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      Red Bull brutally AXE driver for bitter rival after just two races and announce replacement in chaotic start to season

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      LIAM LAWSON has been brutally axed from Red Bull after two horror drives.Red Bull have announced that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Lawson in their senior racing squad.Liam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red BullCredit: AFPThe 23-year-old has paid the price for poor displays in the Australian and Chinese Grands PrixCredit: PALawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: PALawson, 23, has been dumped by Red Bull chiefs after failing to get to grips with the RB21 during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.He crashed out of the Aussie GP and could only muster a 15th-place finish in Shanghai, displays which have ultimately led to Red Bull wielding the axe.And the decision will have irked his team-mate Max Verstappen, who reportedly was “not happy” after learning of Red Bull’s plans.An excerpt of a Red Bull statement read: “Red Bull are in the unique position of having four seats on the Formula One grid, across Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. “And as such, the Team have made the decision to exercise a driver rotation, that will see Yuki partner current and four-time World Champion, Max Verstappen.”Tsunoda – who earns nearly double Lawson’s £800,000 salary – will be given a baptism of fire on home soil as he’ll officially replace Lawson at the Japanese Grand Prix.The decision to replace Lawson wasn’t an easy one for Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner to make.He said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSChristian Horner believes Red Bull made the right decision in replacing Lawson with TsunodaCredit: GETTY”We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision.”Horner is hoping 24-year-old Tsunoda’s experience will help with the team’s developing of the RB21.Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix He added: “We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. “We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.”The demoted Lawson will now drop down to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, which Horner believes will be beneficial for his development as a driver.He said: “We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”Lawson’s axing comes just days after he gloated about getting the better of Tsunoda in F3.He told The Telegraph: “If I look back over our careers, I was team mates with him in F3 and I beat him.“In Euroformula I was team mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.Liam Lawson recently gloated about getting the better of Yuki Tsunoda in F3Credit: GETTYLawson’s midel girlfriend Hannah St. John is often seen accompanying him to race weekends around the paddockCredit: INSTAGRAMThe pair have been dating for two yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.”He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Lawson’s girlfriend – Hannah St. John – will no doubt be consoling him following his demotion.The couple have been together for two years and have looked the picture of happiness every time they’ve been on the paddock with one another.Defending champion F1 champion and Red Bull superstar Verstappen has yet to win a race this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe finished second to Brit star and McLaren standout Lando Norris in the Australian GP. And the Dutchman could only muster a fourth-placed finish in the Chinese Grand Prix, which was won by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. More

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      Inside axed F1 star Liam Lawson’s glamorous life with stunning model Wag as he’s set to be brutally replaced by Red Bull

