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      Max Verstappen’s dad reignites Christian Horner feud as he makes shock ‘sabotage’ claims against Red Bull F1 chief

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER and Jos Verstappen reignited their bitter feud yesterday.Red Bull’s boss and the dad of Max Verstappen, 26, were at war again over Jos claiming Horner sabotaged his plans to drive in this weekend’s Legends Parade.Red Bull chief Christian Horner’s row with Jos Verstappen shows no sign of endingCredit: GettyLivid Jos slammed “childish” Horner saying he is “completely done” with him as he attended his first race since Monaco over a month ago.Horner claimed he did NOT block the plans, with Jos due to drive the RB8 in a show lap of several historic cars at the Red Bull ring tomorrow.The duo first locked horns in a fiery season opener in Bahrain after a female colleague of Horner made a complaint against him of inappropriate behaviour.But 50-year-old Horner, who denied the accusations, was cleared of the allegations after a private independent investigation.READ MORE F1 NEWSIn Bahrain, Jos said the team would “explode” if he remained in charge and could be “torn apart”. And it seems yesterday’s drama was the last straw.He said: “Over the past few days I have heard from several quarters that Horner has done everything he can to make sure I don’t drive.“And to make sure that nothing would be filmed. I think, ‘say it to my face’. This way it doesn’t have to be for me, I find it very disappointing.“How childish can you be? There was going to be filming, also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here.“I would have been allowed to drive in the end but I backed out. I find this so childish of Horner but I think it says something about him.”The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyThe woman who made accusations about Horner’s behaviour was suspended and is set to appeal against Red Bull’s decision to dismiss her complaint.In March, Horner said it was “time to draw a line under” the controversy.Yesterday, he said: “The Legends Parade is something that is organised by the circuit. There was no veto from my side. I’m sure the Legends will be in action later.“The relationship with Max has always been very strong. He’s a key part of our team. He’s our driver, he’s the one that is important to have a strong relationship with.“I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past. Whatever Jos’ issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”Tensions have been bubbling since Thursday after Verstappen confirmed for the first time with a “yes” that he would be driving for Red Bull next year.Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028, has been linked with Mercedes given Lewis Hamilton sealed a shock move to Ferrari next year.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 After Verstappen’s comments, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “I don’t think he clearly said yes.”Horner fired back at Wolff yesterday and said: “I thought Max was pretty resolute in what he said in this conference. He’s always been absolutely consistent in that with the team.“With Toto I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction. If he does want a Verstappen for next year, then I guess Jos is potentially available!”And Horner took further aim at Mercedes and Hamilton by saying: “The driver who has created all the movement in the market [Hamilton] had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulation, and chose to leave Mercedes.”Verstappen blocked out the noise to take pole in the sprint qualifying at the Austrian GP.READ MORE SUN STORIESHorner added: “Despite the distractions, we’ve won 70 per cent of races, including two sprints and seven poles and lead both world championships.“I can’t control relationships with drivers’ fathers. But my focus is on our drivers and team.”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 TBCWilliams: Alex Albon and TBCSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBCAlpine: TBC x2RB: TBC x2Haas: TBC x2 More

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      Lewis Hamilton squirms awkwardly as George Russell makes ‘Spanish girlfriends’ joke at his expense in F1 fan zone

