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      ‘Saw him and screamed’ – Fans stunned after spotting under-fire Man Utd boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘hiding’ at Australian GP

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE stunned viewers after popping up on TV screens at Formula One’s season opener in Australia.The Ineos chief was at the Albert Park race over the weekend with the Mercedes F1 team, which Ratcliffe owns a third of.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in attendance at the F1 Australia Grand Prix this weekendCredit: GettyThe Ineos chief owns a third share in MercedesCredit: GettyMercedes celebrated a podium with George Russell while rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli finished P4Credit: RexBut Ratcliffe has had a nightmare week dealing with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe chaotic race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris while Lewis Hamilton was left fuming at his new Ferrari team. But there was delight for Mercedes as George Russell scored a podium by finishing third and rookie Kimi Antonelli produced a strong recovery drive to go from P16 to finish P4 on his debut.While Ratcliffe would have been celebrating the success of the team, who now sit joint top in the F1 constructors’ championship, it was a far cry from the week he has had dealing with another of his teams. The British billionaire, 70, has had a nightmare week following a series of interviews he gave on Monday regarding his investment in Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe took a 27.7 per cent share last February, but his first year of managing the Red Devils has been overshadowed by controversial decisions and poor performances on the pitch.Man Utd sit 14th in the Premier League table and have only one realistic chance of playing in Europe next season via victory in the Europa League.Off the pitch, the club are £1billion in debt, including £300millon in transfer fees owed for players.Unpopular decisions have been made by the new club hierarchy brought in by Ratcliffe, ranging from the removal of a £40,000 donation to the Former Players Association, the sacking of 250 staff last summer, with up to another 200 set to follow, and the removal of concessionary pricing for tickets.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe also blasted the squad as “not good enough” and addressed mistakes he and the management team have made, including the sackings of Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth.That set of interviews came the day before Man Utd announced plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium.Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixAnd yesterday another Ratcliffe interview was released in which he planted the blame for the club’s demise at the feet of Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold rather than the much-maligned majority owners, the Glazers.Ratcliffe admitted if he got the same level of abuse the American owners got he would consider quitting his role, while he insisted the Glazers were “decent people”.Reacting to his appearance in the Melbourne F1 paddock, one social media user said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hiding in Australia with the F1.”A second said: “Jim Ratcliffe in the Mercedes garage instead of building Zippos circus for Utd.”A third said: “Saw Jim Ratcliffe appear on the screen on the f1 and screamed.”Man Utd take on Leicester this evening, and Ratcliffe will be hoping another one of his sporting investments can have a good day.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      ‘I’m about to cry’ – Fans praise Lewis Hamilton’s dad for classy gesture as he consoles F1 rookie after debut crash

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      FANS fell in love with Lewis Hamilton’s dad Anthony after spotting his classy gesture during the Australia Grand Prix.The Formula One season opener was hit by chaos as six cars crashed out in the changeable conditions.Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar crashed out of the formation lap of the Australian Grand PrixCredit: ReutersBut Anthony Hamilton was there to comfort the tearful 20-year-old after the incidentCredit: X @SkySportsF1Fans said they were going to cry at the heartfelt gestureCredit: X @SkySportsF1Hadjar blasted his own ’embarrassing’ error but said he appreciated the gestureCredit: GettyThis included Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who after impressing with P11 in qualifying ended up crashing out on the formation lap.The 20-year-old was visibly distraught after the crash and burst into tears trackside.But when he made it back to the paddock Anthony Hamilton was there to console him. Hamilton Snr could be seen giving the youngster, two years younger than Lewis was when he made his debut, a hug as they then carried on walking.READ MORE IN F1Spotting the interaction on social media, one fan said: “No way… Honestly I’m about to cry… sorry for him..Anthony Hamilton speaking to Hadjar.”A second said: “Papa Hamilton comforting Hadjar, I’m going to cry.”A third added: “Man that made me cry… Mr. Anthony Hamilton, what a kind soul you have.”Another said: “Seeing Isack cry while Anthony Hamilton comforts him is making me wanna bawl my eyes out.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHadjar is known to be a huge fan of Hamilton, and revealed he appreciated the gesture. He revealed the words of wisdom Hamilton delivered to him, saying: “Just keep your head high. I think he knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one, he knows how tough it feels.”He came to comfort me, I think it was a really nice gesture from him. But nevertheless it feels really hard and I feel really sorry for the team.”Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixHamilton Snr was reported as saying: “When I saw what happened to Isack my heart fell. I went to him and treated him like a father.”Despite the brilliant gesture, Hadjar was bitterly disappointed with his own performance, blasting the mistake as “embarrassing”.“I just lost the rear-end of the car, these cars in these conditions, they snap so fast, and it’s unsavable, couldn’t get the grip back.“I knew it was going to be tricky, on the laps to the grid I knew it’d be tricky. I’m sorry for the team right now, my close ones watching the race… it’s just embarrassing.”The chaotic race Down Under was eventually won by Lando Norris, whose drive was described as one of his “all-time greats” by Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle.Norris had lost the lead after going off track but managed to salvage his race to edge out Max Verstappen.Meanwhile, Ferrari suffered a disaster as they pitted their two drivers late on and dropped from a double podium to P8 and P10.READ MORE SUN STORIESHamilton was particularly critical of the move, swearing on the radio after saying the team had “missed a big opportunity”.The stars will go again in a week at the Chinese Grand Prix. More

