seats remain up for grabs in F1 for 2025 at Mercedes, Alpine, RB and Sauber, who will be replaced by Audi from 2026.And according to reports from Germany, it is Sauber who are set to offer Schumacher a chance at redemption.It comes following the appointment of former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, who oversaw Schumacher in the Ferrari driver academy for three years – as chief technical officer at the Swiss team.READ MORE IN F1Their project has also seen them land Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley as their team principal from 2025.Nico Hulkenberg – who is seeing out the 2024 season at Haas – has already been confirmed as one of Sauber’s two new drivers for next season.German publication Auto Motor Sport reports the team missed out on its two preferred candidates, with Carlos Sainz going to Williams and Esteban Ocon going to Haas.With the available experienced heads of the current field – Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen – also not putting in inspired displays this season, Sauber are considering a younger candidate.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet another problem comes into play here as well, with only 20-year-old Zane Maloney in the team talent pool.Meanwhile, Schumacher is viewed as a “relatively low-risk” option, since they would be able to easily look for a replacement in 2026 if he fails to perform.Rebecca Donaldson’s Glamorous Getaway with F1 Star Carlos Sainz Other drivers the team are considering are Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, Liam Lawson and F2 championship leader Isack Hadjar.F1 is currently in the middle of its summer break, with racing not returning until the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25.Three-time world champion Max Verstappen currently leads the drivers championship by 78 points from McLaren’s Lando Norris.However, the Red Bull drivers has achieved just one podium in the last four races, with George Russell, Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton all coming home to take race wins in his place.Seven-time world champion Hamilton has taken two of these, with his latest at the Belgium GP only coming after Mercedes team-mate Russell was cruelly stripped of the win after his car was found to be underweight.Verstappen, 26, will be hoping to get back to winning ways at his home race of Zandvoort.Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen have also been linked with the vacant seatCredit: RexF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and TBCMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: Pierre Gasly and TBCRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

  • in

    Kika Cerqueira stuns in striped bikini after teaming up with F1 boyfriend Pierre Gasly

    KIKA Cerqueria Gomes shows off her racing stripes after teaming up with her Formula 1 boyfriend for a new campaign.The Portuguese beauty, 21, posed in a blue string bikini as part of a swimwear shoot for Calzedonia.Kika Cerqueria Gomes looks stunning as she poses in the sea in a striped bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyKika and boyfriend Pierre Gasly recently teamed up to model sunglasses from his Hawkers rangeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-IwiQqCiww/?img_index=1She has been dating Alpine racer Pierre Gasly, 28, since 2022 and they recently teamed up to model sunglasses from his Hawkers range.Alongside snaps of them in the shades, he wrote on Instagram: “New ‘L’equipe’ drop is out!!! “Let the summer begin.”Kika’s, real name Francisca, mum Maria is a top TV presenter and model, and dad Goncalo was a racing driver.read more on f1Gasly, 27, drives for the Alpine team now co-owned by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce.He is considered as one of the sport’s biggest rising stars.Frenchman Gasly showed good clutch control as he hugged Kika on a holiday in Italy earlier this year, after joking she was his “lucky charm” at race weekends.Earlier this year he also splashed out on a stunning helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef while on holiday in Australia.Most read in SportPierre Gasly enjoys dinner with Michael Jordan as NBA legend hilariously wears F1 star’s helmet and signs his trainers More

  • in

    Christian Horner cleared for second time over sexting scandal which threatened marriage to Geri

    GERI Halliwell’s  husband  Christian Horner has been cleared for a second time over the  sexting scandal which rocked their marriageThe Red Bull Formula One boss, 50, was accused by an employee of making  suggestive remarks, while texts were also leaked.Christian Horner has been cleared for a second time over the sexting scandalCredit: GettyGeri Horner is ‘very relieved’ that the employee’s appeal was thrown out, a source revealedCredit: GettyShe launched an appeal after a judge cleared Horner of wrongdoing   in March — and that has  also been thrown out.The F1 team said in a statement: “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.”READ MORE ON CHRISTIAN HORNERA source told The Sun that the drama had meant “weeks of hell” for the family, and added: “Geri is very relieved.“It has been a horrible process but she has loyally and staunchly stood by Christian throughout the entire ordeal. “They are on summer break at the moment so I’m sure this will be happy news for them. This is vindication for them.”The couple’s marriage had been put under pressure by the accusations of “inappropriate behaviour”.Most read in MotorsportChristian, who is paid £8million a year, denied any wrongdoing.And  he and Geri put on a united front as the initial complaint was dismissed less than 24 hours before the first practice session of the season.Inside Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen’s feudHowever, the alleged sexts were later leaked, along with an email purported to be between the woman and Christian, 50.He refused to comment to the Press.Geri, 52, was said to be left “mortified and angry” and for a while even reverted to her maiden name.The couple’s marriage had been put under pressure by the accusations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’Credit: GettyGeri and Christian have put on a united front during the scandalCredit: PAThe Sun’s front page after Christian Horner was cleared the first timeCredit: The SunBut she made a rare appearance at Silverstone last month as a show of support for her embattled husband.The couple, who wed in 2015, put on a brave face and posed for family snaps alongside her daughter Bluebell, 18, their son Montague, seven, and Geri’s step-daughter Olivia, 11.The unnamed complainant has been suspended by the team. More

  • in

    F1 could return to Africa for the first time in three decades with country set for ‘serious’ talks to host Grand Prix

    FORMULA ONE chiefs are set to hold talks with representatives of Rwanda next month over a Grand Prix bid.The F1 calendar is expected to expand in the near future amid the sport’s rapid growth in popularity.F1 chiefs are set to hold talks with Rwanda representatives over a potential African GPCredit: ReutersLewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for the sport to return to AfricaCredit: GettyAnd returning to Africa is understood to be a top priority for organisers.The last time an F1 race took place in Africa was in 1993 at the Kyalami Circuit, South Africa.While several countries in the region have expressed a desire to host a Grand Prix, Rwanda’s plans are considered the most advanced at this stage.For that reason, F1 chiefs are prepared to hold talks with the country’s representatives.Read More on F1F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed a meeting has been set up for next month.He told Motorsport.com: “They are serious. They have presented a good plan and actually we have a meeting with them at the end of September. It will be on a permanent track.”Domenicali continued: “We want to go to Africa, but we need to have the right investment, and the right strategic plan.”We need to have the right moment, and we need to make sure that also in that country, in that region, in that continent, there is the right welcoming, because, of course, they have other priorities.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We need to be always very careful in making the right choices.”Rwanda has shown an increasing interest in motorsport over the years.Cost of an F1 carRepresentatives of the Rwanda Development Board travelled to the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year to meet with the FIA.The East African country will also host this year’s FIA Annual General Assembly and Prize Giving Ceremony in December.Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has repeatedly called for F1’s return to Africa.Speaking ahead of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, Hamilton said: “There’s one more race we need and that’s going to be Africa.”We have all the other continents and why not there? So that’s the one I’m working on pushing right now.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More