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      GEORGE RUSSELL joked that Lewis Hamilton has “Spanish girlfriends” during a fan event at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend.The Mercedes pair appeared on stage in front of fans in Barcelona.George Russell made a quip at Lewis Hamilton’s expense on stageCredit: XHamilton, 39, is set to leave Mercedes at the end of the yearCredit: RexRussell, 26, has been dating Carmen Montero Mundt since 2020Credit: GettyDuring the conversation with their host, Russell admitted that he enjoys Spanish food.The Brit, 26, then claimed that this is largely down to his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundit, who he has been dating since 2020.When this was pointed out, Hamilton, 39, said: “I don’t have a Spanish girlfriend so I don’t really know a lot of Spanish foods.”Russell then left him stunned by joking: “You don’t have a Spanish girlfriend, you have Spanish girlfriends.”READ MORE F1 NEWSWhen the delighted crowd cheered, Hamilton wore a stunned smile before shrugging and saying: “Okay.”Hamilton then swiftly moved as Russell laughed, continuing: “I don’t know a lot of… couscous?”The crowd then laughed awkwardly as it was suggested to Hamilton: “Paella?”Fans then chuckled more, with some even jeering, as the seven-time world champion responded: “I don’t… what is that?”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHamilton went on to claim that he may not have heard of it as it contains meat, and he is a vegan.But his host then vowed to pass on a vegan recipe.The richest Wags in F1 revealed with some earning thousands from InstagramHaving quipped on stage last weekend, Hamilton and Russell are set to compete on the track for different teams next year.Russell will be Mercedes’ main man, while Hamilton will join up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.The Mercedes has again struggled to compete for wins and podiums this season.Russell is currently seventh in the driver’s standings on 81 points, with Hamilton a place back on 70.Last weekend the veteran secured his first podium of the season, coming third in Barcelona only behind Lando Norris and race winner Max Verstappen.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Mercedes hire private investigators to identify source of mystery emails claiming team are ‘SABOTAGING’ Lewis Hamilton

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      MERCEDES have reportedly hired private investigators to detect the source of anonymous messages that claimed Lewis Hamilton is being ‘sabotaged’.The 39-year-old is leaving the Silver Arrows at the end of the season after having confirmed he’d sign a two-year deal with F1 rivals Ferrari.Mercedes have hired private investigators to identify source of emails claiming team are sabotaging Lewis HamiltonCredit: RexIn a statement released today, meanwhile, Northamptonshire Police said no crime has been committed.But Mercedes have outsourced the matter to a firm that specialises in these kinds of private investigations, according to The Mail.A spokesperson told The Mail: “It is being dealt with externally.”This development comes after Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff stated last week that he would ‘go full force’ over the accusations.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe messages and email were sent to members of the Formula One community and Mercedes staff.And the email purported to be from a Mercedes team member.It was titled: ‘A potential death warrant for Lewis,’ and argued that the seven-time world champion was being endangered by being given cold tyres.This allegation was then repeated in the phone messages.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe correspondence claimed that a ‘scorned’ Wolff was favouring his other driver George Russell after Hamilton announced his decision to switch to Ferrari.Ahead of last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished third, a place ahead of Russell, Wolff admitted he was unhappy with the allegations.Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for himWolf said: “It is not from a member of the team. But it is upsetting, particularly when someone is talking about death.”I don’t know what some of the conspiracy theorists, lunatics, think out there.”A police spokesman said: ‘Northamptonshire Police received a report on June 12 regarding an email that had been circulated within the Mercedes AMG F1 team.”No criminal offences were found to have been committed. However, advice was given regarding any further emails the team may receive.”A Mercedes spokesman told The Mail that the team believe the email was sent by a random Hamilton fan.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner. More

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      Schumacher family ‘tormented by father-son blackmail duo who threatened to publish info about stricken star on dark web’