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      ‘Just leave me to it’ – Lewis Hamilton in X-rated blast at engineer after Ferrari gaffe blows Australian GP chances

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      FUMING Lewis Hamilton swore down his team radio after a Ferrari strategy blunder blew his chances of Australian Grand Prix glory.Hamilton had scored P8 in qualifying on his debut for the Scuderia.Lewis Hamilton swore down the radio after Ferrari’s colossal strategy blunder during a rain showerCredit: GettyHamilton had been leading the race before he had to come in to change to wet tyresCredit: Getty More

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      ‘All-time greats’ – Lando Norris pips Max Verstappen in epic Australian GP after SIX drivers KO’d and Hamilton blunder

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      LANDO NORRIS won a thrilling season opener in Melbourne after SIX drivers were KO’d and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton gamble went horribly wrong.The McLaren driver held onto the lead by the skin of his teeth as Max Verstappen pulled it out the bag to finish a whisker behind him in second. Lando Norris won a chaotic Australian Grand PrixCredit: GettyNorris celebrated the win with his mumCredit: AFPNorris celebrates following his thrilling winCredit: EPANorris finished just ahead of VerstappenCredit: EPAThe wet conditions saw six cars crash outCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton had a Ferrari debut to forget as he finished P10Credit: AFPHamilton was fuming with his race engineerCredit: GettyThe other McLaren, Oscar Piastri, suffered a nightmare ending having been hot on team-mate Norris’ heels throughout before spinning off the track and onto the grass with 11 laps to go. It meant Verstappen overtook him and Piastri finished in ninth after starting the race in second after a front row lock-out for reigning Constructors’ champs McLaren.After the Piastri chaos, Lewis Hamilton was leading the race on his debut for Ferrari as the Italian team gambled by not pitting him and his team-mate Charles Leclerc.  But it did not pay off as Verstappen pitted and hunted them down on fresh tyres, forcing them into the pits for a changeover. READ MORE IN F1The fuming seven-time world champion gave his race engineer Riccardo Adami a tongue lashing, swearing on his radio after Ferrari dropped down the positions and he finished in ninth while Leclerc settled for eighth. At one point Adami was trying to give Hamilton information about DRS but he says on his team radio: “Leave it guys, leave it. I’m learning the car as I go mate, just leave me to it with the DRS. It’s not an issue.”Earlier on in the race, Hamilton asked: “Tell me where I’m slow I’m having a hard time.”British Mercedes driver George Russell made it onto the podium in third and Alex Albon came in fourth in his Williams. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTo rub salt in the wounds for Hamilton, Lance Stroll also finished ahead of him in sixth for Aston Martin. SIX drivers did not finish the drama-filled race, including Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson. ‘Shock to the system’ – Lewis Hamilton makes surprise admission about progress in Ferrari car ahead of wet Australian GPRB rookie Hadjar crashed on the formation lap before he even started and was left crying with his head in his hands before Lewis Hamilton’s dad comforted him. “Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.”Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.”Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle called it one of Norris’ “all-time great” drives.After his disappointing debut, Hamilton said: “It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.”For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.”A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.”I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.” More

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      Rookie crashes on FORMATION LAP of Australian GP before bursting into tears and causing delay to start