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      LIAM LAWSON has had nothing short of a nightmare start to life at Red Bull this year.After a strong debut replacing Daniel Ricciardo at VCARB in 2023 and then again in 2024, the 23-year-old started out his first race with the team by failing to finish the Australian Grand Prix. Liam Lawson is set to be axed by Red Bull after a horror start to his F1 career thereCredit: AFPBut Lawson leads a glamorous life off the track with girlfriend Hannah St. JohnCredit: INSTAGRAMShe is often seen accompanying him to race weekends around the paddockCredit: INSTAGRAMThe couple have been dating for two yearsCredit: INSTAGRAMThey happily share loved-up snaps togetherCredit: INSTAGRAMHannah graduated from Arizona State University after studying biological and biomedical sciencesCredit: INSTAGRAMHe then followed this up with an even more embarrassing weekend in China as he qualified dead last in both Sprint and normal qualifying while failing to score any points for his team.But for Lawson, who revealed his parents had to sell their house to fund his Formula One dream, his Red Bull nightmare is set to come to a close before the next race at the Japanese Grand Prix.The New Zealander is on the verge of being swapped to sister team Racing Bulls in favour of Yuki Tsunoda, who was the main rival for the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen before Lawson landed it.However, despite his F1 career starting out in horror fashion, Lawson can be thankful for a glamorous lifestyle away from the circuit with stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John.READ MORE IN F1The pair have been dating one another for two years and are often seen sharing loved-up images with one another on Instagram.Hannah typically splits her time between her home city of California and London while also studying at Arizona State University.While there she studied biological and biomedical sciences, graduating back in December, but has carved out a fledgling career as a social media influencer and model.The beauty has already amassed over 40,000 followers on Instagram.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShe treats her fans to her epic lifestyle, which included being back stage at Luke Combs’ Nashville concert last January.Hannah also shares plenty of bikini snaps online, showing off her enviable figure.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire To top it off, she enjoys travelling – most recently, she went on a glam ski strip to Deer Valley in Utah.She has also been a constant presence in the F1 paddock whenever Lawson, who started out his career in the motorsport with a string of substitute appearances, is there.With one million followers of his own on Instagram, Lawson is no stranger to the buzz of social media and often posts snaps from day-to-day life.Whether that is his time at the track or jetting around on holiday with Hannah or even hitting the gym.One pic shows him hanging out with stars from the Los Angeles Rams NFL team, a second shows him driving a more than £100,000 Shelby while another features him on the front cover of GQ Magazine.Despite the lavish lifestyle, Lawson has a relatively modest salary compared to his rivals.He earns £800,000 a year, though that value could decrease once his demotion to Racing Bulls is complete, with Tsunoda in turn getting a pay rise.Tsunoda, 24, said he would happily swap seats for his home race.However, Lawson bit back by saying: “He can say whatever he wants. I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our career, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him. In Euro Formula, I was team-mates with him in New Zealand, and I beat him there.”And then in F1 last season, I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no. He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Despite Lawson’s claim, he was out-qualified by Tsunoda 7-2 when the pair were team-mates during the closing stages of last season. It was also 4-2 in the Japanese driver’s favour for the five races Lawson subbed in for Ricciardo during the 2023 season.The driver swap decision has reportedly left main man Verstappen frustrated, with the four-time world champion having previously sang Lawson’s praises.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That Racing Bulls car is easier to drive than ours. I notice that when I talk to Liam. Last year the difference between him and Yuki wasn’t that big, I thought.”Otherwise the team wouldn’t have made the choice to put Liam in at Red Bull.” More

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      Max Verstappen ‘not happy with Red Bull’s decision to axe F1 team-mate Liam Lawson after just two races’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been left frustrated by Red Bull’s reported decision to sack team-mate Liam Lawson just two races into the new season.Lawson, 23, has endured a difficult start to his Red Bull career, failing to score a single point from three opportunities despite driving one of the best cars on the grid.Max Verstappen is frustrated with the decision to sack team-mate Liam LawsonCredit: AlamyLawson has endured a difficult start to his Red Bull careerCredit: AFPYuki Tsunoda is expected to replace Lawson at Red BullCredit: GettyAccording to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the decision has been made to demote the New Zealander after his recent promotion from the Racing Bulls team and call up Yuki Tsunoda instead.However, Verstappen has been left disappointed and he expressed his disagreement with the decision that is expected to be confirmed soon.According to The Telegraph, the swap is imminent but there are some final details to be ironed out.The switch will be made official before the Japan Grand Prix next week.Read More on F1The defending Formula One world champion previously sang Lawson’s praises despite his tough start.Verstappen said: “That Racing Bulls car is easier to drive than ours. I notice that when I talk to Liam.”Last year the difference between him and Yuki wasn’t that big, I thought. “Otherwise the team wouldn’t have made the choice to put Liam in at Red Bull.”Most read in MotorsportTsunoda is expected to become Verstappen’s sixth different partner at Red Bull since he made the step up in 2016.That is after Daniel Riccardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Lawson.Max Verstappen takes to the stage at F1 launch event at the O2 And the Japanese driver is facing a daunting task as all of the above struggled alongside the Dutchman. More

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      F1 driver salaries 2025: Who is the highest-paid driver out of Hamilton, Verstappen and the rest of the field?