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      TWO men accused of a blackmail plot against Michael Schumacher’s family threatened to publish information about the stricken star on the dark web, say prosecutors. German cops claim the father and son pair planned to extort millions from the Schumacher family by tormenting them with secret files on the Formula One ace.A father and son duo have been arrested over a blackmail plot against iconic Formula One driver Michael Schumacher and his familyCredit: AlamyMichael’s wife Corinna has been targeted by blackmailers in the past looking to extort millions from the stricken familyCredit: AFPGerman cops claim the father and son pair planned to extort millions from the Schumacher familyCredit: NetflixMichael with his son Mick and daughter Gina-MariaCredit: NetflixThe two suspects from Wuppertal, Germany were caught on Wednesday 19, June after being tracked down in a supermarket car park.The blackmail suspects – a 53-year-old father and his 30-year-old son – attempted to torment Michael’s family through the chilling extortion plot, according to the Wuppertal public prosecutor’s office.Family employees close to wife Corinna Schumacher were said to have been approached by the pair who claimed to have found a file of secrets on the F1 driver.Michael, who hasn’t been seen or heard from for over a decade after a horror ski crash, has been looked after by his close-knit family since the accident.read more in Schumacher According to the Wuppertal office, the men said the family wouldn’t want the files to become public due to what they contained.To keep the information private the father-son duo demanded they were sent millions to keep the information off the dark web.The suspects were even alleged to have sent some of the files to the family as proof, the prosecutors said on Monday.Cops were able to track down the extortionists through “technical measures”, report Focus.Most read in MotorsportBoth men were swiftly detained as it was revealed they are both already on probation for a prior offence.They are now in custody and are waiting to be taken into court.Schuey’s family awarded £170k damages over AI-generated ‘chat with F1 star’Michael Schumacher’s inner circle is headed up by wife Corinna who has been targeted by fiends in the past.In 2016, a 25-year-old man known as Hüseyin B sent a threatening email to Corinna targeting the couple’s children.The mum-of-two quickly passed on the email to the police who swiftly tracked down the painter.After being arrested, the thug was sent to court where a judge sentenced him for a year and nine months behind bars.The perpetrator was reportedly caught after he told Corinna to send him the money to his personal bank account – something the police easily traced back.At the hearing, judge Eberhard Hausch said: “To put it gently, putting your own account number there is not very smart.” In May, the Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legend.German publication Die Aktuelle claimed to have secured a “world exclusive” with the severely injured Ferrari great last April despite Michael not being seen publicly since his 2013 skiing accident.In a two-page spread, promoted with a picture of Schumacher, it claimed the seven-time F1 champ had said “My life has totally changed”.The sickening bot even spoke about the racing hero’s physical condition, family and future recovery prospects.Another legal battle in 2016 was waged after German magazine Bunte reported the racing legend “could walk”.The court case led to a few small pieces of information being revealed, with Schumacher’s lawyers confirming he still couldn’t walk.Corinna also reportedly led the effort to hide a ghoulish photo of the F1 legend that was reportedly snapped and then smuggled out by a “friend” and offered around to news outlets for a whopping £1million.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman prosecutors called the disgusting act a “violation of his personal range of life” and breach of privacy.Corinna reportedly demanded the cops take action, but the media outlet refused to reveal its source – and also claimed it never saw any of the images of Schumacher.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.
      The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.
      Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.
      Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.
      He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.
      At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.
      At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.
      But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.
      After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.
      Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.
      Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.
      In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.
      Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.
      Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.

      Michael hasn’t been seen or heard from since his skiing accident in 2013Credit: AlamyThe Schumacher family were awarded £170,000 in compensation after a magazine published a fake AI-generated interview with the racing legendSchumacher is said to have a tight-knit of family and friends who know about his condition and are all sworn to secrecyCredit: Getty Images – GettyMichael Schumacher is regarded as one of the best F1 drivers to ever compete after a stellar careerCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Max Verstappen grins as he walks in on Lewis Hamilton napping in press conference room after Brit’s first podium of 2024

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN poked fun at Lewis Hamilton after disrupting his nap at the end of the Spanish Grand Prix.Hamilton picked up his first podium of the season after finishing third behind Lando Norris and winner Verstappen.Max Verstappen interrupted Lewis Hamilton as he enjoyed a post-race napCredit: GettyVerstappen joked his rival was ‘getting old’Credit: GettyHamilton was listening to Bob Marley as he relaxedCredit: GettyThe Brit finished third behind winner Verstappen and Lando NorrisCredit: GettyAnd he clearly felt a little fatigued by his exploits as he took a chance for a bit of shut-eye ahead of the post-race press conference.Hamilton, 39, lay down on a sofa as he listened to Bob Marley to unwind from the race.But Verstappen interrupted his chill out session as he sat down to speak to press, causing Hamilton to sit up.The Dutchman then joked: “Oh, lovely. He’s clearly getting old… clearly getting a bit old. Get a massage.”READ MORE IN F1Hamilton chuckled in response before preparing himself to speak to members of the media.It was a positive day for the Brit who believes he and Mercedes are making progress as the season goes on.He said after the race: “It has been a good day, a solid weekend. “I have to say a big thank you to the team as they have been training so hard. The strategy and the pitstops were really on point.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 “Unfortunately I got a really bad start and lost ground to the Ferraris so it was a battle to get back. “With a better start… I don’t know if we could have held on to the guys ahead but I don’t think we would have been as far behind.”Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.
      Watch Max Verstappen swerve to avoid killing a GROUNDHOG during Canadian GP More