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      THE FORMULA ONE season opener in Australia was hit by chaos before the race even started as rookie Isack Hadjar spun out on the formation lap.The 20-year-old, making his F1 debut for Racing Bulls this weekend, burst into tears after spinning out on his way to the grid as he struggled for grip.The F1 Australia Grand Prix saw its start delayed after Isack Hadjar crashed on the formation lapCredit: GettyRookie Hadjar’s crash caused a 15-minute delay to the start timeCredit: APHe burst into tears after the stunning crashCredit: GettyAnthony Hamilton was seen consoling the rookie back at the paddockCredit: X @SkySportsF1Hadjar ended up spinning and binning his car into the wall, seeing his raceday end before it had even begun after a strong qualifying session on Saturday which had seen him place P11.The French-Algerian racer was visibly distraught and burst into tears on his way back to the pitlane.Hadjar, who is known to be a Lewis Hamilton superfan, was consoled by the Ferrari driver’s dad following the unfortunate incident.Revealing what Anthony Hamilton said to him afterwards, he expained: “Just keep your head high. I think he knows what tough times are and I think he sees a rookie putting it in the wall on not even lap one, he knows how tough it feels.READ MORE IN F1″He came to comfort me, I think it was a really nice gesture from him. But nevertheless it feels really hard and I feel really sorry for the team.”The crash caused a race start delay of 15 minutes after an aborted start.When the Albert Park race did eventually get underway, two more drivers crashed out early on.Alpine rookie and home star Jack Doohan spun out at Turn 6 before crashing heavily into the wall and bringing the safety car out.Most read in MotorsportLast year’s race winner, Carlos Sainz, then spun out under the safety car to see three cars out of the race before a full lap had been completed under green flag conditions.The tricky wet conditions meant a full racing lap was not completed until lap nine of the Grand Prix.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThere were early pitstops from three stars – Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon, as they changed to a new set of intermediate tyres.Max Verstappen enjoyed a strong start in the race as he overtook Oscar Piastri and brought himself right up on the heels of race leader Lando Norris, but was unable to make a move before Piastri took the position back.Behind the scenes in Australia GP paddock including F1 star Lewis Hamilton’s new Ferrari baseMeanwhile, Hamilton – making his debut for his new team – had a more low-key start by remaining P8.By the end of the race SIX drivers had not survived the gauntlet as the changeable and slippery conditions sparked chaos across the grid.Norris won by the skin of his teeth ahead of Verstappen while Hamilton was left to rue a huge strategy blunder from his team.The seven-time world champion had briefly led the race when Verstappen had to pit from the lead, but Norris – by now back on intermediates after going off track – took the lead back.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe subsequent pit stop for Ferrari left Hamilton down in P9 before he ended in P10, managing to overtake Pierre Gasly but losing positions to Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri.And he was fuming with his new race engineer – launching an X-rated blast down the team radio after learning how they had blown their chance of a podium.F1 Australia results1. Lando Norris (McLaren)2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)4. George Russell (Mercedes)5. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)6. Alex Albon (Williams)7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)11. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)14. Jack Doohan (Alpine)15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)16. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)17. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)18. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)20. Oliver Bearman (Haas) More

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      F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari debut in epic opener at Albert Park – latest