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      FORMULA ONE has garnered a reputation as one of the most lucrative sports in the world – and with deals like these, it is no surprise why.The current highest paid driver might not be who you think – as Lewis Hamilton’s lucrative new deal at Ferrari does not see him top the rankings.Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are two of the biggest stars in F1Lando Norris has made an incredible start to the 2025 seasonCredit: AFPThe talents of fellow Brits Lando Norris and George Russell also sees them make a pretty penny, but still not the most out of all 20 of the current F1 grid.SunSport can reveal who the highest paid driver on the grid is in 2025. Who is the highest paid driver on the F1 grid in 2025?The highest paid driver in 2025 is four-time world champion Max Verstappen.The Dutch driver has won the Drivers’ Championship four years in an row, and edges out Lewis Hamilton as F1’s biggest earner.Read more F1 newsHamilton is second behind Verstappen after signing a huge new two-year contract with Ferrari. The seven-time champ is some way ahead of new team-mate Charles Leclerc in third.The lowest earners are the new kids on the block, Isack Hadjar and Jack Doohan, whereas F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto will earn the same as Yuki Tsunoda.F1 salary standingsDriver line-up for 2025Driver line-upsMcLaren: Lando Norris / Oscar PiastriMost read in MotorsportFerrari: Lewis Hamilton / Charles LeclercRed Bull: Max Vertsappen / Liam LawsonMercedes: George Russell / Andrea Kimi AntonelliAston Martin: Lance Stroll / Fernando AlonsoAlpine: Pierre Gasly / Jack DoohanHaas: Esteban Ocon / Oliver BearmanRacing Bulls: Yuku Tsunoda / Isack HadjarWilliams: Alex Albon / Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg / Gabriel Bortoleto More

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      Red Bull F1 team descend into chaos just two races into season as driver facing axe fumes over potential replacement

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      RED BULL have descended into chaos again just two races into the new season.Liam Lawson, who joined the team this season, could be axed at the next Grand Prix in Japan and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.Red Bull appear to be in chaos just two weeks into the new Formula One seasonCredit: GettyLiam Lawson could be axed by the team after just two racesCredit: RexMax Verstappen is targeting a fifth successive F1 titleCredit: GettyThe Kiwi driver, 23, has suffered a woeful start to the 2025 campaign.He was knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions and has also failed to pick up a single point.Lawson is way behind his team-mate Max Verstappen in terms of race pace, with the Dutchman second in the driver’s standings, eight points behind Lando Norris.Red Bull boss Christian Horner has not ruled out an early-season swap, with Tsunoda impressing for the sister team Racing Bulls.READ MORE ON F1When Tsunoda was asked about a swap, he said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. The car is faster, I’m sure.”The next race is in Japan (4-6 April) and is Tsunoda’s home grand prix.But a fuming Lawson hit back, saying: “He can say whatever he wants.”I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If I look back over our career, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him.”In Euro Formula, I was team-mates with him in New Zealand, and I beat him there. Meet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student “And then in F1 last season, I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.”He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Sergio Perez and Alex Albon found before Lawson that driving a car tailored to four-time world champion Verstappen is no easy ride.Red Bull chose to promote Lawson from their junior squad Racing Bulls after just 11 Grand Prix appearances in two short spells across 2023 and 2024, despite Tsunoda having more experience.Team advisor Helmut Marko claimed that a meeting had been scheduled for next week to discuss the situation, but Horner said “nothing specific” had been set up.Yuki Tsunoda could take over the No. 2 role for Red BullCredit: GettyHe added: “Liam still has got potential, we’re just not realising that at the moment.”The problem for him is, he’s had a couple of really tough weekends, he’s got all the media on his back.”The pressure just naturally grows in this business, and I feel very sorry for him. “You can see it’s very tough on him at the moment.”Horner will be feeling the pressure to deliver this season given Red Bull’s chaotic campaign last year, where the team was rocked by his ‘sexting’ scandal.He was accused by a female colleague of “inappropriate behaviour” but was twice cleared by an independent investigation.There was then a string of high-profile exits, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey also missed out on the Constructor’s title with Perez finishing a whopping 285 points behind Verstappen before he was axed for Lawson.But it seems history is repeating itself. More

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      F1 forced to respond to Ferrari over ‘joke’ broadcast decision not to air crucial Lewis Hamilton radio exchange