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      Lando Norris apologises for ‘f***ing up start’ after coming second at Spanish GP as Hamilton lands first podium of 2024

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      LEWIS HAMILTON toasted his first podium of the season as Max Verstappen showed everyone how it’s done once again.Seven-time world champion Hamilton finished in third place as Red Bull’s Verstappen snatched first place from Lando Norris who started in pole position.”Mega. What a great surprise to come here and get these points. We are making improvements. Let’s keep pushing. We are nearly there.” Lewis Hamilton is happy after finishing P3 💪 pic.twitter.com/o3SGpgxW6l— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 23, 2024

      Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium for the first time this seasonCredit: GettyLando Norris apologised to his team over his poor startCredit: GettyHamilton’s last podium came back in October 2023 when he finished second place in Mexico City.It was a week after he was disqualified from the US Grand Prix, where he also finished second, due to an illegal car.He said: “It’s a great surprise to come here and get these points. Let’s keep pushing, we’re nearly there.”Dutch driver Verstappen has now won three of the last four races to put the two-finger salute up to any shouts that his team were in crisis.READ MORE IN F1There was no messing out from George Russell in a dramatic start who soared into first place from fourth, dropping Norris to third while Verstappen stayed in second.Verstappen may as well have said “hold my beer” as he had seen enough and nipped back into first place on lap three.You could practically hear the groans echoing around the Barcelona circuit as any sign of a change from Verstappen’s dominance had been so short lived.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Ferraris, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, closed in and nosed ahead of Hamilton and Russell who both pitted.Most read in SportBut Hamilton bulldozed down the inside of Sainz on lap 19 with the pair very nearly making contact, leaving the Spanish driver fuming.Lando Norris sheepishly admits he has ‘many girlfriends’ during lie detector test amid links to glam Portuguese modelNorris hit back strongly and the comeback was on as he breezed past Sainz for fourth before closing in on Hamilton and overtaking him for third on lap 32.The McLaren driver battled back and forth with Russell for second place on lap 35 before coming out on top.Norris was chipping away at Verstappen but a sluggish pit stop left him a whopping eight seconds behind Verstappen with 20 laps to go.Hamilton cut family ties by dancing around the outside of his Mercedes teammate Russell to take third place on lap 52. More

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      Lando Norris overcomes McLaren fire scare to snatch Spanish GP pole by 0.020 seconds before roaring ‘let’s go, baby!’