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      THE Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari era begins in Melbourne as the greatest show in motorsport returns for another season.Hamilton, 40, made the switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia official over the off-season and will make his debut for the Italian team as he chases a record-breaking eighth world championship.However, the Brit has plenty to do in his first F1 race for Ferrari as he starts eighth on the grid, one behind new team-mate Charles Leclerc.Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen starts third on the grid behind Lando Norris and McLaren pal Oscar Piastri.Race time: 4am GMTTV channel: Sky Sports F1Live stream: NOW/Sky Sports appGrid: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Russell, Tsunoda, Albon, Leclerc, Hamilton, Gasly, Sainz, Hadjar, Alonso, Stroll, Doohan, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Ocon, Bearman.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… Norris delightedPace setter Lando Norris was in dream land with his pole, as you might expect.He said: “It’s the perfect way to start the year. Everyone at McLaren has done an amazing job to start with a one-two but it’s just qualifying, let’s see tomorrow, it’s going to be a tricky race but this is a good way to start.”The car is extremely quick and when you put it together it’s unbelievable but it’s difficult to put together.”Particularly after the first lap, when I went off and lost my lap, you’re in a tricky position – you need to risk it but not go too far because you can’t make a mistake. It’s a difficult balance. We know how quick Max and Red Bull are in the rain.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChucking it downAfter a scorching Saturday which saw temperatures of up to 37 degrees it is now chucking it down in Melbourne and the F2 race has already been axed because of the rain. Punters have not been put off though and are decked out in their rain ponchos, coats, hats and umbrellas in the stands. The official F1 forecast says conditions will start to improve and there will be a moderate chance of the odd shower during the race.It is also VERY windy too, with gusts of up to 60km, but drivers can definitely race in this weather. Copy linkCopied’A lot to dissect’ Lewis Hamilton finished eighth in qualifying and said he and the engineers had a lot of work to do to catch up to the front runners.He also revealed he doesn’t know the rain settings in his new car.Hamilton told Sky Sports: “We will just get ours heads down and start finding out why we are not on pace with the front runners.”Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. I’ve never driven this car in the rain, I don’t even know the rain settings but I’ve got to go and study that tonight and it will be a learning experience again.”Copy linkCopied2025 scheduleWith that change in schedule, here’s how the opening weeks of the season are looking,There are two races to start the season, then a break, before five races and another break. The calendar doesn’t head to Europe until May 18 – Imola – while plenty of British race fans will have July 6 at Silverstone circled.Copy linkCopiedAll the infoAlbert Park in Melbourne will host the first race of the F1 season.Last year, the Australian GP was the third race of the season but a tweak in the schedule has now seen it host the big opener.Verstappen won pole last year but brake failure saw him last just four laps before being forced to retire, with Carlos Sainz winning ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. The race starts at 4am GMT and will be shown on Sky Sports in the UK – their coverage is just about starting now. We recommend you follow our live coverage for all the thrills and spills from track side in Australia, of course.Credit: SplashCopy linkCopiedGrid in fullLando Norris was quickest in qualifying with McLaren the early pace setters as Oscar Piastri came second.Max Verstappen will start from the second row, in third.The full grid looks like this: Lando NorrisOscar 1PiastriMax VerstappenGeorge RussellYuki TsunodaAlex AlbonCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonPierre GaslyCarlos SainzIsack HadjarFernando AlonsoLance StrollJack DoohanGabriel BortoletoKimi AntonelliNico HulkenbergLiam Lawson Esteban OconOllie BearmanCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedHere we go!The new F1 season is finally here! After months of waiting – and major, MAJOR changes to the grid – we are back in Australia. Lewis Hamilton’s mega move to Ferrari dominated the headlines while the action was away and plenty of eyes will be on the seven-time champion at Albert Park.Hamilton didn’t enjoy the best qualifying session, however, and will start in eighth – one spot behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Kika Gomes sizzles in striped bikini as she supports boyfriend Pierre Gasly at Aussie Grand Prix

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      MODEL Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikini — as she and F1 driver boyfriend Pierre Gasly find their love is still in the fast lane.Portuguese Kika, 22, and Frenchman Gasly, 29, who drives for Alpine, were together at the Aussie Grand Prix.Kika Gomes shows off her racy lines in a striped bikiniCredit: Capture Media AgencyKika, 22, and F1 driver Gasly, 29, were together at the Aussie Grand PrixCredit: GettyPierre qualified 9th for today’s race in Melbourne.Whatever the result, he’s already a winner.Kika has been dating F1 driver Pierre since last October.She grew up in the fast lane with racing driver dad Gonçalo and TV host mum Maria.Read more on Kika GomesKika, real name Francisca, has collaborated with several beachwear brands including Calzedonia and Natura Portugal.Her mum Maria is a top TV presenter and model, and dad Goncalo was a racing driver.Gasly, 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.Most read in MotorsportWatch Pierre Gasly’s F1 car burst into flames forcing Frenchman to leap out of fire ravaged Alpha Tauri More

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      ‘I just don’t think that’s correct’- Lando Norris hits out at Drive to Survive after controversial Max Verstappen clip