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      FORMULA ONE was forced to respond to Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur after a “joke” decision over a crucial Lewis Hamilton radio message during the Chinese Grand Prix.Vasseur, team principal of Ferrari, complained to F1’s commercial arm, Formula One Management (FOM), over the use of radio messages regarding team orders in Sunday’s race.Fred Vasseur was fuming at F1 for not showing a crucial Lewis Hamilton radio message during the raceCredit: AlamyThe broadcast only showed Hamilton arguing with his engineer during a conversation about swapping with Charles LeclercCredit: GettyHamilton, 40, had been running in P4 early on ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc.Leclerc, 27, was showing strong pace despite harbouring damage to his front wing and wanted to pass his team-mate without compromising race pace.Hamilton had suggested he was going to let Leclerc after admitting he was struggling at the Shanghai circuit.By the time he was told of the plan to let Leclerc by at Turn 14, Hamilton had already started closing in George Russell, and wanted Leclerc to close up before letting him by.READ MORE IN F1The international broadcast feed showed Hamilton snapping back he would let him by when he was closer before saying: “I’ll tell you when we can swap.”The Monegasque eventually moved past the seven-time world champion on lap 21 at Turn 1.The type of exchange is nothing new in the hyper-competitive winner-takes-all ideology of F1 and shifting circumstances.However, Vasseur, 56, had been left angered by FOM not broadcasting Hamilton’s decision to engineer the swap on the international feed.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “This is a joke from FOM, because the first call came from Lewis – that Lewis asked us to swap. “But to make the show, to create the mess around the situation, they broadcast only the second part of the question.”’Never seen Martin Brundle more confused in my life’ – Bonkers moment F1 icon interviews UNICORN live on Sky Sports_1According to The Race, FOM held a meeting with Vasseur to directly address the complaint and clarify the situation.An F1 spokesperson said: “There was absolutely no intention of presenting a misleading narrative regarding the Ferrari team radio.”Due to other situations developing during the race the message from Lewis was not played but this was not intentional.”The matter is said to now be considered resolved.Hamilton and Leclerc had finished the race running in P6 and P5 respectively.But disaster struck following the race as both drivers were DISQUALIFIED following breaches of strict F1 rules.Chinese Grand Prix after disqualificationsAfter the triple disqualification of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly, here is the new top 10 standings:1) Oscar Piastri, McLaren2) Lando Norris, McLaren3) George Russell, Mercedes4) Max Verstappen, Red Bull5) Esteban Ocon, Haas6) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7) Alex Albon, Williams8) Oliver Bearman, Haas9) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin10) Carlos Sainz, WilliamsHamilton had been found to have had too much wear on his skid block, failing post-race checks by a less than a millimetre.Rules state it must be 9mm – but Hamilton’s vehicle was measured at 8.6mm, with Ferrari putting this down to a “genuine error” on their part.Meanwhile, Leclerc – along with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly – were found to have breached the minimum required weight rules of their cars.It meant Hamilton and Leclerc’s points for their sixth and fifth place finishes – respectively eight and 10 points – were wiped from their championship tally.On the whole the Chinese Grand Prix was dominated by McLaren, with Oscar Piastri winning the third race of his career ahead of Lando Norris to give the team its 50th 1-2 finish in the sport.Hamilton had been praised for a “masterclass in tyre management” by engineer Riccardo Adami after he had won the Sprint race in a glorious start to the weekend.Earning pole for the Sprint had also seen Hamilton become the first driver over 40 and first British Ferrari driver since Nigel Mansell in 1994 and 1990 respectively to get pole.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe next race this season will be the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.But one change is already being lined up on the grid with reports suggesting Liam Lawson will be axed from his Red Bull seat for Yuki Tsunoda. More

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      Never seen Martin Brundle more confused in my life’ – Bonkers moment F1 icon interviews UNICORN live on Sky Sports