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      LANDO NORRIS knocked Max Verstappen off his perch to toast pole position at the Barcelona Grand Prix.The British 24-year-old roared “let’s go baby” as he beat Verstappen by 0:020 seconds after overcoming a fire in McLaren’s motorhome on Saturday morning.Lando Norris claimed his second pole of the season in BarcelonaCredit: ReutersHe pipped Max Verstappen to first place by the slimmest of marginsCredit: ReutersLando Norris, centre, was evacuated from the team bus as a result of a fireWorld champion Verstappen settled for second place in his Red Bull while Lewis Hamilton beat his Mercedes team-mate Russell to line up in P3.Norris added: “It was pretty much a perfect lap, the whole thing went perfectly.“I’m super happy. It was one of the best pole positions I’ve ever had.”There was trouble in the Mercedes camp throughout with Russell fuming with the way Hamilton was prepping a lap late on in Q3.READ MORE IN F1He said: “What the **** was Lewis doing prepping that lap.”Hamilton, who toasted his first finish in the top three this season, said after the race: “I didn’t expect to be in for pole necessarily but every now and then there looked to be bits that had us close.”We have made huge steps forward and it is really down to every single individual back at the factory who is working on design, pushing in making the new parts we get to bring to these races.”Slowly the car is crafting into a racing machine with which we can hopefully fight the guys in front.Most read in Motorsport”George did a great job as well so hopefully tomorrow we can apply the pressure on the guys in front.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 McLaren’s motorhome was evacuated on Saturday morning after a fire broke out above the kitchen leaving one McLaren team member in hospital “as a precaution”.Emergency services rushed to the scene in Barcelona after a suspected electrical fire leaving drivers Norris and Oscar Piastri evacuated as well as team personnel, guests and media.Charles Leclerc signs Ferrari contract extension as F1 star looks to end Max Verstappen’s dominanceMcLaren said in a statement: “This morning a fire was detected in our trackside Team Hub.”The team hub was evacuated of all staff and guests, and circuit emergency services attended the scene within minutes. The circuit emergency services and local fire department have since extinguished the fire.”One McLaren team member has been taken to hospital as a precaution, and all McLaren personnel and guests are accounted for.”We would like to thank all the marshals and emergency services for their quick and professional response. We would also like to thank Formula 1, the FIA and our competitors who have offered to help our team and guests this weekend.”Several fire engines attended the scene with firemen rushing into the motorhome with hoses to put out the fire, as well as ambulances.Two firemen were taken away in an ambulance for smoke inhalation checks.FP3 or qualifying was not impacted ahead of the chaos in the Paddock. More

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      Charles Leclerc in X-rated rant at Lando Norris caught live on Sky Sports as he escapes punishment for shock collision

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      CHARLES LECLERC sparked controversy when he collided with Lando Norris and launched an X-rated rant live on Sky Sports.But the Ferrari ace escaped punishment after stewards reviewed the dramatic incident in final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix.Viewers were shocked to see and hear the incident as Charles Leclerc overtook Lando Norris before cutting back inside and hitting out verballyLeclerc seemed to think Brit Norris – who went on to take pole for Sunday’s race – was holding him back unfairly on the Barcelona track.Eventually the Monégasque driver overtook the 24-year-old’s McLaren as he entered turns 7/8.But Leclerc cut back sharply to the inside racing line – appearing to clip Norris’ wing mirror quite clearly.The 26-year-old was then heard saying: “F*****. I don’t understand why they did it.”READ MORE TOP STORIESThat’s thought to be his verdict on the tactics of Norris and his team.Stewards watched replays of the exchange – before “reprimanding” Leclerc but NOT giving him a grid penalty.Their statement read: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris), team representatives and reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence.”The driver of Car 16 stated that he got impeded by Car 4 into Turn 5 and that upset him.Most read in MotorsportLeclerc seemed frustrated before finally overtaking NorrisEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS”He then had to abort his flying lap and contended that, while trying to get off the racing line before Turn 7, he misjudged the position of his car and made slight contact with Car 4.”Irrespective of any possible intent, the Stewards consider the move made by Car 16, whilst not being dangerous, to be erratic and therefore issue a driving reprimand in line with precedents.”🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 But fans on social media seemed to reckon Leclerc got off lightly.One demanded: “Weekend ban immediately.  Utterly disgraceful.”Another posted: “I have no idea what Leclerc has done this. No excuse.”Lando later rubbed salt into Leclerc’s wounds by nicking pole from F1 world champion and current table leader Max Verstappen.Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton out-qualified Mercedes team-mate George Russell for just the second occasion this year as they took third and fourth spots. F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:
      Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez
      Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton
      Mercedes: George Russell and TBC
      McLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
      Aston Martin: Fernando Alonso and TBC
      Williams: Alex Albon and TBC
      Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg and TBC
      Alpine: TBC x2
      RB: TBC x2
      Haas: TBC x2 More