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      LANDO NORRIS and his fellow F1 stars are fed up with Netflix’s hit series Drive to Survive.The fly-on-the-wall show has ruffled feathers in the paddock after airing its explosive seventh series just over a fortnight ago.Lando Norris hit out at Netflix for their ‘fabricated nonsense’ and ‘made-up scripts’Credit: EPAThe McLaren driver feels the makers overdid it with his rivalry with Max VerstappenCredit: AFPMcLaren driver Norris has slammed the mega-hit docu-series as “fabricated nonsense” with “made-up scripts”.The British 24-year-old is particularly fuming about episode two, Frenemies, which depicted a bitter feud between himself and his pal Max Verstappen as the duo battled for the title.Norris, who lines up on pole for Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix season-opener in Melbourne, has urged the show to stop painting Red Bull’s world champ Verstappen as the villain.That has irked the Dutchman and his team since the series came out in 2019.READ MORE ON F1When asked what bothered him most about the latest season, Norris said: “The portrayal of Max, and how we were against each other so much.“There’s already drama, they can just show the facts of the drama. They don’t need to do anything more than that.“Maybe it needs to be more of a documentary of the season more than a show, like they’re trying to do.“It’s a good thing for F1, good for the fans, they still get to see a lot behind the scenes which you never get to see. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”That’s important and I want them to keep doing it, but they need to come back to reality a bit more, it’s drifted too far away.”Netflix faced a backlash after airing a clip showing Verstappen looking glum in what appeared to be Miami when Norris secured his maiden win last term.F1 racing returns with the first event of the season the Australian Grand Prix But the cap he was wearing was from Zandvoort in Holland, where Norris also won, four months after Miami.Netflix said it was an “unintentional error” and have since changed the clip.Norris said: “They need to show the truth about people more. I’m not a fan of fake stuff. I want facts.“I don’t want made-up scripts and fabricated nonsense, which there is.“To portray someone in an incorrect way means people are going to have incorrect opinions on a person. F1 Australia results1. Lando Norris (McLaren)2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)4. George Russell (Mercedes)5. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)6. Alex Albon (Williams)7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)8. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)10. Carlos Sainz (Williams)11. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)14. Jack Doohan (Alpine)15. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)16. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)17. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)18. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)20. Oliver Bearman (Haas)”It’s almost lying in some ways. I just don’t think that’s correct.“I don’t think you can paint someone in the wrong picture when it’s not the truth. That line needs to be made clear.”There is no denying that the mega-hit documentary has done wonders for the sport’s popularity. F1 has enjoyed an extraordinary resurgence thanks to the show, with the fanbase almost doubling, the average age of viewers lowering by four years to 32, while female participation has also doubled.And an F1 spokesperson has hit out at Norris’ comments, saying: “Drive to Survive has been a very important part of growing the sport and reaching new audiences.’ALWAYS AN AGENDA’“We should focus on the positive impact of the series and not criticise something that has been beneficial to the whole sport.”The show isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, with an eighth season expected to be confirmed and film crews buzzing around the paddock.But Norris is not the only one who is grumbling about the show, with Mercedes driver George Russell, 27, expressing concerns about over-dramatisation and the show’s “agenda”.Episode three brings into question Russell’s ability to lead the team after a run of mistakes, which he dispels with a superb pole at Silverstone.F1 reporter Isabelle Barker’s predictionI EXPECT Max Verstappen to go all guns blazing over the next six-rounds. I also think his experience and aggression could give him the edge.It seems too little too late for Norris showing consistency, despite that dominant win in Singapore last time out.You can’t help think what could have been had he sorted out his first-lap issues sooner.Norris needs to prove he has the mental fortitude, because we all know he’s got the speed, the team and the fastest car.Verstappen has endured an eight-race winless streak, but he has still managed to score points, with three second-places during that time.So I think the Dutchman will lift his fourth world-title this season, by the skin of his teeth. He said: “There were two extremes from the first half to the last half of the episode. “Ultimately, I don’t really care how I’m portrayed there. I care how I perform in the car and how I work with my team.“There’s always an agenda for the best storyline possible, and that’s just the way the world is with these entertainment programmes.”Meanwhile, Verstappen has never been a huge fan of the show and could not resist twisting the knife in at Netflix’s Miami mistake.In Melbourne he said with a hint of sarcasm: “Apparently I was very sad after Miami. I literally had the best time ever Sunday night, so I don’t know what I was upset about.”They need to show the truth about people more. I’m not a fan of fake stuff. I want facts.Lando NorrisOn Norris’ comments and the error, a spokesperson for the producers of Drive to Survive said: “In order to help make F1 appeal to a wider audience, we tell these stories in an entertaining and compelling way, which has helped drive leagues of new fans to the sport, a legacy we’re incredibly proud of.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The series is produced under incredible schedule pressure, and sometimes mistakes do happen.“When these are pointed out to us, as was the case with some footage of Max post Miami GP, we move to correct these unintentional errors.”Netflix even used an incorrect clip from months earlier during one Drive to Survive episodeCredit: RexGeorge Russell made his feelings clear about the seriesCredit: Getty More