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      MARTIN BRUNDLE should be blowing his own horn – after the F1 icon gave as good as he got in a surprise meeting with a unicorn live on TV.The Sky Sports broadcaster is famous for his informative pre-race strolls – but this might well have been his wackiest walkabout encounter ever.Martin Brundle went head to head with ‘Mr Unicorn’The Chinese influencer turned mythical creature showed Brundle a banner which translates as ‘fastest male in the world’Brundle was in Shanghai for the second Grand Prix of the season.And this time, along with his typical snatched chats with members of race teams, he faced an unexpected moment of magic.The former driver bumped into a Chinese influencer, which in itself might not sound too far out of the ordinary.But the man in question, Xue Zhang, is better known as Mr Unicorn.READ MORE IN F1So naturally he wore a huge unicorn head, complete with a spiky red horn.The resulting exchange between the two legends left viewers as bemused as was Sky’s veteran presenter.One fan reckoned: “I have never seen Martin Brundle more confused in my life.”The Brit, 65, was in the middle of a swift grid walk when he spotted the fantastic creature.Most read in MotorsportChinese Grand Prix after disqualificationsAfter the triple disqualification of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly, here is the new top 10 standings:1) Oscar Piastri, McLaren2) Lando Norris, McLaren3) George Russell, Mercedes4) Max Verstappen, Red Bull5) Esteban Ocon, Haas6) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes7) Alex Albon, Williams8) Oliver Bearman, Haas9) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin10) Carlos Sainz, WilliamsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrundle told viewers: “There’s an unusual character – Xue Zhang.”The fearless fans’ favourite then homed in on the unicorn cosplayer. Lewis Hamilton hailed for ‘masterclass’ sprint victory before Ferrari star immediately takes aim at ‘yapping’ criticsHe said: “Hello, Martin Brundle here from Sky – tell us about you.”Sounding excited, Zhang replied: “I’m Mr Unicorn from China! I’m looking for the fastest man alive over here.”Asked by Brundle who he thought that was, he roared “(Lewis) Hamilton!”Far from having a long face over the meeting, the commentator kept his head, which only impressed viewers even more as they were soon ‘waxing mythical’ over his performance.One posted: “Brundle interviewing a Unicorn was not on my Bingo Card today.”A second wrote: “Sky Sports F1, this is such a wholesome moment! “Martin meeting Xue Zhang with that unicorn emoji is pure joy – love seeing these interactions that bring the F1 community closer. Can’t wait to hear more from this encounter!”A third argued: “F1 wouldn’t be the same without Brundle’s walkabout. Nobody does it BETTER.” But others remained open-mouthed with shock.One wrote, “Wtf was that?!?” and another admitted: “Made me howl.”Whether that last message came from a more dangerous type of fabled animal has yet to be cleared up.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, on the track, Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris to an imperious McLaren one-two, with George Russell third in his Mercedes.Ferrari duo Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, plus Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, were disqualified for technical breaches.Lando Norris was second with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri the winnerCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I’m reporting you to HR’ – George Russell forced to apologise to F1 rival Lando Norris after ‘disgusting’ prank

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      GEORGE RUSSELL was forced to apologise to Formula One rival Lando Norris after a “disgusting” prank.The incident occurred on Saturday, one day before the Chinese Grand Prix.George Russell was forced to apologise to Lando Norris for a ‘disgusting’ prankCredit: GettySunday’s dramatic race in Shanghai was full of twists and turns.Lewis Hamilton was one of three drivers to be disqualified after the event was finished.While McLaren’s Oscar Piastri stormed to F1 victory by nine whole seconds.Next up on the podium was teammate Norris, with fellow Brit and Mercedes star Russell third.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut after qualifying a day earlier, the pair were involved in a humorous exchange that saw one threaten to “report to HR.”Norris and Russell were stood next to each other in the media pen when the latter decided to play a prank.Russell jokingly grabbed Norris’ face before poking a finger towards his mouth.This saw Norris recoil in horror while saying: “Don’t touch me!”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRussell laughed as he replied: “I just want to make you smile! I’ve washed my hands!”Norris then smiled, saying: “Did you just go to the toilet?Lewis Hamilton has perfect response to dismal Ferrari debut as he achieves feat not seen for 35 years “You better have washed your hands. That’s grim, Jesus. I need some disinfectant!”As both men laughed, Russell then noted: “Sorry mate, that was pretty disgusting. I do apologise.”Norris ended the exchange by jokingly adding: “I’m reporting you to HR.” More